In this article, I present Amsterdam CentraalThis is the station you're sure to pass through during your stay in the capital!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Amsterdam Centraal station
- Why it's important for visitors
- Practical information: timetables, reservations, routes
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you are looking for information on Amsterdam Central Stationyou'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Centraal Amsterdam : article summary
Amsterdam Centraal, one of the city's most important thoroughfares
Whichever means of transport you use to get here visit Amsterdamyou're sure to come across Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal).
This is the arrival point for trains, of course, but also for shuttles connecting Schiphol airport at downtown. Here she is!
Introducing Amsterdam Central Station
Amsterdam Central Station inaugurated in 1889and is the work of the architect Pierre Cuypersalso in charge of creating the superb Rikjsmuseum. In fact, there are many similarities between the two structures, which the more observant will be delighted to note.
Its position, at the water's edge on the shores of Lake IJ, required the construction of three artificial islands. It rests on a set of 8,687 wooden pillars, which caused major delays in the work due to unstable ground conditions.
At the time of its opening, visitors had to pay to admire this impressive architectural work, which has seen numerous modifications in the 20th century.
From now on, trains national and international (notably the Eurostar to London and the Thalys to Paris) cross it, and every day it welcomes over 200,000 passengers. It is the country's second busiest station (behind Utrecht Centraal).
Facts and figures about Amsterdam Centraal
- It counts 15 platformsextending over 695 metres
- Its architecture is in the neo-renaissance style
- You can take the IJ lake ferry free of charge from Centraal to Amsterdam's North Zone
- Just across from the ferry dock, you can see the EYE Film Institute Netherlands devoted mainly to au 7e art the country
How do I get to Amsterdam Centraal station?
From Amsterdam Centraal, you can take most of the city's public transport. I take stock available resources for your trips and excursions from this station!
The metro
4 of the 5 Amsterdam metro pass through Central station: the n° 51, 52, 53, and 54. So you can easily reach all the city's central, northern and southern districts using this option.
The tramway
9 of the 14 tramway in Amsterdam depart from Centraal Amsterdam station, including line 2 which serves most top tourist spots in Amsterdam.
Along the way, you'll pass the Royal Palacethe Van Gogh Museum or the Amsterdam Flower Market.
Bus station buses
A bus station (IJzijde) has been opened just a stone's throw from Amsterdam Centraal station, making excursions a breeze. These intercity buses can be a convenient way to reach charming neighboring towns such as Marken and Volendam !
Of course, the Amsterdam bus is useful, especially with night buses which replace streetcars and subways after midnight.
Le Ferry
As I mentioned earlier, a ferry shuttle service (free of charge) between the main station and the north side of the city, where the viewpoint is located. A'Dam Lookout or the museum Straat.
Bicycles
Visit bike is still the most popular means of transport in Amsterdam, and you can easily find a car rental agency in your area. bike rental at Centraal Amsterdam. Convenient for both pick-up and drop-off.
The cab
Numerous cabs are waiting in the vicinity of the Central Station, for those wishing to use this means of transport. It's quite expensive, so plan ahead.
Good to know : with I Amsterdam City Cardyou'll have unlimited use of all public transport. Don't forget it!
How to get to Amsterdam Central Station easily?
The address of Amsterdam Central Station is : Stationplein 9, 1012 AB Amsterdam.
It's easy to reach by any of the above means of transport. But it's also the arrival point for visitors from from Paris or London (via Thalys or Eurostar) and all visitors who disembark at Schiphol airport.
How do I get to Central Station from the airport?
There are an express shuttle which travels from the airport to Centraal Amsterdam in just 16 minutes. Departures are very frequent, and you can buy a round-trip ticket for just 15 euros (fixed fare).
A convenient solutionto get you into the city very quickly. What's more, this ticket entitles you to :
- An audio guide to use on your strolls through the city's prettiest districts
- 10 % discount on several major attractions
Amsterdam Centraal: practical tips and information
Here's some useful information to know before visiting Amsterdam Central Station.
How can I buy train tickets at Central Station?
You will find vending machines where you can buy train and/or transport tickets. Or ticket offices, open every day until 9pm.
Where to stay around Central Station?
There are some very good hotels in Amsterdamall over the city. If you want to sleep in the area around the station, I recommend the Kimpton De Witt AmsterdamA luxury hotel with a rooftop terrace to enjoy the view.
Useful information
You will find instructions in Centraal Amsterdam, useful if you're just passing through. Also useful if you're waiting for check-in, but expensive.
You pay €8.50 for a small locker; €11.50 for a large locker for the first 24 hours. They are available from 5h to 1h morning.
What to see and do in the area?
From the main station, all of Amsterdam seems accessible! In the immediate vicinity, here are a few must-sees to discover on foot:
- Visit red-light districtwith its coffee shop and its incongruous museums, accessible 8 minutes on foot
- Visit Anne Franck's houseA must-see during your stay in the capital, which you can reach by car. 19 minutes walking
- NEMOthe Science Museum with its playful experiments, located in 13-minute walk from the station
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
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