The train services between Amsterdam and Hannover constitute a great link between these two popular cities. You can travel between the two cities within 4 hours and 20 minutes which leaves you with enough time during the day to grab a beer or explore the canals. What’s more, though, is that if you are an Interrail/Eurail Pass holder, this IC service is absolutely free. This means that you can simply hop on the train and you don’t even need a seat reservation (though recommended during busy seasons). In this post, I will briefly say a few words about the two cities, provide you with a short guide on how to use the DB Intercity trains and where you can find tickets.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is probably on everyone’s bucket list. Primarily known for its Golden Age canals, its treasure packed museums, the vintage-filled shops and its drinking and dining scenes the capital of The Netherlands is where tradition and innovation intertwine.
Amsterdam Centraal
Amsterdam Centraal is the capital's main station, located right in the heart of Amsterdam, easy walking distance from most of the city's sights and hotels. The impressive station building was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers and completed in 1884.
As you walk through the main entrance you will find yourself into the station’s main hall which isn’t that big compared to other European central stations. There are a couple of Dutch Railways information desks and ample yellow ticket machines.
As you move further into the main hall you will find a row of automatic ticket gates; if your international ticket has a QR barcode you can scan it in order to open the gates. The same applies to Interrail or Eurail Passes which feature a QR code specifically for the Netherlands on the bottom of the back side of your pass cover.
Platforms are numbered 1 to 15, with platform 1 on the city side of the station and platform 15 on the far side. Normally, trains to Germany use platform 2 but often use other platforms. Thalys high-speed trains to Brussels and Paris and the IC trains to Brussels typically use platform 13, 14 or 15. But make sure that you check the departure screens first.
From Amsterdam, there are train connections (not always direct ones) to most European countries including Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, UK, Switzerland, Czechia and Italy.
The route from Amsterdam to Hannover
This service is operated by DB (German Railways). Travelling on this route is arguably the most comfortable and civilised way to do so. If you get a good price, 1st class gives you more legroom and usually a quieter environment. The only real difference with 2nd class is the seating quality but in first class food & drink orders are taken by a steward at your seat so you don't have to go to the bistro car yourself, a useful service, and there are also first class lounges at major German stations with complimentary refreshments.
Additionally, 1st class seats are arranged 2+1 across the car width, so you'll find tables for two and solo seats as well as tables for four and dual side-by-side seats as in 2nd class. There are power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes.
Of course, you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks on board. Alternatively, you can buy food on the train. Some ICs feature a bistro and a café-bar area and others feature those plus a restaurant. Prices are on the expensive side (e.g: breakfast for 8-15 EUR, full meal plus bear for 30 EUR). Orders are taken by a member of staff.
Hannover central station
Hanover is one of Germany’s most laid-back cities, famous for its low-cost living and good public transport. After approximately a 5- hour journey, depending on your itinerary, you arrive at Hanover central station.
The station has six platforms with twelve platform tracks From here you can find connections to neighbouring countries and beyond. These include Austria, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland as well as to other German cities.
Route and tickets
Direct services between Amsterdam and Hannover are not that frequent which leave you with the option to make at least one change at one of the IC stops either in Germany or the Netherlands. For example, you can stop at Osnabruck in Germany and take the train to Hamburg from there. Depending on the day and time of departure, other intermediate stops include Utrecht-Amersfoort-Osnabruck-Hamburg and vice versa.
You can buy tickets directly from German or Dutch railways by using the following affiliate links to support our work. You get the same price as normal, same conditions for you, but you help us keep going.
NS International (Netherlands)
Deutsche Bahn (Germany)
For detailed timetables and in order to tailor your trip according to your own preferences check DB planner.
Booking usually opens 92 days ahead, book early for the best prices. Seat reservation is optional, for a small extra charge of around €4.50. If you don't reserve a seat you can simply sit where you like.
In case you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to visit our friendly forum where one of us will be glad to assist you with any queries you may have.
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