Transportation Question Amsterdam to Dusseldorf

[cole]

Because of a schedule change, we had to modify our return trip and are departing from Dusseldorf rather than Amsterdam after traveling up the Rhine with Gate 1. Renting an automobile from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf seems to be extremely expensive, even for just one day. Any suggestions as to how to get from one city to another? Is the train an option for us?

Bitzy Cole

[hybrn8]

I have the link for the German train schedule service which is easy to use:http://www.bahn.de/p/view/index.shtml. It will get you to a German language site but there is a drop-down menu in upper right corner for English. I did a quick search and it appears there are a few departures with only one change of trains. This is now, may be better connections nearer to your departure time. European trains are dead easy to use - but you need to be aware that there are NO PORTERS any more. Do not be worried about close connections - they are rarely a problem. If you want to get off at the Amsterdam airport instead of going into the city, that is an option as well. Beware of agencies which sell European train tickets -their mark ups are almost always huge! The quote today is about 50 euros apiece for the journey. We have found specials when we've walked up to ticket counters. When you get off your inbound flight in Germany, there should be a train counter in the airport and you could go ahead and buy your ticket at the beginning of the trip. Driving would be a nice option but the drop-off fees might shock you. If you need somewhere to stay the night before your return flight home, the Sheraton at Amsterdam's airport is very nice.

[MSEm]

Check for the EuRail site. Also you can "Goggle" for European passenger trains" Also check for the advance purchase fare.

Eurail tickets can be purchased in the USA. There is a discount for 2 or more people traveling together. You can also get the full train schedules. An Express or fast train is the way to go. Just make sure you can handle all of your luggage and quickly get it on/off the train. Train stops may be less than 2 minutes at each stop. The European trains are great.

 

Good Luck,

MSEm

[hybrn8]

a single one-way ticket for the two of you. However, there is a wonderful product called a flexi-pass which is great if you are spending several days travelling about. Go over to tripadvisor and get a tutorial on how to buy a train ticket online but it's really not required as day of purchase ticketing is so easy (or, you can buy them at any station you pass once in Germany).

[Ine]

Check this site:

http://www.nshispeed.nl/en

and you will see there is a very good direct connection between Amsterdam Centraal Station and Duesseldorf Hauptbahnhof, every 2 hours. (Or if you leave from the airport, take a train to either Centraal Station or Utrecht and change trains there.)

On that site you can check rates, make reservations etc. Price depending how early you book and/or how many seats are available.

[hybrn8]

but I like the German one better - it's coverage is much more extensive and it doesn't default to its native tongue when problems arise. But, it's great to have a new resource.

[cole]

Thanks for all of your responses. It is always more comforting for a "newby" to hear from seasoned travelers when checking out new means of travel. Will definitely look into the train option.

Bitzy Cole