Is it better to fly or take train from Amsterdam to Paris?

Amsterdam-Paris by Train (recommended) The train is without doubt the best way to travel between Amsterdam and Paris. Tickets can be easily booked at the NS International site with prices starting at just €35 one-way.



In 2026, taking the Thalys (Eurostar) high-speed train is almost universally considered better than flying from Amsterdam to Paris. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, traveling from Amsterdam Centraal directly to Paris Gare du Nord, both of which are located in the heart of their respective cities. When you account for the time spent traveling to Schiphol airport, the 2-hour pre-flight security window, and the commute from CDG into central Paris, the total "travel time" for flying is often 5 to 6 hours. Furthermore, the train offers significantly more legroom, free Wi-Fi, and a much lower carbon footprint. While budget airlines might occasionally offer a cheaper "sticker price," once you add baggage fees and airport transfer costs, the train is often more economical and significantly less stressful, allowing you to avoid the "liquid restrictions" and long security queues associated with modern aviation.

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Unless you book well in advance, the cost of traveling to Paris on the Eurostar is more expensive than flying.

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Can I take food on board? Absolutely. You can bring your own food on European and London routes. And unlike in the sky, we won't restrict you with stifling rules on liquids.

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But passengers compare the services and prices before they decide to take the train. A typical example is Thalys, which has a monopoly of high-speed trains between Paris and Amsterdam. Due to its monopoly, it can ask high prices for tickets. Thalys sells tickets for the highest prices per kilometre in Europe.

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What's the difference between Eurostar and Thalys? There is no difference - Eurostar and Thalys are now one under the Eurostar name. Our high-speed trains link the UK to France, Belgium and the Netherlands via the Channel Tunnel. And we also run high-speed trains connecting Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

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Travel services by Eurostar You will have to drop off the item at our luggage area before heading to the departures. Items will be handed back on the platform upon arrival so make sure you only bring what you can safely carry. No trolley will be provided. Maximum weight for registered luggage is 30kg.

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Over the last two years, I've traveled between London and Paris three times. On nearly all of those journeys, I opted to take the Eurostar – for good reason. Unless you book well in advance, the cost of traveling to Paris on the Eurostar is more expensive than flying.

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The NS, which is 100% state-owned, pays the Dutch government €80 million a year for its concession to run rail services which, according to research by NOS earlier this year, accounts for 14% of the cost of a ticket. Labour accounts for 41%, investment and maintenance 43% and value added tax 9%.

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Your passport will be checked by UKBA security staff before being checked by French passport control. This will only take a few minutes.

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Food is permitted on any Eurostar train. There are no restrictions about which sort of food you can bring on board, but please be considerate of other passengers and don't take strong-smelling food on board. On intercapital and daytime ski trains; each traveller can take 4 bottles or cans of beer, or 1 bottle of wine.

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Any quantity of inflammable substances, including empty canisters e.g. petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners. Don't worry though, you can take nail polish and hairspray. Firelighters and lighter fuel. All flick knives, gravity knives and daggers.

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