No Trains Running To And From Amsterdam Central Due To Renovations
Travelers Face Delays As Major Upgrades Begin At Busy Station
On March 29, 2025, passengers traveling to and from Amsterdam Central Station faced significant disruptions as no trains were operational due to extensive renovation work being carried out by rail manager ProRail. This halt in train services is part of a larger initiative to prepare the station for an expected increase in passenger volume.
Currently, approximately 200,000 people utilize Amsterdam Central Station daily, but projections suggest that by 2030, this number could rise to 275,000. In anticipation of this surge, ProRail is undertaking several key upgrades. These include widening and lengthening the platforms, constructing an underground bicycle parking facility, and replacing worn-out railway bridges.
Travelers in the Amsterdam region were advised to use the metro services as an alternative, although they were warned to expect longer travel times. On March 29, the only train service available was from Zaandam to Sloterdijk, with no direct trains continuing to Central Station. Passengers needing to reach the city center had to either reroute via Schiphol Airport or take the metro from Sloterdijk.
The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the Dutch railway company, has made arrangements to assist affected travelers. They announced that NS tickets would remain valid for metro travel between Central, Amstel, Zuid, and Sloterdijk. However, they cautioned that delays could reach up to 30 minutes, making it advisable for travelers to use the NS journey planner to check for updates and plan accordingly.
Looking ahead, train services are expected to resume on March 30, but with limited availability. Passengers traveling towards Central Station on that day will need to transfer at Sloterdijk, a requirement that will also apply on March 31. To accommodate the disruptions, the NS will deploy buses to transport passengers towards Schiphol and Zuid during this time.
Furthermore, the NS has announced that the limited train traffic to and from Amsterdam Central will continue throughout the month, with adjustments to the timetable in effect from April 1 to April 23, 2025. This includes changes to the schedule for trains heading towards Amsterdam Muiderpoort and Weesp, as well as international services.
As the renovations progress, the municipality of Amsterdam emphasizes the importance of these upgrades in enhancing the capacity and efficiency of one of the busiest transport hubs in the Netherlands. The improvements are designed not only to accommodate the growing number of daily commuters but also to ensure a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for all passengers.
In summary, while the current disruptions may cause inconvenience, the long-term benefits of the renovations at Amsterdam Central Station are expected to significantly enhance travel conditions and support the increasing demands of the city's public transport system.
