Paris to Amsterdam: Eurostar (Former Thalys) or the Cheaper Bus

Paris to Amsterdam takes about 3 hours 20 minutes on the direct Eurostar, the service formerly branded Thalys, running Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal, city centre to city centre. Trains run roughly hourly through the day, calling at Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol. Advance fares start from about EUR 35 one way and climb close to departure, so book early. FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus coaches take around 7 to 8 hours from about EUR 20 for the lowest fares. Here is how the times and fares compare.

Continuing to London from Amsterdam? Read our Amsterdam to London train guide. Heading east from Paris instead? Read our Paris to Berlin travel guide.

Fastest	Eurostar (former Thalys), about 3h20 direct
Frequency	Roughly hourly direct trains
Cheapest	A coach from about EUR 20, or an advance train fare from EUR 35
Route	Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal, about 500 km

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	Eurostar (former Thalys) Direct and roughly hourly, Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal via Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol. Advance fares from about EUR 35; book ahead for the lowest price.	about 3h20	approx €35 to €130	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	FlixBus / BlaBlaCar Bus coach Cheapest overall but much slower, from about EUR 20, with several daily departures including overnight options.	about 7 to 8 hours	approx €20 to €45	No	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the train from Paris to Amsterdam?

About 3 hours 20 minutes on the direct Eurostar, the service formerly branded Thalys, running Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal, city centre to city centre.

How much does the train from Paris to Amsterdam cost?

Advance Eurostar fares start from about EUR 35 one way and rise steeply close to departure. A FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus coach is cheaper, from about EUR 20, but takes around 7 to 8 hours.

Is there a direct train from Paris to Amsterdam?

Yes. The Eurostar, formerly Thalys, runs direct roughly every hour, Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal, calling at Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol along the way.

What is the best way to get from Paris to Amsterdam?

The direct Eurostar is the best all-round option: about 3h20, roughly hourly, and centre to centre. Take the coach only if you want the lowest fare and do not mind spending most of the day travelling.

What is the Paris to Amsterdam train frequency?

Eurostar runs the direct service roughly hourly through the day, so there is a train most hours from early morning to evening between the two cities.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.