Traveling to Amsterdam

How to Travel to and from Amsterdam

Whether you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam or heading elsewhere from this central European hub, efficient and diverse transportation options make it a breeze to connect with major cities worldwide. We’ll explore the various ways to get to and from Amsterdam from major connecting cities around the globe.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) The primary gateway to Amsterdam is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, often simply referred to as Schiphol. Located approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the city center, Schiphol is one of Europe’s busiest airports, offering countless international flights daily. Home to the airport is the airline KLM which connects with Skyteam partners all over the world, but most international airlines can be found.

• From Major European Cities: If you’re traveling from major European cities like London, Paris, or Berlin, you’ll find numerous direct flights to Schiphol operated by various carriers. Flight durations are generally short, making this an accessible option.
• From North America: Several airlines offer direct flights from major North American cities such as New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles to Schiphol. These flights typically range from 7 to 9 hours in duration.
• From Latin America: Direct connections are available through Mexico City, Havana, Cartagena, Paramaribo, Lima, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
• From Asia: Schiphol is well-connected to key Asian hubs like Beijing, Tokyo, and Mumbai. Flights from Asia can vary in duration, but non-stop options are readily available.
• From Africa: Amsterdam is a popular gateway for travelers coming from Africa. Flights from cities like Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Casablanca can be easily found.

Rail Travel Amsterdam boasts an efficient railway network, making it accessible from various European cities via high-speed trains like Thalys and Eurostar.

• From Brussels: The Thalys train connects Amsterdam to Brussels in just under two hours, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving from the Belgian capital.
• From Paris: The high-speed Thalys train also offers a direct connection from Paris to Amsterdam, with a travel time of around 3.5 hours.
• From London: Eurostar services connect London to Amsterdam, with a journey time of approximately 4.5 hours.

Rail travel is also for many travelers arriving at the airport the preferred way to get to the center of Amsterdam, you will get to the central station in about 10 minutes. Be aware that you cannot buy a ticket on the train and either buy it in advance or use your debit/credit card to swipe.

Bus and Coach Services For travelers on a budget or those who prefer a slower pace, various bus companies operate routes connecting Amsterdam with neighboring cities and countries.

• Eurolines: Eurolines offers long-distance bus services connecting Amsterdam to numerous European cities, including Berlin, Prague, and Barcelona.
• FlixBus: FlixBus is another popular option, providing budget-friendly routes to and from Amsterdam, linking it with cities such as Cologne, Brussels, and Paris.

Most bus connections arrive at a train station close to the center called Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Many decide to walk and go through Westerpark one of the beautiful parks in Amsterdam. Do count on a 50 minute walk or a ride by tram or bus that takes a few minutes. You can easily pay your passage with most debit and credit cards by swiping the card entering and exiting the tram/bus.

Ferries and Cruises Given Amsterdam’s extensive network of canals and its proximity to the North Sea, ferries and cruises are a unique way to travel to and from the city.

• Cruise Ships: Many cruise lines offer itineraries that include a stop in Amsterdam. Cruising is an excellent way to explore Northern Europe while enjoying the city’s waterfront charm.
• Ferries to the UK: For those traveling from the United Kingdom, there are ferry services from Newcastle and Hull to Amsterdam. These journeys offer a scenic way to reach the Netherlands.