Trains from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal
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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 36m to travel from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train, over a distance of around 22 miles (36 km). There are normally 161 trains per day travelling from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal and tickets for this journey start from £10.42 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:41 | |
| Departure station | Amsterdam-Centraal | |
| Arrival station | Leiden Centraal | |
| Journey time | From 34m | |
| Distance | 22 miles (36 km) | |
| Frequency | 161 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £10.42 | |
| 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 travelling from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal.
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- 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
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- 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 luggage 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 carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.
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 lead - 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.
Journey details
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.
How long does the train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal take?
The average journey time by train between Amsterdam-Centraal and Leiden Centraal is 36 minutes, with around 161 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Amsterdam-Centraal and Leiden Centraal by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal is 34 minutes.
How much does the train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal cost?
Train ticket prices from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal can start from as little as £10.42 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal without having to change trains. There are 114 direct trains from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal leave?
The first train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal leaves at 00:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal leave?
The last train from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal leaves at 23:41. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Amsterdam-Centraal and Leiden Centraal by train?
Trains travelling from Amsterdam-Centraal to Leiden Centraal cover a distance of around 22 miles (36 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Leiden Centraal to Amsterdam-Centraal.