Amsterdam to Düsseldorf travel is possible by train, coach or plane.
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 Dutch capital Amsterdam.
Amsterdam to Düsseldorf travel overview
Below we will review each Amsterdam-Düsseldorf travel option in more detail. |
[1] Amsterdam-Düsseldorf by Train
1a. ICE train Amsterdam-Düsseldorf (recommended)
Undoubtedly the best way to travel between Amsterdam and Düsseldorf 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 Trainline site here (pay in multi-currencies) or NS International site (euros) with prices starting at just €20 one-way.
For more info, timetables and details about this train service see our complete guide here: Amsterdam to Frankfurt by ICE Train
Modern ICE trains (ICE3neo 408 variants, deployed in summer 2024) run up to 6-7x daily from Amsterdam Central Station to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (Hbf).
The journey takes from 2 hours 7 mins. 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 Düsseldorf. It continues onward to Cologne (Köln) and Frankfurt.
Amsterdam-Düsseldorf train ticket fares
Booking for Amsterdam-Düsseldorf rail tickets open 180 days before travel.
The Amsterdam-Düsseldorf ICE train has 2nd class and 1st class tickets with the following possible fare components:
- Supersparpreis Europa – only valid on a specific departure and non-changeable/non-refundable. CHEAPEST
- Sparpreis Europa – a mid-flex fare only valid on a specific departure but which is changeable and refundable for a fee.
- Flexpreis Europa – a fully-flexible fare with unrestricted choice of trains and includes a City ticket for Berlin public transport. EXPENSIVE
For Amsterdam-Düsseldorf the cheapest one-way fare buckets are:
- €19.99 (2nd class) and €29.99 (1st class) for Supersparpreis Europa
- €24.99 (2nd class) and €34.99 (1st class) for Sparpreis Europa
- €70 (2nd class) and €121 (1st class) for Flexpreis Europa
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 on a (Super) Sparpreis fare – though you must include the child on your ticket when booking.
ICE (Amsterdam-Düsseldorf) train seats
2nd class on the ICE has a 2-2 seat configuration. There is a special 5 seat family compartment (2nd class) available with adjacent baby changing facilities. A 2nd class seat reservation costs €5.20 extra and is recommended.
In the summer (June to August) seat reservations are mandatory for international travel and are freely included with your ticket.
Overhead luggage racks on the ICE trains can accommodate small and medium size bags. There are also extra racks at the middle and end of the carriages.
1st class has seating in a 1-2 configuration. 1st class carriages can also have a smaller ‘quiet zone’ compartments. A 1st class reservation costs €6.50 though full-flex tickets include this.
In our opinion, both the 1st and 2nd class seats on the ICE are extremely comfortable.
Free WiFi is available to all passengers and there are power outlets accessible from each seat.
The ICE trains have a Bordrestaurant carriage serving hot meals at extra charge. 1st class passengers can order and get served at their seats.
Those with a full-flex 1st class ticket can access the DB lounge at Düsseldorf station; any international 1st class ticket holders can access the NS International lounge at Amsterdam Central.
With reasonable prices, a quick journey time, comfort and convenience we highly recommend the ICE train for travel between Amsterdam and Düsseldorf.
How to book online: Amsterdam-Düsseldorf train tickets can easily be booked at the Trainline site here or at the NS International site
Also see: Amsterdam to Cologne travel
1b. Amsterdam-Düsseldorf by Intercity/Regional Trains
There is the possibility of taking standard NS Intercity and German regional (RE) trains for the Amsterdam-Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf Hbf.
This makes stops at 18 stations including Emmerich, Wesel, Oberhausen, Duisburg and Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf 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.
[2] Amsterdam-Düsseldorf 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.
Although the flight time is scheduled for around 50 minutes, the train trip is a more comfortable, stress-free option.
- KLM (Skyteam) operates up to 5x daily Amsterdam-Düsseldorf flights with Cityhopper or German Airways-branded Embraer 175/190 aircraft
- One-way KLM fares start at €191 (Light fare, hand-baggage only) and from €233 (Standard fare, checked bag)
[3] Amsterdam-Düsseldorf by Coach
The coach is the cheapest travel option between Amsterdam and Düsseldorf with travel time slightly longer than the train. The journey should take 3-4 hours.
- Flixbus operates multiple Amsterdam-Düsseldorf direct coach services daily
- The main coach stop in Amsterdam is at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station
- The main Flixbus stop at Düsseldorf is at Worringer Strasse near Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof
- Fares start at €14 one-way
- Flixbus allows 1 checked bag which is stowed in the luggage compartment
- It also allows 1 item of small hand baggage
Czech bus operator RegioJet has a daily bus service between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Prague which makes a stop at Düsseldorf Hbf (Worringer Strasse). The journey time is longer at around 5 hours and one-way fares start at €14.
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
Düsseldorf Resources
In Düsseldorf you can book your hotel with Booking.com here. For a selection of tours and attractions in Düsseldorf book with GetYourGuide here
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 Düsseldorf. However, temporary checks could sometimes be in place.
This article was originally published in 2019. Last checked and updated 28 January 2026.
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