Amsterdam Centraal Station is the beating heart of the city’s transport system. With trains, buses, trams, metro, ferries, and bikes all converging here, it’s your key to unlocking Amsterdam and beyond. And with major renovations wrapped up in 2020, this hub is only getting better.
Getting Around Amsterdam
From Centraal Station, you can hop on a tram, bus, or ferry to just about anywhere in the city. If you’re not sure which ticket to buy, check out the city’s public transport site or snag an I amsterdam City Card for unlimited travel for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Here are some top spots and how to reach them:
- Anne Frank House: Trams 13, 14, 17 to Westermarkt
- Het Grachtenhuis Museum: Trams 1, 2, 5 to Koningsplein
- Het Rembrandthuis: Metro 51, 53, 54 or Trams 9, 14 to Waterlooplein (or walk 15 min from Centraal)
- Het Rijksmuseum: Trams 2, 5 to Hobbemastraat
- Van Gogh Museum: Trams 2, 5 to Hobbemastraat
Going Further Afield
If you’re jetting off to other parts of Europe, Centraal Station is the perfect launchpad. Trains run to hot spots like Paris, Brussels, and Cologne. And if you’re flying into Schiphol Airport, the station is just a 20-minute train ride away.
Got a long layover? No worries. Centraal Station has handy luggage lockers so you can stash your bags and explore the city.
A Station with Style
But Centraal Station isn’t just a transit hub – it’s a looker, too. Designed by famed architect Pierre Cuypers (of Rijksmuseum fame), the station first opened its doors in 1889. With its ornate décor and grand halls, Cuypers saw it as Amsterdam’s grand entrance – the gateway to the city.
Building for the Future
These days, Centraal Station is in the midst of a major facelift. By 2020, it’ll boast:
- High-speed rail lines
- New bike and pedestrian tunnels
- A swanky bus terminal
- Shopping arcades galore
- A shiny new north-south metro line
And with hundreds of thousands of visitors passing through each day, these upgrades can’t come soon enough.
Tips for Travelers
- Download the GVB app for real-time transit info and easy ticket buying
- If you’re cycling, park your bike in one of the station’s massive underground garages
- Grab a bite at the station’s food court – try a classic kroket (croquette) from Van Dobben or a fresh stroopwafel from Stroop
- For a quick city overview, hop on a free ferry to Amsterdam North and back – the views are stellar
So whether you’re jetting in from afar or just hopping across town, Amsterdam Centraal Station is your key to the city. With its mix of old-world charm and modern convenience, it’s the perfect starting point for your Dutch adventure.
