Travel to Amsterdam
Getting to Amsterdam
Many of the world’s airlines fly directly to Amsterdam, but it might be cheaper for you to fly to a nearby city such as London and get to Amsterdam by bus or train. Many airlines will offer you a free side trip within Europe, so ask around and see what offers are available.
Amsterdam is well connected to the rest of Europe, including Britain, by long-distance bus. Buses are consistently cheaper than trains, but on some services you’ll get a lungful of cigarette smoke. Amsterdam’s main train station is Centraal, which has regular and efficient connections throughout the country and to all neighbouring countries. There are train-ferry services to Britain, or you can catch the Eurostar train through the Chunnel. Eurail passes are valid in The Netherlands.
Freeways link Amsterdam to The Hague, Rotterdam and Amersfort – it’s about six hours drive from Paris to Amsterdam. The Netherlands are very amenable to cycling – this is one of the flattest places in the world, and there are dedicated bike paths throughout the country. Bikes are allowed on trains for a nominal charge and on ferries for very little if any charge. Ferries run between Amsterdam and Britain and Amsterdam and Norway. The small departure tax when leaving The Netherlands by air is included in the price of the ticket.
Getting Around Amsterdam
The airport is 18km (11mi) south-west of the city centre. A taxi into the city takes 20-45 minutes and costs about $25. Trains to Centraal Station leave every 15 minutes and cost about $3. Trains also connect the airport to stations throughout the country. Free shuttle buses run to many of they city’s big hotels.
You can get around lots of Amsterdam on foot. Public transport is very good – its hub is Centraal Station, where tram, bus and metro lines converge. You can get a free map of central-area public transport at the station. Ticketing is based on zones, with the same ticket valid on buses, trams and metros. You can buy tickets at outlets around the city, or on the transport itself. Trams are good for the inner city, buses go farther out, while the metro is most useful for getting to the international bus station.
Driving in the city is actively discouraged, and there’s absolutely no free parking in the canal zone. If you don’t buy a parking voucher you’ll be wheel-clamped. It makes more sense to park outside the city and come in on public transport. Motorcyclists can park on the pavement free of charge. Amsterdam taxis are among the most expensive in Europe. It will cost you no more to call one than to hail it, although in theory you aren’t supposed to pick up a cab on the street.
Amsterdam has 550,000 bicycles and this is an ideal way to get around, although you need to get used to the idea of having your bike stolen. If you’re going to be around for more than a month, consider buying a second-hand bike, and make sure you buy a lock as well.
