Cheap Tickets to Amsterdam
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
I had a long layover at the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and I took the train into the city center and spent a wonderful day in Amsterdam. I now want to bring my family back to this delightful city. We will just stay out of the red light district!
Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport is located just ten miles (sixteen kilometers) southwest of Amsterdam city center. Served by all major international airlines, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is considered to be one of the finest in Europe in terms of both its facilities and efficiency. As Amsterdam has become a major city for both business and leisure travel, so Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has grown in stature and importance.
Amsterdam Luchthaven Schiphol (pronounced "Shh-kip-hole") (AMS) (17 km (11 mi) southwest of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. 0900/0141, is the main passenger airport for Holland. With the annual number of passengers using Schiphol approaching 40 million, it is ranked among the world's top five best-connected airports. A hotel, a service to aid passengers with disabilities, parking lots, and a main office of The Netherlands tourist board (in Schiphol Plaza and known as "HTI" -- Holland Tourist Information) can prove most useful. The comprehensive Schiphol telephone service, charged at EUR.10 per minute, provides information about flight arrivals and departures as well as all transport and parking facilities.
Flying time to Amsterdam is 21½ hours from Auckland; 1 hour from London; 10½ hours from Los Angeles; 7 hours from New York; 20 hours from Sydney; and 8 hours from Toronto.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Airlines
Every major European and international airline flies to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. In addition, most international airlines have offices in the Netherlands and their telephone numbers are listed below.
Adria Airways (JP) +31 (0)20 - 316 4220
Aer Lingus (EI) +31 (0)20 - 623 8620
Aeroflot Russian Int. Airlines (SU) +31 (0)20 - 627 0561
Air Alps (A6) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
Air Anatolia (NTL) +31 (0)20 - 618 1816
Air Dolomiti (EN) +31 (0)20 - 582 9456
Air Canada (AC) +31 (0)20-3469539
Air France (AF) +31 (0)20 - 446 8800
Air Holland (HLN) +31 (0)20 - 316 4444
Air Malta (KM) +31 (0)20 - 624 6096
Air Transat (TS) +31 (0)70 - 358 8300
Air Zena Georgian (A9) +31 (0)20 - 316 4226
Alfa Airlines (LFA) +31 (0)23 - 554 3780
Alitalia (AZ) +31 (0)20 - 470 0118
Arkia (IZ) +31 (0)20 - 618 8033
Armenian Airlines (R3) +31 (0)20 - 316 4226
Aurigny Air Services (GR) +31 (0)20 - 316 4223
Austrian Airlines (OS) +31 (0)20 - 582 9465
Balkan Bulgarian Airlines (LZ) +31 (0)20 - 624 9577
Bosphorus European Airlines (BHY) + 90 212 551 9000
Braathens (BU) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
British Airways (BA) +31 (0)20 - 346 9559
bmi British Midland (BD) +31 (0)20 - 346 6211
Canada 3000 (2T) +31 (0)20 - 572 0820
Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) +31 (0)20 - 653 2010
China Airlines (CI) +31 (0)20 - 646 1001
China Southern Airlines (CZ) +31 (0)20 - 412 3120
Continental Airlines (CO) +31 (0)20 - 346 9381
Croatia Airlines (OU) +31 (0)20 - 316 4280
Crossair (LX) +31 (0)20 - 679 5000
Czech Airlines (OK) +31 (0)20 - 620 0839
Cyprus Airways (CY) +31 (0)20 - 653 3546
Daalloo Airlines (D3) +31 (0)10 - 436 1810
Delta Air Lines (DL) +31 (0)20 - 201 3536
Dutch Caribbean Express (K8) +31 (0)10 - 240 9910
DutchBird (DBR) +31 (0)20 - 605 5900
EasyJet (EZY) +31 (0)23 - 568 4880
Egypt Air (MS) +31 (0)20 - 625 6661
El Al Israel Airlines (LY) +31 (0)20 - 644 0101
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) +31 (0)20 - 316 4221
Eurowings (EW) +31 (0)20 - 446 6290
Eva Airways (BR) +31 (0)20 - 575 9166
Finnair (AY) +31 (0)20 - 316 4010
Fly Metropolis (DN) +31 (0)40 - 259 0999
Freebird Airlines (FHY)
Garuda Indonesia (GA) +31 (0)20 - 627 2626
Hapag-Lloyd (HF) +31 (0)20 - 446 6399
Iberia (IB) +31 (0)20 - 405 5600
Icelandair (FI) +31 (0)20 - 627 0136
Inter Express Airlines (INX) +90 242 324 0222
Iran Air (IR) +31 (0)20 - 405 4790
Japan Airlines (JL) +31 (0)20 - 305 0060
JAT Yugoslav Airlines (JU) +31 (0)20 - 675 1411
Kenya Airways (KQ) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
KLM cityhopper (KL) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
KLM exel (XT) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
KLM uk ( UK) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
Kuwait Airways (KU) +31 (0)20 - 589 2990
Libyan Arab Airlines (LN) +31 (0)20 - 405 4313
Lithuanian Airlines (TE) +31 (0)20 - 653 2441
LOT Polish Airlines (LO) +31 (0)20 - 616 9266
Lotus Air (TAS)
Lufthansa (LH) +31 (0)20 - 582 9456
Macedonian Airlines (IN) +31 (0)20 - 675 9851
Maersk Air (DM) +31 (0)10 - 208 3665
Malaysia Airlines (MH) +31 (0)20 - 521 6262
Malev Hungarian Airlines (MA) +31 (0)20 - 316 3200
Martinair (MP) +31 (0)20 - 601 1767
Meridiana (IG) +31 (0)20 - 316 4224
MNG Airlines (MNB) +90 212 663 0751
Northwest Airlines (NW) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
Olympic Airways (OA) +31 (0)20 - 405 7215
PIA Pakistan International (PK) +31 (0)20 - 626 4715
Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise (Z8) +31 (0)20 - 406 7335
Regional Airlines (VM) +31 (0)20 - 446 8800
Royal Air Maroc (AT) +31 (0)20 - 515 8595
Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) +31 (0)20 - 673 3386
SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK) +31 (0)20 - 454 6500
Scot Airways (CB) +31 (0)20 - 316 4228
Singapore Airlines (SQ) +31 (0)20 - 548 8800
Surinam Airways (PY) +31 (0)20 - 626 2060
Swissair (SR) +31 (0)20 - 679 5000
Swisswings (RQ) +31 (0)20 - 474 7747
Syrian Arab Airlines (RB) +31 (0)20 - 316 3248
TACV Cabo Verde Airlines (VR) +31 (0)10 - 411 5411
TAP Air Portugal (TP) +31 (0)20 - 638 7276
Tarom (RO) +31 (0)20 - 625 3660
Transavia Airlines (HV) +31 (0)20 - 406 0400
Trans Travel Airlines (6N) +31 (0)10 - 208 3600
Tunis Air (TU) +31 (0)20 - 405 7100
Turkish Airlines (TK) +31 (0)20 - 405 9636
Ukraine International Airlines (PS) +31 (0)10 - 208 3675
United Airlines (UA) +31 (0)20 - 504 0555
US Airways (US) +31 (0)20 - 201 3550
Uzbekistan Airways (HY) +31 (0)20 - 553 9553
Amsterdam Facts
Population: 725,000
Elevation: Below sea level, but protected from flooding by an extensive network of dikes and drainage canals.
Time Zone: When it is noon in Amsterdam, it is 6AM in New York City.
When to Visit: Weather-wise, the best months for sightseeing are April, May, June, September, and October. The maritime climate of the Netherlands is very changeable, though, and during these months expect weather ranging from cool to pleasant to wet and windy to hot and sometimes humid. Winters in Amsterdam can be very cold from December through February and March.
ATMs: Among the centrally located automated teller machines (ATMs) accessible by cards linked to the Cirrus and Plus networks, and the major credit cards and charge cards, are those at ABN-AMRO Bank, Dam 2 (tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25) and Leidsestraat 1 (tram: 1, 2, 5), at Leidseplein; Rabobank, Dam 16 (tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25); and Fortis Bank, Singel 548 (tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25), at the Flower Market.
Babysitters: Many hotels can arrange babysitters. A reliable local organization is
Business Hours: Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4 or 5pm, and some to 7pm on Thursday. Open hours for offices are Monday through Friday from 9 or 10am to 4 or 5pm. Regular shopping hours are Monday from 10 or 11am to 6pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 6pm; Thursday from 9am to 9pm; Saturday from 9am to 5pm; and some stores are open Sunday from noon to 5pm.
Convention Center RAI Convention Center,: Europaplein (020/549-1212; Metro: RAI), in the south of the city.
Currency: The Euro is the currency of the Netherlands. Euro notes come in denominations of EUR500, EUR200, EUR100, EUR50, EUR20, EUR10 and EUR5. The euro is divided into 100 cents, and coins are available as EUR2 and EUR1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 cents.
Dentists: Call the Central Medical Service (tel. 020/592-3434).
Doctors: Call the Central Medical Service (tel. 020/592-3434).
Drugstores: For such items as toothpaste, deodorant, and razor blades, go to a drogerij (drugstore), or a supermarket.
Electricity: the Netherlands runs on 220 volts electricity ( North America uses 110 volts). You will need a small voltage transformer (available in drug and appliance stores and by mail order) that plugs into the round-holed European electrical outlet and converts the Dutch voltage from 220 volts down to 110 volts for any small appliance up to 1,500 watts.
Embassies & Consulates: The U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam is at Museumplein 19 (tel.
Emergencies: For police assistance, an ambulance, or the fire department, call tel. 112.
Hospitals:
Two hospitals with an emergency service are the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Eerste Oosterparkstraat 179 (tel. 020/599-9111; tram: 3, 7, 10), in Amsterdam Oost; and Academisch Medisch Centrum (AMC), Meibergdreef 9 (tel. 020/566-3333; Metro: Holendrecht), in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
Internet Access: In the City center, easyEverything (www.easyeverything.com) has two locations: Damrak 33 (tel. 020/320-8082; tram: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 16, 17, 24, 25); and Reguliersbreestraat 22 (tel. 020/320-6291; tram: 4, 9, 14). Both are open 24 hours a day and access begins at 1.15€. A less-crowded choice is Internet Café, Martelaarsgracht 11 (tel. 020/627-1052; tram: 1, 2, 5, 13, 17), open Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 1am, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 3am.
Language: Dutch is the primary language, but English is the second language of the Netherlands.
Newspapers & Magazines: The American Book Center, Kalverstraat 185 (tel. 020/625-5537; tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25), and Waterstone's, Kalverstraat 152 (tel. 020/638-3821; tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25), and newsstands at Schiphol Airport and Centraal Station all have a big selection of international newspapers and magazines.
Pharmacies: For both prescription and non-prescription medicines, you go to an apotheek (pharmacy). Try Dam Apotheek at Damstraat 2 (tel. 020/624-4331; tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25). All pharmacies have the name and address of an all-night and Sunday pharmacy posted on the door.
Police: The emergency number to call for the police (politie), fire department, and ambulance is tel. 112. For routine matters, police headquarters are at Elandsgracht 117 (tel. 0900/8844; tram: 7, 10, 17).
Post Office: Most post offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Taxes: There's a value-added tax (BTW) of 6% on hotel and restaurant bills (19% on beer, wine, and liquor), and 6% or 19% (the amount depends on the product) on purchases. This tax is always included in the price. People resident outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Amsterdam. Shops that offer tax-free shopping advertise with a Netherlands Tax-Free Shopping sign in the window, and they provide you with the form you need to recover value-added tax (VAT) when you leave the European Union.
To make international calls: To make international calls from Amsterdam, first dial 00 and then the country code ( U.S. or Canada 1, U.K. 44, Ireland 353, Australia 61, New Zealand 64). Next you dial the area code and number.
Toll-free numbers: Numbers beginning with 0800 within the Netherlands are toll-free, but calling a 1-800 number in the States from the Netherlands is not toll-free. It costs the same as an overseas call.
Special numbers: Beware special Dutch numbers that begin with 0900. Calls to these are charged at a far higher rate than ordinary local calls.
International Access Codes: To call the United States or Canada, dial 00 (the international access code) + 1 (the country code) + the area code + the number. Other country codes are: Australia, 61; United Kingdom, 44; Ireland, 353; New Zealand, 64.
The area code for Amsterdam is 020. When making local calls in Amsterdam you won't need to use the area codes shown in this book. You do need to use an area code between towns and cities in the Netherlands.
Tipping: The Dutch government requires that all taxes and service charges be included in the published prices of hotels, restaurants, cafes, discos, nightclubs, beauty salons/barbershops and hairdressers, and sightseeing companies. Even taxi fare includes taxes and a standard 15% tip.
Arriving and Departing
Getting Around the City
Metro
Amsterdam has a full-fledged subway system, the metro, but travelers will usually find trams and buses more convenient for getting around, as most metro stops are geared for city residents traveling to the outer suburbs. However, the Amsterdam metro can get you from Centraal Station (at the northern harbor edge of the city) to Amstel Station (a train station at the southeastern area of the city, with connections to many buses and trams) much faster than a tram, which makes many stops along the way.
Trams & Buses
Many tram and bus routes start from the hub at Centraal Station (Stationsplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Tel. 0900-9292 public transportation information).
A large bus depot is located on the Marnixstraat, across from the main police station, and there's another one at Harlemmermeer station in the Overtoomseveld neighborhood of western Amsterdam. Trams and buses run from about 6 AM to midnight daily. The tram routes, with a network of 130 km (80 mi) of track, make this characteristic form of transport more useful than the bus for most tourists. Night owls can make use of the hourly night-bus services, with double frequency on Friday and Saturday night, but routes are restricted.
Between stops, trams brake only when absolutely necessary, so listen for warning bells if you are walking or cycling near tram lines. Taxis use tram lines, but other cars are allowed to venture onto them only when turning right. The newer fleets of buses are cleaner, and therefore nicer to use, and bus lanes (shared only with taxis) remain uncongested, ensuring that you travel more swiftly than the rest of the traffic in rush hour. If the bus is very crowded, you may have to stand, so hold on to a handrail, as the buses can travel quite fast; to avoid rush hour, don't travel between 8 and 9 in the morning or between 4:30 and 5:30 in the afternoon. As with all urban systems of transportation, keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Ferries
Four ferry lines leave from Centraal Station, but only one is of any interest to tourists. The Buiksloterwegveer leaves from Pier 7 behind Centraal Station every 8 to 15 minutes, day and night. The ferry transports pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists across the IJ channel to North Amsterdam. There is no fee for the service. North Amsterdam may prove to be less interesting than the refreshing trip, which takes about five minutes.
Transfers Between the Airport and Town
If you wish to hop aboard a tram or bus to get to your hotel, go to one of the Gemeentevervoerbedrifj (GVB) Amsterdam Municipal Transport booths found in front of the Centraal Station. Here you can find directions, fare information, and schedules.
The KLM Hotel Bus shuttles between the airport and Amsterdam, serving 16 top hotels directly and many more that are close to these stops. Buses depart Schiphol Plaza every 20 minutes from 7am to 6pm and every 30 minutes from 6 to 9:30pm.
Bus no. 197 departs every half hour from in front of Schiphol Plaza for Amsterdam's downtown Marnixstraat bus station. This bus is much slower than both the train and the KLM Hotel Bus.
Taxis are expensive, but are the preferred choice when traveling with luggage, or if there are two or more people to share the cost. Taxi stands are located at both ends of the sidewalk in front of Schiphol Plaza. Taxis from the airport are all metered.
Walking
If you're going around on foot, remember that cars have the right of way when turning. When crossing a street, watch out for trams, buses, and bikes, too.
Use caution with children near the canals Protective fencing is rare, and the low metal railings won’t prevent a fall into the water.
Biking: Almost everyone in Amsterdam rides a bicycle. There are special bike trails everywhere, as well as parking for bikes at most sites.
De Opstapper
The Opstapper, a transit van that travels the elegant Prinsengracht -- heart of the historic canal sector -- between Centraal Station and the Music Theater. For a one-zone stamp on your strippenkaart, you can get on or off anywhere along the Prinsengracht. There are no fixed stops. It passes within walking distance of the Anne Frank House, the Leidseplein, and many hotels. The buses run every ten minutes from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM . There are eight seats and room for an additional eight standing passengers.
