Getting to Amsterdam Cheap!

Brendan Flowers

Myself and 3 others are planning to go to Amsterdam for a few nights in a couple of weeks time. We were planning to fly out on either the evening of Thursday 30th June or Firday 1st July and return on either Sunday 3rd July or Monday 4th July. This is about as flexible we are with dates. Looking for flights as cheap as possible as we are students and funds are low! Can fly from any airport in Ireland (North or South) and would be willing to go to the UK and get a flight from there if it was going to work out cheaper. So if anyone has any suggestions of possible flights or airlines to use Im open to all ideas!

undo

Use SkyScanner or any similar site. It will compare flights for you and find the cheapest one. With that little time left until your departure, you will end up paying a lot though. If you wanted bargains, you would have had to plan ahead.

Badgermonkey

All other options including via UK and via Brussels look pricey.

So, here's a suggestion:

Fly Aer Lingus Dublin-Dusseldorf Thu 30th June @ 7am for €48.00

This arrives in Dusseldorf @ 09:55am.

Get the 'Ice International' train from the airport direct to Amsterdam departing 10:44am arriving Amsterdam 13:25pm, fare €19.00.

http://www.nshispeed.nl/nl

Search Dusseldorf Flughafen - Ams Centraal

Easiest/Cheapest return is Ryanair Eindhoven - Dublin Sun 3rd @ 16:25pm €81.00

Ams-Eindhoven train should cost €16.00 and can be purchased at the station.

http://www.ns.nl/en/

undo

Badgermonkey wrote: »

This arrives in Dusseldorf @ 09:55am.

Get the 'Ice International' train from the airport direct to Amsterdam departing 10:44am

For someone unfamiliar with the airport, that is cutting it tight. Even as a frequent DUB-DUS traveler, I do not think I would plan it this tight. There will be a trek from the gate, usually a queue at the passport check, then a SkyTrain journey and only then will OP reach the railway station. If luggage comes into play, expect a further delay.

Badgermonkey

Then you simply jump the next train.

Actually jumping the 12:44 is the better option, only involves a single change at Duss Hauptbahnhof.

undo

Badgermonkey wrote: »

Then you simply jump the next train.

Not if you have booked a Sparpreis. If you book the cheapest ticket, you are only allowed on to travel on the specific train you booked.

careca11

Brendan Flowers wrote: »

Myself and 3 others are planning to go to Amsterdam for a few nights in a couple of weeks time. We were planning to fly out on either the evening of Thursday 30th June or Firday 1st July and return on either Sunday 3rd July or Monday 4th July. This is about as flexible we are with dates. Looking for flights as cheap as possible as we are students and funds are low! Can fly from any airport in Ireland (North or South) and would be willing to go to the UK and get a flight from there if it was going to work out cheaper. So if anyone has any suggestions of possible flights or airlines to use Im open to all ideas!

flew to Amsterdam back in JANUARY from Belfast with Easyjet €60 return including taxes etc

Badgermonkey

undo wrote: »

Not if you have booked a Sparpreis. If you book the cheapest ticket, you are only allowed on to travel on the specific train you booked.

True, tickets can be purchased at the station, will be more than €19 but won't be a multiple thereof.

Given the dates, any constructive ideas on an optimum routing yourself?

ardmacha

Checking out Ryanair to Charleroi or Eindhoven would seem one obvious approach.

undo

Badgermonkey wrote: »

True, tickets can be purchased at the station, will be more than €19 but won't be a multiple thereof.

On German long distance trains, tickets can be purchased on board for the same price as at the station. However, that price definitely will be more than twice the €19 one would pay when booking early.

Given the dates, any constructive ideas on an optimum routing yourself?

Sorry if it sounded like I thought your routing suggestion was bad. I absolutely agree that flying to DUS and taking the train from there to AMS is a good idea. I was just pointing out that the earlier train may be too tight.

TheBlueHaze

In my opinion, lucky, lucky you. Have a good time you lucky ****