Information for Travelers to Amsterdam

Travelling to Amsterdams

By air: Schiphol International airport is located about 15 kilometres from the centre of Amsterdam. Schiphol railway station is located in the arrival/departure building of the airport. You can take a train, taxi or shuttle bus to go go to your hotel or the city centre.
By train: There are frequent train connections (every 10-15 minutes) between Schiphol station and Amsterdam Central station. A one way ticket costs € 3.60.
By taxi: Schiphol taxis operate from the taxi rank out side Schiphol Plaza. The price of a taxi to the city centre will be approximately € 40.00.
By shuttle bus: There is also a shuttle bus that can bring you to your hotel. Tickets are available at the Connexion desk at Schiphol plaza. A one-way ticket costs € 12.00. If you travel together with four persons or more you will receive a discount.
By car: Parking is not easy and very expensive in Amsterdam. Before you decide to come by car, make sure you ask the hotel for clear directions and their parking facilities.

Weather

Weather in The Netherlands is always hard to predict (but everybody is always talking about it). Since it is the beginning of spring, you could expect some showers and windy conditions. Click here for an up-to-date view for upcoming days.

Language

The national language of the Netherlands is Dutch. Most Dutch people speak fairly good English. The language at the conference is English.

Currency

The currency in the Netherlands, like in most other European countries, is the Euro. Currency can be exchanged at most banks, post offices, railway stations and at Schiphol Airport. Banks are generally open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. You can also change money at the Grens wissel kantoor (GWK) at Central Station and Leidseplein. For most foreign guests, the most convenient and least expensive way to obtain Euros is by using Automatic Teller Machines, which are widely available and allow you to withdraw money with most banking and credit cards. The smaller exchange bureaus located in the main shopping streets tend to charge high commission rates. Please note that most shops and restaurants will not accept the 200 and 500 Euro banknotes.