How to get to Onefam Amstel Hostel Amsterdam from anywhere

Your roadmap to Onefam Amstel: Transport, hacks, and first steps in Amsterdam

Close your eyes for a second. You just got off the plane, backpack on, surrounded by the unmistakable sound of Schiphol Airport. If it’s your first time in the Netherlands, feeling a mix of pure adrenaline and a slight touch of stage fright is completely normal. But take a deep breath: you are about to navigate one of the best-connected cities on the planet. We hope this guide on how to get to Onefam Amstel Hostel is helpful.

The solo traveler mindset when arriving in a new city

We know exactly what goes through a solo backpacker’s mind when stepping into a new country: “Will I get lost? Will I understand the signs? How much is it going to cost to get downtown?”.

At Onefam Amstel, we designed this guide to wipe away all that anxiety in a heartbeat. We want your only worry today to be deciding between a craft beer or an ice-cold Heineken when you sit at our table tonight. Amsterdam is incredibly intuitive, 99% of people speak perfect English, and most importantly, we are waiting for you across the city with open arms.

Why Onefam Amstel’s location (Next to the river and de Pijp) is your biggest advantage

Before you hop on the train, let’s talk about where you’re heading. We are not stuck in the middle of the tourist-trap chaos; we are strategically located right by the Amstel River and just a stone’s throw from De Pijp, the neighborhood with the best local energy, specialty coffee shops, and street art in the city.

This means you are close enough to the center to walk to the big museums, but immersed enough in the real culture to experience the city like a true Amsterdammer. It’s the perfect basecamp to go out, explore, and come back to a safe, familiar environment.

From schiphol airport (AMS) to our front door

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is huge, but getting from the arrivals hall to the heart of the city is a piece of cake. The train station is literally right underneath the airport. Follow the yellow signs that say “Trains” (Treinen) and get ready for the ride.

The pro option: Train + Metro (The fastest route)

If you want to drop your backpack in your room as soon as possible to join our activities, this is your winning move. It takes about 25-30 minutes in total.

• Step 1: The train. Go down to the Schiphol platforms and take any train (Intercity or Sprinter) heading to Amsterdam centraal. They run every 10-15 minutes. The ride is only about 15 minutes long.
• Step 2: The Metro. Once at Amsterdam Centraal, follow the signs with the letter “M” to go down to the subway. Take Line 51, 53, or 54 (heading South) and get off at Weesperplein station (just 3 short stops).
• Step 3: Walk home. Walk out of the station, stroll along the river, breathe in the Amsterdam air, and in less than an 8-minute walk, you’ll be walking through the doors of Onefam Amstel.

The scenic route: Train + Tram 4 (Ideal for canal views)

Not in a rush and want your first contact with the city to be above ground, checking out the bridges and traditional architecture?

• Take the same train to Amsterdam Centraal.
• When you walk out the main entrance of the station, you’ll see the tram stops. Hop on Tram 4.
• Enjoy the ride watching the city roll by through the window and get off at the Prinsengracht or Frederiksplein stop. From there, you are just a 3 to 5-minute walk from the hostel. It’s a beautiful stroll to work up an appetite.

Taxi or Uber? Why Dutch Public Transport beats them every time

We’ll be totally honest with you: save your money. A taxi or an Uber from Schiphol to Onefam Amstel can easily cost you between €45 and €60, and depending on traffic, it might take the same amount of time (or longer) than the train. Public transport will cost you around €6 or €7 total.

That money you save is exactly what you need to rent a bike for the whole day or buy a few rounds on your first pub crawl with us. Be a smart traveler, use the train.

What to do if your flight arrives in the middle of the night (Night Buses and 24/7 options)

Does your low-cost flight land at 2:00 AM? Zero stress. Amsterdam never fully sleeps, and neither does our reception.

• Night train: There are night trains connecting Schiphol with Amsterdam Centraal once an hour.
• Night bus (Nitebus): The N97 bus by Connexxion leaves right outside the main airport plaza (Schiphol Plaza) and drops you close to the center.
• If you’re arriving super late, no worries at all — we have reception open all night, and we’ll have your key ready so you can head straight to bed when you arrive.

Arriving by land: International Train and Bus stations

Not flying in? No problem. A massive part of our Onefam community arrives overland while backpacking across Europe. Whether you are stepping off a high-speed train from Paris or waking up after a long overnight bus from Berlin, here is your foolproof guide to reaching our front door.

From Amsterdam Centraal (Eurostar, thalys, and intercity)

If you are coming by Eurostar from London, Thalys from Paris, or any major European rail line, you will end up at Amsterdam Centraal. You are already in the heart of the city!

• The quickest way: Walk straight into the main hall and look for the Metro signs downstairs. Jump on Line 51, 53, or 54 (heading South). Get off at the Weesperplein stop. From there, it’s just an 8-minute walk along the beautiful river to the hostel.
• Pro tip: Don’t get distracted by the massive crowds outside the station right away. Grab your bags, get to the hostel, drop them securely in our luggage room, and let’s plan your day properly over a coffee.

From Sloterdijk Station (The flixBus paradise)

Traveling on a budget usually means riding the FlixBus, and almost all international buses drop you off at Amsterdam Sloterdijk. It feels a bit far from the center, but we have a direct hack for you.

• The secret direct route: You don’t even need to take a train to Centraal Station. Walk to the metro platform at Sloterdijk and catch Metro Line 51 (Direction: Centraal Station / Amstelstation). Stay on it until you reach Weesperplein. No transfers, no stress. It takes about 20 minutes, and you can listen to your favorite playlist while the city rolls by.

From Amsterdam Amstel Station (You are almost Home!)

Did your bus or train drop you at Amsterdam Amstel? Congratulations, you are basically in our backyard!

• Walking: If the weather is nice and your backpack isn’t too heavy, it’s a very straightforward 15 to 20-minute walk following the Amstel River up north.
• Public transport: If you want to save your legs for tonight’s pub crawl, jump on any Metro heading North (Lines 51, 53, or 54) for just one single stop to Wibautstraat or two stops to Weesperplein. You’ll be checking in before you know it.

Hacking the system: How to navigate Amsterdam without breaking the bank

Let’s talk logistics. Transport in the Netherlands is incredibly efficient, but if you don’t know how the system works, it can eat into your backpacking budget. Here is how to travel smart.

The end of the paper ticket: Welcome to OVpay

Forget the old days of queuing up at machines to buy a plastic transport card. The Netherlands has rolled out OVpay, which is an absolute game-changer for short-term travelers.

• How it works: You can now simply tap your contactless debit card, credit card, or your phone (Apple Pay / Google Pay) on the card readers when you enter a bus, tram, or metro.
• The golden rule: Always remember to Tap Out with the exact same card or device when you exit! If you forget, the system charges you a penalty fee. Tapping in and out gives you the exact local fare, saving you the hassle of buying expensive single-use tickets.

1 to 7-day Passes: GVB tickets (When are they worth it?)

If you plan on taking the tram or metro multiple times a day, look into a GVB multi-day ticket.

• Keep in mind: GVB tickets only work for blue-and-white city trams, metros, and buses. They do not cover the yellow NS trains (like the one from the airport).
• The Onefam reality check: Since we are located so close to De Pijp and the city center, most of our guests just walk or rent a bike. You might only need public transport to get to and from the airport!

The 2 Apps you need before turning off Airplane mode

Don’t rely on guessing; download these two free apps and navigate like a local:

1. 9292: This is the holy grail of Dutch transport. Type in your current location and “Onefam Amstel” as your destination, and it will give you door-to-door instructions, combining walking, trains, trams, and metros with real-time delays.
2. NS Reisplanner: The official app for the national yellow trains. Perfect for checking track numbers at the airport or planning a quick day trip out of the city.

The bicycle culture (Survival mode)

You cannot come to the Netherlands and not talk about bicycles. Amsterdam has more bikes than residents, and they rule the streets. Renting one is the absolute best way to see the city, but it is also a fast-paced environment. Here is how to survive and thrive on two wheels.

Unwritten rules so you don’t get run over on day one

The bike lanes (fietspaden) are sacred ground. If you are walking, always look both ways before crossing a red path, because locals on bikes do not stop for pedestrians. When you decide to rent a bike yourself, keep these golden rules in mind:

• Stay to the right: Just like driving, always keep to the right side of the bike lane so faster cyclists can pass you on the left.
• Use hand signals: If you are turning left or right, simply point with your hand to let the people behind you know. It prevents 90% of tourist collisions!
• Don’t block the flow: If you need to check Google Maps or take a photo of a beautiful canal, do not stop in the middle of the bike lane. Pull over to the sidewalk.
• Lock it up (twice!): Always use the back wheel lock and a thick chain lock attached to a sturdy pole or bike rack. Bike theft is the only real crime you need to worry about here.

Where and how to rent your first bike near the hostel

You don’t need to rent a bike at the airport or the centraal station. Wait until you get to Onefam Amstel. Our neighborhood (De Pijp and the Amstel riverbank) is packed with affordable local rental shops. Just ask our reception team when you arrive!

We will point you to the cheapest and most reliable rental spots just a 5-minute walk from your bed. Renting locally means you don’t have to navigate the chaotic city center traffic on your very first ride.

Walking through the door: Your first hours at Onefam Amstel

You’ve mastered the metro, you’ve dodged the bicycles, and now you are standing in front of Onefam Amstel. Welcome home! This is where the transport logistics end and the social adventure begins.

Quick and stress-free check-in (Drop your bags early)

We know that carrying a heavy backpack around a new city is miserable. Official check-in starts at 15:00, but our doors are open 24/7.

If you arrive early, just walk in, say hi to the staff, and drop your bags in our secure luggage room completely free of charge. You can hang out in our common areas, grab a coffee, or start exploring the city completely weightless.

Breaking the ice: What happens at our free family dinners

This is the heartbeat of the Onefam experience. If you are traveling solo and feeling a little shy, this is your golden ticket. Every evening, we cook a massive, delicious meal for our guests, completely free. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the table.

You sit down next to a backpacker from Australia, across from someone from Brazil, and within ten minutes, you are sharing travel stories. By the time the plates are cleared, you already have a squad for the night’s pub crawl.

Join the Hostel WhatsApp group and meet your new family

As soon as you arrive, we will give you access to our exclusive Onefam Amstel WhatsApp group. This is the ultimate tool for solo travelers. It’s where our staff posts the daily activities, where people ask who wants to go to a museum, or where someone suggests grabbing a quick lunch at the Albert Cuyp Market. You are never alone unless you choose to be.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for solo travelers in Amsterdam

Secure your bed and your family: Why book direct

Your Amsterdam adventure is just a few clicks away, but don’t let a third-party algorithm control your trip. Booking directly through onefamhostels.com is the smartest move a backpacker can make. Here is why:

• The lowest price guaranteed: OTAs (like Hostelworld or Booking.com) charge hidden commissions. When you book direct, you get the absolute best rate on the internet, period.
• Priority access to the fun: Our free family dinners, drinking games, and famous pub crawls have limited spots. Guests who book directly through our website always get priority access to our social events.

Stop searching for a bed, and start preparing to meet your new family. See you in Amsterdam!