Best Europe Tours from Amsterdam

Getting from Amsterdam to Europe

By Train

Amsterdam Central Station is the city's main train station and connects you directly to many of its European neighbors.

Countries close to Amsterdam by train: You can take direct trains to Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges), Germany (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Frankfurt), and France (Paris). London in the UK is also easily accessible via Eurostar. Nightjet can also travel to cities such as Vienna, Zurich, and Munich.

Day trips from Amsterdam by train to other countries: Popular international day trip destinations include Brussels (Belgium) and Cologne (Germany), which can be reached in just 2-3 hours by high-speed train.

By Plane

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is a major international airport offering direct flights to Europe and beyond, including:

Major European Cities with Direct Flights to Amsterdam: London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Dublin, Lisbon, Vienna, Zurich and countless others. This also makes the Europe tour from Amsterdam quite convenient.

By Coach

There is also the option of traveling from Amsterdam to different cities in Europe by bus, which costs less but consumes more time. They are usually operated by FlixBus.

Closest city in Europe to Amsterdam

Within the Netherlands

Haarlem: often considered the closest city, only 20 minutes by train.

Utrecht: the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, about 30 minutes by train.

Leiden: university town, about 35 minutes by train.

Rotterdam: the second largest city and main port in the Netherlands, about 40 minutes by train.

The Hague (Den Haag): seat of the Dutch government, about 45 minutes by train.

Other European countries

Antwerp, Belgium: 1 hour and 20 minutes by high-speed train at the fastest.

Brussels, Belgium: about 2 hours by high-speed train.

Cologne, Germany: about 3-4 hours by high-speed train.

Best Places to Visit in Europe from Amsterdam

When visiting Europe from Amsterdam, the following cities are worthy destinations.

• Paris, France: The “City of Light” is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and delicious cafes and bakeries.

• Brussels, Belgium: Explore the Grand Place, enjoy Belgian waffles, and visit the Atomic Ball Tower. Finally, buy some Belgian chocolates as a souvenir.

• Cologne, Germany: Explore the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and walk the Rhine River.

• Rome, Italy: Learn about ancient history at the Colosseum and Roman Forum and flip a coin at the Trevi Fountain.

• Swiss Alps: Marvel at magnificent mountain views, pristine lakes, and charming villages.

• Barcelona, Spain: Visit the famous church of Sagrada Familia and enjoy the works of the great painter at the Picasso Museum Barcelona.

• Vienna, Austria: Come to the Hundertwasser House to observe the rich colors of the place or the Schönbrunn Palace to see traces of Sisi's life.

The best time to visit Europe from Amsterdam

Spring (late March to early June) and Fall (September to October), it's the best times of the year. The weather during these two seasons is comfortable and ideal for spending time outdoors. There are also fewer crowds and better prices, and many local festivals and cultural events take place during this time. For example, Barcelona's la Mercè happens at the end of September, and Brussels has Oktoberfest in September.

Summer (June, July, and August) is the peak season for traveling in Europe with much warmer temperatures. This is a good time for a beach vacation in southern Europe. It will be more crowded and more expensive this time of year.

Winter (November-March) This is when temperatures are cooler, but there are fewer tourists. This is when there are Christmas markets in various cities in December.

FAQs

How can I travel from Amsterdam to other European cities?

You can join organized coach or rail tours, or use public transport for self-guided day trips. High-speed trains like Eurostar and Thalys connect Amsterdam with cities like Brussels, Paris, Cologne, and London, making them popular bases for Europe tours from Amsterdam. Trains are fast and comfortable and often part of multi-city itinerary planning.

What are the best Europe day trips from Amsterdam?

Popular day trips from Amsterdam include Zaanse Schans windmills, Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal), Utrecht, Haarlem, and cities like Bruges or Brussels by train. Local countryside trips to windmills and cheese villages typically take a full morning and afternoon (6-8 hours). Train connections to Brussels or Bruges are about 2-3 hours one way, making these feasible for a long day trip outside Amsterdam. Booking rail tickets early can secure better fares and options.

How do I plan a multi-city Europe itinerary starting in Amsterdam?

Start by prioritizing key cities and allocating 2-4 days in Amsterdam for museums, canals, and historic sites. Then plan logical legs - such as Amsterdam → Brussels → Paris → other destinations - to minimize backtracking. Reddit and travel forums often suggest that adding Paris or Brussels on a one-week schedule is doable but can feel rushed if too many stops are included. Balance travel time with sightseeing time for a more relaxed trip.

What travel requirements and visa rules apply for Europe tours starting in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is within the Schengen Area, so visitors who require a Schengen visa can use it to enter multiple European countries on tours from Amsterdam, covering up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Most tourist tours and train connections across the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and other Schengen states do not require additional border checks.