Paris and Amsterdam: 4 ways to get there, by train in 3.5 hours
Paris and Amsterdam often end up on the same Europe itinerary. Trains, buses, and planes run between the two capitals, and you can also drive there on the autobahn. Your choice of transport determines how much time and money the journey takes.
The high-speed Eurostar connects the centers of both capitals in 3 hours 20 minutes, and the ticket price depends on the date and rises closer to departure. The bus takes longer but costs less. The plane saves time, while a car gives you route flexibility. Below, we break down four options by price, time, and tickets.
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Comparison: the fastest and cheapest way to travel
💡 In short:
- Eurostar train: 3 h 20 min travel time, dynamic fare, arrives right in the city center.
- Bus: 7-9 hours, the cheapest of the four options.
- Plane: about 1 h 15 min in the air, more expensive than ground transport.
- Car: about 500 km on the autobahn and a flexible route over several days.
- Prices and schedules: as of 09/2026, checked on the official Eurostar and FlixBus websites.
The table below shows how long the journey takes and how much a one-way ticket costs.
Transport | Travel time | Ticket from | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
Eurostar train | 3 h 20 min | dynamic fare | |
Bus | 7-9 h | cheaper than the train | |
Plane | about 1 h 15 min | more expensive than the train | |
Car | 5-6 h | fuel and tolls |
Train from Paris to Amsterdam
The Eurostar train (formerly Thalys) runs from central Paris to central Amsterdam. The journey takes 3 hours 20 minutes, with trains departing several times a day from Gare du Nord and arriving at Amsterdam Centraal. The one-way ticket price depends on the date and demand, so check the current fare for your day with the operator (as of 09/2026, Eurostar).
The earlier you buy your ticket, the lower the price. A few weeks before the trip, a seat costs less, and on the day of departure the fare goes up. Take a morning or afternoon train in the middle of the week to catch a low fare.
Eurostar trains on this route are mostly direct. The train makes a stop in Brussels, but you don't need to change. Check the travel time and train number on your ticket.
Arrive at Gare du Nord early. Boarding closes before departure, and you walk across the entire station from the entrance to the platform. Take a window seat during the day if you want to see the fields of Flanders through the glass.
- The catch: right before the trip, tickets get several times more expensive.
Paris - Amsterdam train tickets on Trip.com
Bus from Paris to Amsterdam
The bus works when price matters more than time. FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate on this route, and a one-way ticket costs in the low double digits in euros (as of 09/2026, FlixBus). You'll spend 7-9 hours on the road, including stops and traffic leaving Paris.
Buses depart from the Paris Bercy Seine and Paris Gallieni stations and arrive at Sloterdijk in Amsterdam. From there you take a train or tram to the center. The route follows the highway through Brussels and Antwerp.
Cheap tickets are best caught in advance. Two to three weeks before the trip, prices drop, and they rise before holidays and on Fridays. Monday and midweek are usually cheaper than weekends. Compare FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus before buying, they have different schedules and stops.
Wi-Fi and outlets aren't available on all buses, so bring a power bank and a bottle of water. Large suitcases go in the luggage compartment, keep your carry-on with you. The front rows shake less than the rest of the cabin.
- The catch: the trip takes the whole day and depends on traffic.
Paris - Amsterdam bus tickets on Trip.com
Plane from Paris to Amsterdam
The plane is fastest in the air, but not in total time. Direct CDG - AMS flights take about 1 hour 15 minutes (as of 09/2026, FlightRoutes). They're operated by KLM and Air France, and some flights depart from Orly.
Add the trip to the airport, check-in, and baggage claim to the flight hour. From central Paris to Charles de Gaulle you take the RER B train, and in Amsterdam the train from Schiphol takes you to Amsterdam Centraal. With these steps, the journey takes almost as long as the train.
The plane costs more than the train and bus. In high season, direct flights cost more than ground transport; in low season they're sometimes comparable. Baggage on basic fares is often paid separately, so check the fare before buying.
Take a morning flight: delays pile up toward the evening. Check in online and fly with carry-on only if you want to get through security faster.
- The catch: time spent on the airport and check-in, baggage often costs extra.
Find Paris - Amsterdam flights on Kiwi.com
By car from Paris to Amsterdam
A car gives you freedom, but adds expenses. Paris to Amsterdam is about 500 km by highway through Brussels and Antwerp, and you'll spend 5-6 hours on the road without stops (according to ViaMichelin).
© Le Sharkoïste · CC BY-SAPhoto: Le Sharkoïste, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsFuel and toll sections in France add up to a noticeable amount; in Belgium and the Netherlands, roads are free for passenger cars. Before the trip, check local environmental zones and sticker requirements: Paris and Brussels have restrictions for older cars.
The route is convenient to build through Brussels. You can actually stop there and split the drive into two days. Book parking in central Amsterdam in advance, at your hotel or at a P+R park-and-ride lot near the ring road.
Renting a car makes sense if you're traveling with a group or planning to return by a different route. Compare not only the daily price, but also the insurance with deductible. Book an automatic in advance, cars get taken quickly in summer.
- The catch: fuel, toll roads, and paid parking.
Compare car rental prices on DiscoverCars
Route on the map
Below is an interactive map with the Paris - Amsterdam road. Open it to see distances and stops along the way.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Paris to Amsterdam?
The direct Eurostar train takes about 3 hours 20 minutes from Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal (Eurostar schedule). It makes a stop in Brussels without a transfer.
What is the cheapest transport?
The cheapest option is the bus: tickets stay in the low double-digit euro range (FlixBus fares). The train costs more, but saves hours.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Two to three weeks before the trip, train and bus tickets cost noticeably less than the day before departure. In high season and on holidays, seats sell out quickly.
How much does driving cost?
Besides fuel for 500 km, there are toll sections of the highway in France, while passenger car roads in Belgium and the Netherlands are free (ViaMichelin calculator). Calculate the exact amount using the route calculator for your specific car.
Can you make the trip in one day?
Yes, all four options fit into one day. If you want to see Brussels along the way, plan two days for the trip.
Tours and tickets in Amsterdam
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.
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In short: what to book
If you are short on time: take the Eurostar train. It takes about three and a half hours and arrives in the center of Amsterdam. If budget matters: the bus, it is the cheapest way to travel between the capitals. If you are flying light: check CDG - AMS flights. If you are traveling with a group for several days: rent a car and split the trip with a stop in Brussels.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.