Amsterdam Train Tickets; Book & Compare

Trains to Amsterdam

Amsterdam – the capital of the Netherlands – known for its vast network of canals, colorful boats, cafes, art culture and lively night-life. Trains to Amsterdam run from major cities across Europe, pulling in sight-seers and art enthusiasts from Paris, Berlin and London. Long-distance trains arrive into Amsterdam Centraale station, with plenty of amenities onboard to make for a comfortable journey. Read on to discover how to buy cheap train tickets to Amsterdam, which train providers to travel with, international destinations, what services you’ll find onboard, plus top tips for things to do in the city!

Your Trip to Amsterdam — travel tips

Amsterdam is full of historic landmarks and exciting attractions for all ages. Whether you love to indulge in food, learn about art history or simply relax in its famous cafes, there is a little something for everyone in the thriving Dutch capital. Why not take a stroll along the iconic canals, which have earned the city the appropriate nickname "Venice of the North." Visit Anne Frank’s house located near the city center and learn about what life was like in Amsterdam in WWII. Dip into one of the many museums dedicated to the rich history of Dutch painters – including an entire museum about the life and work of the post-impressionist painter Van Gogh.. Before you leave, be sure to grab a Kroket – a crispy snack that is filled with meat and popular among locals and visitors alike. For dessert, enjoy an authentic Dutch stroopwafel – two thin wafer cookies with a caramel filling between them.

Colorful canal boats in Amsterdam. Credit: Shutterstock

Amsterdam has an extensive public transit system, including buses, trams, and metros. To travel you’ll need to buy a public transport chip card, commonly known as the OV Chipkaart. You can purchase an OV Chipkaart in advance or when boarding trams, buses, or metros. These cards must be pre-loaded with options for unlimited travel between certain hours or multiple days. Anyone preferring to get around the Dutch way, can rent a bike from one of the many bike vendors in the city.

Train Stations in Amsterdam

There are twelve railway stations in operation throughout Amsterdam, with the primary station being Amsterdam Centraal railway station. This station provides service for nearly 200,000 people on a daily basis, and is the second-busiest train station in the Netherlands. With eleven platforms, eight international routes and 22 domestic routes, this station is a focal point for travel in Europe, connecting to an elaborate system of tracks that make train travel an extremely popular option. Built in 1889, Amsterdam Centraal is located in the heart of the city center. Some of the prominent international cities connected to Amsterdam via train are Spain, London, Berlin, and Paris. Common routes that run on a more regular basis include destinations such as Basel, Switzerland, and Frankfurt, Germany.

There are several other smaller stations dispersed throughout Amsterdam and its surrounding boroughs. Amsterdam Amstel railway station is located on the route from Amsterdam to Utrecht, and is found near the Amstel River in Amsterdam-Oost. The main station for Southeast Amsterdam is Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA.

In West Amsterdam, you can find Amsterdam Lelylaan railway station. Located in Southern Amsterdam near the RAI Exhibition Hall is Amsterdam RAI Station and Amsterdam Science Park railway station is found in the Amsterdam-Oost borough near Science Park.

The main train providers in the Netherlands

Several European companies operate long-distance routes to Amsterdam, including Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the state-owned train company of the Netherlands. It frequently stops at Rotterdam Centraal or Leiden Centraal before arriving at Amsterdam Centraal, which serves as a common terminal station for many of its routes. Nederlandse Spoorwege operates nearly 5,000 domestic trains with over one million passengers each day. The company is owned by the government and has been operating since 1938.

Deutsche Bahn to Amsterdam

The German state-owned company Deutsche Bahn (DB) also operates trains to Amsterdam. DB frequently stops at Utrecht Centraal railway station in Utrecht, Netherlands or Köln Hauptbahnhof in Cologne, Germany before arriving at Amsterdam Centraal. A majority of the routes operating out of Germany will involve at least a connection with Deutsche Bahn.

Eurostar to Amsterdam

The international high-speed rail network, Eurostar, operates routes that stop in major European cities such as London, Paris and Brussels. The merger between Eurostar and high-speed rail network Thalys, means there are even more options for getting the Eurostar train into Western Europe. The Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam takes around 4 hours and travels through the Channel Tunnel.

Onboard facilities: Sit back and relax on your train to Amsterdam

Trusted names like Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar have convenient amenities and quality facilities onboard their long-distance trains. Coaches provide Wi-Fi, electrical sockets, restrooms, quiet zones, baby-changing facilities, along with drinks and meals in the dining cars. Some long-distance tickets include complimentary meals and refreshments during the journey, which can be eaten in the dining cars, personal seats, or overlooking the scenery in lounge cars. If you need to get some work done, there are work cars dedicated to business and reading on long-distance Eurostar coaches.

Discover More Trains in Europe

Train to Amsterdam

There are twelve railway stations in operation throughout Amsterdam, with the primary station being Amsterdam Centraal Railway Station. This station provides service for nearly 200,000 people on a daily basis, and is the second-busiest train station in the Netherlands. It operates across eleven platforms and is the most popular national heritage site in the country. Other railway stations within the city include Amsterdam Amstel on the Amstel River, and Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena near Amsterdam ArenaA of AFC Ajax.

Amsterdam Centraal serves as the terminal station for some of the largest railway lines throughout Europe, and is connected to an elaborate system of tracks that make train travel an extremely popular option for residents and visitors alike. Some of the prominent cities connected to Amsterdam via train are London, Berlin, and Paris. Common routes that run on a more regular basis include destinations such as Basel, Switzerland and Hesse, Germany.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen to Amsterdam

The primary train company providing services via train to Amsterdam and throughout the surrounding area is Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the state-owned train company of the Netherlands. This company operates out of Utrecht Centraal railway station in Utrecht. It frequently stops at Rotterdam Centraal or Leiden Centraal before arriving at Amsterdam Centraal, which serves as a common terminal station for many of its routes. Nederlandse Spoorwegen operates nearly 5,000 domestic trains with over one million passengers each day. The company is owned by the government and has been operating since 1938.

Deutsche Bahn to Amsterdam

Another train company that is frequently operating services via train to Amsterdam is Deutsche Bahn, based in Berlin, Germany. This company frequently stops at Utrecht Centraal railway station in Utrecht, Netherlands or Köln Hauptbahnhof in Cologne, Germany before arriving at Amsterdam Centraal. A majority of the routes operating out of Germany will involve at least a connection through Deutsche Bahn.

Eurostar to Amsterdam

Trains to Amsterdam may also be operated by Eurostar, an international high-speed rail system. This company will stop at Brussels-South railway station and Rotterdam Centraal railway station before finishing its route at the terminal station of Amsterdam Centraal. Eurostar also operates routes that stop in major European cities such as London, Paris, Brussels, and Berlin.

Amsterdam Canal Bike. Source: Shutterstock

Main train stations in Amsterdam

Out of the twelve available train stations throughout Amsterdam, the largest and most frequently used is Amsterdam Centraal railway station. With eleven platforms, eight international routes and 22 domestic routes, this station is a focal point for travel in Europe. Built in 1889, Amsterdam Centraal is located in the heart of the city center and offers easy connections to metro, tram, and bus transportation.

There are several other smaller stations dispersed throughout Amsterdam and its surrounding boroughs. Amsterdam Amstel railway station is located on the route from Amsterdam to Utrecht, and is found near the Amstel River in Amsterdam-Oost. The main station for Southeast Amsterdam is Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, which is also the primary stop for Amsterdam ArenA - home of AFC Ajax. Another station in the southeast region of the city is Amsterdam Holendrecht railway station, which is close to the University of Amsterdam’s Academic Medical Center.

In West Amsterdam, you can find Amsterdam Lelylaan railway station, which serves as a stop for Amsterdam Municipality Transportation Company’s metro, tram, and bus routes. Located in Southern Amsterdam near the RAI Exhibition Hall is Amsterdam RAI Station, which was recently expanded to offer services on four tracks. Amsterdam Science Park railway station is found in the Amsterdam-Oost borough near Science Park, Amsterdam University College, and Watergraafsmeer.

Onboard facilities Amsterdam

When you travel with trusted names like Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar, you can expect convenient amenities and quality facilities. Coaches provide complimentary Wi-Fi, streaming entertainment, electrical sockets, restrooms, quiet zones, and baby-changing facilities. There are even works of art in the long-distance trains, along with drinks and meals available in dining cars. Many long-distance tickets include complimentary meals and refreshments during the journey, which can be eaten in the dining cars, personal seats, or overlooking the scenery in lounge cars. If you need to get some work done while you travel, there are work cars dedicated to business and reading on long-distance Eurostar coaches.

Train tickets to Amsterdam: useful to know

You can save time, paper and the hassle of printing tickets by using a mobile ticket instead. These electronic tickets can be saved onto your smartphone or mobile device and scanned for proof of purchase. These QR codes can be used to enter through ticketing gates and while on board the train. You will need a valid form of identification to accompany your ticket, and it must match the name you have on your ticket.

Be sure to keep your device charged when you anticipate traveling via trains to Amsterdam, as you will need power to scan your ticket when necessary. The easiest way to simplify your travel and keep your tickets safe is by purchasing travel through Omio. You can compare prices, check for the schedule that best fits your timeline, and store tickets in your Omio account to ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable.

Amsterdam Girl Street. Source: Shutterstock

To Amsterdam by train—travel tips

Upon your arrival in Amsterdam, you can find your way around the city using the extensive public transit system. You can use any of the buses, trams, and metros with a public transport chip card, commonly known as the OV Chip Card or OV Chipkaart. You can purchase an OV Chip Card in advance or while you board the trams, buses, or metros. These cards are pre loaded for unlimited travel between hours and multiple days.

Be sure to bring your debit or credit card, and there is no cash accepted on the buses and trams when you purchase rides. Between sixteen tram routes and five metro routes, many of which connect directly to Amsterdam Centraal, you can visit unique locations such as the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. This is the oldest stock exchange in the world, operating since its founding in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company.

You can take a free tour of the historic building, see the original trading floor, and participate in a trading simulation. If you need a lift across the IJ River, you can take advantage of the free ferry system for pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds. The most popular ferry route departs from behind Amsterdam Centraal and connects to Amsterdam Noord. You can also ride the ferry to IJplein and NDSM Wharf, which has evolved into a culinary and entertainment hotspot.

As the former residence of notable figures like Vincent Van Gogh and Anne Frank, Amsterdam is full of historic landmarks and exciting attractions. There is an entire museum dedicated to the life and work of Van Gogh, and you can visit the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in secret. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a ride through the iconic canals, which earned this city the appropriate nickname as "Venice of the North." For a deeper appreciation of these canals and the history of Amsterdam, make a visit to the Rijksmuseum.

This museum is dedicated to the history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands, from the Middle Ages to modern times. It even includes works of art from notable Amsterdam artists like Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Vermeer. Before you leave, be sure to grab a Kroket - a crispy snack that is filled with meat and popular among locals and visitors alike. For dessert, enjoy an authentic Netherlands stroopwafel - two thin wafer cookies with a caramel filling between them.

Buy cheap train tickets to Amsterdam

Omio works alongside worldwide partners so you can buy tickets for any train to Amsterdam quickly and easily. With the Omio app, you can search in the language of your choice, no matter where you’re traveling in Europe. We’ll offer the latest deals for cheap train tickets provide up-to-date information on the latest train schedules, offer easy booking and send live updates and notifications. Download the free Omio app today.

How to book train tickets to Amsterdam

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Free things to do near Amsterdam Centraale Station

With such easy transport links across the city, it’s easy to get off at Amsterdam Centraale and dive head straight out into the beating heart of Amsterdam’s lively center. If you’re looking to see a few sites on a budget, here are a few things you can check out – totally free!

• Check out the urban art: head out of the station and remember to look around! Urban street art in Amsterdam is a common sight, with sculptures, murals, graffiti and installations dotted around its lively streets.
• Boat across the IJ River: you can take advantage of the free ferry system for pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds. The most popular ferry route departs from behind Amsterdam Centraal and connects to Amsterdam Noord. You can also ride the ferry to IJplein and NDSM Wharf, which has evolved into a culinary and entertainment hotspot.
• Visit the Amsterdam Stock Exchange:This is the oldest stock exchange in the world, operating since its founding in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company. You can take a free tour of the historic building, see the original trading floor, and participate in a trading simulation.

For more inspiration about things to do in Amsterdam, visit Omio’s travel magazine – The Window Seat.