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Amsterdam Centraal
All about the departure platforms, station facilities, and special assistance at Amsterdam Centraal station.
Departing from Amsterdam Centraal station
Find everything you need to know about when to arrive and how to travel to our destinations in Europe and the UK from Amsterdam Centraal. The departure process differs depending on whether you're travelling to London on a direct train, via Brussels-Midi on an indirect train, or to any of our other European destinations. See the relevant sections on this page to prepare for your journey with Eurostar.
How to get to our direct trains to London
Don't look for a platform number on the station screens. Simply follow the signs to the UK Terminal. It's only a 3-minute walk from the main station entrance ('Centrum zijde') or you can access it from the waterfront of the station ('IJ-zijde').
View map of Amsterdam Centraal. (opens in a new tab) (opens a PDF)
When to arrive at the UK terminal
Eurostar Standard or Eurostar Plus
Please arrive at the recommended time shown on your ticket to complete all pre-departure checks. To make sure it's up to date, download your ticket close to your travel date. Ticket checks close 30 minutes before departure.
Eurostar Premier
Ticket checks close 15 minutes before departure. Please arrive at the station well before to complete all pre-departure checks.
How to go through checks at the UK Terminal
Ticket checks
At the UK Terminal, you'll be welcomed by our staff. Please have your ticket ready for them to scan.
Security
Once you’ve had your ticket checked by our staff, 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 control
Your passport (and any other travel document(s) you may need for your trip) will be checked twice – first by Dutch authorities and then by the UK Border Force.
Facilities in our Eurostar departure lounge
While waiting to board your train, you can enjoy the following facilities:
- Seating areas
- Priority seating
- Plug sockets
- A café
- Water fountains
- Toilets
- Wi-Fi
Arriving at the station
Please arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your train leaves.
Access the platforms by scanning your ticket QR code at the station’s ticket gates. Do not go to the UK Terminal (even if you're travelling to London via Brussels).
We recommend that you save your ticket to your Google/Apple Wallet or have it printed out to avoid issues.
How to find your platform
Check the departure board to find your platform. Make sure you're ready to board at least 5 minutes before your train is scheduled to leave.
Travelling to London with a change in Brussels?
Luggage and passport checks will take place at the Channel terminal at Brussels-Midi/Zuid before you get on your train to London.
Booking accessible travel in Amsterdam Centraal
Find everything you need to know about accessible travel, including who we can help and how to book assistance.
Station details and facilities
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.
Unless you're travelling on a direct train to London, you'll need to scan your ticket's QR code at the station's ticket gates to access the platforms or exit the station.
Using a mobile ticket?
To avoid accidental charges, don't scan a PDF or screenshot of your Eurostar ticket if your bank cards are stored on your phone. Instead, save your ticket in Apple Wallet or Google Pay Wallet, or print it out.
The ticket gates can read both QR codes on tickets and digital bank cards. Sometimes, they might read a bank card on your phone instead of your ticket's QR code, resulting in an incorrect payment of up to €20.
If you're charged in error, visit the OVpay website (opens in a new tab) 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.
Train
You can take a train to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or any other station in the Netherlands. Book your tickets via NS (opens in a new tab) or buy them at a ticket machine in Amsterdam Centraal.
Public transport
Buy tickets with the 9292 app (opens in a new tab) for Amsterdam trams, buses and the metro. Or simply use your credit/debit card or your smartphone to tap in and out.
International train tickets to destinations outside of our network can be purchased at the NS International service desk. It's located outside the western end of Amsterdam Centraal past the 'Centrum zijde' while not entering the station.
You can buy Navigo passes for Paris and Oyster cards for London on board at Eurostar Café.
If you forgot something at the station or on board, check out our Lost Property page for more information.
Before departing, Eurostar Premier travellers and Carte Blanche and Etoile members can relax in the NS International Lounge – Regus Express (opens in a new tab). It’s located opposite platform 2a. Please ensure you leave the lounge early enough not to miss your train.
Practical information
Address: Stationsplein 15, 1012 AB, Amsterdam
Station facilities: Car park, bike park, GWK Travelex exchange offices, luggage lockers (open 05:00–00:45 CET), bike rental, shops, and restaurants.
Eurostar facilities: At the entrance of the UK Terminal, you can find our Eurostar information desk. It offers support to Eurostar passengers travelling directly to London, including services to book or exchange tickets.
Opening hours of UK terminal:
- Monday to Friday: 05:00 - 19:00h CET
- Saturday: 07:00 - 17:00h & Sunday: 07:00 - 19:00h CET
NS International service desk: Offers support during opening hours (opens in a new tab) for all passengers travelling with Eurostar to Belgium, France, or Germany, or indirectly to London via Brussels.
Car rental: Take advantage of the Eurostar partnership with Hertz (opens in a new tab) to rent a car.
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