Alternative scenic routes to explore Europe by train
Want to know how to travel from Amsterdam to Frankfurt or vice versa with Interrail or Eurail? European train travel is more popular than ever. And seat reservations for the ICE route from Amsterdam to Frankfurt will sell like hotcakes this summer.
In anticipation of a busy summer on the European rails, our partner railways, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and Deutsche Bahn (DB), have taken steps to safeguard the safety of travellers on the popular route between the Netherlands and Germany.
What does this mean?
Seat reservations will be mandatory from 17 June until 18 August for all travellers (including Pass holders) aboard the following ICE trains on the Amsterdam to Frankfurt route:
ICE 121 - 06:38
ICE 225 - 08:08 / ICE 255 - 07:38
ICE 123 - 10:38 / ICE 153 - 09:08
ICE 125 - 12:38 / ICE 155 - 12:08
ICE 127 - 14:38 / ICE 157 - 14:08
ICE 129 - 16:38 / ICE 159 - 17:08
ICE 221 - 18:38 / ICE 251 - 18:38
(ICE train number + departure time from Amsterdam Centraal)
Book your seats now or consider our alternative reservation-free scenic routes later for a hassle-free train trip with stunning views.
Do you have a Eurail Pass?
If you still need to book your flights to Europe and don't want to take the slow train from Amsterdam to Frankfurt, why not fly into Frankfurt, Berlin or Basel to save precious travel time?
Writer @Interrail
Europe has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, so it's worth slowing down on some of these scenic routes to fully appreciate its sprawling beauty from the comfort of the train (especially if you have time to make an overnight stop at some lesser-known destinations).
See more for less
On a budget? Most scenic trains will save you money with Interrail as they don't often require additional seat reservations. Travel long distances on reservation-free routes & enjoy life in the slow lane.
Feel connected
Scenic trains allow you to travel in the slow lane and fully immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll catch a glimpse of how the locals live, and you'll feel more connected with humankind.
Have a positive impact
Bored of overcrowded cities? Hop on scenic trains and help us transform rail travel into an even more sustainable option to empower and protect wildlife, smaller towns and communities.
Want to use Frankfurt Main HBH as a transport hub only? Think again! We can't deny that Frankfurt or ‘Mainhatten’ is known as Germany’s financial and business capital; however, this overlooked megalopolis is a medieval city of contrasts with a modern twist.
Discover the city’s smallest but most Instagrammable district on a walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of Aldstadt. Embrace the fairytale as you step back in time and take snaps of St Nicolas Church and the gingerbread house buildings like Römer (City Hall).
Visit the distinctive glass fortress known as MAIN TOWER and ascend to the observation deck on the 55th floor (‘Frankfurt's highest vantage point’). Steady your nerves as you edge towards the transparent glass railings to enjoy the best birds-eye view of the Old City and River Main.
Fun fact: Frankfurt is home to 14 of Germany’s 15 tallest skyscrapers & the Frankfurter (Hot Dog).
Here are our Top 3 alternative routes to travel from Amsterdam to Frankfurt without the ICE.
1. Amsterdam - Venlo - Düsseldorf - Frankfurt
Travel time: 4h55m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
2. Amsterdam - Heerlen - Aachen - Frankfurt
Travel time: 5h15m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
3. Amsterdam - Arnhem - Duisburg - Frankfurt
Travel time: 5h25m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
Berlin holds a lot of secrets. It's one of Germany’s über coolest places to visit and is open-minded, eclectic and downright individual. Mix your trip with a peek into old and recent history, along with an exploration of some of Berlin’s great artistic expression.
Find the remaining sections of the Berlin Wall for a stark reminder of the hostility that once divided Europe. Stop at the Reichstag, Berliner Dom, Checkpoint Charlie, and Memorial to the Murdered Jews before walking under the Brandenburg Gate (a symbol of unity and peace).
By night, get lost in Berlin’s hidden underground scene and see why it has become the city of choice for the young and young at heart. The Hauptbahnhof is Berlin’s main train station and is worth checking out for the impressive architecture of the building.
Fun fact: Despite the Hoff-Mania craze, David Hasselhoff hates that he was given credit for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Here are our Top 3 alternative routes to travel from Amsterdam to Berlin without the ICE.
1. Amsterdam - Hannover - Berlin
Ride the IC from Amsterdam Centraal to Hannover
Catch the ICE from Hannover to Berlin
Travel time: 6h5m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
Ride the direct IC from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin (via Münster in summer).
Travel time: 6h15m
Travel time in summer: 7hr15m (via Münster)
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
3. Amsterdam - Hengelo - Osnabrück - Berlin
Ride the IC from Amsterdam Centraal to Hengelo
Take a regional train from Hengelo to Osnabrück
Catch the ICE from Osnabrück to Berlin
Travel time: 6h50m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
Switzerland serves up some of the most dramatic rail routes and delicious food in Europe. Stay in beautiful Basel to be a stone’s throw away from France and Germany. Use your Global Pass to travel seamlessly over the border to cross these countries off your bucket list.
Explore the town’s colourful array of red sandstone buildings and national heritage sites. Head to the Aldstadt and look for Holbein Fountain on Spalenvorstadt, the patchwork townhouses on Petersgasse or the Monkey Fountain on Andreasplat (and yes, he's a cheeky monkey!).
Good to know:
Fun fact: Erasmus, the 16th-century theologian and humanist, once walked the streets of Basel.
Here are our Top 3 alternative routes to travel from Amsterdam to Basel without the ICE.
1. Amsterdam - Venlo - Düsseldorf - Basel
Ride the IC from Amsterdam Centraal to Venlo
Take a regional train from Venlo to Düsseldorf
Catch the ICE from Düsseldorf to Basel
Travel time: 7h55m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
2. Amsterdam - Arnhem - Düsseldorf - Basel
Ride the IC from Amsterdam Centraal to Arnhem
Take a regional train from Arnhem to Düsseldorf
Catch the ICE from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt
Travel time: 8h25m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
3. Amsterdam - Münster - Basel (July only)
Ride the IC from Amsterdam Centraal to Münster
Catch the ICE from Münster to Basel
Travel time: 9h35m
Covered by the Global Pass: Yes ― no reservation necessary.
Experience the slow train now you know how to get from Amsterdam to Frankfurt without the ICE. This summer, make the most of these reservation-free scenic routes with your Global Pass and enjoy the freedom and flexibility to linger for longer in Europe.
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