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How to get to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam?

Where is the Rijksmuseum located?

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands | Find on maps

The Rijksmuseum is located at Museumplein in Amsterdam, right in the city’s cultural heart. It sits in the museum district, surrounded by wide green spaces, historic canals, and some of Amsterdam’s most important cultural institutions. The area is lively yet relaxed, making it easy to combine your visit with nearby museums and cafés.

Closest landmark: Van Gogh Museum, 230 m away

Getting to the Rijksmuseum by public transport

  • Travel time: About 20–25 mins from Amsterdam Central Station
  • Closest stop: Rijksmuseum
  • Timings: Trams run from early morning until around midnight

From Amsterdam Central Station, take Tram 2 or Tram 12 towards Museumplein. Get off at the Rijksmuseum stop. The museum entrance is a 2–3 minute walk away. Trams run frequently and are one of the easiest ways to reach the museum.

  • Travel time: About 10–12 mins from Amsterdam Central Station
  • Closest station: Vijzelgracht
  • Timings: Metro services operate from early morning until late night

Take Metro Line 52 (Noord–Zuid line) from Amsterdam Central Station towards Zuid. Exit at Vijzelgracht and walk 7–10 minutes to the Rijksmuseum. This is one of the fastest public transport options from the city centre.

  • Travel time: About 20–25 mins from Amsterdam Central Station
  • Closest stop: Museumplein or Leidseplein
  • Timings: Day buses run from morning until evening; limited night services operate overnight

City buses stop near Museumplein and Leidseplein. From either stop, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the Rijksmuseum. Bus routes and frequency vary by time of day.

Getting to the Rijksmuseum by car

Driving route

  • Travel time: About 15–25 minutes from Amsterdam Central
  • Distance: Approximately 4–4.5 km
  • Peak traffic hours: 8 to 10 am, 5 to 7 pm

If you’re driving from Amsterdam Central Station, head south toward the Zuid/Museumplein area via major city roads such as Stadhouderskade and Vijzelstraat. Follow signs for Museumplein as you approach the museum district near the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.

Parking facilities

The Rijksmuseum has no on-site parking, but there are paid parking options nearby.

Nearby parking within walking distance:

Walking to the Rijksmuseum

  • Best for: Exploring Amsterdam while enjoying the city’s sights and atmosphere
  • Travel time: Walk for about 30–35 minutes or cycle for about 10 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station
  • Distance: 3–3.5 km

From Amsterdam Central Station, walk through historic streets along the canals, passing lively neighborhoods, cafés, and shops, and arrive at Museumplein. Cycling is faster and quintessentially Dutch, with dedicated bike lanes leading directly to the museum.

What is the best way to get to the Rijksmuseum?

Budget-friendly

The most cost-effective way to reach the Rijksmuseum from central Amsterdam is by tram or walking. Trams 2 and 12 from Amsterdam Central Station take about 20–25 minutes. Walking is free and offers a scenic route along historic streets, canals, and local shops, letting you soak in the city without spending extra on transport.

Fastest route

For the quickest access, cycling or driving from the city center is recommended. Biking takes around 10–15 minutes via dedicated bike lanes. Driving takes about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic, with nearby paid parking at Q-Park Museumplein and APCOA Parking Heinekenplein.

To sightsee

If you want to enjoy Amsterdam’s sights along the way, walking or cycling is ideal. Walk or bike from Amsterdam Central Station through canals, lively neighborhoods, and cafés, experiencing the city’s architecture, local culture, and vibrant street life before arriving at Museumplein.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is located on Museumstraat 1 1071 XX Amsterdam. It houses almost 6000 artworks and other artifacts, documenting over 800 years of Dutch art and history.