A city trip by train doesn't have to mean spending half a day changing trains at unfamiliar stations. Antwerp is just over an hour from Amsterdam, Paris can be reached directly in about three and a half hours, and even Berlin is doable without changing trains. However, the best train destination isn't automatically the city with the shortest travel time. It makes quite a difference whether you have two or four nights, whether you're departing from Groningen or Rotterdam, and whether you mainly want to eat, shop or visit museums.
In this guide we compare twelve European cities on travel time, transfers, budget, atmosphere and ideal length of stay. That way you can quickly see which train journey really makes sense for your weekend. Want broader inspiration first? Then also check out our guide to fun city trips in Europe. Do you mainly know how much time and budget you have, but not yet which city fits? Then MyTripMatcher can help narrow down the options to a shortlist that suits you.
City trip by train at a glance
| Destination | Travel time from Amsterdam | Transfers | Best for | Ideal length | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp | approx. 1h 15 | 0 | Eating, shopping and going out | 1-2 nights | Medium |
| Düsseldorf | approx. 2h 15 | 0 | Shopping, art and food/drink | 2 nights | Medium |
| Ghent | approx. 2h 30 | 1 | History and gastronomy | 2 nights | Medium |
| Cologne | approx. 2h 40 | 0 | Culture, cafés and Christmas | 2 nights | Medium |
| Paris | approx. 3h 25 | 0 | Culture, food and romance | 2-3 nights | Higher |
| London | approx. 4h 20 | 0 | Museums, shops and going out | 3 nights | Higher |
| Hamburg | approx. 5h 15 | 1 | Harbour, architecture and nightlife | 3 nights | Medium |
| Luxembourg | approx. 5h 30 | 1 | Peace and quiet, history and walking | 2-3 nights | Medium to higher |
| Berlin | approx. 5h 50 | 0 | Culture, food and going out | 3-4 nights | Medium |
| Munich | approx. 7h | 0 | Beer gardens, culture and parks | 3-4 nights | Higher |
| Basel | approx. 7h 10 | 1 | Art, old town and the Rhine | 3 nights | Higher |
| Vienna | approx. 14h, night train | 0 | Museums, coffee houses and culture | 3-4 nights | Medium to higher |
The table uses current indicative travel times from Amsterdam. Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Paris and Berlin currently have fast direct connections; Ghent requires one transfer.
For London, Hamburg, Luxembourg, Munich, Basel and Vienna the travel time is longer, but the train can still make sense with three or four nights. London and Munich can be reached directly; Hamburg and Luxembourg usually require one transfer, while Vienna can be reached directly with the Nightjet.
By the way, the fastest city is not necessarily the best choice. For two nights Antwerp can be ideal, whereas for three nights you might prefer to sit a bit longer and get off in London or Berlin.
MyTripMatcher is built exactly around that distinction: not just where can you go, but above all which destination fits how much time, budget and travel comfort you have.
When is a city trip by train smarter than flying?
A flight of an hour and a half looks a lot faster on paper than a four-hour train journey. But that comparison only becomes interesting once you look at the whole trip.
When flying, you also have to count the ride to the airport, the margin for security, boarding, luggage and the transfer on arrival. With the train, for many destinations you board in a Dutch city centre and get off right in the middle of your destination.
| The train often makes sense when... | Flying can make more sense when... |
|---|---|
| your destination is reachable within roughly 4-7 hours | the train journey takes considerably longer than half a day |
| you only have two or three nights | you want to go to Southern or Eastern Europe |
| the station is centrally located | the flight and airport transfer are exceptionally efficient |
| you want to bring luggage without flight-related constraints | a long train journey requires several transfers |
| you want to read, work or relax on the way | your available holiday days are very limited |
| you'd rather avoid the airport process | the train connection on your departure day is unfavourable |
London is an exception to the classic train advantage: although you travel directly to St Pancras, border and security checks apply here. NS International therefore advises extra time before departure. An ETA is also required for the United Kingdom.
In short: don't just look at the number behind flight time or train journey. The door-to-door travel time determines how much of your weekend is actually left.
How to choose the best train destination
Start with the time you have. Four hours of travel may sound long, but it's very different for three nights than for a single overnight stay.
Pay particular attention to:
- Maximum travel time: determine how many hours you find acceptable on the outbound and return journey.
- Transfers: a direct journey of five hours can be more comfortable than four hours with three transfers.
- Departure station: from Rotterdam, Belgium, Paris and London are often faster; from Arnhem, German cities are relatively favourable.
- Number of nights: the longer the train journey, the more nights you'll want to stay.
- Arrival time: an early arrival gives you almost an extra holiday day.
- Ticket price: international fares often become more expensive as the departure date gets closer.
- Station location: a central station saves both time and local transport.
- Atmosphere: ultimately choose based on what you want to do, not just a convenient train.
- Season: Christmas markets, festivals and school holidays affect both crowds and prices.
- Travel companions: a romantic weekend calls for something different than three days out with girlfriends.
Travelling with your partner? Then our guide to a romantic weekend away can help you weigh up atmosphere and type of stay. For a group of girlfriends you'll find more specific guidance in Girls' weekend: 12 atmospheric destinations and ideas.
Quick decision check
- How many full days do you have?
- How many hours do you want to travel at most?
- Do you mind changing trains?
- Which Dutch station are you departing from?
- What do you mainly want to do?
- What is your total budget?
Do you have three nights and are you fine with six hours on a direct train? Then Berlin suddenly comes clearly into view. Do you only have one night, then even Paris is probably less logical than Antwerp or Düsseldorf.
12 great cities for a city trip by train
Less than about 4 hours by train
Antwerp - barely any travel time lost
Antwerp is one of the easiest foreign city trips from the Netherlands. You get off at Antwerp-Central and stand right between shops, restaurants and city districts that combine well on foot. The historic centre, Het Zuid and Het Eilandje also offer enough variety for two days.
Train journey: from Amsterdam you travel in about 1 hour and 15 minutes directly with Eurocity Direct or Eurostar. From Rotterdam the journey takes about 45 minutes.
From the station: Antwerp-Central is right next to the shopping area and within walking distance of the old centre.
Ideal length: one or two nights.
Budget and period: medium. Suitable all year round.
Point of attention: for one night Antwerp is a strong choice, but as a result popular weekend dates also get expensive quickly.
Düsseldorf - shopping and art in just over two hours
Düsseldorf works well if you're looking for a German city without sitting on the train for five hours. Königsallee, the Altstadt and the Rhine promenade easily fill a weekend, while K20 and K21 are interesting for modern art.
Train journey: from Amsterdam the ICE runs directly to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof in about 2 hours and 14 minutes. From Utrecht the journey takes just under two hours.
From the station: the Hauptbahnhof is centrally located and has good metro and tram connections to the Altstadt and MedienHafen.
Ideal length: two nights.
Budget and period: medium. Spring, autumn and December are attractive.
Point of attention: major trade fairs can push hotel prices up considerably.
Ghent - a culinary weekend with one simple transfer
Ghent is interesting if good food, historic streets and a relaxed pace matter more to you than a huge itinerary. The Graslei, Korenlei, Patershol and the Gravensteen castle are close enough together to see much of on foot.
Train journey: allow about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Amsterdam with one transfer in Antwerp. The fastest connections can be slightly shorter.
From the station: Gent-Sint-Pieters is not right in the historic centre. By tram or bus you're there quickly.
Ideal length: two nights.
Budget and period: medium. Lovely in spring and autumn.
Point of attention: the extra transfer makes Ghent slightly less carefree than Antwerp.
Cologne - stepping off right next to the Cathedral
Cologne is practical and large enough for a complete weekend. Museums, the Rhine promenade, breweries and the Belgisches Viertel give the city more variety than just the Cathedral and Altstadt.
Train journey: the ICE runs directly from Amsterdam to Köln Hbf in about 2 hours and 37 minutes. Direct options also exist from Utrecht and Arnhem.
From the station: Köln Hbf is literally next to the Cathedral and on the edge of the historic city centre.
Ideal length: two nights.
Budget and period: medium. Usable all year round.
Point of attention: Carnival and Christmas markets make the city more fun, but also considerably busier.
Paris - three and a half hours and you're at Gare du Nord
Paris remains one of the strongest examples of a train destination where flying is hardly the obvious choice. You can leave Amsterdam in the morning and already be in Paris before lunch.
Train journey: Eurostar runs directly from Amsterdam to Paris Gare du Nord in about 3 hours and 25 minutes. From Rotterdam the fastest connection takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes.
From the station: Gare du Nord is in the city and has direct metro and RER connections.
Ideal length: two to three nights.
Budget and period: higher. Spring and autumn are pleasant.
Point of attention: train and hotel prices can rise quickly on popular weekends. Booking early helps.
Roughly 4 to 6 hours of travel
London - direct, under the Channel
London is interesting if you want a big city without an airport transfer. Museums, restaurants, shops and different neighbourhoods can easily fill three full days.
Train journey: Eurostar runs directly from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London St Pancras. From Amsterdam the scheduled travel time is about 4 hours and 20 minutes.
From the station: St Pancras is very centrally located and, via King's Cross, connects to almost the whole city.
Ideal length: at least three nights.
Budget and period: higher. Suitable all year round.
Point of attention: you need to be at the station earlier for passport and security checks and need an ETA. As a result the effective travel time is longer than just the train ride.
Hamburg - a port city that deserves three nights
Hamburg suits travellers who want to combine architecture, restaurants and urban water. Speicherstadt, HafenCity, St. Pauli and the Alster offer enough variety to fill three days.
Train journey: from Amsterdam the journey takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes, currently usually with one transfer in Osnabrück.
From the station: Hamburg Hbf is on the east side of the centre and has excellent U-Bahn and S-Bahn connections.
Ideal length: three nights.
Budget and period: medium. Spring to early autumn is pleasant.
Point of attention: the German timetable is sensitive to engineering works. Check your connection just before departure.
Luxembourg - compact, green and quiet
Luxembourg City is smaller than Berlin or Hamburg and therefore suits travellers who prefer walking, having lunch and taking things in slowly rather than ticking off highlights for three days straight. The changes in elevation, old fortifications and neighbourhoods along the Alzette give the city a surprising landscape.
Train journey: from Amsterdam the fastest journey takes about 5 hours and 33 minutes, with a transfer in Brussels-South.
From the station: Luxembourg station is south of the historic centre. Local public transport in Luxembourg is free in second class.
Ideal length: two to three nights.
Budget and period: medium to higher. Spring and early autumn are pleasant.
Point of attention: the journey is relatively long for such a compact city. For a single night I would skip it.
Berlin - six hours in the seat, but no transfer
Berlin proves that a longer train journey isn't automatically impractical. Almost six hours sounds substantial, but because you travel directly and arrive in the centre, three or four nights can work well.
Train journey: the ICE currently runs directly from Amsterdam to Berlin five times a day. The fastest journey takes about 5 hours and 51 minutes. From Amersfoort it's about 5 hours and 15 minutes.
From the station: Berlin Hauptbahnhof is centrally located and connects directly to S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and regional trains.
Ideal length: three to four nights.
Budget and period: medium. Spring and autumn are nice for being outdoors a lot.
Point of attention: Berlin is large. A cheap hotel on the wrong side of the city costs a lot of travel time every day.
Roughly 6 to 8 hours of travel
Munich - a longer ride that starts to pay off at three nights
Munich combines museums, beer gardens, historic squares and large parks. That gives you enough reason, after a longer train journey, to actually stay three or four days.
Train journey: NS International currently lists a direct ICE connection from Amsterdam with a travel time of about 6 hours and 57 minutes.
From the station: München Hbf is on the edge of the centre; Marienplatz is easy to reach on foot or by S-Bahn.
Ideal length: three to four nights.
Budget and period: higher. Spring and early autumn are pleasant.
Point of attention: around Oktoberfest and major events, hotel prices can rise dramatically.
Basel - art and the Rhine at the end of a long travel day
Basel is especially interesting if art, architecture and a calm city pace matter to you. The old town, the Rhine and large museums offer enough content for a weekend, while the scale stays manageable.
Train journey: the current daytime connection from Amsterdam takes about 7 hours and 10 minutes with a transfer in Frankfurt. There is also a night train connection towards Basel.
From the station: Basel SBB is just outside the old town; tram connections take you further quickly.
Ideal length: at least three nights.
Budget and period: higher. Spring and summer suit the Rhine well.
Point of attention: Swiss prices make Basel noticeably more expensive than many German or Belgian alternatives.
Special with the night train
Vienna - sleeping en route and waking up in Austria
Vienna is too far for a classic weekend with a daytime train, but the Nightjet changes the equation. You depart from the Netherlands in the evening and arrive in Vienna the next morning. As a result you lose fewer daylight hours than the raw travel time would suggest.
Train journey: the Nightjet runs directly from, among others, Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem to Vienna. The total night journey is around fourteen hours. There are seats, couchettes and sleeper accommodations.
From the station: Wien Hauptbahnhof has fast connections towards the historic centre.
Ideal length: three to four nights.
Budget and period: medium to higher. Spring, autumn and December are attractive.
Point of attention: a seat on a night train is cheap, but not the same as a good night's sleep. Compare couchette and sleeper options before looking only at the lowest price.
Direct by train from the Netherlands
If you especially want to avoid changing trains, the selection becomes smaller but clearer.
| City | Dutch departure points | Direct? | Travel time from Amsterdam | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp | Amsterdam, Schiphol, Rotterdam, Breda | Yes | approx. 1h15 | 1-2 nights |
| Düsseldorf | Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem | Yes | approx. 2h15 | 2 nights |
| Cologne | Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem | Yes | approx. 2h40 | 2 nights |
| Paris | Amsterdam, Schiphol, Rotterdam | Yes | approx. 3h25 | 2-3 nights |
| London | Amsterdam, Rotterdam | Yes | approx. 4h20 | 3 nights |
| Berlin | Amsterdam, Amersfoort, Deventer, Hengelo | Yes | approx. 5h50 | 3-4 nights |
| Munich | Amsterdam | Yes, check the connection | approx. 7h | 3-4 nights |
| Vienna | Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem | Yes, Nightjet | approx. 14h | 3-4 nights |
The exact departure stations and services may change per timetable. Especially for German ICE routes and night trains, it's wise to check again shortly before booking. In the summer of 2026, a mandatory seat reservation also temporarily applies to international ICE journeys.
City trip by train for two or three nights
Two nights
With two nights I would mainly stay within about four hours of travel time. Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Ghent, Cologne and Paris then give you enough time on site without the journey dominating the weekend.
If you leave on Friday afternoon and arrive late, choose Antwerp or Düsseldorf rather than Paris.
Three nights
With three nights, London, Hamburg, Luxembourg and Berlin become much more interesting. Five to six hours of travel feels less heavy then, especially when the connection is direct or requires only one transfer.
Paris also becomes more comfortable with three nights: you don't have to plan every day to the full.
Four nights or longer
Munich, Basel and Vienna make more sense when you have four nights or more. For Vienna, the night train can also effectively replace a hotel night, although that depends on the comfort level chosen.
Weekend away by train per season
Spring
Ghent, Paris, Luxembourg and Berlin work well in spring. Parks and terraces become appealing again, while the biggest summer crowds haven't started yet.
Summer
Hamburg, London and Basel benefit from long days. Basel is interesting if you want to combine walking through the city with time by the Rhine.
In summer, do check reservation rules for international ICEs. In 2026, a seat reservation is mandatory on international ICE journeys between 26 June and 31 August.
Autumn
Paris, Munich, Düsseldorf and Ghent suit September and October well. The weather is often still suitable for walking, while museums and restaurants naturally become more important.
Winter
Cologne, Vienna and Munich are classic winter options, while Paris has enough indoor activities all year round.
If you specifically want to go for a Christmas market, first check the event dates and hotel prices. A cheap train ticket doesn't help much if the hotel is twice as expensive during a popular December weekend.
What does a city trip by train cost?
The amounts below are broad planning indications per person for a return train ticket, a shared hotel room, normal meals, local transport and one activity. They are not current quotes.
| Type of trip | Nights | Indication p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby and budget | 2 | €180 - €350 |
| Direct international train | 2 | €220 - €420 |
| Paris or London | 2-3 | €300 - €600 |
| German city trip | 2-3 | €250 - €500 |
| Longer train journey | 3 | €350 - €650 |
| Night train + city trip | 3-4 | €450 - €850 |
| Luxury weekend | 2-3 | €650 - €1,100+ |
Train fares are dynamic. For example, current starting prices at NS International are around €20 to Antwerp, Düsseldorf and Cologne, €35 to Paris and €38 to Berlin, but the number of cheap tickets available is limited.
How to keep costs down
- Book international trains early if your travel dates are fixed.
- Compare Friday to Sunday with Saturday to Monday.
- Look at different Dutch departure stations.
- Compare cheap and flexible fares carefully on their conditions.
- Choose a hotel close to the centre or station if that saves on local transport.
Booking train tickets: what should you watch out for?
International train tickets don't always work the same way as a domestic NS ticket.
With Eurostar, a specific train and seat are part of your booking. With German ICE tickets there are different fare classes: the cheapest fares are often less flexible, while flexible tickets cost more.
Pay particular attention to:
- Booking window: the earlier you book, the greater the chance of low fares.
- Flexibility: check whether changes and cancellations are possible.
- Seat: included on some trains, optional or temporarily mandatory on others.
- Transfer time: saving five minutes isn't always worth the risk.
- Through-ticket: one booking can be more convenient if a connection is missed.
- Luggage: rules differ per carrier.
- Return versus single tickets: compare both options.
- Engineering works: check the journey planner again shortly before departure.
For Germany, a mandatory seat reservation temporarily applies to international ICEs in the summer of 2026. Outside that period NS International does recommend reserving, but it is generally not mandatory.
A city trip without flying: what does it actually deliver?
A city trip without flying doesn't have to be only a matter of principle. For short trips there are mainly practical advantages.
You can read or work on the way, don't need to go to an airport outside the city, and arrive directly in the centre at many destinations. Luggage rules are also often simpler, and it's easier to get up or walk around during a longer journey.
There are downsides too. German connections can be sensitive to delays and engineering works. Transfers make a long journey more vulnerable, and cheap train tickets are far from always cheap last-minute.
That's why I wouldn't automatically present the train as the best choice. For Antwerp, Paris or Cologne it's particularly logical. For a destination ten hours and three transfers away, the calculation can turn out differently.
Let MyTripMatcher find a train destination that suits you
You may know that you want to travel a maximum of five hours, would rather not change trains twice, want to be away for three nights and mainly want to eat well. But then: do you choose Ghent, Paris, Düsseldorf or Hamburg after all?
MyTripMatcher helps exactly with choices like that. You indicate what matters for your trip, such as budget, maximum travel time, atmosphere, length of stay and travel companions. You can then compare destinations that match that combination.
You keep the final choice yourself. The matcher mainly helps narrow down the long list of possible European cities to options that fit both practically and in substance. Indicate how much travel time and budget you have and discover which city trips suit your way of travelling.
Frequently asked questions about a city trip by train
Which cities can you easily reach by train from the Netherlands?
Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Ghent and Paris are particularly practical because you reach them from Amsterdam within about three and a half hours. Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Paris have direct connections; for Ghent you normally change trains once. London and Berlin are also directly reachable, but require more travel time.
What is a fun city trip by train?
For two nights, Antwerp, Ghent, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Paris are strong choices. If you have three or four nights, London, Hamburg and Berlin become more interesting. Besides travel time, look particularly at transfers, the location of the station and what you want to do in the city.
Which European cities are directly reachable by train?
From Amsterdam you can travel directly to, among others, Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Paris, London, Berlin and Munich. With the Nightjet, Vienna and various destinations along the way are also directly reachable. Timetables can change, so check again before booking.
Where can you go for a weekend away by train?
With two nights I would mainly choose Belgium, western Germany or Paris. With three nights you can comfortably go further to London, Hamburg, Luxembourg or Berlin. Munich and Basel suit at least three to four nights better, because the train journey approaches seven hours.
Which city trip is suitable without flying?
Antwerp and Cologne are particularly easy because you arrive directly in the centre. Paris and London also show that large European capitals are well reachable without a plane. For a longer experience, a night train to Vienna can be interesting.
How far can you get in five hours by train?
From Amsterdam you can reach, among others, Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Ghent, Cologne, Paris and London within about five hours. Hamburg is just above that limit. From Rotterdam, Belgium, Paris and London are usually reachable faster, while Utrecht and Arnhem are favourable for German destinations.
Is the train cheaper than flying for a city trip?
Not always. International train tickets can be very attractive if booked early, but can become considerably more expensive last-minute. So don't compare ticket prices alone. For flying, also factor in luggage, airport transport and transfers, and for the train, any reservations and travel costs to the station.
How early should you book international train tickets?
As soon as your travel date is fixed, comparing early is usually wise. The cheapest Eurostar and ICE fares have limited availability. Flexible tickets tend to remain available longer, but cost more. Also check the conditions: the cheapest fare is not always changeable or refundable.
Which train destination will you choose?
A good city trip by train doesn't start with the question of which city is furthest reachable. First look at how many full days you have, how many hours you want to travel and how many transfers you find acceptable. After that, atmosphere and budget become the deciding factors.
For two nights, Antwerp, Ghent, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Paris make sense. With three or four nights you can look further afield, to London, Berlin, Munich or even a night train to Vienna.
Want to compare several European cities side by side? Then also check out our guide to 18 fun city trips in Europe. Or fill in your travel preferences at MyTripMatcher and discover which destination best matches your available time, budget and travel style.
With Love, team MTM