train or plane - amsterdam, berlin, prague
 

We're planning a trip to Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague for mid-September. Wondering if we should take a plane or take a train on certain legs of the trip. We often like to fly since it's quicker and gives us more time in the destination city, but we might consider the train if any of the routes are scenic.

Mark,<BR><BR>The cities you are planning to visit are fabulous places to go. I find that by train or plane it takes about the same amount of time, but now planes may take a little longer. Trains are easy and fast in Europe. I use them all the time. It all depends on how you are use to traveling. Have a good trip either way.<BR><BR>Greg<BR>

<BR>Berlin to Prague is five hours in a good train with restaurant car (don't miss German Rail's goulash soup), and includes splendid riverside scenery from Pirna southwards for two hours. Amsterdam to Berlin is six hours in a buffet car train through the flat north European plain, and offers no great scenery. But you can increase your sightseeing time if you book a leeper, board at Amsterdam Central at 2013, and leave the train in Berlin East at 0651. East, not Zoo, to have those extra ten minutes in bed.<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR><BR>

Just traveled the Berlin-Amsterdam route in December via train. The scenery wasn't remarkable, although I did enjoy spotting windmills. <BR><BR>As we weren't in a hurry that day, based on advice from this board, we took a train to Cologne as a stop enroute. We had trouble storing our luggage as the station was packed with people. We did see some of the Roman ruins and take a short walk, breaking up the trip, but as it was rainy and windy we got back on the train to AMS sooner than expected. The ride passed rather quickly on a comfortable IC train.

I am considering the same destinations and wondered if there are any more comments on this route.

Well train times are quicker now. There is also an overnight train between Amsterdam and Berlin I believe - save time and the cost of a hotel.

Yes the Amsterdam to Berlin scenery is ho-hum but pleasant as most of Europe is - if just flying you see only tarmacs and airports and a few big tourist cities but not the lay of the land in between.

For lots of great info on European trains check out these fantastic sites - www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.