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 the facilities available at Amsterdam's train stations. For train schedules, use the online planner or download the mobile apps NS Reisplanner and the 9292 app.

Buying train tickets

There are a number of train tickets and travel passes available, ranging from singles and returns to monthly and annual subscriptions. Standard paper tickets are no longer available. 

Check in and out with OVpay

OVpay is the new way to check in and out of public transport with your debit/credit card, smartphone or an online ticket on your mobile. Simply hold your card against the card reader on the bus, tram and metro. The system will beep once you have checked in correctly. Be sure to check out with the same card at your destination. For more information, visit the OVpay website. In December 2024, GVB introduced GVB Max, a new product for travelling with a debit/credit card. This ensures that travellers will have unlimited travel with all GVB day lines for a maximum of €10 per day. You do not have to do anything for this; you can just check in and out with your debit card. The amount travelled is automatically debited daily up to a maximum of €10.00. 

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 are visiting Amsterdam for a short trip, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is an all-in public transport solution that is 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 public transport

Many train stations have lifts, ramps, and escalators, while most trains have wheelchair-friendly facilities. NS offers specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trains, such as Travel Assistance, facilities aboard the train, and accurate and thorough travel information. Read the full guidance about travelling with a disability here.

Public transport operator GVB can provide specific information about accessibility for the rest of Amsterdam’s public transport network. For example, route folders and timetables indicate which transport stops are not wheelchair accessible or which trams and bus services are not equipped with an accessibility ramp. Read the guidance here.

International travel

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