Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s major cities and is the capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia region. It is located approximately 200km south-east from Amsterdam.
Are you looking to travel between Amsterdam and Dusseldorf? Let’s consider the transport options between the 2 cities by train, air and bus.
As Germany and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement you do not normally need to go through a passport control check when travelling between Amsterdam and Dusseldorf.
Amsterdam-Dusseldorf by Train (recommended)
Undoubtedly the best way to travel between Amsterdam and Dusseldorf is by rail. This gives you centre-to-centre convenience, no check-in or security lines and a regular fast direct train service. It can be easily booked via the NS International site (euros) or the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) with prices starting at just €20 one-way.
Modern ICE International trains (ICE3M BR 406 variants) run up to 6x daily from Amsterdam Central Station to Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof (Hbf). The journey takes just 2 hours 10 minutes. The train is jointly operated by DB (German Railways) and NS (Dutch Railways).
The ICE train makes stops in Utrecht Central and Arnhem Central in the Netherlands then crosses the Dutch-German border at Emmerich. On the German side it stops at Oberhausen and Duisburg before arriving at Dusseldorf. It continues onward to Cologne (Köln) and Frankfurt.
Amsterdam-Dusseldorf train ticket fares
Booking for Amsterdam-Dusseldorf rail fares open 180 days before travel.
The cheapest one-way ticket price for Amsterdam-Dusseldorf in 2nd class is just €20. This is the Supersparpreis Europa fare which is only valid on the particular departure time selected and is non-changeable/non-refundable. It can be easily found if booking 2-6 months in advance.
There are more flexible fares available. The Sparpreis Europa fare from €25 one-way is changeable/refundable for a fee and includes a City ticket for Dusseldorf public transport. The fully-flexible Flexpreis fare starts from €74 one-way and also includes the City ticket component.
1st class Amsterdam-Dusseldorf one-way fares start from €32 (the non-changeable Supersparpreis Europa 1st class), from €39 (Sparpreis Europa 1st class, changeable/refundable for a fee) and from €126 (Flexpreis full-flex fare).
ICE International (Amsterdam-Dusseldorf) train seats
2nd class on the ICE has a 2-2 seat configuration. There is a special 6 seat family compartment (2nd class) available in carriage 25/35 with adjacent baby changing facilities. A 2nd class seat reservation costs €4.90 extra and is recommended.
Luggage racks on the ICE trains can accommodate small and medium size bags. In the middle of standard 2nd class carriages you can also find a larger luggage rack.
1st class fares include seat reservation as standard, with seating in a 1-2 configuration. 1st class carriages can also have a smaller ‘quiet zone’ compartments.
There are also the ‘Panorama lounge’ cabins (1st and 2nd class) at the front and rear of the trains which have brilliant views of the driver’s seat through a glass screen – though the driver can elect to frost the glass.
In our opinion, both the 1st and 2nd class seats on the ICE International are extremely comfortable.
Free WiFi is available to all passengers and there are power outlets accessible from each seat.
The ICE trains have a Bordbistro restaurant-bar carriage (number 26/36) serving hot meals at extra charge. 1st class passengers can order and get served at their seats.
With reasonable prices, a quick journey time, comfort and convenience we highly recommend the ICE train for travel between Amsterdam and Dusseldorf.
How to book online: Amsterdam-Dusseldorf train tickets can easily be booked at the NS International site or at the Trainline site here
Amsterdam-Dusseldorf by Intercity/Regional Trains
There is the possibility of taking standard NS Intercity and German regional (RE) trains for the Amsterdam-Dusseldorf journey. However this does take over 3 hours with multiple stops and changes – so we would recommend sticking with the ICE International if possible.
There are 2 routes available via the Dutch cities of either Arnhem or Venlo.
There is a VIAS branded (RE19) regional train service running almost hourly between Arnhem Centraal and Dusseldorf Hbf. This makes stops at 18 stations including Emmerich, Wesel, Oberhausen, Duisburg and Dusseldorf airport and the journey time is just under 2 hours.
Arnhem can be reached in 1 hour by Intercity train service from Amsterdam.
There is also an hourly regional train (RE13) between Venlo and Dusseldorf with end stop Hamm (Westf.) – which takes just over 1 hour. The trip between Amsterdam and Venlo takes about 2 hours by Intercity with a change in Utrecht.
Amsterdam-Dusseldorf Flights
Dutch national carrier KLM (Skyteam alliance) is the only airline that serves Amsterdam Schiphol airport (AMS) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) with direct non-stop flights.
KLM flies a Cityhopper service between Amsterdam and Dusseldorf up to 4x daily using Embraer 175/190 jets. Some KLM services on this route use German Airways leased Embraer aircraft. The flight time is just under 1 hour.
Prices start from around €190 return not including checked luggage if booking in advance.
Both airports have good public transport connections to reach the city centre.
Amsterdam-Dusseldorf by Coach
German coach company Flixbus normally operates multiple direct coach services daily from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Dusseldorf. The coach stop in Dusseldorf is at Worringer Strasse near Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes around 3 hours.
One way Flixbus fares for Amsterdam-Dusseldorf start from around €13.
Czech bus operator RegioJet has a daily bus service between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Prague which makes a stop at Dusseldorf Hbf (Worringer Strasse). The journey time is longer at around 5 hours and one-way fares start at €20.
Amsterdam Resources
Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.
The I Amsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your I Amsterdam City Card online here
Dusseldorf Resources
In Dusseldorf you can book your hotel with Booking.com here. For a selection of tours and attractions in Dusseldorf book with GetYourGuide here
This article was originally published in 2019 and has regularly been updated. Last update 8 February 2024.
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