Possible to do Cologne & Dusseldorf & back to Amsty n a day?

[Fat Dro]

Just that. I am going to leave Amsterdam early morning and try to do both. If I had to choose one, I would go with Dusseldorf. I want to see the Rheinturm. Is there anything worth seeing in Cologne? Any of you been there? Do you think it can be done? Leave Amsty early morning around 7am, do a few hours in both towns and be back to Amsterdam 11:30 Or midnight? Or just do 1 town for a day. Thoughts? Advice? Thanks.



P.S. Shit I meant to put this in travel plans

[Uncle Ron]

Yes, very possible to do both in a day and return to Amsterdam with plenty of time to spare for a late night schmoke.
Because The Dutch have yet to complete a high speed rail connection with Germany, the trip is about 2.5 hours to Cologne (20-30 minutes between Cologne and Dusseldorf). Driving time is a little faster, around 2 hours (depending on time of day/day of week). You should expect to pay around 130-140 Euros, 2nd Class. You can save a little money by not reserving a seat, which typically isn't necessary. I sit in the Board Restaurant, eat/drink/relax. As for departure times, 7am is good if you want to spend the day visiting both cities.

What is in Cologne? First, there's the Dom, a very large and very old church. Walk out of the main entrance to the train station, look left, there it is.
A short stroll along the river will lead you to a floating chocolate museum/factory/etc... There are other attractions as well, needless to say, use Google to find what interests you.

Happy day tripping...
...

[Fat Dro]

Thanks UR! Good Stuff Floating Chocolate Museum sounds cool. 140 euros, YIKES! That's a lot of bread, but I want to be able to say that I've been to Germany

[Uncle Ron]

Thanks UR! Good Stuff Floating Chocolate Museum sounds cool. 140 euros, YIKES! That's a lot of bread, but I want to be able to say that I've been to Germany

There are cheaper tickets, just depends on how many changes you want to make. The more changes, the cheaper the cost of the ticket, but a much longer journey.
I could argue that a better alternative would be to rent a car. A lot cheaper, faster, and more convenient because you won't be constrained to a time schedule.
Not only will you be able to say that you've been to Germany, but also that you've driven on an autobahn at more than 100mph, legally.

Happy trails...
...

[Alo]

If you can afford it.........
Hire a car. Nurburgring is not far from köln.
Best Autobahn going.
You seem to like high places. Hike to the top of the dom can see everything.
Nice kolch if you like beer

[Marok21]

140 euros, YIKES! That's a lot of bread, but I want to be able to say that I've been to Germany

the "Deutsche Bahn" have some cheaper tickets like 29€ for one way from Cologne to Amsterdam (and back nearly the same)... with that tickets you can also drive with the high speed train (ICE)... like ron said
it takes nearly 2.30 hours...
but I think you only get that good price if your start is Cologne. If you start from Amsterdam it cost a lot more... next thing is you have to book min. 3 days before travel to get that special ticket...

The ticket is called in Europa Spezial Niederlande (europe special netherlands ticket)... maybe u ask at the Amsterdam Centraal station if you can buy that tickets from there or online... I think there is a branch of "Deutsche Bahn" but I am not 100% sure...

http://www.bahn.de/p/view/angebot/inter ... ande.shtml

[Fat Dro]

Thanks for the replies. And yes who doesn't like high places Alo

Hiring/Renting a car and driving on the autobahn is outta the question Goes to having those things we call balls UR I just don't got em That's the reason I ain't taking a hot air balloon or driving on the autobahn


Yes UR I don't like changing, always want to go direct if I can, much easier.

[Uncle Ron]

Thanks for the replies. And yes who doesn't like high places Alo

Hiring/Renting a car and driving on the autobahn is outta the question Goes to having those things we call balls UR I just don't got em That's the reason I ain't taking a hot air balloon or driving on the autobahn


Yes UR I don't like changing, always want to go direct if I can, much easier.

what i like about threads like this is the amount of information they are able to generate...useful for those of us who use the search function (not a dig)...
train it is...
...to reiterate - don't pay for a reserved seat unless traveling during peak hours/peak season, and even then, head for the dining car and spend the money saved on a beverage.
...agree with Marok21, but speaking from experience (i'm also a bahn card holder), the prices are limited specials. Just like airlines, the number of seats at the special price are limited and they sell out rather quickly.
When I see these specials advertised, I know they don't pertain to me because I'm too far south (Stuttgart area). Geographically speaking, these specials stop in Frankfurt (49 Euro one way). The cost of my ticket to travel to Frankfurt (1hr 10min) is more than a ticket from Frankfurt to Amsterdam (4hrs), wtf?
Happy rails...
...

[Fat Dro]

Yeah the pricing does seem kinda strange

Ah well I will budget the $140 and charge it to the game of life. I must see Germany! Plus that Reinturm just seems too cool to miss

When I went to Rotterdam and Alkmaar I didn't notice a dining car? The international trains must be different? Thanks again! This Forum is a must for anyone visiting Amsterdam and surrounding areas


I wish NFL Europe was still alive. Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, & Cologne all had teams