⚡ TL;DR
- Fastest: Eurostar (formerly Thalys) direct, 3 hours 20 minutes
- Cheapest: Book Eurostar 3 months ahead, 2nd class from €35-45
- With rail pass: Extra €32 reservation fee — not worth it for just this trip
- Recommendation: Buy point-to-point for this route; use Eurail Pass only if visiting multiple cities
Route Overview
| 🚉 Departure | Paris Gare du Nord |
| 🏁 Arrival | Amsterdam Centraal |
| ⏱ Duration | 3 hours 20 minutes |
| 🚆 Train | Eurostar (formerly Thalys) |
| 🕐 Frequency | 8-10 direct trains daily |
| ⚡ Top speed | 300 km/h |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Free (quality varies) |
| 🔌 Power | At every seat |
💰 Rail Pass vs Point-to-Point Prices
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Eurostar | €35-65 | Cheapest 3 months ahead |
| Walk-up Eurostar | €120-180 | Not recommended |
| Eurail Pass + reservation | €32* | *Pass cost separate, 2nd class reservation |
| FlixBus coach | €15-25 | 7-8 hours, budget only |
Sources: eurostar.com, eurail.com (Feb 2026)
💡 If Paris and Amsterdam are your only two stops, advance point-to-point tickets are cheaper than a pass. The pass wins for multi-city trips — like Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam → Cologne → Frankfurt.
🎫 Reservation Requirements & Fees
- Mandatory reservation: Eurostar requires a seat reservation whether or not you have a pass
- Pass holder reservation fee: €32 (2nd class), €40 (1st class)
- Where to book: eurostar.com (recommended), b-europe.com, or station counters
- Advance booking: Book at least 2 weeks ahead for peak times (Friday evenings, holidays)
- ⚠️ Pass holder seats are limited — if sold out online, try station counters
🧳 Practical Tips
- 🚉 Paris Gare du Nord: Security & passport checks required — arrive 45 minutes early
- 🪪 ID: Bring your passport or ID card. Staff check before boarding
- 🧳 Luggage: No strict limits but keep it to 2 large bags max. Luggage racks at each car end
- 💺 Seats: Comfort 1 (1st class) is quiet with meals included; Standard is great value. Pick a window seat
- 🚌 Amsterdam arrival: Centraal Station is right in the city center — canal district is walking distance
- 🕐 Time zones: France and Netherlands are both CET — no clock change needed
- 📱 On board: Free Wi-Fi, power outlets (EU standard), fold-down tables in Standard
🔄 Alternative Routes
Via Brussels (~4.5-5 hours)
Eurostar to Brussels (1h20m), explore Grand Place and waffles, then IC train to Amsterdam (2h50m). IC segment needs no reservation with a pass.
FlixBus Coach (~7-8 hours)
€15-25, for ultra-budget travelers. Has Wi-Fi and outlets but very slow. Consider a night bus to save on accommodation.
Flight (1h15m flight + airport time)
With airport time and city transfers, total is 4-5 hours. Not recommended unless you find a €30-40 deal.
📚 Related Pages
❓ FAQ
How long is the train from Paris to Amsterdam?
The direct Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train takes about 3 hours 20 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal. There are 8-10 direct trains daily.
Do I need a reservation with a Eurail Pass?
Yes, reservation is mandatory. Eurail Pass holders pay an additional €32 reservation fee (2nd class). Book via eurostar.com, b-europe.com, or at station counters. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for popular times.
How far in advance should I book for the cheapest fare?
Tickets open 3-4 months ahead. Lowest fares start at about €35 (2nd class). Booking 2-3 months out typically gets €45-65. Last-minute fares can jump to €120-180.
Which side of the train has the best views?
The right side (seats A/B) facing forward has slightly better views through Belgium. Honestly, most of the route is flat Low Countries scenery — nothing spectacular. Use the onboard Wi-Fi to get things done instead.
Are there alternative routes?
1) Via Brussels: Eurostar to Brussels (1h20m) then IC train to Amsterdam (2h50m) — longer but you can stop in Brussels; 2) FlixBus coach ~7-8 hours, €15-25, for very tight budgets; 3) Flights ~1h15m, but with airport time you don't save much.