Ready to make the journey from Amsterdam to Paris by train? Here’s how to make a success of the train trip between these two bucket-list cities!

Overview of train services

The primary high-speed operator for the Amsterdam to Paris train route is Eurostar.

Eurostar

Eurostar launched in 1994 as a joint venture between multiple Western European national railways to serve the Channel Tunnel (“Chunnel”) that connects England and France beneath the English Channel. Eurostar high-speed trains now serve multiple Western European routes with fast, modern, comfortable high-speed trains with free wifi, seat charging ports and on-board dining across several classes of service.

Amsterdam to Paris train schedule details

Quickest journey time and total distance

The fast train from Amsterdam to Paris takes roughly 3 hours and 1 minute to complete the journey, which covers a total of about 431 kilometres of train tracks.

Earliest and latest departure times

The earliest weekday train from Amsterdam to Paris departs Amsterdam Centraal Train station at roughly 06:08. The latest weekday train departs at roughly 20:04.

The earliest weekend train from Amsterdam to Paris departs Amsterdam Centraal Train station at roughly 06:10. The latest weekend train departs at roughly 20:34.

Average number of daily trains

Eurostar operates 56 trains per day by high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

The Amsterdam to Paris train cost depends on when you purchase the tickets and how popular the itinerary is. Rail Europe maintains live pricing estimates for an Amsterdam to Paris train ticket:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: US$38.50

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$140

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$133

Importance of booking in advance

If you want to book the cheapest train from Amsterdam to Paris, it pays to book in advance. Prices tend to be lower at least seven days in advance and preferably closer to 30 days in advance. Booking in advance also gives you access to the best selection of itineraries, fare classes and seat selections.

How to set up booking alerts with Rail Europe

Train operators tend to stagger the release of their seats for specific train itineraries. If you are looking far in advance and your first-choice fare is not available yet, you can use Rail Europe to set up a booking alert. You don’t need an account, but you will need to set up an account under the email address of the booking alert if you want to manage or modify your booking alert.

Here’s how to create the booking alert:

• When your search yields no availability, click the button that appears saying “Alert me when booking opens up.”

• Enter your email address.

That’s it! You will receive an email when new seats drop from the train operator on that itinerary. If these still aren’t the seats you want, you can always set a new alert.

Train stations served

Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Centraal is one of the few major train stations built on a river. Erected atop three artificial islands poised atop 8,600 wooden pillars sunk deep into the Amstel River, this impressive overwater Gothic Renaissance structure offers the amenities and convenience of a modern train station and serves 75 million passengers per year.

Facilities and services

• Transit connections

• Ticket counters

• Ticket machines

• Stationwide free wifi

• Luggage storage and lockers

• Comfortable waiting areas

• Accessibility services

• ATMs and currency exchanges

• Shopping and dining

Paris Gare du Nord

The brainchild of architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff, Paris Gare du Nord Train Station was built to replace a much smaller train station that could no longer handle the exploding capacity needs of the region. Built in the classical style, it features 23 statues representing 23 major cities served by the station as it facilitates journeys for 200 million passengers annually.

Facilities and services

• Transit connections to Metro Lines 4 and 5, TER and Transilien, RER lines B and D, buses and taxis.

• Ticket counters

• Ticket machines

• Stationwide free wifi

• Luggage storage and lockers

• Comfortable waiting areas

• Accessibility services

• ATMs and currency exchanges

• Shopping and dining

Travelling with Eurostar

Boarding process

Steps for security and boarding

You will need to pass an X-ray scan of your luggage and a metal detector of your person. Station agents will check your ticket and possibly your ID.

Tips for navigating the stations and boarding

Try to arrive at least 60 minutes early to pass security and screening. Use the electronic departure boards to find your gate. Eurostar trains tend to leave from platform 15b.

Classes of service aboard a Amsterdam to Paris train

Whether you're headed to London, Amsterdam Cologne or one the seasonal destinations in France that Eurostar serves, your experience will be streamlined.

Eurostar Standard (formerly known simply as Standard)

Eurostar Standard class remains the most budget-friendly option, but don't let the price tag fool you—comfort and flexibility are still top priorities. Eurostar Standard includes:

• 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm + 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

• Drinks and food available for purchase onboard at the Eurostar Café

You can exchange your Eurostar Standard ticket at no extra charge up until 1 hour before departure, only needing to pay the fare difference if applicable. Refunds are allowed up to 7 days before the scheduled departure for a €25 fee. After this period, tickets are non-refundable.

Eurostar Plus (formerly known as Standard Premier/Comfort)

For a more elevated experience, Eurostar Plus offers all the amenities of Eurostar Standard with additional perks like more spacious seats and a light meal served at your seat. Benefits include:

• 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm + 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• A light meal served directly to your seat

• Drinks and food available for purchase onboard at the Eurostar Café

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

As with Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus tickets can be exchanged at no extra cost up to 1 hour before departure, with any fare difference applicable. Refunds are allowed up to 7 days before the scheduled departure for a €25 fee. After this period, tickets are non-refundable.

Eurostar Premier (Formerly known as Business Premier/Premium)

This class of service includes more luxe service and amenities; you’ll get access to exclusive lounges, enjoy seat-side service, ensuring a an elevated train journey, start to finish:

• Get on the fast-track to ticket gates and Business Premier Lounges at available locations

• Bring up to three pieces of luggage (up to 85cm) plus 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• Enjoy a three-course meal brought straight to your seat, designed by Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Any dietary restrictions can be accommodated with 48-hour advance notice

• Spacious seating

• Free wine, champagne and hot and cold beverages

• Free newspapers and magazines

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

All passengers can exchange or refund their Eurostar Premier tickets up until two days after the departure date of the ticket purchase. With ticket exchanges, you only pay the fare difference, if applicable.

🚆More details about travelling with Eurostar

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Necessary travel documents

Both France and the Netherlands are part of the Schengen Area, as is Belgium along the way. As such, every border crossing falls under the umbrella of the Schengen Agreement’s “borderless travel” policy. No additional passport or immigration check is therefore necessary for the trip from Amsterdam to Paris. All you need is your ticket and your photo ID — either your EU driver’s license or ID card if an EU resident or passport if a foreign resident. If you need a Schengen visa to visit the EU as part of your nationality, make sure to have that visa handy.

Customs process

Again due to the Schengen Agreement with its “borderless travel” protocol, no special customs declaration is needed to travel from Amsterdam to Paris by train. Random baggage checks may happen for security purposes, but only general rules for the transport of goods apply, not customs duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the train from Amsterdam to Paris?

The Amsterdam to Paris train travel time is roughly 3 hours and 1 minute by high-speed train.

How far is Amsterdam to Paris by train?

The Amsterdam to Paris train ride covers a distance of roughly 431 kilometres.

What is the Amsterdam to Paris train price?

It depends on when you book, the itinerary and how far in advance you book. Here’s what to expect based on current prices:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: US$38.50

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$140

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$133

Is there an Amsterdam Schiphol to Paris train?

Yes, there is a direct train from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Paris Gare du Nord Train Station. This train was operated by the high-speed train operator Thalys, but is now run by Eurostar after the Eurostar-Thalys merger, departing several times per day and taking roughly 3 hours 20 minutes to complete the journey.

Is there an Amsterdam to Disneyland Paris train?

Yes, there is a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal Train Station to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy in France, where you will find Disneyland Paris. The train is operated by former-Thalys Eurostar and takes roughly 3 hours 40 minutes.

Is the train from Amsterdam to Paris scenic?

The Amsterdam to Paris train route is reasonably scenic, taking you past the canals and windmills of the mostly flat Dutch countryside, past Belgian villages and cities to the mostly agricultural land of northern France before arriving at the urban sprawl of Paris. It’s not bad scenery to watch pass you by, but it’s not the most dramatic terrain Europe has to offer.

Travelling around France by train

Going by train makes travel an integral part of the experience. Whether you’re headed to the ‘City of Light’ or want to venture off the beaten path, choosing to go by rail is better for the environment and better for fully immersing yourself in the diverse cities and landscapes of France!

🚆 Learn more about train travel in France

Key destinations accessible by train from Paris

The list of must-see destinations accessible by train from Paris is endless, but here are some of the top easy day trips to get you started.

• Vernon/Giverny (45 minutes): Step into a Claude Monet painting at the home and gardens which inspired some of his most famous works.

• Fontainebleau (40 minutes): Home of Château de Fontainebleau. The château and surrounding gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Reims (45 minutes): Site of the historic coronation sites of French kings at Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. Gateway to several famous champagne chateaux.

• Rouen (1 hour 40 minutes: Gothing town where Joan Of Arc was executed.

• Chartres (1 hour): Chartres Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

• Amiens (1 hour 15 minutes): Former home of author and steam-punk godfather Jules Verne. Also check out the Hortillonnages floating gardens and the cathedral.

• Lille (1 hour): Here you will find the Palais des Beaux-Arts and a charming old town full of thriving culture.

• Loire Valley (1 hour 30 minutes): Famous wine region outside of Tours. Nestled among quaint villages are Château de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord and many others.

Connectivity to other parts of France

Located in the North Central portion of France, the capital city offers easy train access (less than a day by high-speed rail) to every corner of the country. More remote territories, like the island of Corsica, are easily accessible by a direct flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

SNCF

SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français) is the national train operator of France. It serves 5 million passengers per year across a variety of service brands, including:

• TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed trains offering fast train service to many cities.

• Intercités: Non-high-speed trains to French cities.

• TER (Transport Express Régional): Regional trains with daily service.

• Transilien and RER (Réseau Express Régional): Commuter trains that serve the suburbs.

Tips for exploring France by train

Make the most out of your journeys by using these train travel tips!

• Consider a pass: A France, regional or global pass can open you up to spending longer periods of time in your favorite cities and regions.

• Get to the station early: Don’t risk last-minute boardings — you could miss your train!

• If you go shopping, use lockers and luggage services so you can pack light. But don’t forget!

Train passes for tourists in France

• Eurail Global Pass: Pass that allows passengers a set number of train travel days anywhere in 33 participating nations across Europe using national carriers over a fixed time frame – typically 1-3 months.

• Eurail France Pass: Pass that allows passengers a set number of train travel days anywhere in France using national carriers over a fixed time frame – typically 1-3 months.

• Eurail France-Benelux Pass: Pass that allows passengers a set number of train travel days anywhere in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg using national carriers over a fixed time frame – typically 1-3 months.

• Interrail Pass: Passes similar to Eurail passes, but limited in availability to European Union residents.

🚆 Learn more about European train passes