Venue

Arrival

By Train
By Plane

There are three major airports in the Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam-The Hague Airport and Eindhoven Airport.

At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the train station is located directly under the terminal. The platforms can be reached using the escalators and elevator in the plaza. There are direct trains to the city centre (Amsterdam Centraal) as well as CWI (Amsterdam Science Park).

If you arrive at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport, you first need to take a bus to the train station (Rotterdam Centraal/Eindhoven Centraal). From there you can take a train to Amsterdam Centraal and transfer there to a train to Amsterdam Science Park.

Using Public Transport

The cost of public transport in the Netherlands depends on the station you start and end your journey (it is not a fixed cost depending on a line).

Always check in by swiping your card against the gate or another card reader when entering a station/bus and check out again when leaving. If you do not check out, you will be charged extra.

If you are travelling between Rotterdam and Amsterdam by high-speed train (Intercity Direct), you need to additionally swipe your card at the red supplement post on the platform before your trip.

In trains, if you are travelling second class (the default), you can only use the areas with the blue chairs.

Other Practical Information

Time zone

In September, the Netherlands observes Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).

Currency

The Netherlands uses the euro. Maestro cards are the most commonly used payment method. Some shops do not accept cash (for example, the convenience store next to CWI) or credit cards (for example, some fast-food restaurants). If in doubt, ask before you order something.

Electricity

In the Netherlands, we use type C and type F plugs. The voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Tap water

The tap water is safe to drink.

Tipping

Tax and service are included in the price, so it is not required (but of course still appreciated) to give tips.

Safety

Amsterdam is a relatively safe city. Normal precautions apply: always watch your belongings (especially in crowded or touristy areas) and avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas. Moreover, don’t get hit by bicycles and don’t fall in a canal.

Language

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. However, almost everyone speaks English.

ATM

There is no ATM close to CWI.

Wifi

Eduroam is available at CWI. Otherwise, you can use Amsterdam Science Park, which does not require a password.

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