I will be traveling from Brugges to Amsterdam on a Sunday in April, flying out rather early Monday morning. Would it be best to stay in Amsterdam near the train station, or near the airport? My concern is not being able to get from Centraal Station to a hotel near the airport on Sunday. What would you suggest??
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Trains from Centraal Station to Schiphol run almost 24 hours a day. There is a gap 2am and 4am when no trains are running. Hotels are generally cheaper near the airport, but there is an Ibis hotel attached to Centraal Station, and charges about $120USD a night.
Posted by
Delft, Netherlands
242 posts
The trains run from Amsterdam Central to Schiphol 24 hours a day; there is a 2:45am and 3:45am train.
I think it depends on how early you leave on Monday morning (and whether or not the Monday happens to be 13th). And if you stay close to Schipol, how close you are really - like will you still need a bus or a shuttle to get to the airport?
You can use www.ns.nl to plan your journey. Choose English in the top right hand corner. You can input the names of the hotels you are thinking about staying at and it will plan your bus/tram/train journey.
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, USA
49 posts
Yes, that Monday just so happens to be the 13th. I need to be at the airport by 7:30am. If I stay by the airport, I will need a shuttle, but some hotels appear to provide that service. As this will be the end of the trip, I'm sure luggage will be heavy, and I'd like to avoid morning crowds and traffic. My travel friend is not the most time conscious person. I don't want to miss our flight! One more night in the city would be great, but I'm not sure if it's the best idea. What are your thoughts? Would morning "rush hour" be a concern? Thank you for your input!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
When you take a morning train to Schipol you are doing a "reverse commute" as most people are traveling into Amsterdam not away from the city, so the trains shouldn't be too crowded. The station should be quiet as well. I think you should spend the night in Amsterdam, I can't think of a better way to celebrate the end of your travels!
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, USA
49 posts
Excellent points - Thank you!
Posted by
Delft, Netherlands
242 posts
The 13th is Easter Monday and is a National Holiday. That means the trains/buses/trams will run on a reduced or Sunday schedule. This will probably not effect the trains to Schiphol, but may effect a bus or tram you would want to take. Closer to the date when the train schedule has been released you should recheck it for exact times.
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, USA
49 posts
Thank you Laura. That had been another concern. Good to know - I will keep it in mind.