In the Netherlands, the Amsterdam Centraal Station is a major train station. This train station was designed by Petrus J.H. Cuypers and is known for catering to over 200,00 people a day and being a magnificent landmark. The new Amsterdam Centraal Station replaced Amsterdam Willemspoort Station, which had closed in 1878. The Centraal station is now used by tourists and Amsterdam natives every day.
1. Public Transport Near Amsterdam Centraal Station
Amsterdam Centraal Station is a central transport hub with multiple transport options, especially trains, for the convenience of passengers. Buses at the bus stops and trams are available; however, most leave from the city side. Trams service the central city, while buses travel to the city’s periphery.
Taxis are available near the Western Tunnel, and taxi drivers cannot decline a short ride. Ride-hailing applications such as Uber are also available.
Tourist boats that give canal cruises also depart from the city side. The city ferry boat lines that connect the city to Amsterdam Noord (North) are located behind the station. The ferries run every 30 minutes and are completely free.
2. Accessing Tickets
Locals use a public transportation charge card called a chip card or an OV chipkaart, accessible on all modes of transportation across the Netherlands. If you are visiting the Netherlands for a short period, you should get one-way train tickets that can be purchased near the station’s main entrance. You must verify this ticket at the entry to the platforms area of each railway station and indicate the end of your journey when you exit the station’s platforms area.
Information desks are at the entrance, and several vending machines offer train tickets to various stations around the Netherlands. If you plan to travel and explore the city for a while, purchase an OV chipkaart for city transport.
3. Arriving at the Centraal Station
The station features three tunnels beneath all its platforms where you can walk to either the Amsterdam Centre side or the Amsterdam Northside, which is located behind the Ij Lake and is today known as the Ij-zijde (The Ij Side). These tunnels, known as the Eastern, Main, and Western Tunnels, connect passengers to all train stations.
There is also a new tunnel beneath the station, the centrally positioned Ij-Passage, which is more of a shopping area than a railway platform but is a convenient route to get to the lakeside of the station. If you don’t want to take a city boat to the north of Amsterdam or a bus at the bus station to another city, exit through the center of the metro station.
Town buses, trams, and metro lines to all districts of Amsterdam are available near the exit. The taxi stand is near the IJ Hall, on the left of the Western Tunnel. For further assistance, the main Amsterdam Tourist Office is in a classic wooden white Dutch coffee shop in front of the station’s Main Entry and is open to foreign visitors daily. You can get assistance in multiple languages at the office.
4. Transportation to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
During the day, local trains to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport depart every 10 minutes from platform number 14A or 15. Other platforms have night trains to the airport. The train ticket from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station can be bought at the ticket machines available at multiple places in the station.
5. Transportation to Amsterdam North
If you want to discover Amsterdam like a native or escape the tourist traps, Amsterdam Noord (Amsterdam North) is the ideal part of Amsterdam for you. Amsterdam Noord is located across the IJ from Amsterdam’s City Centre and is accessible via a free ferry.
6. Shops and Food Accessibility in the City Centre
The shops in Amsterdam Centraal Station range from apparel and beauty to food stores and storage. Similarly, there are about 65 grocery stores in the area. Multiple restaurants offer a diverse menu of dishes and desserts worldwide. These are perfect for grabbing a quick yet delicious lunch or food break between traveling via trains.
7. Attractions Close to The Centraal Station
As a major attraction of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Centraal station building has many city sights nearby. Some of them include the following:
7.1. Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House is one of the three most famous museums in Amsterdam and is highly recognized worldwide. The real house and hiding spot where Anne Frank stayed during WWII still stands and has been turned into a museum for tourists. Tourists can buy online tickets, which are available for both adults and children.
7.2. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum near the station building is dedicated to Dutch art and history. A trip to Amsterdam would be pointless without a stop at the Rijksmuseum, one of the city’s largest and most important museums.
7.3. Vondelpark
The largest and most well-known municipal park in Amsterdam, Vondelpark features a famous open-air theatre, multiple children’s playgrounds, and various cafés and restaurants, making it a vibrant activity centre all year.
7.4. Van Gogh Museum
The world’s most extensive collection of works by the museum is housed in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The museum’s collection of over 200 paintings, 500 sketches, and 700 letters gives an intimate peek into the life and thoughts of artistic genius Van Gogh.
7.5. Royal Palace
Tourists may purchase tickets to Amsterdam’s Royal Palace. It is pretty popular since it gives a good insight into the royal family and their lives, though only one floor can be explored.
7.6. NEMO Science Museum
Your senses will be captivated by exhibitions, theatre events, videos, seminars, and demonstrations at the NEMO Science Museum. The visit is free. However, participation in select exhibitions, events, and workshops may be charged.
7.7. Rembrandt House Museum
Just 15 minutes from the Amsterdam Centraal Station, the Rembrandt House Museum will provide insight into Rembrandt’s life. Visiting other art museums to broaden your experience is incredibly worthwhile.
8. Hotels Near The Station
Many hotels of varying price ranges also surround the train station and are within walking distance from the station square for travelers’ convenience. The Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam and NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace are among the nearest.
Other highly rated hotels near the station include PH93 Amsterdam Central, Mauro Mansion, and many more. Make sure you look for accommodations before travelling. This will ensure you stay the night at the best place according to your budget with the necessary amenities.
9. Currency Exchange
While travelling, you will need some cash in addition to your credit or debit card, which is a good idea. Converting your money at the Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal Station may be tempting, but you would be shortchanging yourself.
The difficulty for travellers is to obtain the best conversion rate at the least amount of commissions or other costs charged by a bank or service…Money exchange shops in Amsterdam and abroad frequently promote ‘no fees,’ ‘no commission,’ or ‘no costs & no commission.’
Before you purchase or sell money, check the tiny print or ask for specifics to ensure the offered bargain pertains to the amount you plan to alter. One of the most well-known exchanging companies is Pott Change, a one-office exchange company whose praises may be found on several travel sites. Pott Change is on Damrak 95, the primary route connecting Amsterdam Centraal Station to Dam Square.
10. Tips For Travellers
10.1. Security
1. The Amsterdam Centraal Station is mostly very secure. Nevertheless, keep an eye on your baggage and belongings. You will hear and read alerts everywhere about pickpockets when you arrive at the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal Station.
2. Carry your cash and passport in a money belt, bra pocket, and other general anti-theft products. If you buy tickets at the kiosk, ensure your money is kept confidential.
3. In recent years, several reports have been made of visitors being approached by persons who seemed and acted like police officials. The ‘officers’ claim to be alerting tourists to the availability of counterfeit Euros. They offer to examine their wallets, then perform an exchange scam, leaving the visitors with no money or a pile of bogus Euros.
4. Whenever possible, acquire tickets in advance. Long lines are expected at museums and galleries, especially during the summer from June to August. Ticketed time slots are offered at major attractions such as the Anne Frank Huis and the Van Gogh Museum.
5. Rental bicycles are widely accessible around the city, especially near the Amsterdam Centraal station. The bikes are well-made, and locks are given to all buyers. Cycling is a standard mode of transportation in Amsterdam and is used by almost all locals and tourists. Parking your bike on the station premises is generally the ideal place and prevents your bike from being towed away by authorities.
10.2. Important Things to Know
1. Smoking Marijuana and alcohol consumption in public is banned and is considered impolite and disrespectful by Amsterdam residents. Similarly, photographing sex workers in the Red Light District is forbidden. Ensure you avoid these things when visiting the city and train station.
2. The Dutch are noted for their bluntness while talking to strangers and people they know.
3. Hoteldoc and Amsterdam Tourist Physicians are two of Amsterdam’s many English-speaking doctors and medical care services. Dial 112 for emergencies or +31 20 570 9500 to reach an ambulance directly in case of any medical emergency or care you need.
4. Get an “I Amsterdam City Car” if you visit more than three Amsterdam attractions. The card entitles you to access cheap entry to several of the city’s finest attractions. Depending on the card purchased, the cards are valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days after initial use and can be purchased online.
5. While drug usage is permitted in Amsterdam, it is vital to remember that selling or buying drugs is still banned in the city. Do not buy drugs from street vendors. This is unlawful and can have significant ramifications that can end your trip immediately.
11. Enjoy Your Trip!
Amsterdam is a beautiful city visited by hundreds of people every year. The Centraal station has been used for years and is still used daily because of its accessibility and consistent services. The station building offers services like luggage lockers, underground car parking, bicycle parking, currency exchange, cafes, and restaurants for everyday passengers and tourists.
While traveling, the trains will be vital, and knowing about the station is extremely important to enjoy a smooth and delightful trip.
Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Apeksha Soni
