NS Trains & Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Centraal Station

Amsterdam Centraal is the city's main railway station and a major hub for metro, trams, buses, and ferries. The station is fully accessible for wheelchair users, though it is large and can be confusing to navigate.

Layout and Access

• The main entrance is at street level with no steps.
• Elevators and escalators connect all levels at every track.
• The station has two main tunnels connecting platforms: the Central tunnel and the Eastern tunnel.
• Accessible toilets are available inside the station.
• Staff are present at the station and can assist with directions and boarding.

Connecting to Other Transport

From Amsterdam Centraal, you can connect to:

• Metro: Lines 51, 52, 53, and 54. Elevators connect to the metro platforms below.
• Trams: Multiple lines depart from the front of the station.
• Buses: The bus station is behind the station on the IJ-side.
• Ferries: Free GVB ferries to Amsterdam Noord depart from directly behind the station. See our Metro guide for ferry details.

NS Travel Assistance (Reisassistentie)

NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) offers a free travel assistance service for passengers with disabilities. A trained employee will help you navigate the station, board the train using a portable ramp, and exit at your destination.

How to Book

1. Online: Visit ns.nl/reisassistentie and fill in the booking form.
2. By phone: Call the NS Service Center at +31 30 235 7822.
3. Via the NS app: Use the travel assistance feature in the NS mobile application.

When booking, provide:

• Your travel date and departure time.
• Departure and arrival stations.
• Type of wheelchair or mobility device.

You will receive a confirmation with a meeting point at the station.

Wheelchair Spaces on Trains

All NS Sprinter (local) and ICNG Intercity trains have designated wheelchair spaces in accessible carriages. The wheelchair space includes:

• A flat area to park your wheelchair.
• Tie-down straps or a secure area.
• A seat for a companion next to the wheelchair space.
• An accessible toilet in the same carriage, with grab bars, wide door, and sufficient turning space.

Boarding

Sprinter trains have a retractable step that aligns with the platform, allowing independent boarding at stations with the correct platform height. For Intercity trains, a station employee deploys a portable ramp. This is why booking NS Travel Assistance is important.

Size Limits

Your wheelchair or mobility scooter must fit within these dimensions to travel by NS train:

• Maximum length: 150 cm
• Maximum width: 70 cm
• Maximum height: 137.5 cm (including luggage)
• Maximum weight (manual chair with user): 200 kg

Train Types and Accessibility

Schiphol Airport Connection

The NS Sprinter runs directly between Amsterdam Centraal and Schiphol Airport. Trains depart every 10 to 15 minutes and the journey takes about 15 minutes. A single ticket costs roughly 5 euros.

Book NS Travel Assistance for the Schiphol trip, as you will need ramp assistance to board. The train station at Schiphol is located below the airport terminal at Schiphol Plaza, with elevators connecting to the platforms.

International Trains

Eurostar (to London and Paris)

Eurostar runs from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras (via Brussels and Rotterdam) and to Paris. Wheelchair spaces must be booked by phone through the Eurostar accessibility team. Book at least 48 hours in advance.

• Eurostar accessibility: Call +44 3432 186 186 (UK) or +33 1 70 70 60 88 (France).
• Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for check-in and border control.

ICE (to Germany)

ICE trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Frankfurt, Cologne, and Basel. Wheelchair spaces are available. Contact Deutsche Bahn's mobility service center for assistance: +49 30 65 21 28 88.

Station Accessibility Across the Netherlands

Nearly every train station in the Netherlands has step-free access via a lift or ramp. Wider gates are available at gated stations for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

However, elevators at smaller stations do break down. Check the NS app or website for real-time elevator status at your departure and arrival stations before traveling.

Tips for Train Travel

• Always confirm your wheelchair space reservation and meeting point when you arrive at the station. Go to the NS assistance desk, not directly to the platform.
• Platform assignments can change. NS staff will guide you to the correct platform.
• Power outlets are available at wheelchair spaces for charging electric wheelchairs during the journey. Dutch trains use standard European plugs (Type C/F, 230V).
• Food and drink are available in on-board shops on Intercity trains, or at station shops before boarding.
• If traveling during peak hours (6:30 to 9:00 AM, 4:00 to 6:30 PM), trains can be crowded. The wheelchair space remains reserved for you, but reaching it through standing passengers can be difficult.