A famous place in all of Amsterdam - the central train station is located in the heart of the city. It got its name not only because of its location. This station is a place where major transport hubs from all over the country connect. Every year, the Amsterdam Central Station is visited by more than 250 thousand people who travel from here to different parts of the country, and absolutely all tourists come here. It has been functioning since the distant 1889 and to this day continues to be one of the largest sights of the city.
At the central station there is not only a transport interchange for trains - you can also leave from here by bus or tram, since this is where the final stops of some routes of these types of public transport are located. Tourists are also boarded and disembarked from ships that go through large city canals.
Bus station
Amsterdam Central Station - the place where there is the largest busstation throughout the city. It is from here that intercity bus routes depart, which are very popular not only among local residents, but also among visiting tourists. At present, a new terminal has been built on the territory of the station, after its reconstruction, through which large comfortable buses depart to all cities of Holland.
Traveling on high-speed trains
By trains, it is possible to get from Amsterdam Central Station to Kekeof, Paris, Brussels, Cologne or other major cities in nearby European countries. Tourists often use this opportunity, because you can get to the desired destination by high-speed train in a matter of time. For example, from the platform of this station, Brussels can be reached in just 2.5 hours, and the French capital in a little less than 1.5 hours.
How to get to the train station
Amsterdam Central Station is a place that can be easily reached using only public transport. The most convenient way is to travel by tram, because this type of transport drives right into the territory of the station and stops right in front of its main building. You can also get to the central station by using the services of a taxi or scheduled city buses.
Not the best way to get to the train station is with your own car. This is explained by the fact that, as a rule, there are always a lot of cars on the territory of the station and there is no place at all in local parking lots to leave the car. Yes andin addition, if you arrive by private car, you will have to drive up to the station exclusively from the side of the lake, which is not very convenient.
Upon arrival at Amsterdam Central Station…
As soon as a passenger arrives at the station, he must decide on the type of transport on which he will need to travel in the future. The thing is that the ground part of the station is far from all that it really is. Another part of it is the underground part, which is represented by several tunnels.
Three tunnels ("East", "Western" and "Main") pave the way for tourists to large railway platforms. There is also a "Central" tunnel, passing through which passengers enter the zone of movement of trams, buses, and the metro. From here you can also take a trip by ferry.
Features of purchasing travel tickets
Indigenous Dutch have long forgotten what classic paper tickets are - this country has long been operating a system of fare payment using special plastic OV cards or chips. By the way, with the help of such cards it is possible to purchase tickets for any type of transport.
However, there is still a tradition among tourists to use classic travel tickets, which are more familiar to the Russian layman. They are intended for one-time use, and the purchasethey are only beneficial if an extended stay in Amsterdam is not in the plans.
Any passenger has the opportunity to purchase another type of ticket - electronic. This is done online on the official website of the station. Such a travel document is presented on a smartphone.
Each passenger is obliged to activate his/her travel ticket upon entering the platform, in whatever form it is presented (plastic or single paper). After the passenger arrives at their destination, they must note this fact.
Services available at the train station
Any tourist who comes here has the opportunity to consult dispatchers on any issues at special points, which are many on the territory of the station. As a rule, this opportunity helps out visiting tourists, who are often lost when they enter the vast territory of the station. Passengers can purchase travel tickets at these service centers.
Everyone can use the left-luggage office at Amsterdam Central Station. It is open 24/7, which is very convenient.
There are a considerable number of shops on the territory of the station, most of which are open from 7 am to 1 am. Among the shops, those that sell souvenirs are very popular, as well as a large outlet for the sale and rental of bicycles. Everyone has the opportunity to have a bite to eat in local cafes or restaurants, and foreign guestsit is possible to exchange currencies at special points.
There is a huge car park, a bike rack, and car parks for tourists and visitors to Amsterdam Central Station.
Attractions
Tourists who get to the main station rarely miss the opportunity to explore the local attractions that are within walking distance from it. First of all, many seek to get into the famous Red Light District (RLD) or visit Dam Square.
Many tourists, upon arrival at the station, first of all go to admire the expanses of the Hey River, on the banks of which it is located. There is also a large and tall Havengebouw building - one of the main attractions near Amsterdam Central Station. Photos near it are taken by almost all visiting tourists.
Also one of the main objects for photo sessions for visitors is the Church of St. Nicholas, built by the architect Blais back in 1887.
Significant place of the station - black piano
Amsterdam Central Station is a special place in itself, but there is a detail in it that attracts attention.
First of all, it is the black grand piano famous throughout Amsterdam, which is located in the very center of the main hall of the station building. On it, everyone has the opportunity to play their favorite musical compositions, and couples in love have long ago started the tradition of making appointments near this piano.
Points for tourist advice
All visitors, especially those who enter the territory of the station for the first time, are often lost in its large territory. In order to avoid misunderstandings, the service of the station provides for the presence of the main tourist office "VVV" near the main entrance. Employees of this office can advise visiting guests on any issues related to movement, contacting station services, as well as on all legal issues.
Not far from the "VVV" is the office of another useful service for the guests of the city - "GVB". It also provides consultations on various issues, and GVB employees sell tickets for all types of transport.
Nearby hotels
All tourists who arrive in Amsterdam, first of all, try to find a place to stay as soon as possible. Not far from the central station there are a number of hotels and hotels that will gladly accept guests. First of all, this is the hotel "Ibis", which is located next to the station and, due to its convenient location, enjoys unprecedented popularity. Also nearby are the St. Nicholas, Single, Avenue and Prince Heinrich hotels.
Tips for tourists
First of all, before arriving at the station, it is advisable to carefully plan your time so that there is at leastwould be 15 minutes. So, without any haste, the passenger will be able to easily find the right platform.
It is also recommended to beware of various kinds of scammers and pickpockets. First of all, it would be necessary to keep PIN-codes from bank cards safe. Station staff recommend that you monitor your luggage and personal belongings, and if they are lost, you should immediately contact the police.
Address
Amsterdam Central Station is located at: Stationsplein 1012 AB, Amsterdam, Holland.
The phone number that you can call to clarify questions of interest regarding the operation of the station's services is available on its main website.
