Question:

Only within the same urban area, which Haarlem and Amsterdam aren’t; I think you could do Delft to Den Haag on the strippenkaart, but going by train does use up strips at an alarming rate due to the speed of the trains! This is in 2nd class, too, of course.

On Delft – Den Haag you can only use the strippenkaart if you take the Tram or a bus. Not on the train. Don’t tell someone from Delft that he lives in the The Hague metropolitan area Krist — Krist                                                  Bern, Switzerland mailme<atkri<dotst

Response:

ok..let me see if I have this straight.  My best bet is to train in from the Airport to Central station,  and maybe buy 2 double strippenkarts (before I get on the tram if possible) just enough to get to the hotel down by the flower market.

I’m not sure what you mean by "double strippenkaart", since each one comes with either 15 or 45 strips, but the important point is that more than one person can use a strippenkaart at the same time — so for instance if you and your father want to travel through one zone you’d use one strippenkaart and stamp the second and fourth strips. If you run out of strips just buy a new strippenkaart, stamp the last numbered strip and carry on counting down the new strippenkaart. It’s easy once you get the hang of it. three questions; Where can I buy those strippenkarts before I get on the tram at Central Station?  Is there a machine available?

There’s probably somewhere at Schiphol, or else the tourist office should be able to sell them. After such a long trip I’d like to be as organized as possible, being with a 75 year old.  Is it being said here that if I wanted to take the train, say from Central station to Haarlem, I can do that with just a strippenkart?

Only within the same urban area, which Haarlem and Amsterdam aren’t; I think you could do Delft to Den Haag on the strippenkaart, but going by train does use up strips at an alarming rate due to the speed of the trains! This is in 2nd class, too, of course. — Arwel Parry http://www.cartref.demon.co.uk/

Response:

It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated.  I like buying day passes for another reason.  Sometimes I might  want to take a tram for just one stop if my feet are starting to hurt  from too much walking.  With a strip, you might not use a ticket  for such a short trip.  Call me lazy.

The first reason makes sense, the second doesn’t (at least to me).  You seem to be saying that you will pay a lot more up front to avoid what is only a chance of paying a litte more later… — hate spam? <http://www.cauce.org            <http://www.byshenk.net/ive.been.spammed.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding? No, you can buy a ticket on the tram also, but 1) it will be much more expensive and 2) locals will hate you for it because it takes a lot of time for the driver to sell tickets and give change etc. (only some trams have special staff for checking / selling tickets) Better buy a so-called strippenkaart in advance. ; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer? Yes, but only economical if you plan to take a lot of rides. I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds The Strippenkaart. over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam. yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.   A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? Yes. Connexxion buses. I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run. Not cheap. Something like 10 euro / one way. Sjoerd ok..let me see if I have this straight.  My best bet is to train in from the Airport to Central station,  and maybe buy 2 double strippenkarts (before I get on the tram if possible) just enough to get to the hotel down by the flower market.  three questions; Where can I buy those strippenkarts before I get on the tram at Central Station?

Buy them at Schiphol airport at the same time that you buy your train tickets. The ticket windows at Schiphol (and at every other train station sell strippenkaarten) Don’t know what a "double strippenkaart" is. You need only 2 trips per person for the trip from CS to the flower market, so one 15-strippenkaart is more than enough. (several people can travel on the same strippenkaart) Or if you plan to make a lot of rides buy the 45-strippenkaart (costs EUR 18.30)  which is slightly cheaper per strip.  Is there a machine available?  After such a long trip I’d like to be as organized as possible, being with a 75 year old.  Is it being said here that if I wanted to take the train, say from Central station to Haarlem, I can do that with just a strippenkart?

No. The strippenkaart is only valid on trams, buses and metros, and on trains *within a metropolitan area*. Amsterdam to Haarlem does not count as being within a metropolitan area. BTW, is the train from Schipol

Schiphol.  to CS  still about $3.50US +-?  thanks for all the help

EUR 3.10 for a single ticket 2nd class, EUR 5 first class. Sjoerd

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding? No, you can buy a ticket on the tram also, but 1) it will be much more expensive and 2) locals will hate you for it because it takes a lot of time for the driver to sell tickets and give change etc. (only some trams have special staff for checking / selling tickets) Better buy a so-called strippenkaart in advance. ; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer? Yes, but only economical if you plan to take a lot of rides. I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds The Strippenkaart. over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam. yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.   A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? Yes. Connexxion buses. I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run. Not cheap. Something like 10 euro / one way. Sjoerd

ok..let me see if I have this straight.  My best bet is to train in from the Airport to Central station,  and maybe buy 2 double strippenkarts (before I get on the tram if possible) just enough to get to the hotel down by the flower market.  three questions; Where can I buy those strippenkarts before I get on the tram at Central Station?  Is there a machine available?  After such a long trip I’d like to be as organized as possible, being with a 75 year old.  Is it being said here that if I wanted to take the train, say from Central station to Haarlem, I can do that with just a strippenkart?  BTW, is the train from Schipol to CS  still about $3.50US +-?  thanks for all the help

Response:

over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam. yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.

And the best thing is–you use the same strippenkaart in the Hague as you use in Amsterdam–as well as for trips into the countryside.  When you get on the tram, you can consult the map at the tram stop that tells you how many strips you fold and punch for the trip you plan to take.  It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated.

Response:

It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated.

I like buying day passes for another reason.  Sometimes I might want to take a tram for just one stop if my feet are starting to hurt from too much walking.  With a strip, you might not use a ticket for such a short trip.  Call me lazy. Viktor

Response:

It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated. I like buying day passes for another reason.  Sometimes I might want to take a tram for just one stop if my feet are starting to hurt from too much walking.  With a strip, you might not use a ticket for such a short trip.  Call me lazy. Viktor

The strips you punch on any tram, metro, or bus are valid for one hour. Hop on and off and on again before your hour has expired. A 15 coupon strippenkart costs 6.20 euro as of January. You need two strips for most points in central A’dam putting the cost at 0.83 euro per ride/hour. Not bad if you’ve already worn out your legs walking all day. John Bermont —    * * * Mastering Independent Budget Travel * * *              http://www.enjoy-europe.com/

Response:

Day cards and the National Stripcard (Strippenkaart) which is valid throughout the Netherlands. Depends how much you’ll be doing where – if in central Amsterdam, the day card is probably the best bet because you just don’t have to think about it once you’ve bought it. With the Strippenkaart, you have to remember which strip to cancel ( or tell the conductor which zones you’re travelling to). For comparison, a three-day pass cost around 11 Euro last week, and a 15-strip card, which would allow 7 – 8 trips of up to an hour and a quarter each within the one zone (which is all you need if you’re staying in central Amsterdam) about 6 Euro. http://www.gvb.nl/ and click on Tourist Guide – there is a section in English. I certainly saw an airport-hotel shuttle bus running around last week when I was there. PJW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?  I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.  A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run.  I’d prefer to just train in, but would like to run all the options by him.

Response:

For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?  I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.  A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run.  I’d prefer to just train in, but would like to run all the options by him.

Response:

said… For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?  I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.  A quick lesson would be appreciated.

"Strippenkaart" is the name of the ticket you’re referring to. Full details of the public transport system in Amsterdam at: http://www.gvb.nl/touristguide/index-en.htm — Phil Richards London, N4

Response:

For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?

No, you can buy a ticket on the tram also, but 1) it will be much more expensive and 2) locals will hate you for it because it takes a lot of time for the driver to sell tickets and give change etc. (only some trams have special staff for checking / selling tickets) Better buy a so-called strippenkaart in advance. ; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?

Yes, but only economical if you plan to take a lot of rides. I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds

The Strippenkaart. over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.

yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.   A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available?

Yes. Connexxion buses. I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run.

Not cheap. Something like 10 euro / one way. Sjoerd

Response:

For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?  I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.  A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run.  I’d prefer to just train in, but would like to run all the options by him.

Response:

said… For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?  I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.  A quick lesson would be appreciated.

"Strippenkaart" is the name of the ticket you’re referring to. Full details of the public transport system in Amsterdam at: http://www.gvb.nl/touristguide/index-en.htm — Phil Richards London, N4

Response:

For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?

No, you can buy a ticket on the tram also, but 1) it will be much more expensive and 2) locals will hate you for it because it takes a lot of time for the driver to sell tickets and give change etc. (only some trams have special staff for checking / selling tickets) Better buy a so-called strippenkaart in advance. ; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?

Yes, but only economical if you plan to take a lot of rides. I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds

The Strippenkaart. over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.

yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.   A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available?

Yes. Connexxion buses. I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run.

Not cheap. Something like 10 euro / one way. Sjoerd

Response:

over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam. yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.

And the best thing is–you use the same strippenkaart in the Hague as you use in Amsterdam–as well as for trips into the countryside.  When you get on the tram, you can consult the map at the tram stop that tells you how many strips you fold and punch for the trip you plan to take.  It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated.

Response:

It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated.

I like buying day passes for another reason.  Sometimes I might want to take a tram for just one stop if my feet are starting to hurt from too much walking.  With a strip, you might not use a ticket for such a short trip.  Call me lazy. Viktor

Response:

It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated. I like buying day passes for another reason.  Sometimes I might want to take a tram for just one stop if my feet are starting to hurt from too much walking.  With a strip, you might not use a ticket for such a short trip.  Call me lazy. Viktor

The strips you punch on any tram, metro, or bus are valid for one hour. Hop on and off and on again before your hour has expired. A 15 coupon strippenkart costs 6.20 euro as of January. You need two strips for most points in central A’dam putting the cost at 0.83 euro per ride/hour. Not bad if you’ve already worn out your legs walking all day. John Bermont —    * * * Mastering Independent Budget Travel * * *              http://www.enjoy-europe.com/

Response:

Day cards and the National Stripcard (Strippenkaart) which is valid throughout the Netherlands. Depends how much you’ll be doing where – if in central Amsterdam, the day card is probably the best bet because you just don’t have to think about it once you’ve bought it. With the Strippenkaart, you have to remember which strip to cancel ( or tell the conductor which zones you’re travelling to). For comparison, a three-day pass cost around 11 Euro last week, and a 15-strip card, which would allow 7 – 8 trips of up to an hour and a quarter each within the one zone (which is all you need if you’re staying in central Amsterdam) about 6 Euro. http://www.gvb.nl/ and click on Tourist Guide – there is a section in English. I certainly saw an airport-hotel shuttle bus running around last week when I was there. PJW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding?; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer?  I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam.  A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run.  I’d prefer to just train in, but would like to run all the options by him.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding? No, you can buy a ticket on the tram also, but 1) it will be much more expensive and 2) locals will hate you for it because it takes a lot of time for the driver to sell tickets and give change etc. (only some trams have special staff for checking / selling tickets) Better buy a so-called strippenkaart in advance. ; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer? Yes, but only economical if you plan to take a lot of rides. I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds The Strippenkaart. over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam. yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.   A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? Yes. Connexxion buses. I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run. Not cheap. Something like 10 euro / one way. Sjoerd

ok..let me see if I have this straight.  My best bet is to train in from the Airport to Central station,  and maybe buy 2 double strippenkarts (before I get on the tram if possible) just enough to get to the hotel down by the flower market.  three questions; Where can I buy those strippenkarts before I get on the tram at Central Station?  Is there a machine available?  After such a long trip I’d like to be as organized as possible, being with a 75 year old.  Is it being said here that if I wanted to take the train, say from Central station to Haarlem, I can do that with just a strippenkart?  BTW, is the train from Schipol to CS  still about $3.50US +-?  thanks for all the help

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For as much time as I’ve spent in Amsterdam, I’ve never been on the trams, being an avid walker.  This time I have my 75 year old father with me and was wondering in advance how the payment system works.  Do you need a ticket before boarding? No, you can buy a ticket on the tram also, but 1) it will be much more expensive and 2) locals will hate you for it because it takes a lot of time for the driver to sell tickets and give change etc. (only some trams have special staff for checking / selling tickets) Better buy a so-called strippenkaart in advance. ; is there a 3-4 day all transportion pass that most Cities offer? Yes, but only economical if you plan to take a lot of rides. I vaguely seem to recall some sort of ticket that folds The Strippenkaart. over but I can’t recall if that was in Amsterdam. yes, the strippenkaart is used all over the Netherlands.   A quick lesson would be appreciated. Also, are those hotel bus services from the airport still available? Yes. Connexxion buses. I seem to recall that KLM ran one for all airport travelers a couple of years ago.  Does anyone know about what they cost and how often they run. Not cheap. Something like 10 euro / one way. Sjoerd ok..let me see if I have this straight.  My best bet is to train in from the Airport to Central station,  and maybe buy 2 double strippenkarts (before I get on the tram if possible) just enough to get to the hotel down by the flower market.  three questions; Where can I buy those strippenkarts before I get on the tram at Central Station?

Buy them at Schiphol airport at the same time that you buy your train tickets. The ticket windows at Schiphol (and at every other train station sell strippenkaarten) Don’t know what a "double strippenkaart" is. You need only 2 trips per person for the trip from CS to the flower market, so one 15-strippenkaart is more than enough. (several people can travel on the same strippenkaart) Or if you plan to make a lot of rides buy the 45-strippenkaart (costs EUR 18.30)  which is slightly cheaper per strip.  Is there a machine available?  After such a long trip I’d like to be as organized as possible, being with a 75 year old.  Is it being said here that if I wanted to take the train, say from Central station to Haarlem, I can do that with just a strippenkart?

No. The strippenkaart is only valid on trams, buses and metros, and on trains *within a metropolitan area*. Amsterdam to Haarlem does not count as being within a metropolitan area. BTW, is the train from Schipol

Schiphol.  to CS  still about $3.50US +-?  thanks for all the help

EUR 3.10 for a single ticket 2nd class, EUR 5 first class. Sjoerd

Response:

ok..let me see if I have this straight.  My best bet is to train in from the Airport to Central station,  and maybe buy 2 double strippenkarts (before I get on the tram if possible) just enough to get to the hotel down by the flower market.

I’m not sure what you mean by "double strippenkaart", since each one comes with either 15 or 45 strips, but the important point is that more than one person can use a strippenkaart at the same time — so for instance if you and your father want to travel through one zone you’d use one strippenkaart and stamp the second and fourth strips. If you run out of strips just buy a new strippenkaart, stamp the last numbered strip and carry on counting down the new strippenkaart. It’s easy once you get the hang of it. three questions; Where can I buy those strippenkarts before I get on the tram at Central Station?  Is there a machine available?

There’s probably somewhere at Schiphol, or else the tourist office should be able to sell them. After such a long trip I’d like to be as organized as possible, being with a 75 year old.  Is it being said here that if I wanted to take the train, say from Central station to Haarlem, I can do that with just a strippenkart?

Only within the same urban area, which Haarlem and Amsterdam aren’t; I think you could do Delft to Den Haag on the strippenkaart, but going by train does use up strips at an alarming rate due to the speed of the trains! This is in 2nd class, too, of course. — Arwel Parry http://www.cartref.demon.co.uk/

Response:

It IS a bit simpler to buy day passes though, if the idea of constantly calculating and punching strips starts to seem complicated.  I like buying day passes for another reason.  Sometimes I might  want to take a tram for just one stop if my feet are starting to hurt  from too much walking.  With a strip, you might not use a ticket  for such a short trip.  Call me lazy.

The first reason makes sense, the second doesn’t (at least to me).  You seem to be saying that you will pay a lot more up front to avoid what is only a chance of paying a litte more later… — hate spam? <http://www.cauce.org            <http://www.byshenk.net/ive.been.spammed.html

Response:

Only within the same urban area, which Haarlem and Amsterdam aren’t; I think you could do Delft to Den Haag on the strippenkaart, but going by train does use up strips at an alarming rate due to the speed of the trains! This is in 2nd class, too, of course.

On Delft – Den Haag you can only use the strippenkaart if you take the Tram or a bus. Not on the train. Don’t tell someone from Delft that he lives in the The Hague metropolitan area Krist — Krist                                                  Bern, Switzerland mailme<atkri<dotst

Response:

Question:

Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

  I personly would take the train from Schiphol to Centraal Station (6.5 NLG) and then the #9 TRAM.  However with 5 adults it might be better to take a Taxi.  You might want to consider the KLM shuttles….. dennis

Response:

If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation). Every metro or tram leaving from this Metro station stops at Waterlooplein (2nd stop). This just takes 4-5 minutes and there is plenty of room as people with bicycles are also allowed. You can acces the metro station from the main hall of Central Station (towards your left facing the exit) Enjoy your stay Rene Wildeman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation).

Is there a map of the tram system on the web someplace? Thanks, Don (donwiss at panix.com).

Response:

There is a great website that has all sorts of information on the trams and buses. http://www.apti.is.nl/ Janet

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation). Is there a map of the tram system on the web someplace? Thanks, Don (donwiss at panix.com).

Response:

Yes, there is at http://www.apti.is.nl/index.html You also may want to check out this page http://020.pagina.nl/ or http://amsterdam.start4all.com/ which have categorized links on just about everything in Amsterdam. Peter

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation). Is there a map of the tram system on the web someplace? Thanks, Don (donwiss at panix.com).

Response:

It has been done before, travelling in tram 9 with luggage, but I would choose a taxi (if it was my choice not a TCA-taxi, but that’s a particularly Amsterdam-issue). It costs probably something like 15 guilders. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

5 people  tramticket will not be much less than 1 taxi….. Giny Amsterdam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would definitely get a taxi.  Navigating the trams with luggae (when crowded) can be difficult. Lea It has been done before, travelling in tram 9 with luggage, but I would choose a taxi (if it was my choice not a TCA-taxi, but that’s a particularly Amsterdam-issue). It costs probably something like 15 guilders. Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

I would definitely get a taxi.  Navigating the trams with luggae (when crowded) can be difficult. Lea – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It has been done before, travelling in tram 9 with luggage, but I would choose a taxi (if it was my choice not a TCA-taxi, but that’s a particularly Amsterdam-issue). It costs probably something like 15 guilders. Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

Well, they are crowded that time of day as they are most of the time. The luggage? I don’t think it’s an issue to worry about, although you may have to squeeze on, as it were. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

Well, they are crowded that time of day as they are most of the time. The luggage? I don’t think it’s an issue to worry about, although you may have to squeeze on, as it were. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

It has been done before, travelling in tram 9 with luggage, but I would choose a taxi (if it was my choice not a TCA-taxi, but that’s a particularly Amsterdam-issue). It costs probably something like 15 guilders. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

I would definitely get a taxi.  Navigating the trams with luggae (when crowded) can be difficult. Lea – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It has been done before, travelling in tram 9 with luggage, but I would choose a taxi (if it was my choice not a TCA-taxi, but that’s a particularly Amsterdam-issue). It costs probably something like 15 guilders. Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

5 people  tramticket will not be much less than 1 taxi….. Giny Amsterdam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would definitely get a taxi.  Navigating the trams with luggae (when crowded) can be difficult. Lea It has been done before, travelling in tram 9 with luggage, but I would choose a taxi (if it was my choice not a TCA-taxi, but that’s a particularly Amsterdam-issue). It costs probably something like 15 guilders. Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

  I personly would take the train from Schiphol to Centraal Station (6.5 NLG) and then the #9 TRAM.  However with 5 adults it might be better to take a Taxi.  You might want to consider the KLM shuttles….. dennis

Response:

If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation). Every metro or tram leaving from this Metro station stops at Waterlooplein (2nd stop). This just takes 4-5 minutes and there is plenty of room as people with bicycles are also allowed. You can acces the metro station from the main hall of Central Station (towards your left facing the exit) Enjoy your stay Rene Wildeman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello- We will be arriving at the Amsterdam Central Station — 5 adults, one senior citizen, all with luggage — and are planning to take Tram #9 to WaterlooPlein.  We will be there on a Tuesday around noon.  I am trying to decide if this will work OK or will we be a problem trying to fit ourselves and luggage on the tram.  Are the trams very crowded at this time?  I am not sure how large the trams are or how well they accommodate luggage. Thank You Janet

Response:

If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation).

Is there a map of the tram system on the web someplace? Thanks, Don (donwiss at panix.com).

Response:

There is a great website that has all sorts of information on the trams and buses. http://www.apti.is.nl/ Janet

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation). Is there a map of the tram system on the web someplace? Thanks, Don (donwiss at panix.com).

Response:

Yes, there is at http://www.apti.is.nl/index.html You also may want to check out this page http://020.pagina.nl/ or http://amsterdam.start4all.com/ which have categorized links on just about everything in Amsterdam. Peter

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you have to go from Central Station to Waterlooplein just take the Metro or tram 51 (all from the underground metrostation). Is there a map of the tram system on the web someplace? Thanks, Don (donwiss at panix.com).

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all of you who responded to my question on using the Amsterdam tram with luggage.  I sounds like that would not be a good idea.  As we are really arriving at the airport — would it be better to just get a taxi from the airport rather than taking the train to the Central Station?  Do they have taxis that hold 5 people (minivans) or would I need two taxis? As we will have spent many hours getting from the West Coast of the US to Amsterdam I would like to do what will be the least stressful — but not interested in spending our vacation budget on a taxi if we don’t need to. Better to spend the money on beer!

Traintickets for 5 people + tram tickets for 5 people from Schiphol to Waterlooplein is about NLG 50. Taxi for 5 people (yes, there are minivans) should be no more than NLG 80. If you decide to take public transport, the metro also goes from CS to Waterlooplein. Faster and  more space for your luggage. Sjoerd

Response:

Thanks — we will take your advice. Janet

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would just take the train to Amsterdam CS and then take the two taxis (can’t remember seeing a lot of vans, just 4 door sedans which will only take 3 or 4 passengers) to your final destination. Just buy the tickets at the Schipol station and follow the escalator signs to the right platform.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks — we will take your advice. Janet I would just take the train to Amsterdam CS and then take the two taxis (can’t remember seeing a lot of vans, just 4 door sedans which will only take 3 or 4 passengers) to your final destination. Just buy the tickets at the Schipol station and follow the escalator signs to the right platform.

If you need two taxis from CS to Waterlooplein the total costs will be very similar to a taxi (minivan) from Schiphol all the way to Waterlooplein. Sjoerd

Response:

I would just take the train to Amsterdam CS and then take the two taxis (can’t remember seeing a lot of vans, just 4 door sedans which will only take 3 or 4 passengers) to your final destination. Just buy the tickets at the Schipol station and follow the escalator signs to the right platform. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all of you who responded to my question on using the Amsterdam tram with luggage.  I sounds like that would not be a good idea.  As we are really arriving at the airport — would it be better to just get a taxi from the airport rather than taking the train to the Central Station?  Do they have taxis that hold 5 people (minivans) or would I need two taxis?  As we will have spent many hours getting from the West Coast of the US to Amsterdam I would like to do what will be the least stressful — but not interested in spending our vacation budget on a taxi if we don’t need to. Better to spend the money on beer! Thanks Janet

Response:

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question on using the Amsterdam tram with luggage.  I sounds like that would not be a good idea.  As we are really arriving at the airport — would it be better to just get a taxi from the airport rather than taking the train to the Central Station?  Do they have taxis that hold 5 people (minivans) or would I need two taxis?  As we will have spent many hours getting from the West Coast of the US to Amsterdam I would like to do what will be the least stressful — but not interested in spending our vacation budget on a taxi if we don’t need to. Better to spend the money on beer! Thanks Janet

Response:

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question on using the Amsterdam tram with luggage.  I sounds like that would not be a good idea.  As we are really arriving at the airport — would it be better to just get a taxi from the airport rather than taking the train to the Central Station?  Do they have taxis that hold 5 people (minivans) or would I need two taxis?  As we will have spent many hours getting from the West Coast of the US to Amsterdam I would like to do what will be the least stressful — but not interested in spending our vacation budget on a taxi if we don’t need to. Better to spend the money on beer! Thanks Janet

Response:

I would just take the train to Amsterdam CS and then take the two taxis (can’t remember seeing a lot of vans, just 4 door sedans which will only take 3 or 4 passengers) to your final destination. Just buy the tickets at the Schipol station and follow the escalator signs to the right platform. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all of you who responded to my question on using the Amsterdam tram with luggage.  I sounds like that would not be a good idea.  As we are really arriving at the airport — would it be better to just get a taxi from the airport rather than taking the train to the Central Station?  Do they have taxis that hold 5 people (minivans) or would I need two taxis?  As we will have spent many hours getting from the West Coast of the US to Amsterdam I would like to do what will be the least stressful — but not interested in spending our vacation budget on a taxi if we don’t need to. Better to spend the money on beer! Thanks Janet

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all of you who responded to my question on using the Amsterdam tram with luggage.  I sounds like that would not be a good idea.  As we are really arriving at the airport — would it be better to just get a taxi from the airport rather than taking the train to the Central Station?  Do they have taxis that hold 5 people (minivans) or would I need two taxis? As we will have spent many hours getting from the West Coast of the US to Amsterdam I would like to do what will be the least stressful — but not interested in spending our vacation budget on a taxi if we don’t need to. Better to spend the money on beer!

Traintickets for 5 people + tram tickets for 5 people from Schiphol to Waterlooplein is about NLG 50. Taxi for 5 people (yes, there are minivans) should be no more than NLG 80. If you decide to take public transport, the metro also goes from CS to Waterlooplein. Faster and  more space for your luggage. Sjoerd

Response:

Thanks — we will take your advice. Janet

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would just take the train to Amsterdam CS and then take the two taxis (can’t remember seeing a lot of vans, just 4 door sedans which will only take 3 or 4 passengers) to your final destination. Just buy the tickets at the Schipol station and follow the escalator signs to the right platform.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks — we will take your advice. Janet I would just take the train to Amsterdam CS and then take the two taxis (can’t remember seeing a lot of vans, just 4 door sedans which will only take 3 or 4 passengers) to your final destination. Just buy the tickets at the Schipol station and follow the escalator signs to the right platform.

If you need two taxis from CS to Waterlooplein the total costs will be very similar to a taxi (minivan) from Schiphol all the way to Waterlooplein. Sjoerd

Response:

Question:

OK.  Here’s where my attitude comes from.  The reader asked a question.  Granted, that question was based on bad information, however garnered.  Rather than correct the misinformation,

There have been plenty of corrections from others. Of course, you were not one of the correctors, O ye fount of useful information on the subject of strinppenkarts. Oh yes, you explained that trams are rolling blivets. How useful. you attacked the writer’s reading comprehension and selection of books. Your response was short on help and long on venom.

You have an extremely low venom threshold. It was inappropriate. Didn’t your Momma teach you better than that? I think you’re a troll, and since you have never contributed jack to this group,

How wrong you are on that count! I have contributed much, although now protecting myself from spam, flames, and mailbombs has kept me away for a while. And what the hell does Jack have to do with it? he contributes plenty on his own, he doesn’t need me! I’m kill-filing you … NOW!

Oh, yeah! Throw out the insults and then storm off without standing behind your words. Your Momma. Did she teach you that? (You threw the first Momma insult, I only respond in kind.) Tom Bellhouse Brunssum, NL

Nyaaah nyaaah neener neener. Go ahead, insult me! (Oh yeah, you can’t read this because I’m in your killfile)

Response:

So I’d guess that about a third of the Amsterdammers do not pay for public transport. And I suspect that most tourists would though, even though the "strippenkaart" is unecessary complex.

I’ll have to accept your figure, especially since everyone seems to agree with you.  I’m in Rotterdam, myself, so it must be one of those ‘Amsterdam things’ (good evasive manoeuvre, no?). I disagree entirely with the ‘unnecessary complex’ strippenkaart, though.  I think it’s a superb system — cheap, and easy to administer.  Where else in the world is there a system which handles fares for three independent transportation media so simply?  Without the strippenkaart, I’m willing to bet that fares would double. — Mark Wallace     For the intelligent approach to nasty humour, visit            The Anglo-American Humour (humor) Site     http://humorpages.terrashare.com/mainmenu.htm

Response:

Thanks for the info. I had no idea about this — every book both my friend and I said said that you HAVE to pay for trams only with the strippenkaarts. So we thought that they just let people ride for free for some unknown reason to promote tourism or something strange like that. I’m glad to know what the real deal is now, and will definitely be buying my strippenkaarts or passes when I get there in the fall. Still, I have to say that it’s very strange to me (as an NY’er) that they don’t check the annual cards or make riders scan or punch them. It’s strange to think that they run the trams on an honor system — fines or no fines! J.C.

Even as a tourist, you can buy passes good for different numbers of days. I found them quite convenient (had trouble figuring out the correct use of the strippenkart – yeah, I know, duh!), & they can be a good value if you use the trams & busses enough.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the info. I had no idea about this — every book both my friend and I said said that you HAVE to pay for trams only with the strippenkaarts. What collection of third-rate books do you and your friend have? Or is it a reading comprehension problem? And where did you get that attitude, "no name"? Anyone following this thread who has not seen an Amsterdam tram full to capacity might not understand why tickets are not always checked. It’s a rolling blivet … ten tons of people in a five ton box. Traffic would grind to a halt if all tickets and passes were checked. Instead, there are random spot checks.  On trains, you’ll generally find that you are checked at least once on longer trips. Tom Bellhouse Brunssum, NL

Yeah, it’s really sort of funny to watch the collection of characters scrambling to get out one door when they spot the transit bulls getting on at the other. But of course the bulls generally have both doors covered, they’re not that stupid.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So I’d guess that about a third of the Amsterdammers do not pay for public transport. And I suspect that most tourists would though, even though the "strippenkaart" is unecessary complex. I’ll have to accept your figure, especially since everyone seems to agree with you.  I’m in Rotterdam, myself, so it must be one of those ‘Amsterdam things’ (good evasive manoeuvre, no?). I disagree entirely with the ‘unnecessary complex’ strippenkaart, though.  I think it’s a superb system — cheap, and easy to administer.  Where else in the world is there a system which handles fares for three independent transportation media so simply?  Without the strippenkaart, I’m willing to bet that fares would double. — Mark Wallace

Mark, I think it’s that "one for the Queen" thing that confuses newbies. Add up the number of zones you’re crossing and add one for the Queen, right? Best regards, Tom Bellhouse Brunssum, NL

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So I’d guess that about a third of the Amsterdammers do not pay for public transport. And I suspect that most tourists would though, even though the "strippenkaart" is unecessary complex. I’ll have to accept your figure, especially since everyone seems to agree with you.  I’m in Rotterdam, myself, so it must be one of those ‘Amsterdam things’ (good evasive manoeuvre, no?). I disagree entirely with the ‘unnecessary complex’ strippenkaart, though. I think it’s a superb system — cheap, and easy to administer.  Where else in the world is there a system which handles fares for three independent transportation media so simply?

Such integrated transport systems are common in Europe.  Most German cities,Copenhagen,Stockholm are just a few examples where the same ticket is valid for all local transport: local trains,trams,underground and buses. Once validated the tickets are valid for a certain time and specified travel zones.       Lennart Petersen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know just how this came about? Do they purposely not "police" this since there’s so much tourism? I’m going back to Amsterdam in the fall, and since I still can’t figure out this tram fare thing, I’m just wondering what the deal is, as this not paying custom isn’t mentioned anywhere. All students have a year card for all means of public transport. Almost all commuters have a card for public transport. Many people in Amsterdam have a year card for Amsterdam public transport. A strippenkaart is valid for a given distance on all busses, so when you get on another bus you just leave your strippenkaart in your pocket. A strippenkaart is not valid on most trains. So 90% of the people really have a valid ticket, 5% uses their strippenkaart for an occasional trip in a bus and 5% doesn’t pay, but they will get caught sometimes and then they pay a 40 USD fine. Also, if you can complete your trip, there and back, within an hour (going by the time-stamp in the strippenkaart) you don’t have to pay for the return trip. The system works because everyone pays what they’re supposed to.  It appears that the only people who cheat the system are the ‘tourists’.

No, when I have seen the police raid the trams, there were a variety of cheaters picked up. Some were repeat offenders, who got hauled off to the pokey. Barbara

Response:

The system works because everyone pays what they’re supposed to.  It appears that the only people who cheat the system are the ‘tourists’.

Hi, actually a lot of locals don’t pay. I figured it out when riding a tram and one of the blue coated inspectors got on…all of a sudden 50% of the people on the tram got up to stamp their strippenkaart. or look at the trams at centraal station…those without a ticket taker in the back fill up first. —

Question:

My wife and I got a heck of a deal on NW/KLM from the US to Rome

Italy which It is not widely known just how reasonable it is to fly on KLM/NW to UK cities such as Edinburgh, Norwich, Stansted and many others on the Air UK network. All flights are via Amsterdam of course and the bonus is that the Air UK flight is included in the price! The normal layover is far less than 7 hours, in fact quite a few of the connecting flights are about 90 minutes. — Joe Curry                      _|_                                –o–O–o– Edinburgh Airport is the UK’s fastest growing. Insist on EDI flights. Visit the text page on http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/jcurry

Response:

Check with teh Tourist Information before you leave the airport.  There is a special tour for layover flights.  Don’t remember the details, but you are picked up and returned to the airport; lasts several hours.  Just returned from four days in Amsterdam – enjoyed the canal boats, but be forewarned to look at the schedule – it can take quite a bit of time between boats and to get to your final destination.

Response:

You know, I always used to laugh when I saw posts like this, but I guess at times it is inevitible. My wife and I got a heck of a deal on NW/KLM from the US to Rome Italy which means we’ll be connecting at Amsterdam.  My travel agent cannot get us on an afternoon flight out of Amsterdam, only a night flight.  meaning we have a 7 hour layover at AMS.  I here allot of good things about AMS, but I’m not sure it’s enough to entertain us for this long.  We’d love to turn this into a mini trip to see Amsterdam. Can anyone tell us (1) how long it takes to get through customs both entering and leaving,

Brief – perhsps twenbty minutes arriving, depending on luggage delivery speed.  Leaving, the airline wants to see you at whatever time they say, probably an hour before take-off, and on a cheap seat I’m afraid they’re not going to look after you if you’re late. (2) I hear there is a train to the Amsterdam city center from AMS.  Is the station at the airport or somewhere nearby?  

At the airport, and in Amsterdam it runsto Centraal station, in the middle of the city.  To save time, can you get a map of Amsterdam and list of sights now from the Dutch tourist office in New York ? How frequent do the trains run?

The Thomas Cook European Timetable says every fifteen minutes, and that the trip takes fifteen minutes.  The table shows departures at 19 and 49 minutes past each hour, so I imagine the other departures are at 04 and 34 minutes past.  (3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours. Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?

Sorry I don’t know, but they’re fairly frequent.  The trouble is, you’re rather low down for seeing things.  It’s a deal cheaper and you get a better view on the tram.  And there’s a good all-Amsterdam tram ticket that you can buy at the airport. Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  

Bang opposite the Central station, on the large stastion square (beware of pickpockets). Do they run during the off season

Sorry: I don’t know, though I think they do..  But the tourist office in New York does know. (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see?

Well, what do you like ?  Amsterdam is a great European city, and can offer Rembrandt, moderns, marijuana, male sex shows, a particularly moving museum of the Resistance, 40 to 45, Indonesian food, cream cakes, a city tour by bicycle,  a museum of naval history (I’m afraid they won hands down in the days of our King Charles the Second), a waterborne flower market, and much else.  Everybody speaks English, almost everbody is kind to tourists, and the Gulf Stream keeps the city warmer than most of Europe (but bring good shoes that don’t mind puddles). You are dead right: don’t sit about at the airport.  And as Chelsea’s posting says, you might get a cheap stopover night or two from the airline. Welcome to Europe Ben Haines, London

Response:

I couldn’t resist adding my ‘two cents’ opinion here as I frequently change at AMS and get into the city for a few hours. The trains run all the time and the most I’ve had to wait is 20 minutes.  Round trip fare is so low it’s hard to remember, but it seems to be about $10.  The trip in really is only about 15 minutes and the Centraal train station is a great place to start a walking tour. Depending on the time of day you have, I’d suggest walking from the train station either to a museum or to a restaurant.  Try the "five flies" "vieuff fliegen (sp?)", a lovely old set of buildings turned into a restaurant.  This is mildly touristy pricey, but there are a lot of fine restaurants between it and the train station. Weather permitting, the canal boat tours are definately fun, but if you are limited in time it is better to walk the Centrum / canals than to get locked into an itinerary. This is my favorite place in europe to overnight while changing planes.  I travel Moscow – West Coast a lot which is hard to do in a single day.  It’s a lot easier to make the first small hop to AMS, and then get something direct to the west coast.  Unlike Paris or just about anywhere else, it is really cheap and easy to get into the center of the city and get a fine hotel room at reasonable cost overnight. Enjoy!

Response:

This is my favorite place in europe to overnight while changing planes.  I travel Moscow – West Coast a lot which is hard to do in a single day.  It’s a lot easier to make the first small hop to AMS, and then get something direct to the west coast.  Unlike Paris or just about anywhere else, it is really cheap and easy to get into the center of the city and get a fine hotel room at reasonable cost overnight.

I don’t know where exactly on the West Coast your trips originate, but if you’re flying from SFO, you may want to consider Finnair.  I flew them round trip to Russia a couple months ago, and they’re an excellent airline.  Besides, the overall travel time is A LOT shorter if you go San Francisco – Helsinki – Moscow instead of San Francisco – Amsterdam – Moscow. Just a suggestion… Max — The clouds prepare for battle In the dark and brooding silence. Bruised and sullen stormclouds Have the light of day obscured.      Neil Peart, 1979

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You know, I always used to laugh when I saw posts like this, but I guess at times it is inevitible. My wife and I got a heck of a deal on NW/KLM from the US to Rome Italy which means we’ll be connecting at Amsterdam.  My travel agent cannot get us on an afternoon flight out of Amsterdam, only a night flight.  meaning we have a 7 hour layover at AMS.  I here allot of good things about AMS, but I’m not sure it’s enough to entertain us for this long.  We’d love to turn this into a mini trip to see Amsterdam. Can anyone tell us (1) how long it takes to get through customs both entering and leaving, (2) I hear there is a train to the Amsterdam city center from AMS.  Is the station at the airport or somewhere nearby?  How frequent do the trains run?  (3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours. Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?  Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  Do they run during the off season (late February)?  (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see? Thanks in advance…

Hello Mike, Yes, this may be a great opportunity for you.  What you do, is call the international desk at NW and KLM.  Most of the international people travel the international routes extensively.  You will probably find someone who can give you some great tips on the most productively way to spend your 7hrs. The other thing you can try, if you have the time, is see if they will let you stop over for a day of two.  You would be supprised at what these people will do for you if you just ask. Have a great trip. -Chelsea — *                                                          * *     The "FRUGAL TRAVEL NEWS" shows you where to get      * *     substantial discounts on Airfare, Hotels/Motels,     * *     Car rentals, Cruises, and more.                      * *                                                          * *     For a FREE 3 month subscription, send us your        * *     Name, E-mail address, and Country.                   * *                                                          * *                                                          *

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Much less than that. I think it was 10-15fl last December. Well worth the money. I don’t know when the canals freeze but everything was quite open when I was there.

Hi, I was over toward the end of february and the canals were freezing….I saw people skating the last few days….they try to keep the canals open (kinda) by just keeping paths open…but after a while they can’t keep them open.

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Much less than that. I think it was 10-15fl last December. Well worth the money. I don’t know when the canals freeze but everything was quite open when I was there. Hi, I was over toward the end of february and the canals were freezing….I saw people skating the last few days….they try to keep the canals open (kinda) by just keeping paths open…but after a while they can’t keep them open.

This is highly variable. Many years the canals never freeze enough for skating, or freeze only for a few days. The weather in the Netherlands is similar to that in England, or in the Pacific Northwest of the US. In the winter it’s often chilly, windy, or rainy, or all three. It snows sometimes, but there is rarely a big accumulation and it usually is gone pretty soon. There are cold snaps, but the temperature mostly hovers around freezing. Barbara Vaughan

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: When you exit the station, there are a host of boat operators, tour : operators and everything else you could imagine. I don’t know how much : they cost (perhaps someone else does) but would hazard a guess in the : $25-50 range (US).

Try 12 guilders—$8 US.  Definitely do the canal though–they’re always leaving and show you a lot for the time involved. Across from them is a patat vendor (Manneken Pis) with excellent fries–if you’ve never tried fritesaus (mayonnaise-ish condiment) on fries, you’re missing out.  When walking around that area of the city, be careful as you might find yourself suddenly surrounded by a BAD area in all respects (I speak from experience).   The train is under $10, and as far as Schiphol, it is the best damn airport I’ve ever seen-fast, clean, organized, full of stores. JFK could take a few tips….

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: When you exit the station, there are a host of boat operators, tour : operators and everything else you could imagine. I don’t know how much : they cost (perhaps someone else does) but would hazard a guess in the : $25-50 range (US). Much less than that. I think it was 10-15fl last December. Well worth the money. I don’t know when the canals freeze but everything was quite open when I was there. I highly recommend the canal trip — it’s worth the price just to see them turn one of those l-o-n-g monsters around. — Editor/Manager, Star Tribune Online, Minneapolis-St. Paul http://www.startribune.com/

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you have already learned, that it is very easy to reach the center of amsterdam. my advice is to you: just walk. look at the amsterdam map and make a round at one of the grachten (old canals). in february it may be bitter cold – than make a stop in one of the old pubs and ask what the dutch are drinking to warm up. in italy it will be warmer anyway. but why don’t you ask your travelagent whether it is possible to make a stopover in amsterdam for e.g. two days? it’s better than seven hours. amsterdam is always worth a visit! klaus

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(3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours.   Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?  Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  Do they run during the off season (late February)?  (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see?

There is a Canal tour that stops at museums and the Ann Frank House that you may want to check out.  You can get off and on the boats that run about every 30 min from each stop.  Other tours will take you around the city non stop.  I’ve done both and would recommend either.  You may not have time for more than one if you stop along the way.  Take lots of film or an extra tape for your camcorder Some days it’s hardly worth chewing through the leather restraints and getting out of bed! bobert23

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You know, I always used to laugh when I saw posts like this, but I guess at times it is inevitible. My wife and I got a heck of a deal on NW/KLM from the US to Rome Italy which means we’ll be connecting at Amsterdam.  My travel agent cannot get us on an afternoon flight out of Amsterdam, only a night flight.  meaning we have a 7 hour layover at AMS.  I here allot of good things about AMS, but I’m not sure it’s enough to entertain us for this long.  We’d love to turn this into a mini trip to see Amsterdam. Can anyone tell us (1) how long it takes to get through customs both entering and leaving, (2) I hear there is a train to the Amsterdam city center from AMS.  Is the station at the airport or somewhere nearby?  How frequent do the trains run?  (3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours.   Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?  Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  Do they run during the off season (late February)?  (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see? Thanks in advance… We returned from Amsterdam 2 weeks ago.

Your questions…. 1. Customs are very fast, I suppose unless you look suspicious. 2. The train station is situated in the airport; it takes 20 minutes   to reach Amsterdam’s Central Station, and trains leave about every   20 minutes as well. 3. Canal tours start very close to the Central Station, last 2 hours and    are good value at about five dollars US.  They leave once an hour, but    there are several choices.  Keep walking up the main avenue (the Damrak)    from the station if you want to find more.   4. Hire a bicycle (up the Damrak a lttle way).  It’s a good way to    enjoy Amsterdam, especially along the canals.  You need a deposit of    about US$50 – don’t worry if you don’t receive a receipt; they are all    honest. Enjoy your stay. Richard Moir    http://www.cadvision.com/scroll/travel.html

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says… Can anyone tell us (1) how long it takes to get through customs both entering and leaving,

about 5 min each way, but allow extra when coming back just in case the lines have gotten long. You won’t have luggage so it should be a piece of cake (assuming you have US passports). (2) I hear there is a train to the Amsterdam city center from AMS.  Is the station at the airport or somewhere nearby?  How frequent do the trains run?

At the airport. Frequency varies but during the day I seem to remember it was every 20 min. (3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours.   Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?  Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  Do they run during the off season (late February)?  

The canals may be frozen at that time. The boats leave just a few steps from Centraal station. There is a tourist desk at the airport where they can sell you a package consisting of train tickets, boat tour tickets and other stuff, intended mainly for people like you who have a few hours to spare. Saves a few pennies and a few minutes compared to buying everything individually. (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see?

Buy a guidebook or ask at the tourist desk at the airport. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell us (1) how long it takes to get through customs both entering and leaving, Since you will have no luggage, you should be able to walk through customs with no delay. (2) I hear there is a train to the Amsterdam city center from AMS.  Is the station at the airport or somewhere nearby?  How frequent do the trains run? It is in the airport. Trains run at least at 15 minute intervals at this time of day, and take about 15 minutes total. You want a ticket to Centraal Station often abbreviated CS.  I have gotten off the plane and made it to the street in front of the station downtown in 30 minutes. I can’t imagine it taking more than an hour unburdened by luggage. (I would get enough Guilders beforehand, since you are not going to be spending much and this will shave at least a few minutes. (3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours.   Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?  Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  Do they run during the off season (late February)?  (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see? When you exit the station, there are a host of boat operators, tour operators and everything else you could imagine. I don’t know how much they cost (perhaps someone else does) but would hazard a guess in the $25-50 range (US). They depart often and I am sure at least some operate all year. Considering the amount of time you have, this is probably your best bet for getting away from the circus atmosphere by the station and getting at least a glimpse of the serene beauty of the city. By my calculation, this leaves perhaps 2 hours free. Your interests may guide you to the way you spend it. Museums (a quick visit to the Rijkmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum), Walking (there are brochures for walking tours), the Anne Frank house, or just having a leisurely meal and/or coffee either at a canalside cafe or perhaps on the Rembrandtsplein. I hope this helps. Regards Les Washington DC

Excellent advice.  I would only add that if you still need help when you arrive in Amsterdam, the VVV office (tourist agency in Holland) is across the street from Centraal Station.  As someone who spent less than 12 hours there, I can tell you it is definitely worth the trip! Bridget

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You know, I always used to laugh when I saw posts like this, but I guess at times it is inevitible. My wife and I got a heck of a deal on NW/KLM from the US to Rome Italy which means we’ll be connecting at Amsterdam.  My travel agent cannot get us on an afternoon flight out of Amsterdam, only a night flight.  meaning we have a 7 hour layover at AMS.  I here allot of good things about AMS, but I’m not sure it’s enough to entertain us for this long.  We’d love to turn this into a mini trip to see Amsterdam. Can anyone tell us (1) how long it takes to get through customs both entering and leaving, (2) I hear there is a train to the Amsterdam city center from AMS.  Is the station at the airport or somewhere nearby?  How frequent do the trains run?  (3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours.   Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?  Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  Do they run during the off season (late February)?  (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see? Thanks in advance…

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Can anyone tell us (1) how long it takes to get through customs both entering and leaving,

Since you will have no luggage, you should be able to walk through customs with no delay. (2) I hear there is a train to the Amsterdam city center from AMS.  Is the station at the airport or somewhere nearby?  How frequent do the trains run?

It is in the airport. Trains run at least at 15 minute intervals at this time of day, and take about 15 minutes total. You want a ticket to Centraal Station often abbreviated CS.  I have gotten off the plane and made it to the street in front of the station downtown in 30 minutes. I can’t imagine it taking more than an hour unburdened by luggage. (I would get enough Guilders beforehand, since you are not going to be spending much and this will shave at least a few minutes. (3) My travel agent gave us a brochure about some canal tours.   Anyone know how much they cost?  When do they depart?  Where they are relative to the train station downtown?  Do they run during the off season (late February)?  (4) Any other suggestions on things to do or see?

When you exit the station, there are a host of boat operators, tour operators and everything else you could imagine. I don’t know how much they cost (perhaps someone else does) but would hazard a guess in the $25-50 range (US). They depart often and I am sure at least some operate all year. Considering the amount of time you have, this is probably your best bet for getting away from the circus atmosphere by the station and getting at least a glimpse of the serene beauty of the city. By my calculation, this leaves perhaps 2 hours free. Your interests may guide you to the way you spend it. Museums (a quick visit to the Rijkmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum), Walking (there are brochures for walking tours), the Anne Frank house, or just having a leisurely meal and/or coffee either at a canalside cafe or perhaps on the Rembrandtsplein. I hope this helps. Regards Les Washington DC

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