Paris to Amsterdam

Check the open jaw price. It will likely be very close, maybe even less, than a round trip ticket. That will save the time and expense of back tracking.

Millions do this every year. Do you have a question? You will probably find the answer from the ManinSeat61.

Welcome to the forum peakins34. In case you're a new European traveler, an "open jaw" airline ticket, also known as a multi-city in search engines, is flying in to one city and home from another. It may cost a bit more, but the convenience of not having to backtrack via a 3+ hour train ride is often worth it. I almost always make this choice if I'm starting and ending in different locations.

If you choose to take a train back to Amsterdam, note that Eurostar has many direct trains between Paris and Amsterdam every day, but the cost for tickets goes up the closer you get to departure (advance purchase is wise). Just make sure you're not traveling on the train the same day you need to catch a flight, as if you have any delays you don't want to jeopardize missing your flight home.

I am very risk averse so if you decide to do round trip instead of an open jaw itinerary (flying in to Amsterdam, out of Paris) that you plan to spend the night before the flight in Amsterdam/at an airport hotel/in Leiden.

I have taken the train a number of times between Paris and Amsterdam or vice versa but not to leave immediately on a flight.

This is a wonderful tour! If you can possibly spend an extra day or two in Paris I recommend that as well as trying to arrive in Haarlem at least the day before the tour starts. This is a fairly strenuous tour and it's good to have a day to catch your breath and help travel tiredness resolve before you hit the ground.

And I’m going to warn you that in spite of everyone on here saying “open jaw” is almost the same price it may very well not be almost the same price so you may have to take the train. I’ve done this recently several times and it’s never been even close to the same price. And it’s not been a small difference. We’re talking over $1000 difference in price

As an example, I just checked flights for the July 13 BOE from Chicago. Best price r/t was to AMS on Delta for $1357, while the best price into AMS and out of CDG was on United for $1312. These are all nonstops. Of course this will vary from where you are flying from, exact dates, whether you want premium cabin, connections, etc. Just saying, it pays to look.

Thanks to everyone. Yes, I'm new at traveling to Europe and never heard of an open jaw ticket. I'm glad we are going on a Rick Steve tour that offers a forum that can be so helpful.

peakins34,
Just fyi, you don't have to be a RS tour goer to access the forum. I have never gone on a RS tour and access the forum often for the wonderful info contributors have provided, and for inspiration as well. Enjoy your trip!

We just flew into Paris and out of Amsterdam. Round trip doesn't make sense when you factor in time and cost to get back to Amsterdam at the end of your trip. It's usually called multi-city when booking.