Getting to Amsterdam

Travellers heading for Amsterdam can choose from many different options for getting here, with travelling by air being the most popular way for those who arrive from abroad. Amsterdam’s international airport is a busy facility that offers connections to domestic destinations as well as many European and international cities.

However, there is an extensive road network, making driving by private or hire car a good choice and also providing good conditions for coach services coming from European cities. There is also a well developed railway network with reliable connections to major European destinations.

By car

The western part of the Netherlands has an extensive road network. Coming from the east (Germany), the A1 highway leads directly to Amsterdam. On the A12 from Arnhem, change at Utrecht and join the A2 going north. From the south (Belgium), the A2 leads directly to Amsterdam: the A16 /A27 from Antwerp via Breda connects to the A2 south of Utrecht. From The Hague, the A4 leads to Amsterdam. All highways to Amsterdam connect to the ring highway, the A10. From this highway, main roads lead into Amsterdam (the roads S101 through S118).

By rail

Train travel to Amsterdam is a popular option within Europe, with Inter City connections to and from Brussels, London, Paris, Hamburg and Berlin as well as from Frankfurt. All other destinations in Holland are located no more than 2 hours, 30 minutes from Amsterdam by rail. Rail passes and other discounts are widely available and reservations are highly recommended. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail provider’s website at: www.ns.nl, or call them on: +31 900 92 96.

By bus

Buses depart from the bus terminal outside Amstel Station. You can take the metro five stops from Centraal Station to get here. Bus services from a number of European cities including London, Brussels, Paris, Copenhagen and Berlin are provided by Eurolines (website: www.eurolines.com/).

By ferry

Ferries to Amsterdam depart daily from Newcastle in the UK. The nearest port to Amsterdam is in Ijmuiden, just 29kms from Amsterdam.

By air

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located only 14kms from the city centre and is a modern facility offering daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of Dutch, EU and international destinations. The quickest and easiest way to travel to Schiphol is by train. There is a direct service to Schiphol Airport from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Other options include buses, taxis, hire cars and even bicycles.

Schiphol International Airport

Schiphol Airport operates a single terminal with one level, from which all arrivals and departures are handled. Everything is centred around the massive Schiphol Plaza, the airport's central hall, which gives access to car parks, the conveniently located train station and more than 40 shops. Flights operate daily to many domestic, European and overseas destinations. There is a bureau de change facility in the Arrivals 3 area. Additional currency exchanges services can be found after customs on the landside Arrivals halls. The information desks in the Arrivals areas 1 and 3 provide airport information.

Schiphol airport transportation

Schiphol Airport is on the main A4 (E10) highway from Rotterdam and The Hague to Amsterdam. Directions to the A4 and major destinations are signposted as you leave the airport. Journey time to central Amsterdam is around 25 to 30 minutes.
Taxis are available at the rank outside Arrivals; credit cards are accepted.

There is a direct train service from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes, with a journey time of between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the service. There is a regular bus service from Schiphol to Amsterdam city. Buses pick up passengers from the stop in front of Schiphol Plaza. KLM operates a half hourly service from the airport to a number of Amsterdam hotels.