Amsterdam Centraal
Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam
Your Amsterdam Centraal station guide
Amsterdam's stunning Centraal station makes for a memorable arrival in the city and it's perfectly placed to walk to the canal belt, Jordaan and the historic centre.
There are different departure processes at Amsterdam Centraal depending on whether you’re travelling to and from London, or on any of our other trains. You'll find everything you need to know below.
Ticket Gates at Amsterdam Centraal
Using the ticket gates to access or leave Amsterdam Centraal
Please have your ticket ready when you arrive, as you'll need to scan the barcode to get on or off the platform in Amsterdam.
Using a mobile ticket?
If you have bank cards stored on your phone, avoid scanning a PDF or screenshot of your ticket.
Instead, please save your Eurostar ticket in your Apple Wallet or Google Pay Wallet to avoid an accidental charge on your card.
The station’s ticket gates are set up to read both ticket barcodes and digital bank cards, enabling commuters to tap in and out.
Occasionally, these gates may read a bank card stored on a phone rather than an on-screen image of your ticket’s barcode. This will result in an incorrect payment of up to €20.
Saving your ticket to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay Wallet or printing it out will help ensure that your ticket is scanned correctly.
If you're charged in error, please go to the OVpay website to find out how to get a refund.
Tickets issued by other carriers may not have a barcode, so you'll need to speak to a member of staff or press the (i) button next to the ticket gates for assistance.
Departure guide for travelling to and from London
When to arrive at the Eurostar Departures Building
When leaving for London, your luggage and passport will be checked before you board.
For a smooth departure, please arrive at Eurostar departures at the time recommended on your ticket.
Each of our trains can carry nearly 900 passengers, so there are sometimes queues at busy times. Don't worry though, our station team will be on hand to guide you through the departures process and off on your cross-Channel trip.
With border and luggage checks all done before you leave Amsterdam, you can step straight off the train and on your way when you arrive.
| Standard & Standard Premier | Business Premier | Special Assist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? (mins) | 60-90 | 30-45 | 60 |
| How long before departure does the gate close? (mins) | 30 | 20 | 30 |
Finding Eurostar departures
You’ll find the Eurostar departures building at the far end of platform 15b. Follow signs to platform 15, then look for signs to London.
The Eurostar departures building isn’t under the station's main roof, so you'll need to continue all the way along the platform.
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by our station team, so have your ticket ready to be checked.
Map of Amsterdam Centraal station
Security
Once you’ve had your tickets checked, there's a security check for you and your luggage.
Please make sure that you don’t go over the luggage allowance and that you don’t bring anything which is prohibited.
There are no weight restrictions, as long as you can safely lift and carry your luggage by yourself.
If you have a pacemaker, please inform the security team before going through the metal detector. You may be asked to show your medical device ID card.
Passport/border control
Your passport will be checked twice – first by the Dutch authorities and then by the UK Border Force.
Eurostar departure lounge
In the Eurostar departure lounge you'll find:
- Coffee and tea facilities
- Vending machines with snacks and cold beverages
- Toilets
- Workspaces
- Priority seating
- Le chocolat Alain Ducasse (chocolate shop)
- Paul (food outlet)
- L’Occitane en Provence
- Toilets with baby-changing facilities
NS International Lounge
Before heading to platform 15b for departure, Business Premier travellers and Carte Blanche holders can relax in the Regus NS International Lounge on platform 2a.
There, you'll find:
- Comfortable workplaces
- Free wi-fi
- Meeting rooms
- Free soft drinks
If you're visiting the NS International Lounge, please make sure you head over to the Eurostar departures building in time for ticket, security and border checks.
Departure guide for travel between the Netherlands and Belgium, France and Germany
A quick getaway
Please arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Then, just look for your train on the departure board and scan your ticket to reach the platform.
When the train arrives, hop on and find your seat.
To ensure an on-time getaway, please be ready to board at least five minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Accessible travel
Booking Accessible Travel
If you’re travelling with a disability or reduced mobility, we can offer free assistance to help you get to and from the train.
You must book assistance at least 24 hours before you’re due to travel for guaranteed help.
If you're travelling to and from London, please use the accessible travel button on this contact form to get in touch at least 24 hours before departure.
If you're travelling on any of our other trains, please complete this form or call the booking assistance number on +31 20 124 78 22 at least 24 hours before the time of departure. Lines are open 24 hours a day.
You’ll find everything you need to know about accessible travel, including how to book, help with your luggage, parking and station facilities and much more on our accessible travel page.
Station details and facilities
- Cafés, shops and supermarkets
- Cash machines
- The NS International ticket office, open daily from 05:45-21:00
- The NS International Lounge, open daily from 08:00–19:00 on weekdays and 10:00–18:00 on Saturday and Sunday
- Luggage storage
- Self-service ticket machines
- Toilets with baby-changing facilities
- Bike rental and storage
If you lose (or find) something on board or at the station, please speak to a member of staff at the lost and found located in the east tunnel, or follow signs to the lost and found office.
The station is easily accessed on foot, by bike or by public transport. Car parking is discouraged as most of the city centre is closed to car traffic.
If you're continuing your journey within the Netherlands, you'll find trains to every corner of the country departing from Amsterdam Centraal.
To get to or from the platforms at Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll need to scan the barcode on your ticket.
You can board your train up until to two minutes before departure, so there’s no need to turn up too early.
To find your platform, check the departure screens, then head up and hop on.
Once at Brussels-Zuid/Midi, you’ll go through the Eurostar departure process for your onward journey to London.
Practical info
Address: Stationsplein, 15 1012 AB, Amsterdam
Phone number: +31 (0)30 751 51 55
Facilities: Car park, bike park, luggage lockers
Lost and found: If you’ve lost something on your journey please see the advice here
Public transport: On Eurostar’s trains between Belgium, France, Netherlands or Germany you can buy your ticket for public transport at the Eurostar Café, at the same price as buying a single ticket at the ticket desk. Search for details of your onward journey using public transport
Car rental: You can take advantage of the Eurostar partnership with Hertz to rent a car.
Connecting trains: Check timetables in real time for your connecting trains
Airport connections: Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport. Trains run directly from France and Belgium – you’ll find the station platforms located under the terminal's main hall.
Book a taxi & pick-up service: My Driver
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