I always pause when I see those sleek ICE International trains waiting on the platform at Amsterdam Central station, bound for Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. There’s something about their streamlined design for me that captures both adventure and luxury.
Getting from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf is straightforward, with two excellent options that suit different travel preferences. The direct ICE International train takes 2 hours 20 minutes and costs from €25, offering a comfortable journey with no airport hassles.
For door-to-door convenience, a private driver costs around €300-350 for a one-trip and for up to four people. It takes around 2.5 hours to 3 hours with normal traffic – ideal if you value a door-to-door transfer without any luggage hassle at railway stations.
I recommend the train for most travelers due to its speed, comfort, and city center connections. Choose the private transfer if you prefer the convenience of being picked up at your hotel and dropped directly at your Düsseldorf accommodation.
Table of Contents
My Favorite Netherlands Guidebook
- Steves, Rick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 544 Pages - 03/04/2025 (Publication Date) - Rick Steves (Publisher)
Why Visit Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf combines German business efficiency with cultural richness in a compact, walkable city. The Altstadt (Old Town) along the Rhine offers traditional breweries serving locally-brewed Altbier, while the Königsallee boulevard provides world-class shopping. The MedienHafen district showcases striking modern architecture, including Frank Gehry’s distinctive twisted towers. It’s a working city with an attractive center that feels more relaxed and affordable than major German capitals.
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Find Places to Stay in Düsseldorf
Have you already booked your accommodation in Düsseldorf?
My 3 Favorite Düsseldorf Hotels
- My top pick: Breidenbacher Hof – serene elegance, true old world luxury
- Special experience: Hotel Kö59 Düsseldorf – modern, light, upscale design with fantastic artwork
- Chain pick: The Wellem by Hyatt – luxury at its best, great breakfast, and riverfront hotel
My Top Choice: ICE International Train Amsterdam to Düsseldorf
The beautiful ICE International high-speed train runs directly from Amsterdam Centraal to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof multiple times daily. I’ve taken this route many times, and the modern trains reach speeds up to 300 km/h once in Germany, making the journey smooth and efficient.
The ICE offers two classes: second class (€20-70) with seating in a 2-2 configuration, and the comfortable first class (€30-140) with 1-2 seating and complimentary lounge access in Amsterdam.
The cabin is a lot more quiet, and spacious. Since these trains sell out, space is worth the money. Also something cool about 1st class is some seats are directly behind he driver, with see-through windows. Literally, the best views in the house.
Trains depart every 2-4 hours. The journey includes brief stops in Utrecht and Arnhem before crossing into Germany, then continues through Oberhausen and Duisburg before reaching Düsseldorf.
Book through NS International (the official Dutch Railways website for international tickets).
Advance booking offers the best prices.
⤷ Book your Train Ticket from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf here >
Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
When I have clients preferring hassle-free travel, I suggest pre-booking a taxi. The 240 kilometer / 140-mile drive takes around 3 hours depending on traffic. No stations, no stairs, no luggage supervision.
If you pre-book your taxi expect to pay €300-350 for a one-way trip for up to four people with standard luggage. This works out to €75-85 per person for a group of four – competitive with flexible train tickets when you factor in the door-to-door service and luggage convenience.
The luxury option is worth it, you get a nicer car. This is a 3 hour drive so you don’t want small Uber type of car. Book a van if you have more than 2 suitcases for your party.
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 70% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
You’ll need internet access for your train tickets and navigating Düsseldorf with an app like Google Maps. Skip the expensive international roaming charges, or plans—an eSIM costs a fraction of your provider’s rates and gives you more data. Plus, it’s simple to install before you travel.
Inexpensive and Flexible SIM
Stay connected in the Netherlands
Skip hunting for WiFi. Get on the go navigation, translations and mobile internet that works everywhere in Europe – skip expensive international charges from your phone company.
My Phone Abroad Guide
Flight Option: Consider Total Time
KLM operates direct flights taking just 45 minutes between Amsterdam Schiphol and Düsseldorf airports. However, when you factor in check-in, security, and airport transfers, your total travel time will be longer than the train journey.
For travelers already near Schiphol or those connecting from international flights, this option makes sense. Otherwise, the train offers better value and convenience for this short distance.
Budget Alternative: FlixBus
FlixBus operates hourly services taking 2 hours 45 minutes for €15-25. Buses depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and arrive at Düsseldorf’s central bus station, both connected to local transport networks.
While slower than trains, buses offer free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard facilities. The service is reliable, though I recommend this primarily for budget-conscious travelers or those with flexible schedules.
Self-Driving from Amsterdam To Düsseldorf
The 240 kilometer / 140-mile drive to Düsseldorf takes about 3 hours via the A2 and A44 highways. However, one-way international car rentals between the Netherlands and Germany can be difficult.
Most major rental companies either prohibit one-way cross-border drops or charge substantial fees – often €200-500 on top of the rental rate. Then they might also surprise you with a cross-border surcharge at the desk. Hertz does this.
I only recommend self-driving if you’re planning an extended road trip through Germany or need a car for your Düsseldorf stay. For a simple Amsterdam-Düsseldorf transfer, the hassle and hidden costs rarely justify the apparent flexibility.
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A Rental Car is perfect for exploring the Dutch countryside and attractions, harder to reach at your own pace.
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What to Do in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is a city modern sophistication. The compact city center makes everything walkable, with most attractions within a 20-minute stroll of each other. Start with the hop-on-hop-off bus Düsseldorf to get a feel for where things are, and where you want to go after.
Altstadt is pretty and home to over 300 bars, breweries, and restaurants – earning it the nickname “the longest bar in the world.” Sample the local Altbier, a copper-colored beer served in small glasses, at traditional breweries like Zum Schlüssel.
The Königsallee shopping boulevard is famous and runs parallel to a tree-lined canal, creating an elegant promenade even for non-shoppers.
The 234-meter Rheinturm provides panoramic city views, while Rhine river cruises offer different perspectives of the cityscape. Cultural attractions include the Museum Kunstpalast and various galleries concentrated in the Ehrenhof complex.
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Frequently Asked Questions How to Get from Amsterdam to
Is a private driver worth the extra cost over the train between Amsterdam and Düsseldorf?
For groups of 3-4 people with luggage, private transfers offer good value at €70-100 per person while providing door-to-door service. Solo travelers get better value from the comfortable ICE train. As a couple it really depends on your budget, and your comfort levels. Most people enjoy the train, but if you want to carry luggage to and from the station, a taxi can definitely be worth the cost.
Do Germans really expect you to pay cash everywhere, or can I use my credit card?
Düsseldorf is more card-friendly than rural Germany, especially in tourist areas and hotels. However, traditional Altstadt breweries and smaller cafés often prefer cash. Germany in general can be more difficult when you want to pay by card. Sometimes they only take German cards, or do not accept cards under a certain threshold. I keep 100 in small bills, and coins for these situations – it’s also useful for public toilet fees. I recommend getting a Wise debit card if you’re from North America, the UK, Europe or Australia. It’s specifically designed for travel, is low cost, and offers free cash withdrawals.
Is Düsseldorf walkable for someone with mobility concerns?
The city center is quite flat and most attractions are within 15 minutes of each other. The Altstadt has some cobblestones that can be challenging, but main streets like Königsallee are smooth and well-maintained. Trams are modern with low floors, and most restaurants have accessible entrances.
What’s the real story with Altbier – is it actually different from regular German beer?
Altbier is genuinely unique to the Düsseldorf region – it’s copper-colored, less hoppy than typical German lagers, and served in small 200ml glasses called “Stange.” The small pours aren’t stingy; they keep the beer fresh and cold. Servers will keep bringing new ones until you place a coaster on top of your glass.
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Conclusion
Choose the ICE International train for the best combination of speed, comfort, and value. The direct service, beautiful rolling stock, and city center connections make this the clear winner for most travelers.
Opt for private transfers when traveling as a group, carrying substantial luggage, or preferring absolute convenience over cost savings. The door-to-door service justifies the premium for many travelers in this demographic. Make sure to pre-book your taxi to Düsseldorf, a metered taxi is a lot more expensive.
Skip flights unless connecting from international services, as total travel time doesn’t justify the cost premium for this short European route.
Read More:
- All my “How To Get From Amsterdam” Transportation Guides
- Check out for friends Cate and Aarons site, if you plan a Germany vacation
Last update on 2025-10-05 at 17:08 - Products, Prices, and Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
