Amsterdam Central Station (“Amsterdam Centraal Station”) is the main train station in Amsterdam. Located in the city center of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Central station is an important station for both local and international travelers. At this station, you can find trains, subway, trams, buses and ferries that will bring you around in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Central Station
About Amsterdam Central Station:
With 250,000 travelers every day, Amsterdam Central Station is one of the busiest stations in the Netherlands. This number will continue to rise to approximately 275,000 by 2030 (ProRail). With its central location, the station is a great place to start your exploration of Amsterdam.
Adress Amsterdam Central Station: Stationsplein 9, 1012 AB Amsterdam
From here, by taking public transportation, you can easily access the city’s many attractions, including the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the Rijksmuseum on Museum Square and the Albert Cuyp Market in the Pijp area. Also, the domestic trains depart here too. From Amsterdam Central Station you can easily take a train to visit other (neighboring) Dutch cities such as Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden and Den Haag.
The Amsterdam Central Station itself is an impressive building. Constructed in 1889 and designed by the Dutch Pierre Cuypers, the building of Amsterdam Central Station is a stunning example of Dutch Neo-Renaissance architecture, with an impressive exterior and an even more impressive interior. The exterior is made of red bricks and is decorated with numerous sculptures, including a statue of the goddess Minerva, a symbol of the city’s power and prosperity. The interior is also striking, with its marble floors, high vaulted ceilings, and grand columns.
Facilities at Amsterdam Central Station
The station also offers a number of services and amenities, including ticketing and information desks, fast food restaurants (like Burger king, FEBO, New York Pizza), ATMs, and a luggage storage (with surveillance). There is also a shopping center, featuring a number of fashion boutiques and souvenir shops.
For travelers passing through or spending some time in the city, the Amsterdam Central Station is a crucial transportation hub, connecting both local and international destinations. One of the most sought-after services at the station is the convenient luggage storage. This guide will provide you with essential information about luggage storage at Amsterdam Central Station, including the answers to four common questions.
Luggage Lockers Amsterdam Central Station
At Amsterdam Central Station, the luggage lockers, also known as baggage lockers or luggage storage, are located in the East Wing of the station. To find them, follow the signs marked ‘Bagagekluizen‘ within the station. The lockers are easily accessible and provide a safe and secure space to store your belongings while you explore the city.
Others also read: 41 Best Must-See and Must-do things in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the City!
Leaving Luggage at Amsterdam Central Station
Yes, you can definitely leave your luggage at Amsterdam Central Station. The station offers self-service luggage lockers. These lockers come in two sizes – small and large – to accommodate different types of bags and suitcases.
Luggage Storage Costs – Amsterdam Central Station
The cost of luggage storage at Amsterdam Central Station varies depending on the size of the locker and the duration of storage. The 2023 prices are:
Small Locker Costs Amsterdam Central Station 2023
The pricing for a small locker at Amsterdam Central Station is as follows:
- 1st day (24 hours): €8.50
- 2nd and 3rd day: €11.50 per day
- 4th day or longer: €17 per day
Large Locker Costs Amsterdam Central Station 2023
For a large locker at Amsterdam Central Station, the charges are:
- 1st day (24 hours): €11.50
- 2nd and 3rd day: €17.25 per day
- 4th day or longer: €23 per day
Please note that prices are subject to change.
Leaving Luggage in Amsterdam
Apart from the lockers at Amsterdam Central Station, there are other luggage storage options in Amsterdam. Various luggage storage companies, like Stasher, operate throughout the city, offering secure storage locations near popular tourist spots and transportation hubs.
Others also read: The 9 Best Places for Shopping in Amsterdam
International trains arriving and departing from Amsterdam Central Station (AMS CS)
List of International Trains at Amsterdam Central Station:
- Thalys (High-speed Train) – The Thalys connects Amsterdam Central Station with major cities in France and Belgium, such as Paris, Brussels, and Antwerp. This high-speed train provides comfortable and efficient travel, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. Travel time from Amsterdam to Paris is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- Eurostar (High-speed Train) – The Eurostar links Amsterdam with London via the Channel Tunnel. The high-speed train connects Amsterdam Central Station to London St. Pancras International in just under 4 hours. The journey also includes stops in Brussels and Lille.
- Intercity Express (ICE) (High-speed Train) – The Intercity Express (ICE) connects Amsterdam with major German cities, such as Frankfurt, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. This high-speed train offers comfortable and efficient travel, with speeds of up to 300 km/h. Travel time from Amsterdam to Frankfurt is approximately 4 hours.
- InterCity Berlin (Express Train) – The InterCity Berlin train connects Amsterdam Central Station with the German capital, Berlin. This express train provides a convenient and comfortable journey, with a travel time of around 6 hours and 20 minutes.
- City Night Line (Night Train) – The City Night Line offers overnight train services from Amsterdam Central Station to various destinations in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. With comfortable sleeping compartments and a range of amenities, passengers can enjoy a restful night’s sleep while traveling to their destination.
- Intercity Brussels (Express Train) – The Intercity Brussels train links Amsterdam Central Station with several Belgian cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. This express train offers a convenient and comfortable travel experience, with a journey time of around 2 hours to Brussels.
Going to Amsterdam Central Station & Travelling from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Is Amsterdam Central Station the same as Schiphol Airport?
No, Amsterdam Central Station and Schiphol Airport are not the same. While they are both located in the same city, they are two entirely separate locations and serve different purposes.
Amsterdam Central Station, also known as Amsterdam Centraal or simply CS, is the main railway station and the largest in the Netherlands. It is located in the city centre, in the heart of the city, and is the hub for both national and international train services. The station is the busiest in the Netherlands, with over 250,000 passengers passing through it each day.
On the other hand, Schiphol Airport is located approximately 9 miles southwest of Amsterdam and is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe, handling more than 63 million passengers in 2020 alone.
The two locations are not connected to each other directly, but they can be reached from each other with a few transfers. It is possible to take a direct train from Amsterdam Central Station to Schiphol Airport, which takes about fifteen minutes. Alternatively, there are also buses available for transportation between the two locations.
How to get to Amsterdam Central Station from Airport?
Getting to Amsterdam Central Station from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is easy and straightforward.
Train
The most efficient way to get to the station is by train. Amsterdam’s railway network connects Schiphol Airport to Central Station and other cities around the Netherlands. Trains depart from the lower level of Schiphol’s terminal and arrive at Amsterdam Central Station within 15 minutes.
You can purchase tickets at the yellow ticket machines located at in the main ticket hall. Alternatively, you can buy tickets online in advance.
Taxi
If you’d like to take a taxi, it’s possible to hail one outside of the arrivals hall. A taxi ride from Schiphol Airport to Central Station takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also book a taxi in advance using a taxi app.
Bus
If you were planning to take the bus from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station PLEASE KNOW that there are no busses operating between Amsterdam Central Station (AM CS) and Amsterdam Schiphol Aiport and vice versa. If you are planning to travel by public transportation to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, we would recommend you taking the train.
Can I take Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 from Amsterdam Central Station?
No, the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus does not stop at Amsterdam Central Station. The stops of this bus are: Museumplein, Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein
How much does a ticket to Amsterdam Central cost from airport?
When travelling from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central, the cost of a train ticket can vary depending on the day and time of travel. Generally, a one-way ticket from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central will cost €4.90 for an adult ticket if you purchase the ticket online. There will be a €1 surcharge if you purchase the ticket at the ticket machine / ticket counter at Dutch train stations.
The journey from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central usually takes around 15-20 minutes and can be completed on either the Intercity Direct or the Sprinter train. The Intercity Direct will take you directly to Amsterdam Central, while the Sprinter will make several stops along the way. The Intercity Direct usually has more available seats, but the Sprinter is usually cheaper.
The easiest and most convenient way to purchase your train ticket is to use the NS ticket machines located in the Arrivals Hall at Schiphol Airport. Here, you can purchase a single-use ticket or a reusable OV-chipkaart (public transport chip card). To use the ticket machines, simply select your language and follow the instructions on the screen. You can also purchase tickets through the NS website or app.
Once you have your ticket, you can find the Intercity Direct or Sprinter platform in the main train station at Schiphol Airport. Look for the signs next to the platforms to make sure you’re waiting for the correct train.
Practical Information
Can you buy train tickets at Amsterdam Central Station?
Yes, you can purchase train tickets at Amsterdam Central Station. To purchase tickets, you need to go the yellow NS machines that you can find throughout the train station or visit OV Service & Tickets located in the “IJ-Hall”. However, you will need to pay a surcharge of 1 euro per ticket if you purchase the tickets at one of the yellow machines or at the OV Service & Tickets Information Desk. at the station. If you purchase your tickets online, you don’t have to pay this surcharge.
Where is the OV Service & Tickets Shop located in Amsterdam Central Station?
Amsterdam Central Station is the only station in Amsterdam that has two OV Service & Tickets Shop where you can buy NS train tickets and EBS buss tickets physically.
The first “OV Service & Tickets Winkel” shop is located in de “IJ-hal” (Side where you can see the boats and the north side of Amsterdam) and is open from 08:00 – 19:00 (Mon-sat) 19:00 – 19:00 (Sun).
At the side of Amsterdam city center, there is also a second OV Service & Tickets desk. This one is open from 00:00 – 23:59.
What is Amsterdam Central Station called?
Lots of major European train stations have a special name for their main train station, such as the King’s Cross (London), St Pancras International (London) and Gare du Nord (Paris). Our train station in Amsterdam has a simple name, it is called: “Amsterdam Central Station” and in Dutch we call the station “Amsterdam Centraal Station” (Amsterdam CS).
How does the Dutch yellow NS train ticket machines work at stations?
The yellow NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) ticket machines at Amsterdam Central Station allow you to purchase train tickets for travel within the Netherlands. If you have never used them before, it can be a bit overwhelming or stressful. Especially when lots of people are queuing behind you. So this is a small instruction guide how the ticket machines at Amsterdam Central Station work:
1. Language selection
First, you will need to select the language you want to use on the machine. The available languages are Dutch, English, French, and German.
2. Ticket selection
Next, you will need to select the type of ticket you want to purchase. You can choose from one-way or return tickets, day tickets, and single-use chip cards. You can also select your class of travel: first or second class.
3. Destination selection
Once you have selected the type of ticket you want to purchase, you will need to select your destination. You can search for your destination by entering the station name, the city name, or the code for the station.
4. Payment
After you have selected your ticket and destination, you will need to pay for your ticket. You can pay only using a debit or credit card. You can not use cash.
5. Ticket printing
After you have paid for your ticket, the machine will print your ticket. You can collect your ticket from the slot at the bottom of the machine.
Which station is the best in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Central Station is generally the best station to arrive at when visiting Amsterdam. It is the city’s main train station and is located in the heart of the city, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city’s attractions.
Amsterdam Central Station has excellent connections to other parts of the city, including tram, bus, and metro lines, as well as ferries across the river IJ. It is also a hub for national and international train connections, with trains departing to and arriving from cities throughout the Netherlands and Europe.
If you are arriving in Amsterdam by air, there is a direct train connection from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
How far is Amsterdam Central Station from city centre?
Amsterdam Central Station is located in the city center of Amsterdam, so 0km from the city center. In general, many popular tourist attractions such as Dam Square, the Red Light District, and the Anne Frank House are within a 15-20 minute walk from the station.
Sources: NS
Amsterdam Travel Guide: Best money saving & travel tips for Amsterdam
Every year, Amsterdam is visited by millions and millions of visitors around the world. Without booking your trip in advance, it will be very hard to find the best place to stay in Amsterdam or do the things you want to do.
————————-
Find your Flight
Since airfare costs will be a significant part of your trip expenses, we recommend you to use Skyscanner as it gives you a list with the cheapest flights. You may also want to check out the website of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. KLM is the main airline of the Netherlands and has besides convenient connections (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), also competitive prizing and good In-flight experience (e.g. extra legroom; we Dutch are tall, that’s why).
————————-
Find your Train Ticket
Amsterdam is well-connected with other European cities. Use NS International to purchase your train ticket to the Netherlands. NS is the main train operator in the Netherlands. Planning to see more than Amsterdam during your stay in Europe? You may want to consider buying an Eurail Interrail Pass which gives you unlimited train travel across Europe for a specific period.
————————-
Book your Accommodation
The best platform to book a hotel room in Amsterdam is Booking.com as nearly every big and small hotel are listed on this platform, making it very easy to find your preferred hotel. All the costs are listed on the site so you won’t need to pay any unexpected costs such as tourist taxes at arrival.
Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program offers attractive discounts, meaning that you will pay less for your accommodation.
HostelWorld is your to-go platform to book a bed in a hostel. Every hostel in Amsterdam can be found on HostelWorld, making it easy to compare prices and availability.
————————-
Buy your museum and attractions tickets in advance!
Amsterdam is a very very popular tourist attractions and if you want to visit certain attraction it is nearly a MUST to reserve and purchase your tickets online. Otherwise you won’t be able to get in. Especially if you want to visit the Anne Frank House, in high seasons the tickets are already sold out 1.5 months in advance (not a joke).
GetyourGuide is the best platform to buy your tickets online, as they offer free cancellation with full refund. Purchase your tickets first is the smartest thing what you can do before coming to Amsterdam.
————————-