Amsterdam to Frankfurt travel is possible by high-speed train, plane or coach.
Frankfurt in Germany is one of Europe’s major financial hubs and is located approximately 350km south-east from Dutch capital Amsterdam.
Amsterdam to Frankfurt travel overview |
[1] Amsterdam-Frankfurt by Train (recommended)
Without doubt, the best way to travel between Amsterdam and Frankfurt is by rail.
For more info, timetables and details about this train service see our complete guide here: Amsterdam to Frankfurt by ICE Train
This gives you centre-to-centre convenience, no check-in or security lines and a regular direct train service. It can be easily booked via the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) or the NS International site (euros) with prices starting at only €38 one-way.
Modern ICE trains (new ICE3neo 408 variants) run up to 6-7x daily from Amsterdam Central station to Frankfurt airport and Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof.
The journey takes around 4 hours. 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, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne (Köln) and Siegburg/Bonn before going on to Frankfurt.
The ICE can run at speeds of up to 300km/h on the Siegburg/Bonn-Frankfurt section.
Amsterdam-Frankfurt train ticket fares
Booking for Amsterdam-Frankfurt rail fares open 180 days before travel.
The Amsterdam-Frankfurt 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
Each component has a range of fare buckets – generally the further in advance you book, the more likely you will find the cheapest fare bucket.
For Amsterdam-Frankfurt the cheapest one-way fare buckets are:
- €37.99 (2nd class) and €49.99 (1st class) for Supersparpreis Europa
- €44.99 (2nd class) and €58.99 (1st class) for Sparpreis Europa
- €153 (2nd class) and €272 (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-Frankfurt) 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 highly recommended as the train can get busy.
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 Frankfurt Main 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 Frankfurt.
How to book online: Amsterdam-Frankfurt train tickets can easily be booked at the Trainline site here or at the NS International site. When booking always choose the direct ICE services.
[2] Amsterdam-Frankfurt by Air
The 2 respective national carriers operate services between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Frankfurt Main International airport (FRA). Although the flight time is scheduled for around 65 minutes, the train trip is a more comfortable, stress-free option.
- KLM (Skyteam) operates up to 6x daily Amsterdam-Frankfurt flights with Cityhopper or German Airways-branded Embraer 175/190 aircraft
- One-way KLM fares start at €139 (Light fare, hand-baggage only) and from €169 (Standard fare, checked bag)
- Lufthansa (Star Alliance) operates up to 5x daily on the Amsterdam-Frankfurt route using Airbus A319/320 and Embraer 195 aircraft
- One-way Lufthansa fares start at €129 (Economy Light fare, hand-baggage only) and from €173 (Economy Classic fare, checked bag)
[3] Amsterdam-Frankfurt by Coach
The coach is the cheapest travel option between Amsterdam and Frankfurt although the travel time is much longer than the train. Expect to sit on the bus for 6-10 hours!
- Flixbus operates multiple Amsterdam-Frankfurt direct coach services daily
- The main coach stop in Amsterdam is at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station
- The main Flixbus stop at Frankfurt is at Frankfurt Main Hauptbahnhof (coach stop at Stuttgarter Strasse)
- Fares start at €21 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 Frankfurt Main Hauptbahnhof. The journey time is around 8 1/2 hours and one-way fares start at €23.
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
Frankfurt Resources
In Frankfurt you can book your hotel with Booking.com here. For a selection of tours and attractions in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. However, temporary checks could sometimes be in place.
This article was originally published in 2011. Last checked and updated 28 January 2026.
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