Rotterdam to Amsterdam trip

[saucy sally]

We are docking overnight in Rotterdam in March next year on the Britannia , I would like to visit Amsterdam, has anyone got any DIY tips buses or trains or private tours maybe. I don’t want to buy a ship excursion if possible.

 

 

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[Globaliser]

We are docking overnight in Rotterdam in March next year on the Britannia , I would like to visit Amsterdam, has anyone got any DIY tips buses or trains or private tours maybe.

I suspect that Ine will have some focused details and recommendations when she sees this, but for starters you can get train information very easily from ns.nl/en. Once you get to Amsterdam Centraal, just about everything in central Amsterdam is walkable, including the Rijksmuseum. And IIRC, it's about four stops on the Metro from Wilhelminaplein to Rotterdam Centraal, which would be very easy if you're day-tripping as you won't have any luggage.

[Ine]

Indeed, Globaliser. There many frequent trains between Rotterdam CS an Amsterdam CS. Some of them "fasttrains"with a small surcharge.Check details here:https://www.ns.nl/en It is the easiest way to travel.

A private tour can be done but hardly in the city. Parking is extremely difficult and very expensive. So the driver will have problems waiting for you while you visit museums, shops or even have a drink some place. I would only recommand a driver if you go to places outside of the cities.

At the square in front of Centraal in Amsterdam there is a nice white building in which the tourist office is situated. Good place to get more information about what to see or do.

In case you want to visit Anne Frankhuis, Rijksmuseum etc. do make reservations to skip the sometimes long lines.

Anne Frankhuis gives out tickets 2 monts prior and some more incl. introductory programm 2 weeks prior. They sell fast. http://www.annefrank.org/en/

Of course make a canalcruise. Either the regular ones that last in general 1 hour. Some leave from Centraal Station, https://www.lovers.nl/

other more in the city.http://www.rederijkooij.nl/en

Some of them offer nightly wine and cheese cruises etc.

Or take the hopon./off ship which are often without a guide on board.https://amsterdamcanalcruises.nl/cruises/canal-bus-hop-hop-off/

 

The websoite of the Amsterdam tourism office gives a lot more to read. https://www.amsterdamtourist.info/

[S&L Cruisers]

Thank you, Ine! Question regarding the train....is it easier to purchase the train ticket at the station just before boarding or would you recommend purchasing online? The reason I am asking is because I am not sure of the specific time we will want to board the train for Amsterdam and I see they leave quite frequently, so thought maybe getting a ticket on the fly would be easy.

 

Thank you!

Shelley

[Ine]

Thank you, Ine! Question regarding the train....is it easier to purchase the train ticket at the station just before boarding or would you recommend purchasing online? The reason I am asking is because I am not sure of the specific time we will want to board the train for Amsterdam and I see they leave quite frequently, so thought maybe getting a ticket on the fly would be easy.

 

Thank you!

Shelley

 

Buy them at the station, either in the machine (use your creditcard) or at a small surcharge at the window. You can buy day returntickets so you donot need to bother about the return.

All tickets needs to be checked in at the machine at the entrances and checkout when leaving the station. Tickets are valid all day, not for special trains. Apart from the intercitytrains that have a small surcharge, which you can also buy at the same machines. More details and times at this site: https://www.ns.nl/en

Public transport IN Amsteram is now cashless. You can use machines to buy tickets, sometimes depending which tram also inside the tram. In case you plan to use this many times during the day, think about a dayticket. of E. 7.50 per person. Tickets can be bought at the square at Centraal Station Amsterdam.

[cruzingnut]

I'll be following this thread as I have reservations for an overnight stay in Amsterdam during our 2 days in Rotterdam in August. Plan on Anne Frank house and a canal cruise. I keep seeing good comments about Lovers so will probably go with them.

 

Interested in the reply to the train question; buy ahead of time or wait until arrival in Rotterdam.

 

Looking forward to our stay in Amsterdam; the last time we were there (Amsterdam overnight) both my DH and I were sick and didn't get off the ship.

 

Linda R.

[Ine]

I'll be following this thread as I have reservations for an overnight stay in Amsterdam during our 2 days in Rotterdam in August. Plan on Anne Frank house and a canal cruise. I keep seeing good comments about Lovers so will probably go with them.

 

Interested in the reply to the train question; buy ahead of time or wait until arrival in Rotterdam.

 

Looking forward to our stay in Amsterdam; the last time we were there (Amsterdam overnight) both my DH and I were sick and didn't get off the ship.

 

Linda R.

No need to buy ahead, just do it at the station. Absolutely make reservation for AF house 2exactly 2 months prior! (Think about time difference your place and Amsterdam).

[cruzingnut]

Thanks for the information Ine! I am aware of the 2 months in advance availability for tickets for the Anne Frank house. Regarding transportation in Amsterdam, I'm thinking we would just be taking trams to get around. Are there tickets just for trams available? Trying to make my way through all that transportation information is a bit difficult. We don't need train to/from airport or any ferries so just want the tram tickets.

 

 

Linda R.

 

 

No need to buy ahead, just do it at the station. Absolutely make reservation for AF house 2exactly 2 months prior! (Think about time difference your place and Amsterdam).

[Ine]

There is a daycard for all public transportation, trams and buses. E. 7.50 per person. https://en.gvb.nl/ontdek-amsterdam/gvb-dag-meerdagenkaart

[cruzingnut]

Ah, this is exactly what I need! By the time we get to Amsterdam, get a ticket and get started, a one day one will work perfectly. We'll have to leave reasonably early the next day to head back to Rotterdam as our ship leaves around 4PM.

 

Thank you!!

Linda R.

 

 

There is a daycard for all public transportation, trams and buses. E. 7.50 per person. https://en.gvb.nl/ontdek-amsterdam/gvb-dag-meerdagenkaart