Amsterdam Central Station

Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam
Tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 16, 17, 24, 25 & 26

Central Station is the hub of Amsterdam - a meeting point for some and a departure point for many. Trams, trains, buses and subways make for a true hive of activity at Stationsplein 1, located on the South bank of the IJ. Buy your tickets for the sneltrein, stoptrein or TGV in and around Holland and other major European cities at one of the NS (National Spoorwagen) counters or machines.

Central Station is the perfect vantage point from which to catch a ferry connecting the city to Amsterdam Noord, across the t’IJ. Ferries are free and you can board one just behind the station. Furthermore, all the top attractions and main districts are within easy reach whether by foot or tram, the cheapest ways of getting around Amsterdam.

For visitors to Amsterdam, it is worthwhile noting that trams run until midnight, the last one leaving at 12:15. After the last tram, there is an hourly service of night buses.

Tips

• Beware of pickpockets and never leave baggage unattended.
• Be careful to choose the station you want correctly as some cities may have several e.g. Den Haag Centraal Station and Den Haag Hollands Spoor.
• You can get a free map of all buses and tram routes in Amsterdam – available from tourist offices or the GVB ticket office in front of Centraal station and next to VVV.
• If you require public transport information, just call 09009292, stating destination, times etc. Calls cost 0.50 per min. Service runs from weekdays from 6/7am until midnight.
• To change money, it is good to go to a branch of the GWK bank; there is one directly outside of Centraal Station on Stationsplein. The GWK at Centraal Station also offers a Western Union money transfer service.
• If you have just checked out of a hotel or have to wait around to check in and you don’t want to carry your luggage around with you, drop it off at the safe lockers in the station. They can be found to the right of the main concourse and come in various sizes. They cost approximately €4-5, depending on the size of the baggage, which can be stored up to 24 hours.

Glossary
Easy terms to make you stay in Amsterdam enjoyable and stress-free of translation difficulties!

Useful contacts

Central Doktordienst/Atacom
Tel: +31-(0)20-592 34 34
Similar to an NHS (National Health Service) phone service. English speakers trained to handle all types of emergencies -very handy if not registered with a GP.

Central Station Lost Property
Stationsplein 15
Tel: +31-(0)20-557 85 44
Call this number for all items lost on trains. Items that are found are kept for only four days and then get sent to a sorting depot in Utrecht. If you do not collect your belongings, with proof of id, during this time, telephone the depot on 030 235 39 23.

Central station post office
Oosterdokskade 3
Tel: +31-(0)20-622 82 72
This post office handles large packages similar to the main branch in Singel.

GWK Centraal Station
Tel: +31-(0)20-627 27 31
You can chane your cash here as well as make bank transfers via Western Union, amongst other services.

Bureau de change
Amsterdam tourist board
Stationsplein 10
Tel: 0900 400 40 40
English speaking staff on call (€ 0.55 per minute).

Mac bike - Rent a Bike
Stationsplein 12
Tel: +31-(0)20-624 83 91
Hire a bike or store yours until 12pm

Star bikes - Rent a Bike
De Ruyterkade 105
Tel: +31-(0)20-3308132

VVV tourist office
Stationsplein 10
Tel: +31-(0)20-551 25 12/ 0900 4141414
Open: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 9am-5pm

Schipol Airport Rail Service
Tel: 0900 92 92
Call this number for information on times and tickets phone for info on times and tickets.