Amsterdam to Berlin by Train
Direct high-speed (ICE) service · from €38
Route Overview
Direct ICE high-speed trains connect Amsterdam Centraal and Berlin Hauptbahnhof in approximately 5 hours 49 minutes, covering 642 km. Five to six departures run daily, jointly operated by Deutsche Bahn and NS International.
Since November 2025, modern ICE3neo trains serve this route — featuring a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat, and a Panorama Lounge with a glass wall. The route passes through the eastern Netherlands, crosses into Germany at Bad Bentheim, and continues via Osnabrück and Hannover to Berlin.
Two travel classes are available: 2nd class (from €38) and 1st class (from €57, with at-seat dining service and lounge access). A night train alternative (European Sleeper) operates 3 times per week.
Train Operator
ICE (Deutsche Bahn / NS International)
Since November 2025, modern ICE3neo (Siemens Class 408) trains serve this route, replacing the older Intercity Berlin sets. Jointly operated by Deutsche Bahn and NS International.
Direct high-speed · 300 km/h max
Departure & Arrival Stations
Amsterdam Centraal
- Amsterdam city centre
- Metro, tram, bus, ferry hub
- NS International Lounge (1st class ticket holders). NS domestic trains to all Dutch cities.
Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Hbf)
- Central Berlin
- S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, bus. DB Lounge (1st class ticket holders, excluding Super Sparpreis). Some services continue to Berlin Ostbahnhof.
Classes of Service
2nd Class
- 2+2 fabric seating in open salon
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at all seats
- Bistro car access
- Panorama Lounge with glass wall (front car)
1st Class
- Wider seats with more legroom
- At-seat dining service (steward serves from restaurant menu)
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at all seats
- NS International Lounge (Amsterdam, Schiphol, Rotterdam)
- DB Lounge (Berlin Hbf) — excluding Super Sparpreis
- Panorama Lounge with glass wall (front car)
Tickets & Booking Tips
Starting Price
from €38 per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices range from €38 (2nd class Sparpreis) to €57+ (1st class). Flexpreis tickets are significantly more expensive..
Book Early
Tickets are available Up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings typically offer the lowest fares.
Children & Youth
Children aged 6–14 travel free when accompanied by a parent or grandparent (must be registered on the adult ticket).. Standard adult fares apply from age 15. BahnCard discounts available.. Children under 6 travel free without a ticket.
Luggage
No formal limits. Overhead racks and dedicated luggage areas.
Good to Know
New ICE3neo Trains Since November 2025
Modern ICE3neo (Siemens Class 408) trains replaced the older Intercity Berlin sets in November 2025. These feature a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, power sockets at all seats, and a Panorama Lounge with a glass wall for a driver-perspective view.
Seat Reservation Recommended
Seat reservation is optional most of the year (€5.50 in 2nd class). However, from late June to late August, seat reservation is compulsory for international ICE travel. Recommended at all times, especially Fridays and Sunday afternoons.
Schengen Zone — No Border Checks
The Netherlands and Germany are both in the Schengen Area. No passport controls. Carry valid photo ID as onboard checks may occur.
Book Early for €38 Fares
Sparpreis advance fares start from €38 in 2nd class. Booking a few weeks ahead is usually sufficient. Same-day Flexpreis tickets are significantly more expensive.
1st Class Dining Service
In 1st class, a steward takes your order from the restaurant menu and serves food and drinks at your seat. This is a significant advantage over 2nd class where you visit the Bistro car yourself.
European Sleeper Night Train
A night train (European Sleeper) also links Amsterdam and Berlin 3 times a week, with sleeping-car and couchette options.
NS International Lounge
1st class ticket holders can use the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal (and Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam) for a free drink before departure.
Bikes Onboard
The new ICE3neo trains have 8 bike spaces in the 2nd class end car. An international bicycle ticket and free reservation are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest direct ICE trains take approximately 5 hours 49 minutes. Average journey time is around 6 hours 15 minutes depending on stops.
There are 5-6 direct ICE trains per day between Amsterdam Centraal and Berlin Hbf. The first departs around 05:00 and the last around 17:00.
Advance Sparpreis fares start from €38 one-way in 2nd class and €57 in 1st class. Prices increase closer to departure.
The Netherlands and Germany are in the Schengen Area — no formal border checks. Carry valid photo ID for potential onboard inspections.
Seat reservation is optional most of the year (€5.50 in 2nd class) but compulsory from late June to late August for international ICE travel. Recommended at all times.
New high-speed trains by Siemens that took over the Amsterdam-Berlin route in November 2025. They feature a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a Panorama Lounge with a glass wall.
Yes — the European Sleeper operates a night train between Amsterdam and Berlin 3 times a week, with sleeping-car and couchette options.
Yes — all Amsterdam-Berlin ICE trains stop at Hannover Hbf. On flexible tickets, you can break your journey. Advance-purchase tickets are tied to a specific train.