Family of three / moderate budget
First time poster
Looking for travel tips from Neuchatel to Amsterdam. I've driven before by car, but I'm wondering if train or short flights might be a better option...? We should have several suitcases in tow. TIA
Posted by
Paris
7682 posts
Hi, and welcome.
I assume you'd need to rent the car: that would be a non-starter, sadly, due to the steep drop off charges if you rent in country A and drop off in country B. When I say steep, I mean well over $1,000.
And even if you have your car, the train is cheaper anyway, once you factor in petrol costs. If you go via Germany, you can have tickets for about 50 euros per person booked in advance via Deutsche Bahn. Possibly even 40. A random date in November gave me such €50 tickets. Suitcases aren't a problem as long as you can drag them along, and possibly up or down the odd stairs. It's a long train ride with 2-3 changes, but the drive is long too, and flying involves getting to Zürich, Geneva or Basel airports, none of which are very close to Neuchâtel...
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Excellent. I should have said we are going in the summertime and the train option is what I was hoping for. Thank you for the info.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
What is the name of the train that I would then book in Neuchatel to Amsterdam?
Posted by
Paris
7682 posts
There are several trains, not just one. Look at the Deutsche Bahn website, it will give you all information and will let you book the cheapest route (via Germany) up to 6 months in advance (no refunds). The route will probably require three transfers and be like Neuchâtel - Bienne - Basel - Frankfurt - Amsterdam. The transfers in Switzerland are very easy, Frankfurt is fine too (no stairs, all tracks are dead-end and side by side).
Posted by
Green Bay
22905 posts
If you don't mind getting to Amsterdam late, there is a direct train from Basel, departing at 3:13 pm, arriving at 9:58 pm. Connect there from Neuchatel via Biel/Bienne.