I am trying to decide whether to drive from France (Normandy region) to Amsterdam or, take the train. Can someone give me an idea of how long it will take to drive? Any suggestions on things/towns to see along the way? We're a family of four so, the expense of the car rental vs. train is not a major deciding factor.

Thanks

Depending on where you start in Normandy, you're probably looking at a 6 to 8 hour drive. Personally, I'd probably catch the train in Rouen. The train will be more relaxing, and you probably won't want a car in Amsterdam anyway. That said, if you like to drive, there's some pretty countryside in between, particularly if you're a history buff (lots of battlefields).

I would prefer to drive. From Normandy, you get on the autoroute immediatly and go north along the coast to Belgium then the Netherlands (5 to 6 hours). On the other hand, if you decide to go by train, you have to go back into Paris, change from Gare Saint-Lazare to Gare du Nord and take the Thalys to Amsterdam.

I would prefer to drive, but a one way car rental (picked up in France, dropped off in Holland) will nto come cheap. Any reason you might be planning to come back to France? What is the whole itinerary for your trip?

Having a car provides for those wandering here'n'there explorations that are much easier when you are not tied to schedules. Even if you could only have the car (and can justify three days) in France only, or in Belgium only - - it might be worthwhile renting or returning near the French-Belgian border.

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks for all the advice. Due to Frequent Flyer miles, we are traveling in/out of AMS. However, we'll be spending the bulk of our time in France. My penchant is to drive so, I am checking into the costs/logistics of dropping the car off at AMS and then using the train to explore Amsterdam.