Road trip from Paris to Amsterdam
Traveling from Paris to Amsterdam, you will pass via Belgium and France before reaching the Netherlands. While every nation you’ll go to on this incredible road trip has its own distinct culture, language, and cuisine, you’ll also find that they all share a lot in common.
The 700-kilometer drive from Paris to Amsterdam, which passes through Lille, Dunkirk, Bruges, Ghent, Rotterdam, and the Hague, as well as the charming Kinderdijk windmills, takes 8 hours and 50 minutes. Reims, Brussels, Antwerp, and Utrecht are on a shorter path.
This journey is an amazing way to see three energetic capital cities, as well as the Channel coast, a number of stunning medieval villages, and lush, green countryside. Continue reading to discover what else is in store along this diverse path, which is full of breathtaking churches, mouthwatering cuisine, and regional breweries.
How long would the road trip take from Paris to Amsterdam?
| Route | Distance | Driving time |
| The Brussels Route | 630 km | 07 hours 30 min |
| The Rotterdam Route | 700 km | 08 hours 50 min |
By taking the autoroute and avoiding the majority of the larger cities along the way, you can make the trip from Paris to Amsterdam in just under six hours if speed is your first concern.
However, when you travel between the two places, we would advise going a little more slowly so that you may pause and take in this amazing area.
It will take about eight hours and fifty minutes to drive the 700 kilometers north to the coast before continuing on the Rotterdam Route.
If you use our Brussels Route, which passes through Brussels and Den Bosch, you can cut down on your driving time to 7 hours 30 minutes.
We would advise allowing at least three days to finish your trip, or more if time permits, because you will need to factor in plenty of time to see the sites to see along the road, no matter the route you take. You will have plenty of time to explore as you will be driving for less than three hours every day.
Ideal road trip route from Paris to Amsterdam
You will have the opportunity to travel through three stunning nations with a common past but unique cultures, languages, and fashions on both routes between Paris and Amsterdam.
The longer Rotterdam Route offers the ideal combination of breathtaking views of the coast, quaint old towns, and the Kinderdijk windmill landscapes, which are designated by UNESCO.
Before arriving in Rotterdam, one of Europe’s most archaeologically fascinating towns, this route proceeds up the coast at ancient Dunkirk, which is well-known for its World War II battles. From there, it continues to the stunning cities of Bruges and Ghent. On your way to Amsterdam, you will pass through Den Haag, sometimes known as The Hague.
On the other hand, because it passes through the capitals of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the Brussels Route is the ideal road trip for tourists who enjoy seeing large cities.
This route also passes through the famed Champagne area; visit a few champagne houses to sample this traditional beverage at its origins! Visiting the stunning cities of Den Bosch and Utrecht will also give you a taste of Dutch culture.
It may be difficult to choose between the two routes because they are similar in length. To help you decide, read on to learn what you may expect along the journey.
The Rotterdam Route
On your way to Lille via the A1, you will cross the River Oise as you go north from Paris. From here, take the route through Bailleul and turn toward the coast to Dunkerque.
The route then veers around the coast and heads for Bruges, a city in Belgium. Park on the outskirts of the town and then walk around its charming canals and narrow streets.
Ghent, which is well-known for its canals and medieval city center, can be reached by continuing on the E40. From there, use the E17 to continue eastward out of the city and on to Antwerp.
You will soon be passing Breda and heading towards Dordrecht if you continue on the E19 beyond Brecht, which is not far from the Belgian-Norwegian border. Take a detour from here to visit Kinderdijk’s stunning canal-side windmills.
As you travel through Rotterdam and then beyond Delft to The Hague, the nation’s administrative hub, you’ll notice the difference. After that, it’s a quick drive to Amsterdam via the A4, passing the lovely university city of Leiden.
The Brussels Route
As you leave Paris, you pass Rheims and continue into the Ardennes before heading northeast to bridge the Marne. Before arriving in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, you will pass Charleroi and Waterloo when you cross the border.
After Brussels, head north on the E19 to Antwerp, where you’ll briefly cross over to the Rotterdam Route on your journey to Breda. The routes split once more south of the city, with the Brussels Route heading east as it approaches Ulvenhout and Oosterhout.
Take a moment to see the hometown of Early Netherlandish painter Hieronymous Bosch by joining the A59 at Raamsdonk and continuing it towards’s-Hertogenbosch, also called Den Bosch.
You will then continue north on the A2 till you reach Amsterdam. Before finishing your road trip, you’ll cross the Waal River, the last stretch of the Rhine that empties into the sea as it passes through the Netherlands and into the Randstad conurbation at Utrecht.
Ideal places to stop between Paris to Amsterdam
Despite being a rather quick road trip, it is well worth stopping for a few nights along the way because there are so many fascinating cities to discover.
Stay in gorgeous Bruges
The charming city of Bruges in Belgium is one of the most visited tourist sites in the nation and with good reason. This lively little city, which is packed with museums and stunning structures, holds events and attractions all year round.
In addition to its fairy tale appearance, expansive squares, and whimsical architecture, Bruges is well-known for producing some of the most opulent lace in the world.
You might spend all day simply taking in the architecture but don’t miss the Church of Our Lady Bruges, which features Michelangelo artwork and a magnificent spire. A visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood is also worthwhile to view its sacred treasures, sculptures, and gold decorations.
Proceed to Belfry of Bruges, one of the city’s most famous destinations. The city’s center is dominated by its enormous medieval bell tower, which provides breathtaking views.
Of course, seeing a brewery that produces its renowned beer is a must-do while in Belgium. De Halve Maan is situated adjacent to a cliff face in a stunning area.
The Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce boasts a charming facade and an exquisitely lavish interior, both of which contribute to the fairy tale atmosphere. This major hotel’s rooms are furnished with flower arrangements, luxurious fabric, and antiques.
This must be one of the most romantic hotels in Europe when you combine the waterfront views, which include the opportunity to have breakfast with a view of the canal. Additionally, the estate has a great French-Flemish restaurant that is easily accessible by foot.
Major sites like Burg Square, Lumina Domestica, and Gruuthuse Museum are also nearby and accessible on foot.
Pleasure in Brussels
When you visit Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the location of the European Union, you can anticipate magnificent architecture, exquisite artwork, mouthwatering cuisine, and a friendly greeting. You should spend some time in this city, which is around midway along the Brussels Route.
Known for its delicious food, chocolate, and beer, if you venture a little further into this vibrant city, you’ll discover the magnificent Grand Place, a sizable market square encircled by magnificently constructed guild halls and epic structures.
A nearby indoor marketplace with exquisite décor is the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert.
The 16th-century St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral towers over the metropolis, and the Mont des Arts, a lovely park area with museums and galleries, is a great place to satisfy your cultural cravings. For an unusual diversion from more conventional attractions, take a tour of the Musical Instruments Museum.
The Grand Place, Belgium Brewers Museum, Mont des Arts, and the majority of other attractions are all easily accessible on foot from the Juliana Hotel Brussels, which is located in the heart of the city.
It has a great restaurant, a lovely area with a terrace, and an indoor pool, making it the ideal place to relax after a day of touring the city.
Places to stay when traveling to Amsterdam
The Pressroom Bar and Library Lounge of the INK Hotel Amsterdam, which is housed in former newspaper offices, continue the journalistic motif. Just a few years ago, the rooms underwent a comprehensive renovation, allowing you to enjoy chic and cozy lodging right in the middle of the city.
You can fully experience Amsterdam’s amazing city while you’re there, as it’s only a short stroll from Dam Square and other major sites.
Alternatively, if you truly want to spoil yourself after your road trip, book a room at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, located along the Herengracht, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The hotel’s amazing position puts you within walking distance of most main sights, including Rembrandt House and the museum sector. Its 17th-century canal palaces also give it a truly Dutch character. Additionally, there is a posh spa on the premises, and parking is accessible.
Places to see on a road trip from Paris to Amsterdam
There are a lot of amazing sights to see on a short drive from Paris to Amsterdam. Just a few of the highlights are as follows:
Rotterdam Route
1.Chateau de Chantilly- Visit this exquisitely constructed chateau on the river, which is a detour off the autoroute and features lush gardens, a museum, and art exhibits. The fascinating Horse Museum, which focuses on the history of horses and humans from racing to farming, is located nearby.
2.Flanders Museum- A short diversion from the highway in Cassel, this regional art museum is housed in a historic building in French Flanders.
3.Atlantikwall Raversyde- There are numerous WWI and II defenses and bunkers along the coast near Ostend. You may explore the bunkers and the adjacent park while taking an audio tour and strolling along the coast.
4.In Flanders Fields Museum- Within the skillfully recreated city of Ypres, this famous museum narrates the story of World War One and the regional wars.
5.Ghent- See the stunning, tall-ceilinged St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the site of Charles V’s baptism, and the fortified fortress at Gravensteen, which dates back to the tenth century and has a moat and armory.
6.Kinderdijk- UNESCO has designated this well-known network of canals and windmills as a World Heritage Site.
7.Rotterdam- Visit the Market Hall to savor regional specialties, such as fresh Dutch herring, after learning about the port of Rotterdam at FutureLand, a contemporary, interactive museum. The famous Erasmusbrug bridge, also referred to as the “swan,” is located nearby.
8.Delft- Explore the canals by boat in this small city known for its white and blue ceramics.
9.The Hague- The Louwman Museum, which houses the oldest private automobile collection in the world, and the Mauritshuis gallery, which features some of the most well-known Dutch artworks, are located in the nation’s administrative center.
10.Museum Voorlinden- Just outside the Hague in Wassenaar, this contemporary art gallery has many interesting permanent and rotating exhibits.
11.Archeon Museum Park- With actors and role-plays, this expansive outdoor museum close to Leiden allows visitors to experience life in the prehistoric, Roman, and Middle Ages.
1.Museum of the Great War- This WWI museum in Meaux features full-scale models, displays of reenacted battlefields, and a variety of artifacts, including tanks and airplanes.
2.Blandy-les-Tours Castle- Castle with walls, towers, and a fortification from the 13th century. All year long, there are activities and tours offered.
3.Disneyland Paris- This wonderful and joyful place is just outside the city. This is a fantastic event for both kids and adults, with two theme parks and hundreds of wonderful events.
4.Reims- The Reims-Champagne Automobile Museum is a must-see for vintage automobile enthusiasts, but the city’s cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5.Park Natural Regionel des Ardennes- Put on your hiking boots and explore the numerous trails that wind through this verdant, beautiful area.
6.Eau d’Heure Lakes- These five artificial lakes are available for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.
7.Floreffe Abbey- Visit Floreffe Abbey, a historic monastery where you may sample locally brewed beer, as a side trip from Charleroi.
8.Mechelen- Several van Dyck paintings can be found in the 12th-century Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral.
9.Waterloo Battlefield- This underground museum covers every aspect of the well-known Battle of Waterloo.
10.Brussels- Explore some of the city’s most well-known landmarks, such as the Atomium, which overlooks the city, and the renowned Manneken Pis, a statue of a young child with an enigmatic past.
11.Gaasbeek Castle- This stunning 19th-century castle, constructed in a romantic design, is located in a quiet region just outside of Brussels.
12.Efterling- Travelers of all ages will enjoy this incredibly eccentric amusement park, which transports them to the realm of fairy tales.
13.Den Bosch- Visit the Noordbrabants Museum to learn about the region’s rich cultural past and take in the stunning details and lofty spire which dates back to the 13th century.
14.Utrecht- You can stroll through the lovely gardens of Castle De Haar or climb the Gothic Dom Tower, which rises 95 meters into the sky, among the riverbank lanes of the old city center. Younger visitors may appreciate the perennial favorite, the Miffy Museum, which is devoted to the nation’s most well-known literary rabbit, and the Spoorwegmuseum, which features numerous trains on display.
Both Routes
The Familistere, Guise- This huge palace, originally designed by Jean-Baptise Andre Godin for a utopian cooperative community, can be reached by taking a detour off either road.
Ideal time to go on a road trip from Paris to Amsterdam
The climate of Amsterdam is typical of northern Europe, with mild summers and rainy, chilly winters. You may visit at any time of year because there are plenty of indoor areas and great museums to explore, but if you want to spend time in the city’s squares and canals, other seasons will be better.
Tourists will flood Amsterdam in the summer, and lines will form for the majority of the city’s main attractions. However, summertime brings the greatest weather, with average highs of about 22 degrees Celsius.
The city hosts a number of events during the summer, such as Pride in August, the Holland Festival in June, and the Over Het IJ Festival in July, which honors Amsterdam’s artistic heritage.
Winter is an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid crowds, but be prepared for substantially cooler temperatures—usually between freezing and six degrees. But without the lineups to avoid the cold, you’ll be able to visit museums more readily.
Considering all of this, the best seasons to visit Amsterdam are definitely spring and fall. With moderate temperatures of about 17 degrees and less crowding than during the summer, bring a jacket for chilly days and nights.
The country’s famous tulips will be in bloom if you visit in the spring, and Amsterdam hosts its Tulip Festival in April. The largest national holiday in the Netherlands is King’s Day, which falls on April 27. If you’re in the city in September, you may also see the Amsterdam Fringe Festival.
The city hosts a number of events during the summer, such as Pride in August, the Holland Festival in June, and the Over Het IJ Festival in July, which honors Amsterdam’s artistic heritage.
Winter is an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid crowds, but be prepared for substantially cooler temperatures—usually between freezing and six degrees. But without the lineups to avoid the cold, you’ll be able to visit museums more readily.
Considering all of this, the best seasons to visit Amsterdam are definitely spring and fall. With moderate temperatures of about 17 degrees and less crowding than during the summer, bring a jacket for chilly days and nights.
The country’s famous tulips will be in bloom if you visit in the spring, and Amsterdam hosts its Tulip Festival in April. The largest national holiday in the Netherlands is King’s Day, which falls on April 27. If you’re in the city in September, you may also see the Amsterdam Fringe Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop between Paris and Amsterdam?
Brussels, Bruges, Marne-la-Vallee, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Ghent, Lille, Ieper (Ypres), Utrecht, and Arras are the best cities between Amsterdam and Paris. The most visited city along the route is Brussels.
Is it possible to drive from Paris to Amsterdam?
If you have to rent a car one-way, it can be challenging, but driving yourself is faster—between 5.5 and 6.5 hours on the road. The majority of automobile rental companies in the Netherlands prohibit one-way travel from Amsterdam to Paris, and when they do, the cost is high.
Is there passport control between Paris and Amsterdam?
Traveling between cities in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany does not require a passport. However, since customs occasionally conducts arbitrary spot checks, it is important to have identification.
What’s the best month to go to Amsterdam?
The greatest time to visit Amsterdam is during the summer, when people like living outside. The days are long and bright from June to August, and the average temperature is between 64 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit (17 and 21 degrees Celsius). Although it usually comes in brief showers, rain is always possible.
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