Updated: Major road works are still taking place at the Amsterdam RAI during IBC due to the construction of a new subway line. Just before summer, work on the line was resumed after being halted due to some serious problems with buildings in the old city. NOTE – Free Airport and hotel shuttle schedule available for download now! (see below)
For the past three years, the on-going construction work in front of the RAI has posed some problems, especially for people wanting to reach the various tram and bus stops in front of the building. This year will (again) be no different, with construction going on in front of the complex.
The various restaurants and snack bars across the RAI complex will also be a bit more difficult to reach.
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From the Airport
If you are arriving at Schiphol Airport, you can take a train directly from Schiphol railway station, which is two stops from RAI. The railway station is underneath the terminal.
Trains to and from Amsterdam are a fast, comfortable and the most affordable method of transport. There are four trains an hour (:07, 21, 37: 51) leaving from platform 1/2 or 3, and the journey time is 11 minutes.
Should you wish to go to Amsterdam Central Station first, there will be trains leaving four or five times an hour, also from platform 1/2 or 3. There are about seven or eight trains per hour. Journey time varies according to the type of train (express or local). Note that trains going to Central Station do not go past the RAI (it is a different line).
You have to buy a ticket before you get on the train, either by using machines (“automats”) or from counters where available. Tickets (for RAI €2.50 Single; €4.30 First Class; for Central Station €3.70 Single; €6.30 First class) are available from vending machines in the baggage reclaim part of Schiphol airport (before customs) or at machines near the escalator to the platforms.
Machines accept credit cards, debit cards or some will also accept loose change. There are additional charges for buying at the counter (€0.50) or using a credit card (€1.00) – and only Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Don’t be confused about the “reduced tariff rates” mentioned on some machines. Unlike London, this off-peak discount is only available if you have a special card.
IBC will be providing a free shuttle service between Schipol Airport and the RAI centre. You can download the IBC Airport and Hotel shuttle schedule here.
Trains
When arriving at Schiphol Airport, you can take a train directly from Schiphol railway station, which is two stops from RAI. The railway station is underneath the terminal.
Trains to and from Amsterdam are a fast, comfortable and affordable method of transport. There are four an hour (:07, :21, :37: 51) leaving from platform 1/2 or 3, and the journey time is 11 minutes.
Should you wish to go to Amsterdam Central Station first, there will be trains leaving four or five times an hour, also from platform 1/2 or 3. There are about seven or eight trains per hour. Journey time varies according to the type of train (express or local).
You have to buy a ticket before you get on the train, either by using machines (“automats”) or from counters where available. Tickets (for RAI €2.50 Single; €4.30 first class; for Central Sation €3.70 Single; €6.30 first class) are available from vending machines in the baggage reclaim part of Schiphol airport (before customs) or at machines near the escalator to the platforms. Machines accept credit cards, debit cards or loose change. There are additional charges for buying at the counter (€0.50) or using a credit card (€1.00) – and only Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
Transport around town
Trams are the most popular and easiest way to get around Amsterdam, although at times they tend to get very crowded, especially after the show closes. They are frequent, regular and are free with your IBC 5-day travel pass, which can be collected from the IBC information points from Thursday 9 September. If you do have to pay note that payment for the trams and buses has changed since 2009. The old strip of tickets system has been discontinued and an RFID system – similar to London’s Oyster Card – introduced. There are three types of cards, of which the anonymous travel card and the one-off are of interest to visitors. If you do use this system, remember to both check-in and check-out again at the end of your journey.
After the trams stop running there is a half hourly night bus service.
IBC will be providing a free shuttle services between the RAI centre and various hotels. You can download the IBC Airport and Hotel shuttle schedule here.
For more information about trams, metro and buses in Amsterdam, you can go the website of the GVB, the municipal transport authority (English version)
www.gvb.nl/english/Pages/default.aspx
For more information on how to reach the RAI complex, please have a look at the RAI website.
Taxis
Taxis are taken from taxi ranks rather than hailed and cost approximately between €1.75 and €2.20 per km day and night. Should you need one at night, you can hail it on the street without a problem. Alternatively, you can call TCA cabs (tel: +31 20 777 7777).
Although most taxi drivers are courteous and know their way around town, this is definitely not always the case. And beware of the costs – you pay €7.50 to step into a taxi, but that includes the first 2km of travel.
Taxis from the RAI are available from the taxi point located by the entrance to the exhibition by hall 11. But be prepared to wait in line.
Taxis from the centre of town to Schiphol have a fixed fee of €42
City guide
The city of Amsterdam has produced a mobile city guide, versions for the IPhone/iPod, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Java enabled devices are available.
This mobile city guide will help you find all the top restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, accommodation, museums and must-see sights. You’ll also find the locations of free Wi-Fi spots – an essential for the connected traveller!
You can download the iPhone version of the City Guide from the iTunes App Store. For the other versions click for more information on the link.
