Train service
SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.
SJ
SJ is Sweden’s state-owned train operator, running high-speed, regional, and long-distance services across the country and into neighboring nations.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
When traveling by train from Malmö to Amsterdam, both the Interrail Global Pass and Eurail Global Pass are valid for the journey, provided you meet their specific requirements. The Interrail Global Pass can be used by European residents, allowing for travel across multiple countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, which are along the route from Malmö to Amsterdam. The Eurail Global Pass is available to non-European residents for the same multi-country rail travel.
The Interrail One Country Pass, however, would not be applicable for this trip as it only covers rail travel within a single country and you would need to cross multiple countries. Since Eurail passes are designated for non-EU residents, an EU resident cannot use a Eurail pass. It is also important to note that if you are a resident of Sweden, you cannot use the Interrail Pass for travel solely within Sweden.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Amsterdam by train, you'll likely find yourself at Amsterdam Centraal Station, the city's main hub for transportation. From here, getting around the city is convenient and straightforward thanks to a well-developed public transportation network managed by GVB.
The tram network is one of the most efficient ways to explore Amsterdam. With multiple lines intersecting throughout the city, trams are great for short distances and cover most of the central areas. You can catch trams directly outside Amsterdam Centraal. They are frequent and ideal for sightseeing since they often pass by many popular landmarks.
For longer distances or quicker commutes, the metro system offers four lines that run through Amsterdam, and two lines extend to surrounding suburbs. The metro is particularly useful if you're heading to the southern parts of the city or to locations such as the RAI Convention Centre or Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA.
Buses supplement the tram and metro networks, especially useful for reaching areas that are not serviced by the trams or metro. The buses operate both day and night, with special night buses covering main routes after the regular services stop.
Taxis are readily available throughout Amsterdam, especially near major train stations, tourist spots, and hotels. While they are more expensive than public transport, they offer the convenience of door-to-door service. Be sure to choose registered taxis, which have blue number plates, for safety and reliability.
Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are also available in Amsterdam, providing a modern alternative to traditional taxis. You can easily book a ride using a smartphone app, which offers transparent pricing and estimated arrival times.
For using public transportation, consider purchasing a GVB day or multi-day pass, which offers unlimited travel on trams, buses, and the metro within the city. Additionally, the OV-chipkaart is a contactless smart card that can be used to pay for all types of public transportation in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, providing flexibility and ease of use for travelers and locals alike.
Onward connections
Amsterdam serves as a significant hub for rail travel, offering numerous domestic and international train connections. Domestically, the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) operates frequent services connecting Amsterdam to major Dutch cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. The Rotterdam service is accessible via the Intercity Direct, providing a quick journey in about 40 minutes. The intercity train to Utrecht usually takes around 30 minutes, while the one to The Hague lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Internationally, Amsterdam is well-connected to several European destinations. The Thalys high-speed train offers a popular connection to Paris, typically taking around 3 hours and 20 minutes. For Belgium, Thalys and Intercity Brussels operate trains to Brussels, with travel time ranging from 2 to 2.5 hours. The Eurostar connects Amsterdam to London with a journey time of approximately 4 hours. Additionally, the German Deutsche Bahn ICE provides direct services to key cities like Cologne and Frankfurt, with travel times of 2.5 hours and 4 hours respectively, making these routes convenient for both commuters and tourists.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Amsterdam is generally between April and May or September and November. During April and May, the weather is mild and pleasant, with the added charm of blooming tulips in the surrounding countryside and the renowned Keukenhof Gardens. This period also includes the vibrant celebration of King's Day on April 27th, which is a highlight for festive activities. September and November also offer a comfortable climate with fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, leading to potentially lower accommodation prices and a more relaxed experience. These months host events like the Amsterdam Dance Event in October and the Museum Night in November. While summer from June to August provides warm weather ideal for outdoor activities, it also brings crowds and higher prices. Winter is less crowded and offers its own charm with holiday festivities and the possibility of ice skating on the canals, but the weather is generally colder and wetter. Since you are arriving by train, spring and autumn also often have reliable travel conditions without the peak summer rush or winter slowdowns.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Malmö to Amsterdam?
According to EveryRail, prices are dynamic. Travel seasons impact prices. Peak travel times raise costs. Advanced booking often reduces prices. Last-minute tickets may be costly. Discounts vary by carrier. Seat class affects the price. Weekday and weekend rates differ. Changes in demand influence costs. Special events can increase fares. Rail network partnerships change prices. Currency exchange impacts international costs. Rail pass options can affect prices. Different departure times alter ticket prices.
What trains run from Malmö to Amsterdam?
SJ operates trains from Malmö to Amsterdam. Flixbus provides bus services from Malmö to Amsterdam. SNCF does not operate trains directly from Malmö to Amsterdam.
How long does the train from Malmö to Amsterdam take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Malmö to Amsterdam takes 12 to 15 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Malmö to Amsterdam?
The best time to travel depends on demand. Off-peak times are generally less crowded. Weekdays often have fewer travelers. Prices can be lower during these times. Avoid major holidays for less crowd. Booking in advance may offer better prices. Consider the weather for comfortable travel. Check for any special events en route. Travel early or late in the day for quieter trains. Monitor current schedules for updates.
What’s the best route or train to take from Malmö to Amsterdam?
Flixbus operates direct bus services from Malmö to Amsterdam. No direct train services operate on this route. Travelers can create connecting journeys by combining operators like SJ from Malmö with operators like SNCF to reach Amsterdam.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Malmö to Amsterdam?
According to EveryRail, a Global Pass covers the route from Malmö to Amsterdam if the traveler is an eligible resident. For EU or other eligible European country residents, the Interrail Global Pass applies. For those not residing in the EU or eligible countries, the Eurail Global Pass is required.