I took a 3-hour train from Paris to Amsterdam for $175. Despite a long delay and bedbug anxiety, it was a pleasant experience.

Kristin SandersJan 13, 2024, 23:28 IST

I traveled by train from Paris to Amsterdam.Kristin Sanders

I'm an American living in Paris, and I took a high-speed train to Amsterdam for a short trip.
Paris has been having some bedbug issues, so I was a little worried about traveling by train.

I'm an American who's been living in Paris since 2022, and I recently took a 3 1/2-hour, high-speed train from Paris to Amsterdam.

I booked my roundtrip ticket through France's national railway app, SNCF, for 167 euros, or about $175. I find the SNCF app very easy to use for booking train tickets within France and throughout Europe.

Despite having visited dozens of countries, this was my first trip to the Netherlands, and taking the train there was pleasant, easy, and cost-effective.

I started my journey at Gare du Nord in Paris.

Passengers crowded onto the train platform once the train arrived.Kristin Sanders

The delay was long, but the boarding process was pretty easy once the train arrived.

A short line formed at each train car, where tickets were scanned by a Thalys employee.Kristin Sanders

The seats were plush and looked clean.

The train seats looked very clean.Kristin Sanders

I was able to get some work done on my trip.

I was able to charge my laptop on the train.Kristin Sanders

The large overhead space was helpful for keeping my luggage close.

I had plenty of room to store my bags.Kristin Sanders

I appreciated the clean amenities and plentiful food options.

The bathrooms were immaculate (at least on my morning trip).Kristin Sanders

There wasn't much to see out the window as we crossed Europe, but the view was soothing.

I wasn't on a particularly scenic route.Kristin Sanders

I had a bit of a stressful moment when I arrived in Amsterdam, but it was easily resolved.

The arrival at Amsterdam Centraal.Kristin Sanders

Despite the delay and bedbug anxiety, I was happy with the entire experience.

I really enjoyed my train ride.Kristin Sanders

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