Amsterdam Centraal - Train Station Guide
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stationsplein 1, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
The station is open for train services from early morning (approximately 05:00) until after midnight. Tunnels and passages have varying hours.
Amsterdam Centraal is the main railway station and transport hub of the Dutch capital, handling approximately 200,000 passengers per day. Designed by architect Pierre Cuypers (who also designed the Rijksmuseum) and opened in 1889, the station features a striking Dutch Neo-Renaissance facade with intricate carvings and two towers. The station is a through-station running west-east with 15 tracks, of which 11 have platforms numbered 1/2, 4/5, 7/8, 10/11, 13/14, and 15. Train platforms are elevated above ground level and accessed via tunnels underneath by stairs, escalators, and lifts. The station has several key areas: the monumental main entrance hall (Cuypershal) on the city side (Centrumzijde), the IJ-side (north) facing the waterfront with the bus station and ferry piers, and shopping passages running under the tracks. A new Eurostar UK Terminal opened in the eastern Amstel passage area, handling direct services to London via Brussels with capacity for up to 650 passengers per train. The station connects to Amsterdam Metro (lines 51, 52, 53, 54), seven GVB tram lines, city and regional buses, free IJ ferries to Amsterdam Noord, and direct trains to Schiphol Airport every 10 minutes. Prorail is currently renovating parts of the station through 2030 to accommodate growing passenger numbers expected to reach 275,000 per day.
Station Facilities
Free WiFi available at the station.
Self-service automated lockers operated by NS, relocated in February 2025 to the western edge of the station on the city side, near the entrance to the Cuyperspassage. Open 07:00-00:30. Three sizes: small (11 EUR/24h), large (16 EUR/24h), XL (26 EUR/24h). Maximum 3 consecutive days. Payment by debit/credit card only (no cash). Keep your barcode receipt โ 15 EUR surcharge if lost.
The luggage lockers ARE the storage facility โ automated self-service lockers. To find them: exit the main entrance onto Stationsplein, turn immediately right, walk along the front of the station building to its end.
Multiple dining options including Burger King (platform 2), Starbucks, Wagamama, and various kiosks. Hema mini-market inside the ticket gates. Shops and restaurants in the tunnels under the tracks.
Retail shops in the passageways under the tracks and in the main hall. Convenience stores and kiosks throughout.
ATMs available in various locations around the station.
Toilets on platform 1 at track 2a/2b (requires valid check-in). Free 24/7 toilets in the IJhal on the west side, located outside the gates.
NS information desks in the main hall. Tickets & Service office located in front of the entrance on Stationsplein for national and international ticket sales and travel info. GVB ticket office on the city-centre side for metro, tram, and bus tickets.
NS International First Class Lounge at the western end of platform 2 (platform 2a). Open 7 days a week. Access for 1st class international ticket holders, Interrail/Eurail 1st class pass holders, and Eurostar Premier passengers. Paid access also available (6 EUR/hour or 15 EUR/day, debit card only). Offers complimentary tea, coffee, one soft drink or water, charging points, and free WiFi.
GWK Travelex at three locations: in the IJhal, in the middle tunnel, and in the Tickets & Service centre on the centre side.
Found objects kept at the station for 5 days free of charge, then sent to the Central Lost & Found Desk in Utrecht (kept 3 months). Report online via NS lost & found. Show valid ID and search request number to collect.
Four large bike parking facilities around the station, free for 24 hours. The Stationsplein Bicycle Parking (opened 2023) is the largest bicycle shed in Amsterdam with 7,000 spaces, located under the water of the Open Havenfront. OV-fiets (public transport bicycle) hire available on both east and west sides.
Free GVB ferries to Amsterdam Noord depart from the IJ-side (north) of the station. No ticket required for pedestrians and cyclists.
New terminal in the eastern Amstel passage area for direct London services. Includes passport control, security screening, and departure area. Follow signs to UK Terminal โ do not look for a platform number on departure screens.
Getting to the Station
metro
Amsterdam Zuid: 9 minutes via M52Amsterdam Metro lines 51, 52, 53, and 54 serve Centraal Station. Line 52 (North-South) has a separate deeper platform. Metro accepts contactless bank cards โ tap in and out at the gates.
Line M52 is the fastest link to Amsterdam Zuid (RAI, World Trade Centre). GVB has a daily fare cap of 10 EUR for metro/tram/bus.
tram
Museumplein: approximately 20 minutes by Tram 2Seven GVB tram lines depart from Stationsplein. Lines 2, 12, 13, 17, 26 from the west side (Platform B). Lines 4, 14 from the east side (Platform A). Tram 2 goes to Museumplein (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum).
Tap in with a contactless bank card or OV-chipkaart when boarding, tap out when exiting.
train
Schiphol Airport: 15-20 minutesDirect NS trains to Schiphol Airport every 10 minutes during daytime. Night trains also run to Schiphol. NS Intercity and Sprinter services to cities across the Netherlands.
Airport Sprinter services are the quickest way to Schiphol. Buy tickets from yellow NS machines or use contactless payment at the gates.
bus
GVB city buses and regional bus services (Connexxion, EBS) depart from the bus platform on the IJ-side (north) of the station. Night buses run when metro and tram services stop.
Night buses are useful for late arrivals โ they serve the city from approximately midnight to 06:00.
ferry
Amsterdam Noord: approximately 5 minutesFree GVB ferries to Amsterdam Noord depart from the IJ-side (north). No ticket required for pedestrians and cyclists. Multiple routes available.
The Buiksloterweg ferry runs 24/7. Great for reaching NDSM Wharf and Amsterdam Noord.
taxi
Taxi rank available. Kiss & Ride drop-off on De Ruijterkade (north side, no parking).
Amsterdam is very walkable and well-served by public transport. Taxis can be expensive.
car
Two nearby indoor Q-Park car parks: De Bijenkorf (Beursplein 15) and De Kolk (Nieuwezijds Kolk 18). Open 24/7.
City centre parking is expensive. Most of Amsterdam's city centre is closed to car traffic. Public transport or cycling is strongly recommended.
bicycle
Four large bike parking facilities around the station, free for 24 hours. Stationsplein Bicycle Parking (7,000 spaces, opened 2023). OV-fiets hire available. Santander-style bike rental not available โ use OV-fiets or commercial rental.
Amsterdam is one of Europe's most bike-friendly cities. OV-fiets requires a personal OV-chipkaart with OV-fiets registration.
Accessibility
Contact NS assistance service at +31 30 235 78 22 in advance. The station has raised platforms, adapted toilets, lifts, escalators, wheelchairs, and mobile ramps available. Tactile guidance paths throughout.
Lifts and escalators provide step-free access from tunnels to all platforms. All signage is in Dutch and English. Note: some facilities like luggage lockers and the first class lounge are inside the ticket gates โ international ticket QR barcodes (Eurostar, ICE, Interrail) work the gates.
Train Operators at This Station
Eurostar
View detailsโLondon, Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam, Lille
NS Intercity / Sprinter
View detailsโSchiphol Airport, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Groningen, Maastricht
ICE International
View detailsโCologne, Frankfurt, Basel, Berlin (via Hanover)
NS International / IC Brussels
View detailsโAntwerp, Brussels
Nightjet (OBB)
View detailsโZurich, Vienna (seasonal)
Popular Departures from Amsterdam Centraal
Tips & Insider Advice
Eurostar UK Terminal Is Separate
For direct trains to London, follow signs to the UK Terminal in the eastern Amstel passage โ do not look for a platform number on departure screens. Ticket checks close 30 minutes before departure (15 minutes for Premier). If travelling to London via Brussels with a change, use the regular platforms instead.
Ticket Gates Require a Valid Ticket
Most station facilities and platforms are behind automatic ticket gates. You need an OV-chipkaart, contactless bank card, or e-ticket with QR barcode to pass through. Eurostar, ICE, and Interrail QR codes all work the gates. If your ticket does not work, ask staff or press the (i) button.
Luggage Lockers Moved in 2025
The lockers moved to a new location outside the station at the western end. From the main exit: turn right along the front of the station building to its end, cross the cycle path. Open 07:00-00:30. Card payment only. Your rental expires if you open the door โ make sure you have everything you need.
Schiphol Airport Every 10 Minutes
Direct trains to Schiphol Airport run every 10 minutes during the day and take only 15-20 minutes. Night trains also available. Buy tickets from yellow NS machines or tap a contactless bank card at the gates.
Free Ferries to Amsterdam Noord
Free GVB ferries depart from the IJ-side (north) of the station to Amsterdam Noord. No ticket needed for pedestrians and cyclists. The Buiksloterweg ferry runs 24/7.
City Centre Is a 10-Minute Walk
Dam Square is a 10-minute walk south along Damrak. The Canal Ring begins immediately upon exiting the station. Tram 2 from Stationsplein goes to Museumplein for the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in about 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby Stations
Station information is for general reference only. Facilities, opening hours, and services may change without notice. EuroTrain is not affiliated with NS, Eurostar, GVB, or Prorail. Verify details with the station operator before travelling. Information last verified: 2026-03-17. For the most current details, please check the official Amsterdam Centraal website or contact the station directly.