Die Fakten, die man zuerst sucht – aus diesem Guide.
From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Download the NS app: It is essential for checking real-time train schedules and platform changes. Alternatively, the Trainline app is excellent for booking tickets and keeping them organized on your phone.
The station's computer-operated lockers have two sizes. A small locker (45x35x85 cm) costs €8.50 for the first 24 hours and €11.50 per 24h for days 2-3. A large locker (60x35x85 cm) costs €11.50 for the first 24 hours and €17.25 per 24h for days 2-3.
While elevators and escalators are available to reach the platforms, the station can be crowded.
Sanifair toilets are available on platform 2a/2b and in the IJ-hal (the modern waterside hall). They cost €0.90, but you receive a €0.50 voucher to use at station Kiosk outlets.
Gib die Nummer von deinem Ticket oder der Anzeigetafel ein, um zu sehen, was dieser Guide dazu sagt.
Getting to Amsterdam Centraal is straightforward, with the station serving as the city’s primary transport hub.
From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) The train is the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city center.
From Amsterdam City Center If you are already in the city, the station is highly accessible via local transport:
By Taxi
Amsterdam Centraal is a bustling, historic through-station that can feel overwhelming to a first-time visitor. Think of the station as a long, rectangular block where all railway tracks run horizontally above ground level, while the passenger facilities, tunnels, and concourses are situated at a slightly lower level beneath the tracks. Despite the grand, monumental entrance on the city side, the station is actually quite compact.
There are 15 tracks in total, though only 11 are equipped with platforms. These are organized as island platforms (serving two tracks, one on each side) and one side platform. To navigate successfully, you must understand the "a" and "b" suffixes. Because the platforms are exceptionally long, each is divided into two sections: "a" (the western/city side) and "b" (the eastern/IJ-waterfront side). If your train is scheduled for platform 14b, you must head toward the eastern half of that platform.
For regional NS services and international trains like the Eurostar, there is no single "international zone." While Eurostar and other high-speed services frequently use platforms 13, 14, or 15, this is not guaranteed; always check the digital departure boards in the main hall or the tunnels. The station is currently undergoing renovations, so platform assignments can change.
You access the platforms via three main pedestrian tunnels—Western, Main, and Eastern—that run underneath the tracks. These tunnels connect the monumental "Cuypershal" (city side) to the modern "IJhal" (waterfront side). You will need to scan your ticket or mobile QR code at the gate barriers to enter these tunnels and reach the escalators or elevators leading up to your platform.
Because the station is busy and under construction, allow yourself at least 15 minutes to navigate from the main entrance to your platform, especially if you are carrying luggage. If you feel lost, look for the overhead signage, which is color-coded and generally clear. Remember: the city side is the "front" of the station, and the IJ-waterfront side is the "back." If you arrive from the city side, you will be walking toward the water to reach your train. Stay patient, check the screens frequently, and keep your ticket ready for the gates.
I wish someone had told me how overwhelming this station can feel upon arrival! Don’t worry, though—it’s a highly functional hub once you know the layout.
Before You Arrive
At the Station
Common Mistakes
There are two main options: computer-operated lockers at the station itself and luggage storage shops. The station lockers are open from 5:00 to 1:00 daily. Alternatively, services like Bounce partner with local businesses (e.g., hotels, shops) to offer storage, with many locations near the station and city center, typically costing around €6 per bag per day.
The station's computer-operated lockers have two sizes. A small locker (45x35x85 cm) costs €8.50 for the first 24 hours and €11.50 per 24h for days 2-3. A large locker (60x35x85 cm) costs €11.50 for the first 24 hours and €17.25 per 24h for days 2-3. Maximum storage is 72 hours. Payment is by card only (no cash), and opening the locker door cancels all remaining time.
Yes, Lockerpoint offers 24/7 luggage storage at Prins Hendrikkade 20A, on level -2 of the Q-Park garage near the station exit. Prices start at €7 for 24 hours for a medium locker (30x35x60 cm). You can rent on-site or online via their app/website. Access is via a QR code scanned at a red pole by the garage entrance.
Lockerpoint offers three sizes. A Medium locker (30x35x60 cm) costs €7 per 24h. A Large locker (50x33.5x78 cm) costs €9 per 24h. An Extra Large locker (86x35x60 cm) costs €11 per 24h. You can open the locker during your rental period without penalty. Payment can be made on-site or online via iDEAL or other methods.
Key facts: They are open from 5:00 to 1:00 daily with no overnight staff. There is no reservation system and they can be full. Payment is by card only, no cash. Crucially, every time you open the locker door, your purchased time is cancelled and you must pay again. Maximum storage time is 3 days (72 hours).
On the day, visit app.lockerpoint.com/cs, select your rental period, enter your email and a PIN, and pay. You'll get an email link within 5 minutes to open your locker. Only open it when you are in front of it, as unused lockers are released after 15 minutes with no refund. To retrieve items, check out via the app or terminal. Bookings are non-refundable.
Terminus station serving Amsterdam, Netherlands. Opened in 1889, this architectural landmark was designed by Pierre Cuypers and remains the most visited monument in the country. While the original structure is historic, the station has undergone extensive renovations and expansions over the decades to integrate modern metro lines and accommodate growing passenger numbers, which now exceed 190,000 daily. It serves as a major hub for regional and local Dutch trains, as well as international high-speed services, including Eurostar and ICE.
For first-time travelers, the station may initially seem large, but it features a straightforward layout. The 15 platforms are well-signposted, and digital displays provide clear information in English. To ensure a smooth experience, allow extra time for navigation, especially if you are transferring between trains, metros, or trams. Be aware that platform assignments can change; always verify your departure platform on the station screens 30–60 minutes before your scheduled departure. Each platform is divided into "a" and "b" sections to manage capacity, so check your ticket or the platform indicators to ensure you are waiting in the correct zone for your carriage. With its central location and robust signage, the station is designed to be accessible and manageable for international visitors.
