Amsterdam Central station

Amsterdam Central is a large railway station built from red brick with two prominent towers showcasing Gothic and Renaissance styling across its three-story main structure. The building directly connects train services to the city's tram and metro networks through interconnected passageways.

The station was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers and began operations in 1889 as part of the city's growth into a modern transport center. Its construction represented a significant shift in Amsterdam's role as a major railway hub for the Netherlands.

The building has shaped the cityscape for more than a century and serves as many visitors' first impression of Amsterdam. Its monumental design reflects the city's role as a major international transport hub.

Travelers can easily reach 15 train platforms through a central passage system that includes ticket machines, shops, and restaurants inside. Direct connections to trams and metro services are accessible from within, making transfers between transport types straightforward.

The building rests on approximately 8,700 wooden piles driven deep into the sandy soil beneath the city. This engineering solution allowed such a massive structure to be built and maintained on marshy ground.

Location: Amsterdam

Inception: October 15, 1889

Architects: Pierre Cuypers

Official opening: October 15, 1889

Architectural style: Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival architecture

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

Accessibility: wheelchair partially accessible

Operator: NS

Part of: Belgium–Netherlands border, Netherlands–United Kingdom border, Germany–Netherlands border

Address: Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website: https://ns.nl/stationsinformatie/asd/amsterdam-centraal

GPS coordinates: 52.37890,4.90058

Latest update: December 18, 2025 20:01