Amsterdam to Frankfurt by ICE International Train (Complete Guide)

Traveling from Amsterdam to Frankfurt by train is a fast, comfortable and a greener alternative to flying. The ICE International high-speed train connects the two cities directly via Düsseldorf and Cologne in around 4 hours.

The ICE International train service runs every 2 hours and offers centre-to-centre convenience and no airport-style check-in or security lines.

It can be easily booked via the NS International site (euros) or the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) with prices starting at only €38 one-way.

Deutsche Bahn (DB German Railways) and NS International (Dutch Railways) jointly run the 6-7x daily direct train between Amsterdam and Frankfurt –  using a high-speed train which can reach speeds of up to 300km/h in Germany.

It is known as ICE International to distinguish itself from the German domestic ICE services. We’ve made this trip numerous times and here is our detailed guide to Amsterdam-Frankfurt by Intercity train. The information here is applicable if travelling in either direction.

ICE International Timetable (2025)

Amsterdam to Frankfurt (daily)

Frankfurt To Amsterdam (daily)

Notes:
Slightly reduced service at the weekend.
ICE 225 continues on to Munich Hbf.
Maintenance work can affect the timetables and routes.

Amsterdam-Frankfurt Map & Route

The Frankfurt-bound ICE International departs Amsterdam Centraal station and makes stops at Utrecht Centraal and Arnhem Centraal in the Netherlands.

It then crosses the Dutch-German border at Emmerich and makes further stops at Oberhausen, Duisburg, Düsseldorf and Cologne (Köln Messe/Deutz station) before finally heading to Frankfurt – with stops at Frankfurt airport and Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof.

Occasionally, the train could make an additional stop at Siegburg/Bonn, depending on the service taken.

Total journey time:

3 hours 53 minutes Amsterdam-Frankfurt and 4 hours 2 minutes Frankfurt-Amsterdam.

2 hours 21 minutes Amsterdam-Düsseldorf (both ways).

Total distances:

• 437km Amsterdam Centraal-Frankfurt Main Hbf
• 219km Amsterdam Centraal-Düsseldorf Hbf

This is the track distance rather than point-to-point, calculated ourselves using Google Maps.

Maximum speed: 300kmh (on the Cologne-Frankfurt section)

Amsterdam-Frankfurt Train Ticket Fares

Booking for Amsterdam-Frankfurt ICE International rail tickets opens 180 days before travel.

The cheapest one-way ticket price for Amsterdam-Frankfurt in 2nd class for the trip is €37.99. This is the Supersparpreis Europa fare which is only valid for the train selected and is non-changeable/non-refundable. It can be found if booking 2-6 months in advance.

There are more flexible fares available. The Sparpreis Europa fare from €44.99 one-way is train-specific and refundable for a fee. The fully-flexible Flexpreis Europa fare is priced from €168 one-way and includes includes a ‘City ticket’ for use on Frankfurt public transport on the day of travel.

1st class Amsterdam-Frankfurt one-way fares start from €49.99 (the train-specific, non-changeable Supersparpreis Europa 1st class) and from €58.99 (Sparpreis Europa 1st class, train-specific and refundable for a fee).

The full-flex 1st class fare is from a hefty €303 (Flexpreis Europa which also includes seat reservation, DB Lounge access and City ticket).

As you get closer to the departure date the cheaper fares will tend to sell out and you may only find higher fares available.

Children 0-4 always travel free. In addition children ages 4-14 can travel free with any standard adult passenger – though you must include the child on your ticket when booking.

Finally, those wanting to travel solely in the Netherlands (Amsterdam-Utrecht-Arnhem) on the ICE International train require a supplement ticket (€3.00) on top of the standard ticket.

Here are the summary of the lowest one-way fares available for Amsterdam to Frankfurt or Düsseldorf:

Book Your Amsterdam-Frankfurt Tickets

Amsterdam-Frankfurt train tickets can easily be booked at the following sites at the above fares:

Book at the NS International site – this is the Dutch Railways international arm, it has a clear interface, payment in euros and no booking fees.

Book at the Trainline site (UK based) which offers easy payment in the choice of multiple currencies although there is a small booking fee.

Choose direct trains services when booking. You might see slightly cheaper fares that include regional trains and multiple changes – this will increase journey times and is not worth the hassle, especially if you have luggage.

ICE International Train

Modern ICE3neo class 408 variants manufactured by Siemens operate on the Amsterdam-Frankfurt route. They first entered German domestic service in 2022 and were deployed for Amsterdam-Frankfurt in summer 2024.

The train has 8 air-conditioned carriages and a total length of 201m. It can be that a double length train with 16 carriages is used at certain times.

Frankfurt-Amsterdam ICE train – Seats & Facilities

The ICE3neo trains have a total of 439 seats over the 8 carriages. This is made up of six 2nd class carriages (seating 340) and two 1st class carriages (seating 99).

Each carriage has a number – currently 31 to 39, with the 1st class ones being 38 and 39 – with the numbers being marked on a display near the external doors.

A double length train will have additional carriages 21 to 29.

Seat numbers in each carriage are also clearly marked on the aisle seat and above at the luggage rack.

Seats on the Amsterdam-Frankfurt Intercity

2nd class on the ICE has grey or blue fabric seats mainly in a 2-2 open-plan unidirectional configuration. There are a few 4-seater tables where the seats change direction.

These seats can be reclined slightly using a lever and have a drop down tray table with device holders.

They are very comfortable to sit in for the 4 hour journey. Legroom is very good and certainly more than an economy class seat on a plane.

There is a designated quiet-zone carriage where mobile phone calls are prohibited. There is also a special 5 seat family compartment (2nd class) available with adjacent baby changing facilities.

A 2nd class seat reservation (for a specific seat and carriage) costs an extra €4.90 (NS International) or €5.20 (Trainline/Bahn).

Each seat has a small LED display above showing whether the seat is reserved and the specific route for the reservation.

Although seat reservation is not mandatory outside of the peak summer season, it is highly recommended to reserve so you don’t have to play musical chairs. Be aware that the train carries a good number of domestic passengers, particularly within Germany.

The 2nd class seating map for a typical carriage looks like this:

1st class has leather seating in an open 1-2 configuration – with a small ‘quiet zone’ compartment sectioned off.

The 1st class seating map looks like this:

Seat reservations are freely included with full-flex 1st class tickets. For other fares, 1st class seat reservations cost an extra €5.90 (NS International) or €6.50 (Trainline/Bahn).

Facilities on board

• The windows on the ICE trains are medium-sized and rectangular offering reasonable views. Note, some seats can align with the wall space between the windows – somewhat limiting the view.
• Free WiFi is available at to all passengers – access info (usually WIFIonICE network) is at your seat.
• Screens on the ceiling show journey information.
• There are coat hooks at the seat and above the window.
• A useful handle is placed at the headrest of each aisle seat.
• There is a European power outlet available at each seat.

• Toilet facilities are available at the ends of each carriage.
• The Bordrestaurant carriage sells snacks, drinks, hot meals and has some table seating.

Luggage on ICE International

Unlike flying there are no extra charges for bringing luggage with you on your ICE International journey. The train has overhead luggage racks above the seats and also some extra racks at the end of the carriages. You should only bring on-board what you are able to carry.

Bicycles on the Amsterdam-Frankfurt ICE International

It is possible to bring a bike onboard the ICE International train. There are specially marked cycle carriages – normally located at the end carriage 31 for a standard train and carriages 21 and 31 for a double-length train.

Each carriage has capacity for 8 bikes (places will be numbered) and also has 2nd class seating. You will need to make a paid reservation in advance for your bike.

Folded bikes can be brought on board for free.

Amsterdam-Frankfurt Train Trip Scenery

Although perhaps not the most scenic of train trips you will find the following on route:

• Dutch countryside views including the wooded areas of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug between Utrecht and Arnhem.

• Urban landscapes – passing through a number of cities, perhaps catching a glimpse of Cologne cathedral.
• Rhine Valley views between Cologne & Frankfurt.

Amsterdam Central Station

The magnificent Amsterdam Centraal station was competed in 1889. It was designed by Pierre Cuypers who was the noted architect of the city’s Rijksmuseum.

The modernised section of the station at the IJ waterfront side features shops, restaurants and some great views.

The ICE International train generally departs from platforms 2 and arrives at platforms 14/15 – though you can check the live departures and arrival info at Amsterdam Central here

All 1st class passengers can get access to the basic NS International lounge at Amsterdam Centraal.

Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof station

Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof opened in 1888 and is one of Europe’s largest and busiest stations. It is a major hub for domestic German rail services and handles international services to Amsterdam, Basel, Brussels, Marseille, Paris, Salzburg, Vienna and Zurich.

There are 25 platforms at the station – the Amsterdam ICE International train normally operates from platforms 17-20. You can check live arrival and departures info at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf here

What Are the Other Options for Amsterdam-Frankfurt Travel?

For time, cost, comfort and convenience the ICE International train is the best way to travel between Amsterdam and Frankfurt. It is also possible to go by

• Coach – Filxbus and Regiojet operate services but journey times are 6-10 hours.
• Plane – KLM and Lufthansa run 6x daily flights – but you will pay more, especially with luggage.
• Car – Driving would take a minimum of around 5 hours, depending on traffic.

You can find out more on our Amsterdam-Frankfurt travel page which overviews all trains, flights and buses between the cities.

Amsterdam-Frankfurt ICE International: Summary

The ICE International service provides a fast and comfortable way to travel between these cities. Book in advance to get the lowest saver fares.

With children travelling for free it is an excellent option for family groups.

Book with NS International site or the Trainline site

Sources: our own trips provided the main context in addition to info from Deutsche Bahn and NS International.

This article was first published on 31 March 2025.

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