A famous place in all of Amsterdam - the central railway station is located in the heart of the city. It got its name not only due to its location. This station is a place where large transport junctions connecting from all over the country are connected. More than 250 thousand people visit Amsterdam Central Station every year, departing 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 attractions of the city.
There is not only a train interchange at the central station - you can also leave by bus or tram from here, as it is here that the final stops of some routes of these types of public transport are located. Here, landing and disembarkation of tourists from ships that go through large city channels is carried out.
Bus station
Amsterdam Central Station is the place where there is the largest bus station in the whole city. It is from here that intercity bus services depart, which are very popular not only among local residents, but also among visiting tourists. Currently, after the reconstruction of the station, a new terminal has been built through which large comfortable buses depart for all the cities of Holland.
Traveling by high-speed trains
By train, you can get from Amsterdam Central Station to Kekeof, Paris, Brussels, Cologne or other major cities in nearby European countries. This opportunity is often used by tourists, 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, you can reach Brussels in just 2.5 hours, and the capital of France in just under 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 a tram ride, because this type of transport calls directly into the station and stops right in front of its main building. You can also get to the central station using taxi services or regular city buses.
Not the best way to approach the station - on your own car. This is due to 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 a car. And besides this, in case of arrival by personal car, you have to drive to the station exclusively from the lake, which is not very convenient.
Upon arrival at Amsterdam Central Station ...
As soon as a passenger arrives at the station, he must necessarily decide on the type of transport on which he will need to move in the future. The thing is that the ground part of the station is far from all that it really is. Another component is the underground part, which is represented by several tunnels.
Three tunnels ("East", "West" and "Main") pave the way for tourists to large railway platforms. There is also a "Central" tunnel, passing through which, passengers fall into the zone of movement of trams, buses, as well as the metro. From here you can go on a trip by ferry.
Features of the purchase of tickets
Native Dutch have long forgotten what classic paper tickets are - in this country, for a long time, a fare payment system has been in place using special OV plastic 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 tickets, which are more familiar to the Russian citizen. They are intended for single use, and their purchase is beneficial only if a long stay in Amsterdam is not planned.
Any passenger has the opportunity to purchase another type of ticket - electronic. This is done online on the station's official website. Such a travel document is presented on a smartphone.
Each passenger is obliged at the entrance to the platform to activate their ticket, in whatever form it is presented (plastic or one-time paper). After a passenger arrives at their destination, they should note this fact.
Services that can be used at the station
Any tourist who comes here has the opportunity to consult dispatchers at special points, of which there are many on the territory of the station. As a rule, this opportunity helps out visiting tourists, who are often lost when they get to the vast territory of the station. At these service centers, passengers can purchase travel tickets.
Everyone can use the left-luggage office at Amsterdam Central Station. It works around the clock and seven days a week, which is very convenient.
The station has a considerable number of shops, most of which are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Among the shops are very popular those that sell souvenirs, as well as a large outlet for the sale and rental of bicycles. Everyone has the opportunity to have a meal in local cafes or restaurants, and foreign guests are given the opportunity to exchange currencies at special points.
There is a huge parking lot, bicycle parking, as well as parking lots designed for tourists and guests of Amsterdam Central Station.
sights
Tourists who get to the main station rarely miss the opportunity to explore local attractions that are within walking distance from it. First of all, many tend to get into the famous Red Light District (RLD) or visit Dam Square.
Many tourists, upon arrival at the station, first go to admire the expanses of the Hey River, on the banks of which it is located. There is also a large and tall building Havengebouw - one of the main attractions near the central station of Amsterdam. Almost all visiting tourists take photos near it.
Also, one of the main objects for photo sessions of visitors is the Church of St. Nicholas, built by architect Blays in the distant 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, this is the black 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 just near this piano.
Tourist advice points
All visitors, especially those who enter the station for the first time, are often lost in its large territory. In order to avoid misunderstandings, the station service provides for the presence of the main tourist office "VVV" near the main entrance. The staff of this office can advise visiting guests on any issues related to movement, contacting the station services, as well as on all legal issues.
Not far from "VVV" is the office of another service useful for city guests - "GVB". There are also consultations on various issues, as well as GVB employees engaged in the sale of tickets for all types of transport.
Nearby Hotels
All tourists who arrive in Amsterdam primarily try to quickly find a place to stay. Near the central station there are a number of hotels and hotels that will be happy to welcome guests. First of all, this is the Ibis Hotel, which is located next to the station and, due to its convenient location, enjoys unprecedented popularity. Also nearby are St. Nicholas, Single, Avenue and Prince Henry Hotels.
Travel Tips
First of all, before arriving at the station, it is advisable to carefully plan your time so that at least 15 minutes are left before the departure of the transport. 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, you should keep PIN-codes from bank cards safe. Station staff recommend monitoring their 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.
A phone that you can call to clarify questions of interest regarding the work of the station services is available on its main website.