Amsterdam · Landmark station

Amsterdam Centraal Station: The City's Grand Gateway

For most visitors Amsterdam begins here — under the clock towers of a red-brick palace built on islands in the IJ. Here's the story behind Centraal Station, what to look for, and how to use it as a base for ferries, trams and canal cruises.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team · October 3, 2026

Amsterdam Centraal Station lit up at dusk and reflected in the water of the Open Havenfront — Centraal Station at dusk, its lights reflected in the water in front of the station.

Centraal Station at a glance

Area: the northern edge of the old centre, on the IJ. Allow: 15–30 minutes to admire it. Entry: free — the façade and concourse are public. Opened: 1889. Nearby: Our Lord in the Attic, De Wallen and Dam Square.

History and architecture

Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Pierre Cuypers with engineer A.L. van Gendt and opened in 1889. It was a controversial project: the station was built on three artificial islands in the IJ, cutting the old city off from its open harbour front. The building rests on thousands of wooden piles driven into the soft ground.

Cuypers, who had just finished the Rijksmuseum, gave the station the same neo-Renaissance and Gothic-Revival mix of red brick, pale stone, gilding and sculpture. The two towers carry a clock on one side and a wind vane dial on the other — a reminder of the days when the wind mattered to a port city.

Front façade of Amsterdam Centraal Station illuminated at night with its two clock towers — The main entrance on the Stationsplein side, lit up after dark.

What to look for

The twin towers — the western tower shows the time, while the eastern one is often described as a wind direction dial.
Coats of arms — a band of painted shields across the façade represents cities and trading partners linked to Amsterdam.
Sculpted reliefs — stone panels illustrate trade, seafaring and industry, celebrating the city's commercial history.
The central gable — the gilded Amsterdam coat of arms crowns the middle of the building.
The IJ hall — the modern glass-roofed passage on the waterfront side, with ferries just outside.

Clock tower of Amsterdam Centraal Station with red brick, gilded clock faces and painted shields — Look up: the clock tower, coloured shields and carved stonework are easy to miss in the rush.

The free IJ ferries

Walk straight through the station to the waterfront and you reach the GVB ferry piers. The ferries across the IJ to Amsterdam-Noord are free for foot passengers and cyclists. The short crossing to Buiksloterweg brings you to the Eye Filmmuseum and A'DAM Lookout, while a longer route goes to the former NDSM shipyard and its street art.

Pedestrians and cyclists under the coloured glass roof on the IJ side of Amsterdam Centraal Station — The glass roof on the IJ side, a short walk from the free ferries to Amsterdam-Noord.

Tours and tickets

The station is free to visit, but many canal cruises, walking tours and city passes start nearby, along the Prins Hendrikkade and Damrak.

Plan ahead

Tours and tickets near Centraal Station

Compare canal cruises, city passes and experiences that start near the station.

Check prices on Tiqets

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Official information

NS — Amsterdam Centraal

Check train times, facilities, luggage lockers and any engineering works before you travel.

Visit ns.nl →

Getting around from Centraal

Centraal is Amsterdam's main transport hub. NS trains run to Schiphol Airport and across the country, metro lines 51, 52, 53 and 54 stop underneath, and most tram lines start at the Stationsplein. Dam Square is about a ten-minute walk straight down the Damrak. Check the NS and GVB journey planners for current times.

Practical tips

For the best photo, stand across the water in front of the station at dusk, when the façade lights come on.
Watch out for bikes: the cycle paths around the station are among the busiest in the world. Look both ways before stepping off the pavement.
Tap in and out with a contactless card or phone. You do not need a paper ticket for trains, trams or the metro.
Take the free ferry to Noord for a quick, scenic trip with views back to the city.
See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

Is Amsterdam Centraal Station worth visiting?

Yes, even if you are not catching a train. The 1889 façade by Pierre Cuypers — the architect of the Rijksmuseum — is one of the finest buildings in the city, and the station is the starting point for canal cruises and the free ferries across the IJ to Amsterdam-Noord.

Are the ferries behind Centraal Station really free?

Yes. The GVB ferries from the IJ side of the station to Amsterdam-Noord, including the routes to the Eye Filmmuseum and A'DAM Lookout and to NDSM, are free for foot passengers and cyclists. They run frequently, day and night.

How do I get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal?

Direct NS trains run from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal several times an hour and take roughly 15–20 minutes. You can tap in and out with a contactless bank card or phone at the gates. Check the NS journey planner for current times.

Who designed Amsterdam Centraal Station?

Pierre Cuypers designed the station together with engineer A.L. van Gendt. It opened in 1889 on three artificial islands in the IJ, resting on thousands of wooden piles, and its red-brick style deliberately mirrors Cuypers' Rijksmuseum across the city.

Is there luggage storage at Amsterdam Centraal?

Yes, the station has luggage lockers, which are useful if you arrive before hotel check-in or have a late departure. Capacity and payment options change, so check the NS station information before you travel.