How to Get to Amsterdam

How to Get to Amsterdam by Air

Located just 15 Kms southwest of the city, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a first-rate international airport which serves the city of Amsterdam. Almost all world carriers fly to this destination, connecting it to many obscure corners of the globe. Arriving here is pretty easy with plethora of flights such as Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and US Airways regularly touching down on its six runways, from cities including (but not restricted to) Ljubljana, Florence, Casablanca, Paris, Malta, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Sarajevo, Minsk, London, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Athens, Singapore and Madrid.

Getting to the city or your hotel isn’t a big deal as a variety of transit options are available right outside the airport. You can board any of the public buses which will directly take you to the city centre. A number of hotels also provide free shuttle bus services for incoming tourists, therefore it’s a good idea to check with your concierge first.

The most popular way of getting into town is to take the direct rail line to the central train station and then hop into a cab and head for your hotel. This is a very economical way to get into the city centre as the train ride of half an hour will cost you ten times lesser than a taxi from the airport to the city centre. The best part is that the Schiphol Station is located right below the airport.

Facilities at the Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is considered one of the best airports in the world and it’s not for nothing. With the unbelievable host of facilities that are available at this airport, it won’t be wrong in establishing that this place is a mini-city in itself.

Facilities for people with disabilities

Disabled tourists are at an advantage here as an array of amenities, including automatic doors, toilets and lifts makes this place extremely disabled-friendly. The connecting lift from airport and the train station (which lies right below the airport), is a convenient way to journey through the two floors. Parking Garages P1 and P2 and Schiphol Plaza are well-stocked with yellow-coloured wheelchairs.

You can simply request in advance if needed. There is also a provision of parking spaces for the handicapped, which are marked by the international disabled symbol. On request, shuttle services specially designed for wheelchair users can also be availed Between P3 and the airport. Even if you are travelling alone, there is no reason to worry as Axxicom Airport Caddy (AAC) employees provide complete assistance to people with disabilities at every step of the way.

For those who are hearing impaired and deaf, transfer desks, information desks, and seating areas in lounge central are equipped with hearing loops. The T-setting in your hearing aid will enable you to make use of the facility. A text telephone service called Visicom can be used by people who are hard of hearing.

Other facilities

There is a travel clinic as well as an emergency first aid centre situated inside the airport for passengers. In case of any emergency or otherwise, you can find the travel clinic located in departure hall 2, just above check-in desk 16, which can be visited Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 15:30 pm. If you are out of your d\medication or are in dire need o one, the airport also houses a pharmacy providing a number of medical facilities.

Visitors can also stay in any of the airport hotels which are as comfortable as any other luxury property in the city. You can even hold quick business meetings inside the airport as there are conference halls and lounges which cater to your business needs and what’s even better is the treatment provided to your guests. There are also money services available here which can issue travellers cheques as well as provide services for currency exchange. Wireless internet and Wi-Fi enables tourists to access internet anywhere inside the premises and the airport is littered with telephone booths all over.

How to Get to Amsterdam by Rail

The city is connected very well to most European destinations. There are high speed trains operating from Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt and Berlin to Amsterdam. If you have time on your hands this is a great way of travelling into Amsterdam as it you can take in the scenic beauty of the countryside. The Eurostar operates from London and the journey can be completed in less than 7 hours.

How to Get to Amsterdam by Bus

The Netherlands has a well maintained highway system and driving is perhaps one of the best ways to see this country, but it may not be such a good idea to drive in Amsterdam as the city has a lot of one way roads and poor parking facilities. So even if you do drive into Amsterdam it may be a good idea to park your car in a parking lot and explore the city by foot, bike, tram or bus. By Sea: Amsterdam is a major port of Europe, and many cruise lines include this destination.

Getting Around Amsterdam

By Car

Not a very good idea. Narrow streets, one way roads, canals and sparse parking facilities make motor navigation around the city a nightmare. For the same reason, taxi rides would be expensive and lengthy. Try out any of the following options instead.

By Tram, Train or Bus

Amsterdam has a metro system that is efficient and affordable. Buy the great-value dagkaart which covers all city routes on the metro and can be bought at GVB ticket office or from any newsstand. The Circle Tram 20 offers discounted hop on, hop off tickets for one to three days and is convenient as the tram routes pass close to most of the attractions.

By Foot

You’ll figure this one out yourself. Just take your sporting spirit and some explorer’s stamina with you, and you will be thrilled with how easy and enjoyable a walking tour around the canal lined city can be.

By Bicycle

You can rent a bike at a fairly reasonable price on a per day basis. Bike rental companies are located near the central station. Be sure to lock your bike when not in use as bike theft is rampant. A good way to get around the city.