Amsterdam by train

Please note: GVB's public transport network is cashless. You can only purchase a ticket or check in with a debit card, credit card or I amsterdam City Card.

Amsterdam train stations

Amsterdam Central Station is the primary station, providing quick access to the city centre. This terminus not only offers train services in all directions but is also directly connected to Amsterdam’s bus, tram, metro and ferry services. Other stations around the periphery of the city include:

• Amsterdam Sloterdijk

• Amsterdam Lelylaan

• Amsterdam Zuid

• Amsterdam RAI

• Amsterdam Muiderpoort

• Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA

• Amsterdam Science Park

• Amsterdam Holendrecht

• Duivendrecht

Learn more about facilities available at Amsterdam's train stations. For Dutch train schedules make use of the online planner or download the mobile apps NS Reisplanner (Android, OSX) and 9292 (Android, OSX, Blackberry).

Buying train tickets

There are a number of train tickets and travel passes available, ranging from singles and returns to monthly and annual subscriptions. International visitors should note that as of 9 July 2014 standard paper tickets are no longer available. It is expected that the majority of residents in the Netherlands will travel using a Public Transport Chip Card (OV-chipkaart). Visitors are also able to purchase an anonymous Public Transport Chip Card, which can be used on all forms of public transport.

However, for those only intending to use public transport sparsely, for example for travelling to and from the airport, it is possible to purchase a one-journey paper chip ticket (includes a surcharge of €1). With this new ticket, it is necessary to check in at the station gates at the beginning of your journey and to check out once you reach your destination. Tickets can be purchased from the yellow ticket machines at stations (please note that most machines only accept card payments) or customer service desks (only available at a limited number of stations).

Purchasing an e-ticket in advance

To avoid the paper ticket surcharge, visitors can also purchase an e-ticket online. Once purchased, it should be printed and carried during your journey. The travel details and the attached barcode (that can be scanned at stations or by on-board conductors) must be clearly visible.

Amsterdam Travel Ticket

If you will be visiting Amsterdam for a short trip, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is an all-in public transport solution valid for one or two days. This ticket includes return (2nd class) train travel between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and any station in Amsterdam. Additionally, the ticket is valid for unlimited travel on all trams, buses (including night buses), metro and ferries operated by public transport operator GVB in Amsterdam itself. A one-day ticket costs €15; a two-day ticket costs €20; while a three-day ticket will be available as of spring 2015 costing €25. As is standard with travel tickets in Amsterdam, it is required to check in and check out of each vehicle or station. As well as being available to purchase from the NS ticket desk at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket can also be bought at numerous locations in Amsterdam. For a list of all retail locations and terms and conditions of travel, please see the Amsterdam Travel Ticket website.

Accessible travel by train

Many train stations are equipped with lifts, ramps and escalators, while most trains have wheelchair-friendly facilities. Read the advice on the Dutch Railways website, which includes contact details in case you have further questions. For direct answers you can call the 'Disabled Assistance' helpline: +31 (0)30 230 5566.

International travel

For information on travelling by train to international destinations from Amsterdam (and other Dutch cities), visit NS International.