Rijksmuseum location

By bike

Cycling is the most authentic Dutch way to reach the museum, and the Rijksmuseum is uniquely designed to accommodate this. It is one of the few museums in the world with a dedicated bicycle path running directly through the heart of the building. This famous passage allows you to cycle under the grand arches, providing a stunning view of the museum’s interior windows.

Once you arrive, you will find extensive bicycle parking racks located at both ends of the Museumplein and along the adjacent streets. Riding a bike offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to easily combine your museum visit with a ride through the nearby Vondelpark or the surrounding Oud-Zuid neighborhood.

By bus

The Rijksmuseum is highly accessible via Amsterdam’s bus network, which is particularly useful for those traveling from the city’s outskirts or the airport. The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) provides a direct and frequent service from Schiphol Airport, stopping at the Rijksmuseum stop located just a short walk from the entrance.

Additionally, regional R-net lines 347 and 357 connect the southern suburbs and Amstelveen directly to the Museum Quarter. These buses are easy to recognize by their red and grey livery and offer a comfortable, high-capacity alternative to the tram. The bus stops are strategically placed near the museum gardens, ensuring that you arrive within steps of the main ticket check area.

Photo: “Amsteveen: Iveco Crossway 'R-Net'” by Harry_nl.

By metro

The metro offers the fastest and most modern connection to the museum, particularly via the North-South Line (Line 52). After boarding the sleek silver and red trains, you should exit at the Vijzelgracht station.

From the station’s deep underground platforms, you take the escalators to the surface and enjoy a straightforward, five-minute walk south toward the museum’s grand towers. This route is highly recommended if you are staying in the Noord district or near the RAI Convention Center, as it bypasses all street-level congestion. 

Photo: “Metro train on the North-South line at North Station.” by Eriksw.

By tram

Trams are the most popular and frequent transit option. From Amsterdam Central Station, you can board Tram Line 2 or 12, which are celebrated for their beautiful routes; both stop at the Rijksmuseum station right outside the building.

If you are traveling from the eastern or western districts, Line 5 also serves the Museumplein area. These modern, blue-and-white GVB trams run every few minutes, providing a reliable and efficient way to reach your timed entry slot. The tram stops are located near the museum’s main entrance, making this an ideal choice for visitors who want to minimize walking and avoid city traffic.

Photo: “Amsterdam Prinsengracht GVB 2013 Line 2 Nieuw Sloten” by Artix Kreiger 2.

By train

For visitors arriving from other Dutch cities or international destinations, the train is the primary gateway to the museum. Most travelers will arrive at Amsterdam Central Station, the city’s historic rail hub. From there, it is a simple transfer to tram lines 2 or 12 to reach the museum in approximately 15 minutes.

Alternatively, if your journey brings you to Amsterdam Zuid Station, you can quickly reach the museum via Metro Line 52 or Tram 5. The Dutch national rail network is exceptionally punctual and well-integrated with local transit, allowing for a stress-free trip from cities like Utrecht or Haarlem directly to the doorstep of Amsterdam’s most prestigious art institution.

By car or taxi

While driving in Amsterdam’s city center can be complex due to narrow streets and heavy bicycle traffic, arriving by car or taxi is a viable option for groups or those with limited mobility. Taxis and rideshare servicescan drop you off at the designated areas near the Museumplein.

If you are driving yourself, please note that street parking is very limited and costly. The most convenient solution is the Q-Park Museumplein underground garage, located directly beneath the square. From the garage exit, the museum entrance is only a short walk across the lawn. 

Photo: “Front of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam” by Balou46.