Hello, What is the best way to get to Amsterdam from the Loire Valley? Is there a direct train to Amsterdam or is a Paris connection necessary? Also, how long would the trip take? Thank you!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
For rail services from Paris to Amsterdam see www.thalys.com. You will probably have to change in Paris from the Gare Montparnasse to the Gare du Nord - it's a direct ride on Metro Line 4 with no changes. For rail to Paris check times and fares from wherever you want to go in the Loire valley at www.tgv-europe.com, claiming to be from another country to the US so you don't get redirected to US Rail Europe, which often has poorer fares and less journeys available. Make sure you leave at least an hour to cross Paris, in case of queues at the Metro ticket office or delays. The journey will probably take most of a day.
Posted by
OP
Somewhere in California
107 posts
Thank you, that's very helpful.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2084 posts
All roads may lead to Rome, but I wonder too if all rails lead to Paris (or at least when traveling in France). A Paris connection may not only be necessary, but desirable. Last week I looked for tix from Arnhem,NE to Strasbourg,FR. The"direct" route by my geographical reckoning took 7 1/2 hours. The high speed train that went Arnhem to Paris and back to Strasbourg covered the trip in 5 hours. The Loire is GORGEOUS. A car there is great. We loved our stay at the Auberge de Launay across from Amboise. Have a great trip.