Canadian Crew - Euro trek Suisse to Neederlands!Clues & Tips

Hey all,

We are going to see my brother get married in Switzerland to his Switzer-bride on October 8th. After the wedding die down we wanted to stop in Koln/Cologne for 2 days and then to Amster'dam. We are trying to find the most fun, affordable way to get from Zurich or Basel to Cologne and then from there to Amsterdam.

I have been away from Europe for a while and am no longer sure which discount airlines still operate these routes. Air Berlin flies from Basel to Koln I beleive, but are there any others?

How much would a speed boat up the Rhine cost? geez, that would be sweet! Anyone driving in a bus and want to take 5-6 people from Basel to Koln? Im just looking for some helpful hints.

Any advice is appreciated.

Muchos Gracis,

MM

why not try ur usual and hitch!

just go by hitchhike if weather is ok. Separate in 2-3 groups and have fun.
Very best and good luck.

Personally, I am a fan of trains.

DB has timetables for most trains. Zurich to Cologne takes 5 to 7 hours, depending on the connections, and costs anywhere from €29 and up with advance purchase, full fare on that route is between €100 - €130.

Cologne to Amsterdam is 3 or 4 hours by train (again depending on connection). I did it last year, and it was very comfortable. Fares are €20 and up in advance, with full fare being €55 on the ICE non-stop.

The trains are good because you can relax, travel city centre to city centre (generally), can drink on board (even alcohol you bring on yourself) and if you are travelling with friends, can hopefully find a 4 seater so you can chat easier.

Greg

Thanks for all reponses.

Hitching is always an option, thanks guys

Mitfahrzentrum once landed me in a shortbus full of the most freaked out sprokets scenster kids from Berlin. Woah, Deutsch weird. This trip has a bit of a time restraint so hitching probably be better another time Im thinking.

Thanks G unit for the train tip, I looked at the DB website and got 29 eurobones ticket from Koln to Amsterdam. Ive booked that.

Im thinking flights to Cologne from Switzerland. This is where Im running into problems. Investigative reports!

Still on the lookout for cheap flights there.

Thanks for nothin' ColdwarJeffG!

This site called Which Budget lists budget airlines that fly in and out of destinations.

In addition to Air Berlin, I found GermanWings fly from Zurich to Cologne.