The most reliable way to reach Anne Frank House is train from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Amsterdam Centraal Station, then a direct tram to the Westermarkt stop and a short walk. This suits first-timers because every step is easy to verify on station screens and tram stop displays. Best backup plan: if you want zero transfers after a long flight, take a taxi/ride-hailing to Anne Frank House and walk the final minute or two from the nearest safe drop-off.
Ash the Owl: If your plan reads “Schiphol → Centraal → Westermarkt,” you’ve chosen the least stressful route.
Nearest metro station to Anne Frank House
The nearest metro station to Anne Frank House that most visitors can use easily is Amsterdam Centraal Station (Metro/Train), because it’s a major hub with simple connections to the closest tram stop.
- Why this works well for first-timers:
- It’s the easiest station to reorient yourself if anything goes wrong.
- From there, you can finish with one direct tram ride or a straightforward walk.
- Practical note:
- You’ll often hear locals mention smaller nearby stops, but Centraal is the safest “anchor point” for navigation.
Closest train station to Anne Frank House
The closest train station to Anne Frank House is Amsterdam Centraal Station, followed by a short tram ride or a walk.
- What to expect:
- Walking from Amsterdam Centraal Station is doable for many people (around 20 minutes at a normal pace).
- If you’re tired, carrying bags, or it’s rainy, the tram is the calmer option.
How to get to Anne Frank House by metro
To get to Anne Frank House by metro, ride the metro to Amsterdam Centraal Station (Metro/Train) (or a central Metro 52 station if that’s closer to you), then switch to a tram that stops at Westermarkt and walk the final few minutes.
- Beginner-friendly “metro + tram” flow:
- Metro → Amsterdam Centraal Station (Metro/Train)
- Tram → Westermarkt stop
- Walk → Anne Frank House entrance area
| Route | Time | Cost level | Transfers | Walking difficulty | Navigation ease | Rainy-day friendly | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → train → Amsterdam Centraal Station → tram → Westermarkt → walk | 30–50 min | Low–Medium | 1 | Low | High | Medium | First-timers who want clear steps |
| Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → train → Amsterdam Centraal Station → walk | 35–65 min | Low | 0 | Medium | Medium | Low | Budget travelers with light bags |
| Amsterdam Centraal Station → tram → Westermarkt → walk | 10–20 min | Low | 0 | Low | High | Medium | Easiest city-start option |
| Metro → Amsterdam Centraal Station (Metro/Train) → tram → Westermarkt → walk | 20–40 min | Low | 1 | Low | High | Medium | Visitors starting away from Centraal |
| Bus → Amsterdam Centraal Station → tram → Westermarkt → walk | 35–70 min | Medium | 1–2 | Low | Medium | Medium | When trains aren’t convenient |
| Taxi/ride-hailing → Anne Frank House → short walk | 20–60+ min | High | 0 | Low | High | Medium | Luggage, late arrival, low effort |
| Walk/bike → Anne Frank House | 10–45 min | Low | 0 | Medium | Medium | Low–Medium | Good weather, confident navigation |
From the airport
From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), the smoothest first-timer route is train to Amsterdam Centraal Station, then tram to Westermarkt, then a short walk.
- Step-by-step
- Follow signs for Trains inside the airport (the station is directly connected).
- Choose a train that stops at Amsterdam Centraal Station.
- At Amsterdam Centraal Station, follow signs for Trams and find a tram that lists Westermarkt as a stop (commonly the direct option).
- Get off at Westermarkt and walk the final minutes to Anne Frank House.
You’re on the right track when… your whole route fits in one sentence: “Train to Centraal, tram to Westermarkt, then walk.”
- Common mistakes + fixes
- Mistake: Boarding a train without checking the stop list.
Fix: Before you sit down, look for the onboard screen or platform display and confirm Amsterdam Centraal Station appears as a stop. - Mistake: Exiting Amsterdam Centraal Station and starting to walk immediately while jet-lagged.
Fix: Take 60 seconds inside the station to decide: tram to Westermarkt (easiest) or walk (only if you feel fresh). - Mistake: Getting on a tram in the wrong direction.
Fix: Check the tram’s front display and onboard stop list—if Westermarkt isn’t listed, step off at the next stop and switch.
- Mistake: Boarding a train without checking the stop list.
Ash the Owl: After a flight, one train + one tram beats any “faster” plan with extra changes.
By metro
Metro can be a great first-timer tool when you’re starting somewhere else in the city and want predictable timing to a major hub.
- Simple metro strategy
- Take the metro to Amsterdam Centraal Station (Metro/Train).
- Switch to a tram that stops at Westermarkt.
- Walk the final minutes without chasing shortcuts.
You’re on the right track when… you can see Amsterdam Centraal Station on station signs and your next step is “tram to Westermarkt,” not “guess and hope.”
- Common mistakes + fixes
- Mistake: Treating metro exits like they’re all the same and surfacing far from trams.
Fix: Follow signs for Trams after you exit the metro area inside Amsterdam Centraal Station. - Mistake: Over-optimizing the route with an extra transfer to save a few minutes.
Fix: Keep it to one simple transfer (metro → tram). First-timers win by reducing decisions. - Mistake: Starting the final walk while your map arrow is spinning.
Fix: Pause for 10 seconds at the tram stop until the direction stabilizes, then walk once your distance starts decreasing.
- Mistake: Treating metro exits like they’re all the same and surfacing far from trams.
Ash the Owl: Metro is great for getting you to a hub—after that, let a direct tram do the work.
By train
If you arrive by train from another city, you’ll most likely step out at Amsterdam Centraal Station. From there, you can finish by tram or on foot.
- Option 1: Tram (lowest-stress)
- Follow tram signs.
- Take a tram that stops at Westermarkt.
- Walk the final minutes to Anne Frank House.
- Option 2: Walk (simple but longer)
- Walk at a steady pace and avoid “micro-shortcuts” that add lots of turns.
- If you feel uncertain after 10 minutes, switch to the tram instead of forcing it.
You’re on the right track when… you can say out loud where you are and what’s next: “I’m at Amsterdam Centraal Station, I’m going to Westermarkt.”
- Common mistakes + fixes
- Mistake: Leaving the station via a random exit and losing the tram platforms.
Fix: Inside the station, follow Tram signs first; don’t choose an exit until you’ve found the correct tram stop area. - Mistake: Walking too far, then realizing you wanted the tram.
Fix: Decide within the first 3–5 minutes: walk the whole way, or commit to tram. Don’t do half-and-half. - Mistake: Confusing “Centraal” (the station) with nearby stops that sound similar.
Fix: Use the full name Amsterdam Centraal Station on signs and maps until you’re safely on your tram.
- Mistake: Leaving the station via a random exit and losing the tram platforms.
Ash the Owl: If you’re arriving tired, spend your energy on the visit—not on an unnecessary walk.
By bus
Bus can work well when you prefer above-ground travel, or when trains aren’t the best fit for your timing. The easiest bus plan for first-timers is still to aim for Amsterdam Centraal Station, then finish by tram to Westermarkt.
- Simple bus approach
- Take a bus that reliably reaches Amsterdam Centraal Station (or a major interchange connected to it).
- Switch to a tram that stops at Westermarkt.
- Walk the final minutes.
You’re on the right track when… your bus ride ends at a major hub and your last steps are “Westermarkt → short walk.”
- Common mistakes + fixes
- Mistake: Choosing a slow local bus with many stops when you’re trying to keep it simple.
Fix: If a train is available, take train to Amsterdam Centraal Station; if not, choose a bus that clearly lists Amsterdam Centraal Station as a key point. - Mistake: Missing your stop because you assume the bus stops automatically.
Fix: Watch the stop screen and press the stop button when your destination is next. - Mistake: Getting off and walking immediately in the wrong direction.
Fix: Pause at the stop, check orientation, then start walking only when your route looks like a few steady turns.
- Mistake: Choosing a slow local bus with many stops when you’re trying to keep it simple.
Ash the Owl: Bus is fine—just don’t let it turn into “bus + bus + walk.” Keep it clean.
By taxi/ride-hailing
Taxi/ride-hailing is the simplest for luggage, late-night arrivals, or anyone who wants the least planning. The trade-off is variable timing in traffic and higher cost.
- How to make it smooth
- Set the destination to Anne Frank House and confirm the pin before you start the ride.
- Expect that you may be dropped nearby rather than exactly at the front—finish the last minute or two on foot.
- Keep your phone in your pocket at crossings; stop safely before checking directions.
You’re on the right track when… the ride ends with a short, calm walk and you’re not being routed into a confusing loop.
- Common mistakes + fixes
- Mistake: Picking a pickup spot at a busy curb and wasting time finding your driver.
Fix: Use official taxi stands where available, or choose a clearly marked pickup point and don’t change it mid-wait. - Mistake: Assuming taxi is always faster at peak times.
Fix: If traffic is heavy, switch to train + tram for predictable timing. - Mistake: Starting to walk immediately while maps are still recalculating after drop-off.
Fix: Wait 10 seconds, then walk only once the distance begins steadily decreasing.
- Mistake: Picking a pickup spot at a busy curb and wasting time finding your driver.
Ash the Owl: Taxi is for lowering stress—use it when calm matters more than cost.
Walk/bike
Walking or biking can be enjoyable, but it’s best when the weather is good and you’re comfortable navigating without constant phone-checking.
- Walking tips for first-timers
- Choose a route with fewer turns, even if it’s a little longer.
- Walk one “decision block” at a time: confirm direction, then walk confidently for 3–5 minutes before re-checking.
- If your distance to Anne Frank House increases, stop and backtrack to the last corner you recognized.
- Biking tips (only if confident)
- Ride defensively, slow down at crossings, and avoid weaving around pedestrians.
- If you start feeling rushed or unsure, park earlier and walk the final minutes.
You’re on the right track when… you’re moving steadily with minimal rerouting and you’re not stopping every minute to “re-decide.”
- Common mistakes + fixes
- Mistake: Taking tiny shortcuts that create constant left-right turns.
Fix: Switch to a simpler “few turns” route and commit for 10 minutes. - Mistake: Walking while staring at your phone and missing crossings.
Fix: Step aside to check directions, then walk with your head up. - Mistake: Biking when you’re tired or jet-lagged.
Fix: Walk or use tram—safer and less stressful.
- Mistake: Taking tiny shortcuts that create constant left-right turns.
Ash the Owl: In Amsterdam, fewer decisions beats the shortest line on the map.
If you get lost on the way to Anne Frank House
- Stop walking and switch your plan to a reset route via Amsterdam Centraal (Metro/Train). Don’t try to “fix” small wrong turns while moving—stand still, take a breath, and choose the simplest restart.
- Go back to Amsterdam Centraal (Metro/Train) using the easiest method available (tram, metro, or a short ride). Once you arrive, stay inside the station area until you can clearly find the tram platforms and confirm your next step.
- From Amsterdam Centraal (Metro/Train), take a tram that lists Westermarkt as a stop, then walk the last few minutes calmly. If your map arrow spins, pause at the stop for 10 seconds, then start walking only when the distance to Anne Frank House steadily decreases.
FAQ: Getting to Anne Frank House
What’s the easiest route from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)?
Train to Amsterdam Centraal Station, then a direct tram to Westermarkt and a short walk.
Is Anne Frank House walkable from Amsterdam Centraal Station?
Yes, many people walk it, but first-timers often prefer the tram to save energy and avoid wrong turns.
What tram stop is closest to Anne Frank House?
Westermarkt is commonly the closest and simplest stop for first-timers.
What’s the best option with luggage?
Train to Amsterdam Centraal Station, then tram to Westermarkt; or taxi/ride-hailing if you want the least walking.
If trams are disrupted, what should I do?
Reset to Amsterdam Centraal Station and switch to a short taxi/ride-hailing for the final stretch, or walk if you feel comfortable.
Quick checklist
- From AMS, default to train → Amsterdam Centraal Station
- Finish with tram → Westermarkt, then a short walk
- Keep your plan to one transfer whenever possible
- Walk using a few-turns rule (skip micro-shortcuts)
- If confused, reset at Amsterdam Centraal (Metro/Train) and restart cleanly
Sources checked
Anne Frank House — https://www.annefrank.org/
GVB (Amsterdam public transport) — https://gvb.nl/
NS (Dutch Railways) — https://www.ns.nl/
Schiphol (official airport info) — https://www.schiphol.nl/
9292 Journey Planner — https://9292.nl/
Rome2rio (route overview) — https://www.rome2rio.com/
By Public Transport (local transit summary) — https://bypublictransport.com/
Last updated: February 2026
