Greetings,

I have been perusing the map and trying to figure out where the crossing is to get to the Amsterdam Renaissance. Can anyone give me a tip there? We arrive at Schipol in the morning and thought we would take the train if it isn't too much up and down with the suitcases. Does anyone know if there are escalators in Schipol and Central Station. Also, I have read a bit about aggressive homeless people in Central--does that go on in the morning and do we need to worry? We still may consider the bus--all suggestions welcomed. Thanks.

Take care,
Robyn France

I don't know where the Renaissance is but I can tell you that there are ramps at both train stations. I have made that trip many times with rolling suitcase and laptop. No problem at all. As far as homeless or pickpockets: yes they are there. but I've never been bothered by anyone. Keep control of your belongings and walk with a sense of purpose. You'll be fine. The train is a very easy way to get into the City and it's quick.

I just looked at the map. When you exit the station, cross the first canal. You'll be on Damrak. Turn right on Prins-Henrikkade. Turn left on Stromarkt. It should be a very short walk.

http://www.amsterdam.info/print/map/b4.php

You will have no trouble accessing the train platforms at Schiphol..no stairs to worry about but rather a moving walkway which easily accommodates luggage as you descend.

One word of caution: do NOT leave any of your luggage unattended near the doors of the train car. The train will probably stop at Sloterdijk on the way to Centraal Station. In the past, there have been reports of people reaching in from the platform and grabbing unattended bags and running with them.

There are escalators from the platforms at Centraal Station down to the walkway beneath and there will be no stairs for you to contend with as you make you way out the front doors.

Many thanks! We'll give it a try.

We stayed at the Renaissance and took the train from Schipol to Central. It is a short walk to the hotel. We arrived at the hotel at 7:30 am in June of 2003...it was a week day and we were able to check in right away. The walk was easy and we had our 10 year old twins with us...all with rolling suitcases. We didn't have any trouble with street people for our four day stay there. We returned there four weeks later and had a similar experience. Amsterdam is a "big city" so you have to be on your guard, but we never felt uneasy.

On the verge---thanks so much--that is just what we needed to hear. We will definitely take the train then--sounds easy--did u get your train tix from a machine there? Is it the same machine as the ATM for cash--we will need that as well--also do u recall the cost of those train tix from Schipol--we have about 12 euros left from our last trip so will have to visit an
ATM right away, but might wait until we get into the city if we can make do. Thanks again.

RobynFrance -

After you get through customs at Schiphol, just follow the signs that lead to the trains, towards the main entrance/exit of Schiphol. There will be a large ticket counter for "NS", the Netherlands rail (spoor) line. You can buy your tickets to Amsterdam right at the counter. Two years ago the cost for one-way, 2nd class, Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal was EUR 3,10. If you have the extra Euros, you might want to pick up a Strippenkaart at the same time, for accessing the trams/buses in Amsterdam.

Have a great time in Amsterdam. Peace

Robyn >-

Just an fyi, it costs a bit more (like 50 cents) to buy your ticket from the counter versus the machine. The machines are really easy to use.

We also stayed at the Renaissance a few years back and walked from Centraal. Very easy. The hotel had the best breakfast buffet we can remember.

We enjoyed the atmosphere of the Double Reggae Bar which is right behind the hotel. Look for the huge painting of Jim Morrison.