← Leiden Marathon·3 nights

Amsterdam: Museums and Canals After Leiden

A quick train to Amsterdam for museums with lifts, a seated canal cruise and a short link to the airport.

Duration3 nights
TransitNS train from Leiden Centraal to Amsterdam Centraal, about 35 minutes
DepartsLeiden Centraal

After the Leiden Marathon: Amsterdam

The Route: Leiden → Amsterdam → Schiphol Airport Logistics: NS train, about 35 minutes, with frequent services. Amsterdam Centraal is a short tram ride from the canals. Marathon Month: May Duration: 3 nights

Leiden ──(about 35 min, NS)──> Amsterdam Centraal
                                     │
Schiphol Airport (AMS) <──(about 20 min, NS)──┘

The train from Leiden to Amsterdam runs north across the flat polders, and in the right week of spring the fields outside the window are stripes of colour. By race week in May the bulb season is mostly over, but the fields are still worth a look from the carriage. Amsterdam is close enough to be a day trip, though three nights allow a slow pace.

Dutch rail has no advance fares. Tap in and out with a contactless card or OVpay.

May in Amsterdam: highs around 16°C to 18°C, long evenings and sun with brief showers. The canal trees are in full leaf. Bicycle lanes are busy, so keep an eye on them when you cross.

Night One: Arrival

Hotel Estheréa, on the Singel canal, is central and has a lift. Hotel Jan Luyken, near Museumplein, is close to the main museums. Confirm lifts and breakfast times when you book. Choose an early dinner and a short walk by the water.

Night Two: Museums

The Rijksmuseum has a lift, seating throughout and a garden. Entry is about €22 and prices vary, so use the figure as a guide only. Book a timed ticket in advance. Allow three hours at an easy pace.

The Van Gogh Museum, next door, also needs a timed ticket. Check the current schedule.

A canal cruise is the best seated activity. Boats leave from near Centraal and the Rijksmuseum, and an hour is long enough. Bring a layer for the open deck.

The Vondelpark, flat and shaded, is the best place for a slow afternoon walk.

Night Three: A Slower Day

Choose one thing. The Albert Cuyp market has stroopwafels fresh from the iron and is flat and busy. The Hortus Botanicus in the centre has paved paths and a café. The Jordaan has quiet streets and small cafés. Check opening days.

Getting to Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol take about 15 to 20 minutes and run every few minutes. Airport station is beneath Schiphol Plaza, with lifts to the terminal.