Amsterdam Centraal Station Full Guide 2026 – Trains, Metro & Rickshaw

Amsterdam Centraal Station is the main gateway to the city and the entire Netherlands. Whether you arrive by train, plane, bus, tram, ferry, or taxi, everything connects here.
At first it may feel crowded and confusing, but once you understand the system, it becomes one of the easiest stations to use in Europe.

🏛️ About Amsterdam Centraal Station

Where: Between the River IJ & Amsterdam city centre
Info: Historic main station since 1889

Amsterdam Centraal was built over water on more than 8,000 wooden piles, making it a true engineering wonder.
It was designed by Pierre Cuypers, the same architect behind the Rijksmuseum.

From the outside it looks like a palace, but inside it works like a massive travel machine moving thousands of people daily.

🏗️ Built on artificial islands
🎨 Gothic & Renaissance design
🚆 Heart of Dutch railway system
👥 Second busiest station in NL

🧭 Understanding the Station Layout

Where: Inside the main building
Info: Two main sides – City side & River side

The City side (Centrum) leads to Damrak, trams, shops, and hotels.
The River side (IJ-zijde) connects to ferries and bus platforms.
The IJpassage tunnel lets you walk between both sides without using a ticket gate.

🏙️ City side = trams & shopping
🌊 River side = ferries & buses
🚶 Walk freely via IJpassage
🛍️ Shops inside tunnel

🚆 Catching Trains from Amsterdam Centraal

Where: Platforms 1–11
Info: Local, national & international trains

Amsterdam Centraal connects to all Dutch cities and many European destinations like Paris, Brussels, and Berlin.
Some platforms split into A and B, so always check the screens carefully.
International trains to the UK require passport control.

🛤️ 11 platforms
🌍 Europe-wide connections
🇬🇧 UK travel passport check
♿ Lifts & escalators

🚇 Catching the Metro to/from Amsterdam Centraal

Where: Inside station & city-side entrance
Info: Underground metro network

The metro is great for reaching outer districts quickly.
Tap your bank card or ticket at the gates before entering the platform.
It’s quiet, clean, and much faster than buses during rush hours.

🚇 4 metro lines
📲 Easy tap-in system
🏘️ Connects suburbs
⏱️ Fast travel

🚌 Catching Buses from Amsterdam Centraal

Where: Upper level on river side
Info: Local & regional bus services

Buses depart from the roof area overlooking the river.
They’re useful for places not covered by metro or trams.
Always tap your card when getting on and off.

🚌 Bus station on roof
📍 Google Maps friendly
🔄 Tap in & out
🌆 Good for outer areas

🚋 Catching Trams / from Amsterdam Centraal

Where: Outside city side entrance
Info: Street-level transport across Amsterdam

Trams are the easiest way to reach hotels, museums, and shopping areas.
They run every few minutes and are reliable even in winter.
Don’t forget to tap in and out when boarding.

Here is a good map of the tram lines that you can zoom in and out on as well (right-click and open the image in a new tab to be able to zoom).

⛴️ Free Ferries to Amsterdam Noord

Where: River side exit
Info: Free boats across the IJ

These ferries run all day and night.
They’re perfect for visiting A’DAM Tower or the creative NDSM Wharf.
Bikes and scooters are welcome onboard.

✈️ Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport

Where: Underground train platforms
Info: Direct airport link

The train ride to Schiphol takes around 20 minutes.
Trains run every few minutes, even late at night.
Always tap your card before going down to the platform.

✈️ One-stop ride
⏱️ 20 minutes only
📲 Easy payment
💼 Perfect with luggage

🚖 Taxi Services

Where: River side taxi rank
Info: Licensed taxis only

If public transport feels too much, taxis are right outside.
They are safe but more expensive than trains or trams.
Ideal when carrying heavy bags or arriving late at night.

🚕 Official taxis
🧳 Luggage friendly
💳 Card accepted
💶 Higher price

🚲 Rickshaw & Bike Taxi at Amsterdam Centraal

Where: City side exits & nearby canals
Info: Electric bike taxi and private rickshaw rides

After a long train or flight, many visitors don’t feel like walking or figuring out trams.
Here you can hop into a private electric rickshaw (bike taxi) directly from Amsterdam Centraal and glide through the canals to your hotel or favorite sights.
It’s quiet, zero-emission, and perfect for couples, families, or anyone with luggage.

🚲 Electric rickshaw & bike taxi
🧳 Helpful with luggage
📸 Photo stops anytime
🌿 Eco-friendly city travel

Book here: https://amsterdam-bike-taxi.com/booking/

🧳 Facilities Inside the Station

Where: Throughout station
Info: Food, toilets, luggage & shops

From supermarkets to coffee shops, everything is available here.
There are also luggage lockers outside the city exit.
Toilets cost €0.90 but give a discount voucher.

🚻 Paid toilets
🛍️ Souvenir shops
☕ Cafés & food
🧳 Luggage storage

🏨 Best Hotels Nearby

If you want to stay somewhere right by Central Station for ease of access, here are the best hotels within five minutes’ walk.

NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace: 5 star – Next door to the beautiful Basilica of St Nicholas which you see across the water as soon as you exit the station is the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, which is an incredibly luxurious hotel and also very close to the station.

ibis Amsterdam Centre: 3 star – This THE closest hotel to the station, as it’s located just behind the building where the luggage storage is. It’s nothing fancy, but looks clean and comfortable.

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam: 4 star – Directly across from the main entrance of the station is the Park Plaza Victoria, located in a beautiful neoclassical building and even containing a swimming pool.

art’otel Amsterdam: 4 star – Just a few steps along from Park Plaza is the art’otel, which actually contains its own art gallery and has lots of funky art throughout the hotel. There’s also a swimming pool and sauna.

Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station: 4 star – Next to Amsterdam Centraal is the Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station hotel, which has a pretty incredible sky bar on top, with views over the river and city.

Sir Adam Hotel: 4 star – If you catch the 3-minute ferry across from the station to A’DAM Toren (Amsterdam Tower) you could have some pretty spectacular views of the station, city and river from this hotel located inside the tower.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Information may change. Always double-check official websites.