The Berlin to Amsterdam train journey lacks a wow factor, but it's a comparatively easy trip.
The usual first train of the day does not operate on Sundays and the last train of the day only departs on Sundays.
Final Destination: Amsterdam Centraal/CS
All trains also call at: Berlin Spandau*; Amersfoort
These trains commence their journey at Berlin Ostbanhof and they usually depart from the upper level (tief) in Berlin Hbf.
*If your journey is commencing in West Berlin, the quickest option is to take a Regio or S-Bahn train from Berlin Zoologischer Garten station to Berlin-Spandau station and join these trains to Amsterdam there.
Mon - Fri = 7 x trains per day
Sat/Sun = 6 x trains per day
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 6 months ahead of the travel date
Check that you’re looking at booking info for the direct trains.
On the DB, German national railways, booking site look for journeys that have:
- 0 in the Chg. column
- IC in the Products column.
Seat reservations are optional, but recommended for this journey; particularly if:
- you won't be taking the first or last trains of the day
- you will be travelling on a Friday or Sunday year round
- you will be travelling between the beginning of July and the end of September.
Take note if you will be travelling with a rail pass.
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
DB Bahn | from €35.90 | |
Omio | from €35.90 | |
Happyrail | from €35.90 | |
SaveATrain | from €35.90 |
For the time being this train journey has a retro aura, as little has changed on this route for more than 10 years; apart from a welcome switch of terminals in Amsterdam from the station at Schiphol Airport to the city's main central station.
The coaches currently used date back to the 1990s, so lack tech features such as info screens, but some travelllers will appreciate some seats being available in compartments.
However. this route is now awaiting brand new trains which have been ordered and should be entering service in 2023.
This is a scenically un-interesting journey across the flat landscape of the plains of northern Europe.
So it's a particularly good idea to have something to read or watch to fill in the time.
The highlight of the journey comes right at the beginning of the trip when the train travels on a viaduct across the city with great views over Berlin.
Sign up to receive the latest travel news stories and to hear about what we've been working on for you.
This is one of more than 1000 journey guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.