Transport within the Netherlands

Transport in the City

(Station Zuid, tram stop)

Amsterdam has earned the right to boat with its impressive network of public transport. The city includes trams, trains, buses and ferries in its extensive connectivity. As an international student I was able to able for a student transport card through Student Mobility. Alternatively, you can buy day passes for the whole network or simply touch on and off with your cards and/or contactless pay. Keep in mind that it is a cashless system.

Amsterdam holds 5 metro lines that stop at 39 stations all through the city. 4 of the 5 lines stop at Amsterdam Central Station, allowing travellers to cover a large expanse of the urban area on the metro alone.

The intercity trains provide fast and reliable way to travel between Amsterdam Central, Schipol Airport, Rotterdam, Breda and small stops in between.

Transport To Other Countries

(Amsterdam Central Station)

Catching a train from one country to another is a crazy concept to me. But in Europe, it’s one of the easiest and most effective methods of travel. My first experience going from country to country was heading to Brussels in Belgium from Amsterdam for a concert. 

After booking my tickets on Omio I took a Thalys train, which has recently been rebranded as Eurostar. When you receive your ticket it will give you a carriage and seat number so you’ll know where you’re sitting. Somehow, I still ended up in the wrong carriage and seat (don’t judge). The concierges are usually quite friendly and willing to direct you using information from your ticket. The trains also have a snack bar in the centre of the train which can be handy for longer trips. You can either purchase your tickets online, at a station or grab yourself a Eurostar/Interrail pass. The Eurail and Interrail Passes let you travel on  multiple Eurostar routes.

On the way back to Amsterdam I took an Intercity Brussel train. This confused me since the Intercity train doesn’t have assigned seats in second class like my first train, you just pick a spot and take a seat. The Intercity Brussel trains disperse 16 times a day to various places in Belgium, also taking just under 2 hours to get to Amsterdam. For this train, you have to book your ticket at least seven days before your trip. 

Either way, all stations have people at information desks willing to answer questions. I asked for help to find my platform both on the way to and back from Brussels. The most important things to take note of is:

1. Where and when your train is departing and how long it will take you to get to the departure station.

2. What brand of transport you’re taking. 

3. Whether or not you have assigned seating.

If you do have assigned seating the numbers of the carriages are pretty easy to spot on the side of the carts.

I found the whole experience far easier than taking a plane. The convenience, speed and cheaper prices make taking the train a great option. But if you do find yourself taking a plane you'll be pleasantly delighted by the convenient airport train station.