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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Travelling from Amsterdam to Leiden by train
You’ll be forgiven for thinking Holland exploration begins and ends with Amsterdam, lots of visitors to this fabulous country don’t venture much further than the capital, but that’s why we’re here. Listen up, intrepid traveller, you’ve come as far as Amsterdam, you’ve seen the canals, the Van Gogh Museum and, dare we imply, the red light district, so go a little further and head to Leiden. After all, it’s only half an hour away, and if you loved the charming canals of Amsterdam, we’ve got a feeling you’ll love Leiden.
Holland’s trains are pretty fantastic, so you can expect a smooth and pleasant trip on your NS service between cities, with First Class and Second Class tickets available. You’ll arrive in central Leiden, where the station’s close neighbour, the Anatomisch Museum is a quirky first port of call. Wander further into the city to find the Botanical Gardens, a wealth of galleries and museums and plenty of canal fronts to enjoy a coffee alongside, all in a bit more peace and quiet than the capital. Ready to head out? Book a ticket above!
Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train
It takes an average of 37m to travel from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train, over a distance of around 22 miles (36 km). There are normally 133 trains per day traveling from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal and tickets for this journey start from $12.76 when you book in advance.
| First train | 12:05 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:42 pm | |
| Departure station | Amsterdam-Centraal | |
| Arrival station | Leiden Centraal | |
| Journey time | From 35m | |
| Distance | 22 miles (36 km) | |
| Frequency | 133 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $12.76 | |
| Train and bus operators |
NS trains from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
More information
NS classes from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal
Compare the different travel classes offered by NS when traveling from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal.
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and a generous baggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on NS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal.
There are no baggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.
There is no onboard catering on NS trains.
The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.
Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.
Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the car. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal baggage.
Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a leash - you must also buy a dog train ticket.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.
Cheap train tickets from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs about the train journey from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal
Want to know more about your journey from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
What's the distance between Amsterdam-Centraal and Leiden Centraal by train?
Who runs the trains from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
Can you travel from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Leiden Centraal from Amsterdam-Centraal?
What time is the first train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
What time is the last train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
How often do trains go from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
Is there a return trip from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.