How to Travel from Amsterdam to Paris? The Complete Guide

How to Travel from Amsterdam to Paris? The Complete Guide

The Netherlands and France are neighbors, so every year there are thousands of travelers who combine both capital cities as destinations for a single trip.

Getting between the two is relatively simple, and there are transportation options available to suit all budgets. If Amsterdam isn’t part of your Paris trip, or vice versa, it’s maybe time to consider adding it in.

Seine in Paris – by Bruno Abatti – Unsplash

The Journey

When looking at a map of Europe, one will note the dominant countries of France and Germany due to their visual size. France and Germany appear to be bordering neighbors, but if you look closely you’ll see they are actually separated by they very tiny lands of Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.

In fact, France and the Netherlands don’t touch boarders at all, as Belgium separates them directly.

There are 510km between the French and Netherlander capitals. This is a relatively short distance when you consider the fact that you’re crossing three country lines.

As mentioned, combining your European travels with both Paris and Amsterdam is always a good idea. The two cities are incredibly diverse, culturally, and provide you totally different perspectives on Western Europe.

Paris vs Amsterdam

Paris is a city of charm, romance and whimsey. It’s hard to put into words as it’s definitely more of a feeling obtained once there, but to begin to grasp it consider the fact that the name “City of Lights” comes not from the physical lights that illuminate the arrondissements, but rather from the fact that, for centuries, artists, writers and creatives have flocked to Paris like moths drawn to a flame.

In Paris everything emits an element of beauty and/or passion. Nothing is done for the sake of it, everything is with intent; sitting down for lunch, for example, is a daily celebration and excuse to treat and be treated.

Paris – by Earth – Unsplash

Paris is oversized, gregarious yet gentle all at the same time. On the contrary, Amsterdam is small. So small, in fact, that you can get just about everywhere on a bicycle.

Amsterdam is definitely charming, but in a more effortless, complacent sort of way. Things simply “are” in Amsterdam; no one is there forcing an image or lifestyle that they’ve romanticized prior to their arrival.

What Amsterdam and Paris share in common is that they are both equally as enjoyable in the winter as they are in the summer. While Paris’ winters are far milder than Amsterdam’s, the two cities don’t rely on beach weather for their best attractions to be enjoyed.

Amsterdam – by irik Skarstein – Unsplash

Transportation Options

As I said, getting from Amsterdam to Paris is quite a simple endeavor, and you’ll be able to find transportation to fit any and every budget.

Bear in mind that all international transportation in Europe is seasonal, and prices will fluctuate depending on demand. Booking in advance is always recommended, though waiting until last minute can sometimes prove to be advantageous as fares can drop well below cost price. Luck of the day, I’m afraid!

Train

The train is the most efficient way of getting from Amsterdam to Paris. The entire journey will take no more than 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Trains depart from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station and arrive in Paris Nord. Fares tend to range anywhere from €100 to €300 — again, depending on the season and demand.

Eiffel Tower – by Anthony DELANOIX – Unsplash

Something to note is that there are two train routes on offer between Amsterdam and Paris. The first one is direct, and won’t stop anywhere along the way.

The second is a train that makes a stop in Antwerpen, Belgium. Anyone wanting to spend a few hours in Belgium en rout would do well to take this train as you’ll be allowed to get off to explore and then re-board a later train at a time of your choosing.

This route is also usually considerably cheaper than the direct train.

Bus

My first journey through Europe was on a bus from Amsterdam to Paris. Amsterdam was my  first taste of the continent, and as an enthusiastic backpacker with no euros to waste, the bus posed as the most realistic mode of transportation to take me into the illusive Paree.

There are multiple busses throughout the day that journey through the Netherlands, Belgium and into France. Some of them stop along the way, forcing travel time somewhere between 9 and 12 hours.

Paris metro – by JOHN TOWNER – Unsplash

The direct bus gets one to Paris in 7 hours and 30 minutes. I like this one in particular as it departs somewhere close to midnight, venturing through the night until you wake up to the sun rising somewhere just outside of Charles de Gaulle Airport.

These trips cost next to nothing; I believe I paid €18 for a return ticket.

Car

If you’re open to a leisurely drive through the countryside, renting a car for a day is not a bad idea.

The drive itself is only 4 hours and 45 minutes, without stopping. Traveling by car gives you the freedom to spend some time in Belgium; perhaps breaking for lunch or visiting the city center en route.

Paris – by Florian Wehde – Unsplash

Ride-sharing apps are a growing trend in Europe. They’ll put you in direct contact with other travelers looking to make the same trip and will save you a lot of money in the long run!

Plane

Even though the flight between Amsterdam and Paris is only about an hour long, the transit times before and after make it a lengthy journey.

In total, you’re looking at around four and a half hours of travel; the same amount of time as venturing by car would take.

That being said, one can usually find some really affordable flights as both cities host major international transportation hubs.