Get thee to The Netherlands

We have been already twice to The Netherlands (Utrecht), and we have tried every possibility except flying. This is a short summary.

BY CAR

Well, ViaMichelin (or Google Maps) says that the trip takes less than 5 hours. Problem is, the construction sites between Lübeck and Hamburg (A20), which are taking forever, and the other very long construction site between Bremen and something else (A1). On a Friday, it took us 7 hours to reach Utrecht (this includes a small traffic jam around Bremen). On a Sunday, it was "only" 6 hours or so. Conclusion: driving to Utrecht sucks. Specially if you are the only driver.

It seems that the German ministry of something has information about construction sites. Considering how fast the work (and that you NEVER, ever see anybody working there during the week), I guess it will take them another 3 years to finish doing whatever it is they are doing.

BY BUS

Eurolines has a direct line between Hamburg and Utrecht. It is possible to start your trip with Eurolines in Lübeck (bus coming from Copenhaguen) and then change. It is a night bus that arrives pretty early to Utrecht. No idea how it works the other way around.

Overall impression... how much sleep you get depends on the others on the bus. Drivers... could hardly speak English, and seemed completely lost at a point. Bus started late from Hamburg, stopped in Bremen and some other place, and of course, a couple of stops in gas stations to stretch your legs.

Better than driving though. At least you can relax and sit back. This is the cheapest possibility of all. Trip takes around 7 hours.

There are also buses to Eindhoven and Amsterdam.

BY TRAIN

So far, this has been the most comfortable way to travel. We took a train (well, 4 of them) from Utrecht to Lübeck. Travel time was around 6 hours. You can relax, read, sleep, walk around, and whatever.

Deutsche Bahn has now these "Europa Spezial", and "Niederlanden Spezial" tickets. If you get lucky, you pay just 39 euros. If you get less lucky, you can still get a pretty decent price, and might even be cheaper than renting a car + gas.