Accessibility Information

Navigating Amsterdam with disabilities

General Accessibility

Amsterdam is an old city with many historic buildings, which can present accessibility challenges. However, efforts are continually being made to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities.

  • Accessible Amsterdam: The website accessibletravel.nl offers specific information on accessible attractions, accommodations, and transport in Amsterdam.
  • Wheelchair Rental: Various medical supply companies offer wheelchair rental services for visitors, including Airchair, Medical Comfort, and more.
  • Accessible Bathrooms: Look for the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol) throughout the city. Many department stores, museums, and train stations have accessible facilities.
  • Wheelchair Taxis: Several companies operate wheelchair-accessible taxis, including Taxi Electric and Accessible Travel Netherlands.
  • Accessible Canal Cruises: Companies like Stromma and Blue Boat Company offer accessible canal cruises with wheelchair lifts.

Museum Accessibility

Accessibility varies between museums. We recommend checking the official website of each museum for the most detailed and up-to-date information.

Anne Frank House

  • Accessibility Status: Due to the historic nature and narrow staircases of the Secret Annex, the main part of the museum is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users.
  • Virtual Tour: A comprehensive virtual tour is available both in the museum and online.
  • Modern Museum Section: The modern part of the museum (the visitor center, café, and temporary exhibitions) is fully accessible with elevators.
  • Assistance: Staff are trained to assist visitors with various disabilities.
  • Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages.
  • Website: annefrank.org/.../accessibility/

Rijksmuseum

  • Entrance: Wheelchair-accessible entrance at the Museumstraat.
  • Elevators: Throughout the museum.
  • Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Available to borrow free of charge.
  • Guide Dogs: Permitted throughout.
  • Multimedia Tour: Special version available for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
  • Braille and Tactile Displays: Selected exhibits offer tactile experiences.
  • Website: rijksmuseum.nl/en/visit/accessibility

Van Gogh Museum

  • Full Accessibility: All areas are accessible for wheelchair users.
  • Elevators: Available to all floors.
  • Wheelchair Rental: Free to borrow (limited supply).
  • Audio Guides: Includes features for visually impaired visitors.
  • Sign Language Tours: Available with advance booking.
  • Touch Tours: Special tactile tours for visually impaired visitors (must be booked in advance).
  • Website: vangoghmuseum.nl/en/visit/accessibility

Transportation Accessibility

Public Transport (GVB)

  • Trams: Most newer trams are low-floor and accessible, but not all stops have elevated platforms.
  • Accessible Tram Lines: Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 19, and 26 are fully accessible.
  • Buses: All city buses have low-floor access and a retractable ramp.
  • Metro: All metro stations have elevators and all trains are accessible.
  • Ferries: The free ferries behind Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord are wheelchair accessible.
  • Assistance: Pre-book assistance via +31 20 460 6060.
  • GVB Website: gvb.nl/en/accessibility has detailed accessibility information.

Trains (NS)

  • Station Accessibility: Major stations like Amsterdam Centraal have elevators and ramps.
  • Train Accessibility: Most intercity and sprinter trains have accessible entrances, spaces for wheelchairs, and accessible toilets.
  • NS Travel Assistance: Book at least 1 hour in advance (online) or 12 hours by phone for assistance boarding and alighting trains.
  • Booking Assistance: Call +31 30 235 7822 or visit ns.nl/en/.../traveling-with-a-functional-disability

Taxis

  • Accessible Taxi Services:
    • Taxi Electric: +31 20 777 7777
    • Accessible Travel Netherlands: +31 20 261 5881
    • Amsterdam Taxi Service: +31 20 220 0050
  • Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles: Must be booked in advance, equipped with ramps or lifts.

Canal Boats

  • Accessible Canal Cruises:
    • Stromma: Several accessible boats with wheelchair lifts
    • Blue Boat Company: Accessible boats available
    • Lovers Canal Cruises: Selected boats with wheelchair access
  • Booking: Always contact in advance to confirm accessibility and book specific accessible boats.

Accommodation & Other Resources

Accessible Hotels

  • Mainstream Hotels with Good Accessibility:
    • Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Centre (near Central Station)
    • Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
    • Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
    • NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
  • Specialized Resources: Accessible Travel Netherlands can help arrange accommodations with specific accessibility requirements.

Additional Resources

  • I Amsterdam Visitor Centres: Staff can provide accessibility information for attractions and events.
  • Accessible Amsterdam Guide: Download from iamsterdam.com/.../accessibility
  • Accessible Travel Netherlands: Full-service travel agency specializing in accessible travel in the Netherlands: accessibletravelnl.com
  • Disability App: Download the AccessibleGO app for accessibility information while on the go.

Remember that accessibility needs vary widely; when in doubt, contact venues directly before visiting to ensure they can accommodate your specific requirements.