Visiting Amsterdam and Switzerland

Consider taking the direct night train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Basel. From there a direct intercity train to Interlaken and the Berner Oberland section of the Swiss Alps: http://youtu.be/eJsl0GvLJEk If you prefer to stay in a city Luzern is a good choice. Only an hour away from Zurich airport via direct trains: http://youtu.be/NYy_maSNnco

Mindy, Travel by train would the easiest and quickest travel method, but even so it will take the better part of a day to get from Amsterdam to Switzerland. With only three days, I'm not sure you'll have time to stop and visit anything on the way. My suggestion would be to stop for a couple of days in Lucerne. It's an incredibly beautiful city, and there should be enough there to keep your 6-year old interested. The famous Lion of Lucerne might be interesting but of course it would need an explanation of the significance. You could probably spend the better part of a day at the Museum of Transport. You could also do a "walkabout" along the river and various parts of town and have a look at some of the beautiful Churches, and of course the Chapel Bridge. If you decide to visit Lucerne, the quickest rail trip is 8H:01M with one change at Basel SBB. It's an easy trip from there to Zurich Airport. There are direct trains right to the airport (1H:03M) or slightly longer with one change at Zurich HB (1H:11M). If you're planning to buy rail tickets at Amsterdam Central, note that they ONLY accept "Chip & PIN" credit cards or Cash. A final note. While you could use a budget flight to BSL, the current fares are ~€100 PP, only one flight a day and you'd have to spend more to get from the airport to your destination (and of course the usual airport hassles). I'd still choose the 8 hour rail journey. The Berner Oberland is a bit longer by rail, but certainly possible and a beautiful area. I emphasized Lucerne as I felt it may have more to offer your 6-year old. Happy travels!

" .....If you're planning to buy rail tickets at Amsterdam Central, note that they ONLY accept "Chip & PIN" credit cards or Cash...." Whether you take the overnight or daytime train into Switzerland it not advisable to purchase tickets for this route on the day of your journey. By purchasing in advance via the German Rail site (rail.de), you'll save a significant amount of money.

If you choose Lucerne (good choice) the mirror maze and the glacier garden are great fun. Sure your six year old and you will enjoy it. Lucerne is very conveneient to a departure from Zurich; although I would be tempted by the Jungfrau area

AVOID the night train which is crap and old. There is a daily higher speed ICE from Amsterdam to Basel departing 8h04, arriving 14h47. Else, if the departure time is inconvenient, you can take the ICE to Frankfurt + easy connection in another ICE to Basel.

"...AVOID the night train which is crap and old...." I've done this night train several times, and have found it to be anything but old & crap. The private sleepers are on modern double decker coaches. If you splurge for the deluxe sleepers, you get your own toilet/shower, table/chairs, cabinets to store your gear, and the beds are set-up so you can look out the windows while laying in bed. The six-year old will get a kick out of it. I highly recommend it: http://www.citynightline.ch

Thank you for your suggestions. We were thinking about visiting Lucerne and will now plan on it!

While in Lucern take the train to Engleberg (about an hour) and take the Rotair cable car to Mount Titlis. The bus to the cable car leaves from the Engleberg station. Your 6 year old would love this adventre.