Trains to Amsterdam-Centraal

Amsterdam Centraal railway station

Amsterdam Centraal train station or often referred to by locals as CS opened on 15 October 1889. The station was designed by architect P.J.H. Cuypers, who also developed the Rijksmuseum in 1885. If you visit both during your visit to Amsterdam you cannot help but be struck by their beauty and their similarity. Built over three artificial islands, which later became known as Stationseiland (Station Island) on the IJ lake, the station closed access to the old port and was highly controversial at the time. Now, Amsterdam Centraal is a place of national pride and a celebration of Amsterdam and the Netherlands itself dating back to the 19th century. 

Replacing the former Amsterdam Willemspoort Station that closed a decade earlier. It is the largest station in Holland with over 250,000 passengers a day passing through the doors. Amsterdam Centraal is also the most visited national heritage site in the country, unsurprising given its beautiful architecture and design. Stepping out from the station visitors find themselves in the heart of the city with fantastic public transport links including trams, buses, and metro services which are provided by GVB. Outside tourists are often found milling around waiting for boat tours departing frequently that give an unrivaled, unique view of the city from its world-famous canals. 

Amsterdam Centraal is simply stunning, a unique place where Gothic meets Renaissance Revival architecture. The station's turrets, stone reliefs, and artwork alone will leave you with a fantastic first impression of the city. Make sure to look up at the ceiling in the main hall. 

Centraal Station facilities

The station has a wealth of facilities for any traveller including:

• Cafes
• Restaurants
• Minimarkets
• Vending machines
• Self-service ticket machines
• Ticket office
• Toilets
• Luggage lockers
• Cash machine
• Waiting room
• Shops
• Taxi rank
• Accessible platforms
• NS International lounge (open 7 am to 8 pm)
• Bike hire and bike repair facilities

With 15 platforms in total, Amsterdam Centraal is a big station. With platforms capable of taking two train services (one at either end) there are screens on every platform to assist you. These information boards will tell you where to stand for your train and even carriage number.  

Transfering to and from Schiphol Airport?

If you're flying into or out of Amsterdam, local trains connect to Schiphol Airport with departures every 10 minutes from 06:00 to midnight – the journey takes 10-15 minutes each way.

Eurostar services to and from London

Amsterdam Centraal is well-connected to London thanks to the direct high-speed services operated by Eurostar every day. Find out more about the train journey from London to Amsterdam.

If you're visiting the city for the first time, the main tourist office is located at the station where you can pick up a free map, purchase tickets for tours and activities plus any accommodation needs. In approximately 5 minutes, you can be in the heart of the city centre at Dam Square. From here the whole of the city is never too far away.

Taxis at CS

Amsterdam CS station is a major station with taxis usually available on a rank. Advance booking is not normally necessary or even possible unless arriving early in the morning or late at night. Operators who may accept bookings include Taxi Amstel (tel: 020 641 7500).

Things to do nearby

At the back of the station building, you can catch a free ferry over to A'DAM Lookout and the EYE Filmmuseum every 5 minutes during the day. A reduced but frequent service continues to run throughout the night. The A'DAM lookout provides panoramic views over Amsterdam, the IJ, the train station with Amsterdam emblazoned on its impressive roof, and wide-open countryside. If the world was truly flat, visitors to Amsterdam would be able to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in Paris from here.