Curious how many would take a 6 1/2 hour train or a 1 1/2 hr flight between Amsterdam to Berlin. With all the staffing issues and hassles at the airport, which would you prefer? Thanks.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11872 posts
I am guessing that from hotel to hotel the total travel time is not significantly different.
Cost difference and how many train changes there might be would probably be the deciding factors for me.
Posted by
Maryland
907 posts
You don't say when you will be traveling, but looking at fares/schedules for June 2022 Bahn.com shows a 6 hour train trip with one stop in Hannover. 2nd Class for less than 50 Euros and First Class for about 100 Euros. If it were me it would depend on when during my trip I was doing it (beginning, middle or end). 6 Hours on a train is near my absolute limit, but maybe in first class and to avoid very busy airports, and the transfer from airport to downtown.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6969 posts
Given the recent posts here and elsewhere about Amsterdam airport, train will probably be faster. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/transportation/ams-is-a-mess
As well as cheaper and more comfortable. So it seems like an easy decision.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2004 posts
And flying out of Schipol Airport in the near term is problematic if time is a consideration.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2679 posts
I use about a 6 hour guideline for plane vs. train. If it’s about 6 hours, I usually go for the city center to city center train route.
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
NickB perhaps means one train change at Hanover, not one stop. Train makes many stops along the way. I am seeing prices of 59.90 EUR in 1st class 6 weeks from today. That is a pretty good deal for a Super Sparpreis, nonrefundable ticket.
Interesting that the direct train to Berlin ends at Berlin Gesundbrunnen and does not stop at the Hbf. It is operated by NS, the Dutch rail company. Either way, both the direct and Hanover connections stop at Berlin Spandau where you can transfer to the S-Bahn with stops at many Berlin stations like Savignyplatz, Zoogarten, Hbf, Hackescher Markt, Alexanderplatz, Ostbahnhof. Whatever S-Bahn stop is closest to your hotel, just specify that stop as your final destination and it will be included in the same low price.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10597 posts
Considering my terrible experience flying home from Amsterdam last Sunday I would suggest the train. City center to city center and you don’t have to get to the train station 3-4 hours early as you do for the airport. Another point is trains aren’t delayed as often as flights can be.