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How to Get From Schiphol to Your Student City: A Guide for International Students in the Netherlands

04-11-2024
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Gabriel

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How to Get From Schiphol to Your Student City: A Guide for International Students in the Netherlands

Welcome to the Netherlands! You’ve just landed at Schiphol Airport, possibly a little jet-lagged, maybe wondering why the cheese here is so good, or how people manage to bike in the rain with a smile. But first things first—how do you actually get from Schiphol to your student city? Whether you’re heading to Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, or beyond, this guide has got you covered. And don’t worry, it’s easier than it seems—just follow these steps, and you’ll be unpacking in your student digs before you know it!

Step 1: Welcome to Schiphol

Now, Grab a Stroopwafel

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of transportation, take a moment to soak in the fact that you’ve arrived in one of the world’s best-connected airports. Schiphol is more than just an airport; it’s practically a small city. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a stroopwafel (a delicious caramel-filled waffle) to energize you for the journey ahead. You’ll thank me later.

 

Step 2: Find Your Way to the Train Station

The Dutch love their trains, and you will too by the end of your stay. Schiphol’s train station is conveniently located directly below the airport—yes, that’s right, you don’t even have to step outside! Follow the signs for “Trains” or “Treinen” (look for a big yellow sign), and you’ll find yourself at the ticket counters and platforms.

 

Step 3: Get a Ticket or Use Your OV-chipkaart

If you haven’t got your OV-chipkaart (the Dutch public transport card) yet, no worries! You can easily buy a train ticket from the yellow NS ticket machines or from the NS service desk. The machines accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes even cash. Just remember: Dutch ticket machines and cash don’t always get along well, so be prepared with a card.

You can also get an Anonymous OV-chipkaart from the same yellow machine! You can use it to check in and out of the train, bus, tram, and even ferry rides. Just make sure there’s enough balance on it—you don’t want to be the person holding up the line at the check-in gates. Awkward. Also Trust Me don’t forget to Check Out

 

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Step 4: Check the Train Times and Platforms

Once you’ve got your ticket or OV-chipkaart ready, it’s time to find out which train you need. You can do this in a couple of ways:

  • NS App: Download the NS app, which is the go-to for all things Dutch trains. It’ll tell you which train to catch, what time it leaves, and which platform it departs from.
  • 9292 App: Work similarly to the NS App 
  • Big Yellow Boards: These are everywhere in the station and list upcoming departures. It’s like a big cheat sheet that updates in real-time.

Make sure to double-check the final destination of the train, as several cities might share a route but not the same final stop.

 

Step 5: Hop on the Train

Once you’ve figured out which train you need, head to the right platform and wait for your train to roll in. Trains are usually on time (unless it’s snowing—then all bets are off). When your train arrives, hop on, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the ride. The Dutch countryside is pretty picturesque, so keep your camera handy.

 

Step 6: Arrive in Your Student City

But Wait, There’s More

Congrats! You’ve made it to your student city. Whether you’re in Amsterdam, Leiden, Maastricht, or anywhere else, you’re almost there. Depending on where your accommodation is, you might need to take a bus, tram, or taxi to get there. The public transport system is super efficient, and if you’re staying in a city like Amsterdam, you’ll soon learn that a bicycle might be your best friend.

 

Bonus Tips:

  • Google Maps is Your Friend: Use it to navigate from the train station to your new home.
  • Pack Light: Dragging heavy luggage through busy train stations and onto narrow train aisles is no fun. Trust me.
  • Mind the Rush Hour: Trains can get busy during peak times (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM), so try to travel outside these hours if you want a seat and some peace.

 

Final Thoughts: Welcome to Dutch Life!

Getting from Schiphol to your student city might seem like a challenge, but with this guide, you’re all set to start your adventure. Soon, you’ll be zipping around like a local, mastering the art of cycling, and maybe even picking up some Dutch along the way (Pro-tip: start with “Gezellig,” a word with no direct English translation but will make you sound like a native).

Good luck, enjoy the journey, and welcome to the Netherlands—your new home away from home! 

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