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Written by Andre Pronk - 29 Jan 2015
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Location notes
Amsterdam Central Station is the main station within the capital of the Netherlands. Passing through this station are various lines; Highspeed, Intrcity, Local and Freight.
Due to the stations proximity to the Watergraafsmeer, there are sometimes charter trains.
Railway type and traffic
  • Higspeed to Rotterdam and Breda.
  • Highspeed line to Germany Köln and Frankfurt (Highspeed only in Germany).
  • International trains to Berlin and Antwerpen, Brussel.
  • The local lines numerous destinations around the country.

    In the summer and winter they are special trains to France,Italy and Austria.
    Freight trains will occasionally pass through the station.
  • Environment
    This is a safe station, but beware of pick pocketers.
    The station is currently accessible, but from 2016/2017 you will have a "OV-Chip card" to access the platforms.
    The station is also patrolled by transport police.
    Road directions
    From Utrecht/Amersfoort:
    Follow the A1 to the IJburglaan / s114 in Amsterdam.
  • Take exit Zeeburg from the A10 / E35
  • Continue on the s114.
  • Take the s100 to the Station Square in Centre.

    From Rotterdam:
    Take the A13/ A4 / E30 to Amsterdam.
  • Continue on the A4 to Westpoort, Amsterdam.
  • Take exit IJmuiden from the A10 / E22.
  • Follow the S102 and S100 to the Station Square in Centre.

    Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

    Amsterdam Central Station map co-ordinates
  • Parking
    Parking is very limited and very expensive, best option is to park outside the city and take the Metro/Train to Amsterdam Central.
    Public transport
    There is a direct connection from Schiphol airport and most places around the country.

    Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
    Amenities
    The station has two big toilets facilities, one is open 24hours a day.
    Sun Compass
    Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
    It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
    Amsterdam Central Station

    Googly map
    Streetmap links
    Amsterdam Central Station general view map
    Amsterdam Central Station close up map

    Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
    Amsterdam Central Station



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    Photographic notes
    There are photographic options from all the platforms but platforms 4 and 10 provide the best positions.
    The high speed trains to Köln generally use for platform 2 or 3.
    Platform 4 in the afternoon is mainly for Highspeed and international trains.
    Take care with lighting and the station roof which is mostly glass. However on platform 2 it is a solid roof and therefore can be darker then the other platforms.


    General views - All photographs © Andre Pronk unless otherwise stated
    Fig 1 - Looking south east

    
Fig 1 - Looking south east


    Fig 2 - Looking south east

    
Fig 2 - Looking south east


    Fig 3 - Looking north west

    
Fig 3 - Looking north west


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