The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
Amsterdam by rail: the back story
Amsterdam Centraal on the IJ, the Eurostar to Brussels, Paris and London, and fast trains across the Netherlands.
8 of the best · Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Getting to and Around Amsterdam
Schiphol by train, the Eurostar from Amsterdam Centraal, NS trains, GVB trams, metro and ferries, OVpay, bikes and the City Card.
Our 8 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Amsterdam
Browse by type
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Amsterdam.
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The back story
Amsterdam by rail: the back story
Amsterdam Centraal on the IJ, the Eurostar to Brussels, Paris and London, and fast trains across the Netherlands.
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Train to Centraal
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
The Netherlands’ main airport, with trains to Amsterdam Centraal from the station beneath the terminal.
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The city network
GVB: metro, tram, bus and ferry
Amsterdam’s trams, metro, buses and the ferries across the IJ.
The full list: Getting Around, A–Z
Neighbourhood
Airports & arrival 1
Arriving in Amsterdam.
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Train to Centraal
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
The Netherlands’ main airport, with trains to Amsterdam Centraal from the station beneath the terminal.
Railways 2
The Eurostar and NS.
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Eurostar to Brussels, Paris and London
Amsterdam Centraal and the Eurostar
The city’s great station on the IJ, with the Eurostar to Brussels, Paris and London.
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Trains across the Netherlands
NS: Dutch Railways
The national railway: to Schiphol, Haarlem, The Hague, Delft, Utrecht and beyond.
Around the city 4
Trams, metro, ferries and bikes.
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The city network
GVB: metro, tram, bus and ferry
Amsterdam’s trams, metro, buses and the ferries across the IJ.
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Museums and public transport
I amsterdam City Card
The official city card: museums and attractions, a canal cruise and GVB public transport.
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Hire a bike
MacBike
Bike hire from Centraal Station and other points in the city.
Oosterdoksstraat 106, 1011 DK AmsterdamExplore View on map
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Contactless check-in
OVpay: tap in with your bank card
Check in and out on trams, metro, buses and trains with your contactless bank card or phone.
