Johan Cruijff ArenA Transport Guide: London to Ajax by Eurostar

Last updated: September 4, 2026

No-Fly Away Days · London to Amsterdam

Johan Cruijff ArenA Transport Guide: London to Ajax by Eurostar

The Johan Cruijff ArenA is the rare big European ground with its own combined train and metro station five minutes from the turnstiles, which makes the Amsterdam away day far simpler than the distance suggests. Eurostar runs direct from London, and one metro line covers the rest. This guide covers the route from St Pancras, the station-to-ground walk, getting back, and the accessible options.

From London
Eurostar · 4h19 direct
Amsterdam arrival
Centraal
Nearest station
Bijlmer ArenA
Arrive by
KO – 45 min

London to the ground, ranked

Tap any line to expand the step-by-step. Green = best pick, amber = mixed, red = avoid.

Buffer is set to kick-off minus 45 minutes at the ground. The ArenA holds around 55,900 and Bijlmer ArenA station is a five-minute walk, so this is the turnstile margin – the Eurostar leg and the metro run from Centraal sit on top of it.

Free London ticket alerts

Never Miss a London Ticket Drop

Get alerts for ballots, on-sales, resale windows and price drops before the best tickets disappear.

Getting back after

Metro 54 back to Centraal
The same line runs straight back to Amsterdam Centraal for the Eurostar. Check the last departure against the kick-off time before you travel.
Bijlmer ArenA mainline services
Bijlmer ArenA is a full train station as well as a metro stop, so you are not dependent on the metro alone if it is busy after the whistle.
Staying over
The direct Eurostar is long enough that a late kick-off can rule out a same-day return. The overnight-versus-day-trip reasoning lives on the no-fly hub.

Step-free & accessible

The Johan Cruijff ArenA has wheelchair-friendly entrances and lifts throughout the stadium, with accessible toilets at the wheelchair spaces and platforms.

Wheelchair spaces always include one space for a companion, so you are not booking a seat separately from the person travelling with you.

Bijlmer ArenA is a modern combined train and metro station and the walk to the ground is short and level. Confirm accessible seating with the venue in advance rather than on the day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Johan Cruijff ArenA from London without flying?
Eurostar runs direct from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal in about 4 hours 19 minutes, then metro line 54 to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA in roughly 20 minutes. The stadium is a five-minute walk from the station.
What is the nearest station to the Johan Cruijff ArenA?
Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, a combined train and metro station about five minutes’ walk away. Metro lines 54 and 50 both serve it, and Strandvliet is the other nearby metro stop.
Is it quicker to go via Brussels?
No – the direct Eurostar is quicker overall. Going via Brussels-Midi takes about 2 hours 3 minutes on the first leg and around 1 hour 56 minutes on the second, but it opens up more departure times when the direct service does not suit.
How early should I arrive at the Johan Cruijff ArenA?
Aim for kick-off minus 45 minutes at the ground. Add the Eurostar journey and the 20-minute metro run from Centraal on top when planning the day.
Is the Johan Cruijff ArenA wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The stadium has wheelchair-friendly entrances, lifts throughout and accessible toilets at the wheelchair spaces, and every wheelchair space includes a companion space. Book accessible seating with the venue in advance.

Plan the rest of the trip