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Traveling from Amsterdam to Berlin by train is fast, convenient, and eco-friendly. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duration: The journey takes just 5 hours and 51 minutes, covering 399 miles (624 km).
- Cost: Tickets start at $41.79 for second class and $62.69 for first class if booked in advance.
- Comfort: Enjoy WiFi, power outlets, spacious seating, and scenic views.
- Frequency: 6 direct trains daily, with departures every 2 hours.
- Eco-Friendly: Trains emit 27.1 kg of CO2 per trip, compared to 122.3 kg by plane.
Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or sustainability, the train is a great alternative to flying. Read on for tips on booking, schedules, and onboard amenities.
Route Details
Journey Length
The train ride between Amsterdam and Berlin spans about 624 km (399 miles). As of December 2023, Deutsche Bahn reduced the direct travel time from 6 hours and 23 minutes to 5 hours and 51 minutes. This was achieved by removing the locomotive change at Bad Bentheim and skipping several stops [1].
Train Connection Types
Direct InterCity (IC) trains connect Amsterdam Centraal and Berlin Hauptbahnhof [1].
The European Sleeper service runs three nights a week:
- Amsterdam to Berlin: Departs at 10:34 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, arriving at 6:18 AM the next morning.
- Berlin to Amsterdam: Departs at 10:56 PM on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, arriving at 6:26 AM the following morning.
Some journeys may require a connection in Hanover, but opting for direct trains ensures a smoother trip. Use the "Direct services only" filter when booking to simplify the process [1].
Train Companies
Two main railway operators manage the Amsterdam-Berlin route:
- Deutsche Bahn (DB): Germany’s national railway provider.
- NS International: The Netherlands’ main railway operator.
In September 2022, NS International introduced service updates that contributed to faster travel times, making the train a more appealing choice for this route [3].
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Service Type | Days Operating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 11:51 AM | InterCity | Daily |
| 8:00 AM | 1:51 PM | InterCity | Daily |
| 10:00 AM | 3:51 PM | InterCity | Daily |
| 12:00 PM | 5:51 PM | InterCity | Daily |
| 2:00 PM | 7:51 PM | InterCity | Daily |
| 4:00 PM | 9:51 PM | InterCity | Daily |
Buying Tickets
Ticket Sales Channels
There are several ways to book tickets for the Amsterdam-Berlin route:
- Deutsche Bahn (DB) website: Germany’s national railway service offers direct ticket booking.
- NS International website: The Netherlands’ railway operator also provides booking options.
- Trainline: A popular platform for booking train journeys across Europe, handling over 172,000 trips daily [2].
- Station ticket offices: Staffed counters are available at both Amsterdam Centraal and Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
Fares and Classes
Tickets for the Amsterdam-Berlin route are available in two travel classes, each with different pricing and perks:
| Class | Advance Price | Flexible Fare | Included Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class | From €37.99 | Around €170 | Power outlets, WiFi, fold-down tables |
| 1st Class | From €56.99 | Around €298 | Extra legroom, DB lounge access, Fast Track service |
Additional details:
- Children under 6 travel for free.
- Children under 15 also travel free when accompanied by an adult with Sparpreis tickets.
- Seat reservations are optional but advised during busy periods.
- Bike spaces require separate advance booking [1].
Best Booking Times
To get the best deals on tickets, timing is key:
- Book early to take advantage of the lower advance-purchase fares listed above.
- Traveling during off-peak hours can improve seat availability and may reduce costs.
- Avoid last-minute bookings, as flexible fares can climb as high as €298 for first class.
Advance fares start at just $21.79, so planning ahead can lead to substantial savings.
Station Guide
Amsterdam Centraal Features
Amsterdam Centraal is the main departure point for those heading to Berlin. It provides a variety of services to help you start your trip smoothly.
Key Services:
- Staffed ticket counters and self-service machines
- Left luggage lockers (€7 for small, €11 for large per 24 hours)
- NS First Class lounge for premium ticket holders
- Multiple ATMs across the station
Food and Shopping:
The station’s retail area features popular chains like Burger King, Starbucks, and Wagamama. For a touch of history and charm, visit the Grand Cafe 1e Klas.
Getting Around:
- Platforms are divided into zones (A to N) to guide train car positions
- Each platform can handle two trains, labeled ‘a’ and ‘b’
- The IJpassage allows ticket-free movement between the station’s sides
Next up: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, a modern station packed with amenities.
Berlin Hauptbahnhof Features
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is a bustling hub, serving about 350,000 passengers daily with its multi-level design. It has 14 platforms spread across two levels:
| Level | Train Types | Platform Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | S-Bahn | 11–16 |
| Lower | U-Bahn, Regional Trains | 1–8 |
Station Highlights:
- Free WiFi throughout the station
- 24/7 DB Information points for assistance
- Over 80 shops open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM
- Storage lockers located in the adjacent parking area
The station connects seamlessly to S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and bus services, including direct routes to Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
Train Schedule
Both stations feature easy-to-read departure boards and digital displays to keep travelers informed. The DB journey planner (int.bahn.de/en/buchung/abfahrten-ankuenfte) offers real-time updates and platform details.
Helpful Tips:
- Check the Wagenstandsanzeiger (train composition posters) in Berlin for car positions
- Use elevators and escalators to move between levels effortlessly
- Keep an eye on electronic boards for the latest platform assignments
These tools and services make switching from station to train smooth and stress-free.
"Berlin Hauptbahnhof handles around 1,000 long-distance, regional, and S-Bahn trains daily" [4]. This makes it one of the busiest transportation hubs in Europe.
Journey from Amsterdam to Berlin by Train
Travel Advice
Here are some practical tips to make your journey smoother, building on your ticket and station planning.
Luggage Rules
Intercity Berlin trains allow passengers to bring two regular-sized luggage items (maximum dimensions: 27.6 x 19.7 x 11.8 inches or 70 x 50 x 30 cm) and one small hand luggage item.
You can store smaller bags in overhead racks, between seats, or in specific storage areas within the carriages. There are no extra fees for luggage, but all items must fit within the allocated spaces and must not block aisles or doorways. Always keep your valuables in your hand luggage and label your bags with your contact information for safety.
Interrail Pass Guide
If you’re traveling between Amsterdam and Berlin, Interrail Passes are a great option. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular choices:
| Pass Type | Starting Price | Reservation Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Benelux Pass | €119 | Optional* |
| Global Pass | €212 | Optional* |
*From June 1 to September 1, seat reservations are mandatory. Outside this period, reservations are optional but strongly advised during busy times like weekends, peak travel seasons, or when traveling in groups.
These passes offer flexibility and convenience, enhancing your overall travel experience.
On-board Experience
The Intercity Berlin train is designed for a comfortable, modern journey. It features nine air-conditioned carriages with a total of 674 seats – 632 in second class and 42 in first class.
- Second class: Double seats with 37 cm of legroom.
- First class: Six-person compartments with 46 cm of legroom.
Both classes include WiFi, power outlets, a refreshment trolley service, and a toilet in every carriage. Additional features include:
- Three wheelchair spaces
- Storage for up to 16 bicycles (in coach 24)
- A small children’s play area (in coach 10)
Optional seat reservations cost €5.20 per person in second class and €6.50 per person in first class. These extras can make your trip even more convenient.
Summary
Your train journey from Amsterdam to Berlin is a quick and convenient way to travel. Covering 399 miles (624 km) in just 5 hours and 51 minutes, this route connects city centers directly. With 7 daily departures running every two hours, it’s an easy and reliable alternative to flying.
Ticket prices depend on how early you book and your travel preferences:
| Ticket Type | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Fare | From $41.79 | From $62.69 |
| Fully Flexible | From $187.00 | From $327.80 |
| Seat Reservation | $5.72 | $7.15 |
For the best prices, book through Deutsche Bahn’s international website (int.bahn.de). If the fares seem steep, consider splitting your booking between Amsterdam–Bad Bentheim and Bad Bentheim–Berlin, or use Czech Railways (cd.cz) with Berlin as a via station.
The route includes stops in key cities like Amersfoort, Deventer, Hengelo, Osnabrück, and Hannover. Since December 2023, the trip has become even smoother by removing the locomotive change at Bad Bentheim and reducing the number of stops in Germany.
