Amsterdam Centraal reopens west tunnel after major renovation work

After nearly two years of construction, the western passenger tunnel on the city center side of Amsterdam Centraal Station reopened to travelers Monday morning.

The renovated entrance, which had been closed since September 2023, now features 30 access gates—up from 19 previously—and significantly improved accessibility. The steep wheelchair ramp has been replaced with new stairs and an escalator, and two elevators now connect the entrance, tunnel, and the first platform. A new floor has been installed, and the historic arch structure under platform 1 has been rebuilt.

“Amsterdam Centraal is one of the busiest stations of the Netherlands. The renewed entrance improves both passenger flow and accessibility,” said Irma Winkenius, regional director of NS.

The tunnel closure was part of a larger station-wide construction effort led by ProRail, which began in May 2023 with preparatory work that forced several shops in the west tunnel to shut down. During the closure, travelers had to use the other passenger tunnels to reach the city center, and NS ticket and service desks were relocated to the front of the station. The night service counter was moved to the IJ side. ProRail had previously stated that the tunnel renovations would last until mid-2024.

The renovation project is part of a massive redesign and capacity expansion of Amsterdam Centraal that is expected to continue through 2030. The goal is to accommodate a projected increase in daily train passengers from 200,000 to 275,000.

To support that growth, platforms throughout the station are being widened and extended, rail bridges are being replaced, and a grade-separated rail junction is under construction near the Dijksgracht to allow for smoother train movements.