I am traveling from Paris to Schipol and my flight leaves at 2pm. I am wondering if I would make it in time to leave Paris via train the morning of my flight, or should I take an overnight train. And if I do have to take the overnight train, how would that work exactly?
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
Laura -
It is about 4 to 4 1/2 hours to AMS from Paris by Thalys. From the central station you could take a taxi or public transport to Schipol - which is approximately 20 minutes.
If you are taking a transatlantic flight the same day - I would consider not taking the 4 1/2 hours by train the same day. It can be exhausting sitting for so many hours.
For Thalys times and prices see www.voyages-sncf.com
For Schipol information see http://www.schiphol.nl
You may want to think about train the day before and stay the night in AMS.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The first Thalys train leaves Gare du Nord at 06:25 and goes directly to Schiphol, arriving at 10:19. You don't even have to go all the way to Amsterdam.
There is no overnight train between Paris and Amsterdam.
If you want to travel overnight to save the cost of a hotel room and to allow an extra margin of time to get to Schiphol, you can take a Eurolines coach. Leave Paris at 23:00 and arrive in Amsterdam at 06:30. See www.eurolines.com.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I need to amend my previous post. The first train stops at Schiphol Monday-Friday only.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
Be advised that I have been on a couple of Thalys trains from Paris to Amsterdam that even though they are scheduled to stop at Schipol, have bypassed the airport because of "track congestion". This has happened to me twice over a ten year period so I don't know if the is a semi-regular occurrence or I was just unlucky. apologetic announcements were made and effected passengers were told their tickets would be honored for the regular airport train between Centraal Station and Schipol.
Posted by
West Sacramento, California, USA
281 posts
You do not specify your airline in your post, but just in case you are flying on KLM, Air France, or Northwest, they are all Sky Team members, and KLM and Air France are the same company. Perhaps you can get a deal on the connection between Paris and Amsterdam.
Other wise, consider going the day before, spend the night in Haarlem or Amsterdam, and have a more leisurely morning before your flight.