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Train from Amsterdam to Hamburg?

Hello all! Do we need to reserve / pay for train tickets from Amsterdam to Hamburg in advance or buy there? It appears the ICE train is our best bet and Rick suggests 2nd class? Any ideas or suggestions? thanks!

Posted by
32352 posts

Sheila, I believe you can pre-purchase tickets on that route if desired, or you can purchase at Amsterdam Central when you arrive. The bahn.de website shows fares as low as €71, but the exact fare will depend on which train you choose (some have 4 changes!). It's also very easy to buy there, but one important point to note. You'll need CASH to buy tickets at Amsterdam Central as they ONLY ACCEPT "Chip & PIN" credit cards. I've seen travellers from the U.S. turned away at the ticket windows after waiting in the queue for half an hour or more, as they didn't have that type of credit card. The ticket office at Amsterdam Central is similar to many others in Europe. You'll have to "take a number" and then wait for the first available agent. There's usually an electronic display and a "gong" that indicates when each number is called. I don't recall if there were ticket Kiosks, but that's probably the case. Happy travels!

Posted by
9110 posts

If you want to cheapest price it's best to purchase in advance via rail.de You can purchase tickets when you arrive in Amsterdam, but you will likely be paying the most expensive fare.

Posted by
8700 posts

There is no direct train. Depending upon your departure time you will have to make a connection in either Osnabrueck or Duisburg. You will not have trouble getting tickets if you wait and buy them in Amsterdam, but you will pay full fare (between €92.20 and €112.80 depending upon your route). If you book ASAP (up to 92 days allowed) on the German Rail site, you can get a discount fare as low as €39.00. Those tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable so be sure you can commit before booking.

Posted by
16 posts

That is wonderful information - sounds like we can save a good deal of money if we book tickets ahead of time, but then how do we get the tickets in-hand? We will be leaving for Amsterdam in three weeks. THANK YOU to all who gave such good info and assistance!

Posted by
8700 posts

If you book tickets on the German Rail site, you can print them yourself.

Posted by
14980 posts

Hi, I would suggest as the most direct and simplest way to go direct on the ICE from Amsterdam to Duisburg Hbf., a junction point, then take the IC direct to Hamburg Hbf.