Getting to the Venue
How to Get to RAI Amsterdam
The RAI Amsterdam stands as the Netherlands’ largest convention center. Boasting an expansive exhibition area exceeding 90,000 square meters, it has gained immense popularity as a preferred venue for national and international fairs, conferences, sports competitions, and cultural events.
Situated at Europaplein in the southern district of Amsterdam, RAI Amsterdam is conveniently positioned approximately 4 kilometers away from the city center. Additionally, it is located around 10 kilometers away from Amsterdam Schiphol airport.
Schiphol Airport to RAI Amsterdam
To travel from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the RAI Amsterdam convention centre, there are several options available:
TAXI:
Many business travelers and convention visitors opt for a taxi ride to RAI. The approximate cost of a taxi from Schiphol airport to RAI Amsterdam is €35-50. Uber is also accessible in the city, with an estimated fare of around €44 for an UberBlack trip.
TRAIN ONLY:
The train provides a convenient means of transportation between the airport and RAI. NS Dutch Railways operates a sprinter train service from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam RAI station (direction Hilversum or Almere Oostvaarders). The journey takes approximately 10 minutes, with trains running up to 4 times per hour.
Amsterdam RAI is the second stop on this route, immediately after Amsterdam Zuid station. To ensure your train stops at Amsterdam RAI, check the overhead boards at Schiphol Airport station platform. Avoid taking a train to Amsterdam Central, as it follows a different route.
Amsterdam RAI station is located about 300 meters away from the exhibition centre on Europaplein. The cost of a one-way train ticket from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam RAI is €3.50 (2nd class) or €5.95 (1st class), with an additional €1 surcharge for disposable train tickets. For more detailed information on purchasing train tickets in the Netherlands, refer to the guide on how to buy train tickets.
TRAIN+METRO:
Alternatively, you can take the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Zuid for €3.30 (2nd class) or €5.61 (1st class). More trains operate to Zuid station, including Intercity services. From there, you will need to change platforms using stairs or a lift (a separate GVB ticket is required) to transfer to the North-South metro line 52.
You only need to travel one stop in the direction of Noord to reach Europaplein station, which is even closer to the entrance of the RAI Amsterdam convention centre compared to Amsterdam RAI station.
Please note that the metro service is operated by the city transport company GVB. To use the metro, you will need either a GVB 1-hour single ticket (€3.40) or one of the visitor-oriented tickets listed below. If you plan to use public transport during your stay in Amsterdam, consider purchasing one of these multi-day tickets.
Amsterdam Travel Ticket – 1/2/3 day card (€18/€24/€30) combines airport train/bus journey with unlimited GVB transport in Amsterdam. Valid on a day (not 24 hours) basis. Book online here and pick-up in Amsterdam. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket – 1/2/3 day card (€21/€31.50/€40.50) for unlimited travel in entire Amsterdam region. Valid on a day (not 24 hours) basis on NS trains (in region), regional buses and Amsterdam GVB transport. Book online here and pick-up in Amsterdam. Iamsterdam City Card – Tourist pass which includes a GVB multi-day ticket as well as admission to many Amsterdam attractions. 24/48/72/96/120 hour cards (€65-€135). Book the Iamsterdam City Card online here |
Another option is to take a pleasant walk from Amsterdam Zuid station to RAI, which is approximately 1 kilometer and takes about 10-15 minutes. To do this, simply exit the station on the north side and follow the path through Beatrix Park. This enjoyable stroll provides a direct route to the RAI Amsterdam convention centre.
Amsterdam Central to RAI Amsterdam
METRO:
To reach RAI Amsterdam, simply take the underground metro line 52 from Amsterdam Central station. The journey from Central to Europaplein (direction Zuid) takes approximately 8 minutes, with frequent departures. The train stops at Rokin (Dam Square/Spui), Vijzelgracht, and De Pijp before arriving at Europaplein. The train’s final stop is Amsterdam Zuid station.
Amsterdam RAI also has its own metro station, adjacent to the train station, serving lines 50 and 51. See the Amsterdam metro map. This allows convenient access to other areas such as Amstelveen, Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena, and Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
TRAM:
GVB tram 4 operates between Amsterdam Central and Amsterdam RAI stations, following the route Dam-Rokin-Rembrandtplein-Utrechtsestraat-van Woustraat-Rivierenbuurt-Europaplein. While it may be slower, this tram route offers a potentially more scenic journey compared to metro line 52.
TAXI:
If you prefer a taxi, the approximate cost for a ride between RAI Amsterdam and the city center is €15-25. You can pre-book a taxi with Sneleentaxi.
RAI Amsterdam by Car
RAI Amsterdam is conveniently located just inside the A10 southern ring road of Amsterdam, making it easily accessible by car.
The venue provides extensive parking facilities, accommodating up to 5,000 cars. The car park is open for entry from 06:00 to 00:00, and exit is possible at any time, 24/7. The parking rates are €4.50 per hour or a maximum day rate of €28 (or €22 if pre-booked).