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Amsterdam Centraal Station
As you walk down the Damrak from Dam Square you'll notice a large building at the end of the street. This ornate building is Amsterdam Centraal Station, the main railway station. Almost 200,000 passengers a day use this railway station. The station opened in 1889 and was built on 3 man-made islands. Its location near the water means it was difficult to set a good foundation so the building itself is resting on more than 8000 wooden piles that have been driven deep into the ground.
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Public TransportationAfter arriving at Centraal station you'll need to find a way to get around the city.Read more...Like most cities in Europe the train station is a great place to get information to help you plan your trip. Amsterdam Centraal station is no exception. Just outside the station you'll find a tourist information office. Inside the station you'll find various restaurants and shops where you can find what you're looking for just before your journey. It’s just a short walk from the station to the heart of Amsterdam.
If you are leaving from Amsterdam Centraal Station you should be aware that there are 15 platforms that are divided into A and B sections. Most train stations in Europe have a large electronic schedule hanging in the central terminal. Some people are comfortable reading train schedules while others find it difficult. Don't be shy, ask somebody at the information kiosks for information related to your train and the platform that you are leaving from. The people of Amsterdam are very friendly and more than willing to help. Trains from Amsterdam Centraal station can get you to almost anywhere in Europe. The most common train routes would take you from Amsterdam to Brussels, Paris or Cologne. There are many direct routes from Amsterdam to other European cities. However, you are more likely to find direct routes from larger cities. Therefore, you should be prepared to make a connection during your journey. If you need to get to the airport trains depart every 10 min. from Centraal Station. If you happen to be traveling somewhere else in the Netherlands, you can use the yellow vending machines to purchase your tickets. These machines are very easy to use and can save you a lot of time. After you've used it at least once, it becomes very easy.
Once you arrive at the station you should take the tunnel that leads you to Amsterdam's city center. Follow the signs that say “Centrum” and you will find yourself at the front of the station looking up the Damrak. Taxis, buses and trams are located at the front of the station and they can be missed. If you want to take the ferry to North Amsterdam then you should take the tunnel in the opposite direction to the ferry terminal on the north side of Centraal Station.
Almost all European train stations have luggage lockers to store your luggage for either short or long term visits. Many people arrive early in the morning in Amsterdam, 2 or the city for the day, and leave late in the evening. These luggage lockers become very convenient for this type of traveler.
I hope the information on Amsterdam Centraal Station has helped you while you plan your European vacation.