How to travel between Amsterdam, Paris, London and Berlin by train? Practical, up-to-date train travel guide with fastest routes, durations and where to book (official sites and comparison tools). Ideal if you prefer city-center to city-center travel without flying.
Overview & quick comparison
Travelling by train between Amsterdam, Paris, London and Berlin is efficient and largely city-centre to city-centre. Below is a compact comparison of the key routes so you can pick the fastest and most convenient option.
| Route | Typical fastest duration | Main operator / train | Where to book (official) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam → Paris | ≈ 3 h 20 min (direct) | Eurostar / Thalys | NS International · Eurostar |
| Paris → London | ≈ 2 h 15–2 h 20 min (direct) | Eurostar | Eurostar |
| London → Berlin | ≈ 9–13 h (typical, fastest ≈ 9 h with 2 changes) | Eurostar + ICE / DB (via Brussels / Cologne) | Trainline · Rail Europe |
| Amsterdam → Berlin | ≈ 5 h 30 min (direct Intercity/ICE) | Intercity Berlin / ICE | NS International · Deutsche Bahn |
Timing sources: NS International, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn and Trainline. Timings and fares change — always check live timetables and prices before booking.
Amsterdam → Paris (direct Eurostar)
The direct Eurostar service from Amsterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord is the fastest and easiest train option between these cities. Typical fastest journey time is about 3 hours 20 minutes with stops at Schiphol, Rotterdam and Brussels. Book early for the lowest fares — NS International and Eurostar release cheaper seats well in advance.
Key practical tips
- Arrival time: aim to be at the station 30–45 minutes before departure to clear security and passport checks.
- Ticket classes: Eurostar offers Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier — Standard is fine for most travellers, book early for saver fares.
- Stations: arrive at Paris Gare du Nord; it connects well to the Metro and RER for onward travel.
Quick booking: NS International · Eurostar.
Paris → London (direct Eurostar)
Eurostar is the best option from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras International. Typical fastest journey time is around 2 hours 15–2 hours 20 minutes. You clear passport control before boarding, so factor that extra time into your plans.
Key practical tips
- Passport & security: checks are done pre-boarding in Paris — arrive early to avoid stress.
- Bag allowance: generous compared to airlines, but check Eurostar’s policy for oversized items.
- Frequency: trains run multiple times per day but can sell out on peak dates — book in advance.
Booking: Eurostar official.
London → Berlin (via Brussels / Cologne)
There is currently no single nonstop high-speed train from London to Berlin. The usual fastest option combines Eurostar London → Brussels with a high-speed ICE (or other connections) onward to Berlin. Fastest combined journeys can take approximately 9 hours with two efficient connections, but many itineraries are longer depending on connection times.
Typical route example
- Eurostar London St Pancras → Brussels Midi (≈ 2 h)
- Brussels → Cologne (ICE ≈ 1 h 50–2 h) or Brussels → Berlin (change in Cologne)
- Cologne → Berlin (ICE ≈ 4–4.5 h)
Booking strategy: search multi-leg tickets on Trainline or book each leg with the official operators (Eurostar + Deutsche Bahn) if you prefer direct customer service.
Amsterdam → Berlin (direct Intercity / ICE)
Recent Intercity and ICE services now provide reliable direct connections between Amsterdam and Berlin with journey times around 5 h 30 min to 6 h, depending on the timetable. These direct services are convenient (city centre to city centre) and can be a comfortable alternative to flying.
Key tips
- Book early: saver fares sell out, so buy tickets in advance.
- Bike carriage: some trains offer bicycle spaces — check when booking if you plan to bring a bike.
- On-board facilities: longer daytime services often have a bistro or trolley service.
Booking tips & ticket comparison
A few practical rules of thumb to get the best prices and smooth travel:
- Book early: high-speed fares typically rise closer to departure; book several weeks ahead for best prices.
- Compare platforms: use Trainline or Rail Europe to compare options quickly, then consider booking on the official operator site (Eurostar / NS International / Deutsche Bahn) for clearer rebooking and cancellation terms.
- Flexible vs saver: flexible tickets give peace of mind but cost more; choose based on how fixed your plans are.
- Seat reservations: on many international routes seat reservations are mandatory or recommended — pick your seat during booking if possible.
Official booking sites: NS International, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn. For cross-operator comparison use Trainline or Rail Europe.
Border, passport & luggage notes
Important practical points to keep in mind:
- Passport checks: Eurostar routes between the UK and Schengen require passport and security checks — arrive early.
- Visa rules: check visa requirements for UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands based on your nationality.
- Luggage: trains usually allow larger luggage than airlines, but verify operator-specific rules for oversized items.
Final comparison & recommended links
Summary: for Amsterdam ↔ Paris ↔ London the Eurostar network offers the fastest city-centre connections. London → Berlin needs a change (Eurostar + ICE) and is significantly longer, while Amsterdam → Berlin is now a convenient direct daytime option (~5.5–6h).
- Compare prices for your dates on Trainline.
- Book official operator fares on Eurostar, NS International, or Deutsche Bahn.
- If you travel multiple legs, check whether individual point-to-point tickets or a rail pass (Eurail/Interrail) is cheaper for your itinerary.
