Customs Clearance: Amsterdam To Cologne

Customs procedures vary depending on the traveller's country of origin and destination, as well as the mode of transportation. When travelling between Amsterdam and Cologne, it is important to be aware of the customs and regulations that may apply. Germany and the Netherlands are both part of the Schengen Zone, which means that passport control checks are typically not required when travelling between the two countries. However, customs regulations may still apply depending on the specific items being transported.

Customs when travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne by train

When travelling by train from Amsterdam to Cologne, you won't usually need to go through a passport control check, as both Germany and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone. However, if you're travelling onwards to the UK, you will need to pass through customs, as the UK is not a Schengen country.

The train journey from Amsterdam to Cologne takes between 2 hours 28 minutes and 4 hours and usually involves taking a direct ICE International train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Hbf). These trains are operated by DB (German Railways) and NS (Dutch Railways) and offer a comfortable journey with power outlets, free WiFi, and a Bordrestaurant carriage serving hot meals at an extra charge.

When booking your train ticket, you have the option of choosing between different fare types, including Supersparpreis Europa, Sparpreis Europa, and Flexpreis. The cheapest option is the Supersparpreis Europa fare, which offers tickets for as low as €20 one-way. However, this fare is only valid for the selected departure time and cannot be changed or refunded. The Sparpreis Europa fare is more flexible, allowing changes and refunds for a fee, and includes a City Ticket for Cologne public transport. The most flexible option is the Flexpreis fare, which starts from €81 one-way and also includes the City Ticket.

It is recommended to book your train tickets in advance, as prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. Additionally, travelling during off-peak hours and on weekends can often result in cheaper fares.

When packing for your trip, keep in mind that luggage racks on the ICE trains can accommodate small to medium-sized bags. In the middle of the standard 2nd-class carriages, you can also find larger luggage racks. If you're travelling with family, there is a special 5-seat family compartment (2nd class) available, complete with adjacent baby-changing facilities.

Customs when travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne by coach

Germany and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement, so you do not need to go through a passport control check when travelling between Amsterdam and Cologne.

Coach Travel from Amsterdam to Cologne

German coach company Flixbus operates multiple direct coach services daily from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to the Cologne area. Flixbus serves Leverkusen, Bonn-Cologne airport and Cologne East (Refrath), with journey times ranging from 3 to 5 hours. Czech bus operator RegioJet also offers a daily bus service between the two cities, making a stop at Cologne-Bonn airport, with a journey time of around 5-6 hours.

Customs

When travelling by coach from Amsterdam to Cologne, you will not need to go through a passport control check. However, it is important to be aware of any restricted items that you are not allowed to bring into Germany.

Luggage Allowance

Passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne are permitted to bring one piece of checked luggage (50x80x30 cm, up to 20 kg) and one hand luggage (30x42x18 cm, up to 7 kg) at no cost. For additional or special luggage, you can refer to the Flixbus website.

Customs when travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne by plane

When travelling by plane from Amsterdam to Cologne, you will not need to go through customs as Germany and the Netherlands are both members of the Schengen Zone. This means that there are no border controls between the two countries, and you are free to travel between them without having to declare any goods.

However, if you are travelling onwards from Cologne to a non-Schengen country, you will need to go through customs at your destination. This could involve filling out a customs declaration form and presenting it to a customs officer, who may ask you questions about the items you are bringing into the country. You may also need to pay duty, which is a tax levied on certain items brought into the country.

It is important to note that customs regulations can change, and it is always a good idea to check the latest information before travelling. Additionally, if you are travelling with any restricted items, such as certain types of food, alcohol, or tobacco, you may need to declare these to customs officials, even when travelling within the Schengen Zone.

When travelling by plane between Amsterdam and Cologne, you will also need to go through security checks and show a valid form of identification, such as a passport or official ID card. These checks are in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and are separate from customs controls.

Customs when travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne with checked baggage

When travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne, you won't need to go through passport control as both Germany and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone. However, if you have any checked baggage, you should be aware of the customs regulations and restrictions.

Customs in the Netherlands is handled by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, and you will need to declare any items that are subject to duty or restricted. Duty is a tax levied on certain items brought into the country, and some common restricted items include alcohol, tobacco, and food. For example, the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring into the country without being subject to taxes is restricted to 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of spirits, and 800 cigarettes. If you are travelling with €10,000 or more, you must also file a declaration.

When travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne, it is recommended to take the train, which offers centre-to-centre convenience and a regular direct train service. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes, and there are no additional security, customs, or immigration checks when entering Germany from the Netherlands.

If you are connecting to another international flight, you may need to go through security and customs again, depending on the country you are travelling to. It is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the customs regulations of your destination country to avoid any surprises.

Customs when travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne with carry-on baggage only

When travelling from Amsterdam to Cologne, you will not need to go through a passport control check as Germany and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement. However, there are still customs rules that you should be aware of, especially if you are carrying on any restricted items.

Restricted items include drinks, tobacco, medicines, meat, fish, (products made of) protected animal and plant species, as well as large sums of cash. If you are bringing any of these items with you, you will need to declare them when you arrive in Cologne. This is usually done by walking through a door labelled "Nothing to declare".

It's important to note that the rules for what you can bring in your carry-on baggage may vary depending on the airline you are flying with. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most airlines. For example, small scissors, nail files, or tweezers may be carried on board as long as the sharp part is no longer than 6 cm. Most items are permitted on board except those that appear on the list of dangerous and prohibited items.

Additionally, only liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 100 ml or less are typically allowed in carry-on baggage. These items must be placed in a resealable, transparent 1-litre bag. Medications and dietary supplements are allowed in your carry-on, but you may need a doctor's certificate. Small electronic devices such as cameras, tablets, and laptops are also typically permitted.

When travelling between Amsterdam and Cologne, the best way to avoid any potential customs issues is to travel by train. The ICE International train offers a direct route between the two cities, with no check-ins or security lines. The journey takes just 2 hours and 38 minutes, and tickets start at €20 one-way.

Frequently asked questions