In this guide, my Dutch partner and I will be sharing our personal experiences and advice on what are the best ways to travel from Amsterdam to Paris.
As we live in Amsterdam for years now, we’ve had the pleasure of making this trip multiple times and gathered lots of tips and insights we can share with you.
Our last trip to Paris was last month, in May 2023, and we’ll share the latest transport methods, the good, and the bad.
So, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, we hope our guide will help you make the best decisions.
| Duration Time | Costs (Range in €) | Best For | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thalys Train | 3h 20m | €45 – €250 | Speed and Convenience | Book Thalys Tickets |
| Standard Train | 5-8 hours | €35 -€150 | Booking last minute | Book Standard Train Tickets |
| Bus Travel | 6-8 hours | From €15 | Budget Travel | Book Bus Ticket |
| Air Travel | 1h 15m (excluding airport time) | €50 – €200 | Speed | Book a Flight |
| Self-Driving | 5-6 hours | Variable, depending on car rental, fuel, tolls | Flexibility and Scenic Route | Rent a Car |
| Private Car Transfer | 5-6 hours | From €650 | Comfort and Convenience | See Private Driver Rates |
| Private Jet | 1h 30m | From €5,000 | Speed, Luxury, and Convenience | Book Private Jet |
- From Amsterdam to Paris by Train: Speed & Comfort
- Traveling by Bus
- Traveling by Flight
- Driving to Paris: On Your Own Terms
- Private Car Transfer: Luxury, Comfort, and Convenience
- Luxury Travel: Private Jet
- Common FAQS
- Is there any direct train from Amsterdam to Paris?
- How much is the bullet train (high-speed train) from Amsterdam to Paris?
- Why are trains from Amsterdam to Paris so expensive?
- What's the cheapest way to get from Amsterdam to Paris?
- Do you need a visa from Amsterdam to Paris?
- Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Paris?
- How far is Amsterdam to Paris?
From Amsterdam to Paris by Train: Speed & Comfort
Our Experience with Thalys
📍 Place of Departure: Amsterdam Centraal
🏁 Place of Arrival: Gare du Nord, Paris
⏰ Total Duration Time: 3h 20min
💰 Costs: €45 (if booked in advance) – €250
Last month, on May 2023, we took a 1st class Thalys train from Amsterdam Centraal to Gare du Nord in Paris.
It’s a direct train, operated by Eurostar Group, which is amazing.
While we were waiting on the platform, a Thalys employee asked where do we have our seats and directed us to the perfect spot where we should wait to board the train immediately.
The train arrived in time and within 3 hours and 20 minutes, we were in Paris.
The ride itself felt luxurious, thanks to the roomy, comfortable seats we had, and the smooth ride.
Although our seat was tagged as a “window seat”, it offered a somewhat obstructed view, making it a half-window view experience.
However, that was a minor drawback we were more than willing to overlook considering the overall comfort.
We were surprised to see that the 1st class fare included a two-course meal, and drinks (coffee, tea, juice or water).
We found the filter coffee rather strong and bitter, and the other items on the menu – chocolate mousse, fruit cake, raspberry jam, yogurt, bread, waffle, and a tomato, basil dish – were unfortunately quite bland.
While it’s convenient and doesn’t cost anything extra, if you’re hungry and want to snack on something delicious on the road, you might want to bring along some of your own snacks.
Tip: make sure to keep your luggage above your seat. We initially placed our luggage in the designated area, but we were advised by the train conductor to take our baggage above our seat, as it was safer.
The Thalys train offers two types of classes:
- Standard Class: Offers comfortable seats, 2×2 configuration seats, free WiFi, and the option to purchase food and drinks from the onboard bar.
- Comfort Class and Premium Class: These higher classes provide additional benefits such as more spacious seating, complimentary meals, and access to the Thalys lounges at certain stations.
Travel by Standard Train: An Alternative Option
📍 Place of Departure: Amsterdam Centraal
🏁 Place of Arrival: Gare du Nord, Paris
⏰ Total Duration Time: 6-7h
💰 Costs: Generally cheaper than Thalys, €35 – €180
If Thalys doesn’t fit into your budget, you can opt for a standard train service, usually the IC Brussels.
The journey will be longer, with stops in between – typically around 6-7 hours, but comes at a lower cost than the Thalys service.
Although it’s not a direct train, it’s still a valid option to go to Paris.
Traveling by Bus
📍 Place of Departure: Various bus stations in Amsterdam (depending on the bus company)
🏁 Place of Arrival: Various bus stations in Paris (depending on the bus company)
⏰ Total Duration Time: 6-8h
💰 Costs: Starting from €15
Traveling from Amsterdam to Paris by bus is the cheapest option, but also the longest and least comfortable one.
The journey can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic conditions and stops in between.
Tickets range from €15-€40, making this a good option if you want to save money. We recommend Flixbus of BlaBlaCar.
Traveling by Flight
📍 Place of Departure: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
🏁 Place of Arrival: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris
⏰ Total Duration Time: 1h 10min (flight time, excluding check-in, security, and airport commuting time)
💰 Costs: €50 – €150
You can also opt for a “quick” flight, which typically takes just over an hour.
However, when adding up the time spent at the airport for security and check-in, as well as how long it takes to arrive at and from the airport, this “quick flight” is actually a 5+ hours total trip.
Prices can range significantly based on the airline and time of booking, from €50 to over €200.
Even if you choose a budget airline, if you want to take a checked-in suitcase, you’ll end up paying always more.
Driving to Paris: On Your Own Terms
📍 Place of Departure: Anywhere in Amsterdam
🏁 Place of Arrival: Anywhere in Paris
⏰ Total Duration Time: 5-6h
💰 Costs: Variable (fuel, tolls, car rental)
Driving to Paris gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace.
If you want to rent a car, we recommend SunnyCars as they already include all the insurance in the price and it’s a hassle-free experience.
The distance between Amsterdam and Paris is about 430 kilometers and can take around 5-6 hours of drive time.
Remember to factor in additional costs like fuel, tolls, and car rental.
Private Car Transfer: Luxury, Comfort, and Convenience
📍 Place of Departure: Anywhere in Amsterdam
🏁 Place of Arrival: Anywhere in Paris
⏰ Total Duration Time: 5-6h
💰 Costs: Pricing available on Get Your Guide
If you’re looking for a luxurious way to get to Paris, and you have a higher budget for it, consider a private car transfer service.
You can book this service through various platforms such as Get Your Guide.
This option provides door-to-door service and allows you to enjoy the journey without the stress of driving or navigating.
Luxury Travel: Private Jet
📍 Place of Departure: Chosen private jet facility in Amsterdam
🏁 Place of Arrival: Chosen private jet facility in Paris
⏰ Total Duration Time: Approx. 1h 30min
💰 Costs: €4000-€10000
If cost is no concern, you could pay for a seat in a private jet for the ultimate luxury travel experience.
This could cost anywhere from €4,000-€10,000.
Safe to say, this method of transportation offers unmatched levels of privacy, luxury, and convenience.
Common FAQS
Is there any direct train from Amsterdam to Paris?
Yes, there are direct Thalys trains, which makes the trip convenient and hassle-free. Just be sure to keep your luggage with you, and book in advance for a convenient price
How much is the bullet train (high-speed train) from Amsterdam to Paris?
The cost can vary depending on how far in advance you book your tickets and the class of service.
On average, you can expect to pay around €35-€200 for a one-way ticket. However, prices can spike during peak travel seasons.
Why are trains from Amsterdam to Paris so expensive?
The cost of train travel can vary significantly, but higher prices are generally due to the high-speed, direct nature of the service, the amenities provided, and the convenience of the city center to city center travel.
What’s the cheapest way to get from Amsterdam to Paris?
The cheapest way to travel from Amsterdam to Paris is generally by bus. However, this can be a significantly longer journey.
Do you need a visa from Amsterdam to Paris?
No, you do not need a visa to travel from Amsterdam to Paris as both cities are within the Schengen Area.
Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Paris?
Yes, it’s possible to do a day trip from Amsterdam to Paris, especially if you take the earliest train and the last one back. However, to fully enjoy what Paris has to offer, we recommend spending at least a couple of days in the city.
How far is Amsterdam to Paris?
The distance between Amsterdam and Paris is approximately 430 kilometers or 267 miles.
In conclusion, whether you prefer the speed and convenience of a train, the cost-effectiveness of a bus, the flexibility of a car, the comfort of a private car transfer, the speed of a flight, or the luxury of a private jet, there’s an option for everyone.
Bon Departure!
