The Amsterdam Marathon is one of Europe's fastest and most scenic marathons, drawing runners from around the world to the Dutch capital every October. The course starts and finishes inside the historic Olympic Stadium — built for the 1928 Games — and takes runners through Vondelpark, along the Amstel River, and past charming canal-side streets. Amsterdam's compact size, flat terrain, cycling culture, and famously welcoming atmosphere make it an outstanding destination for a race weekend.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Amsterdam Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Venue | Olympic Stadium (Start & Finish) |
| Address | Olympisch Stadion 2, 1076 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Airport | Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) |
Late October brings cool, often damp weather with temperatures between 6-13°C (43-55°F). Wind can be a factor on the exposed sections along the Amstel River. Dress for rain and expect good running conditions.
The Venue: Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium (Olympisch Stadion) was built for the 1928 Summer Olympics and serves as the start and finish for the Amsterdam Marathon. Running into the stadium to cross the finish line is a memorable experience. The Marathon Expo is held inside and around the stadium in the days before the race.
What's nearby:
- Vondelpark — Amsterdam's beloved central park, adjacent to the stadium and part of the marathon course
- Museumplein — the museum square with the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, a 10-minute walk away
- De Pijp — a vibrant neighbourhood with the famous Albert Cuyp Market, just east of the stadium
- Amsterdam Zuid (South) — an upscale area with excellent restaurants and shopping along Beethovenstraat
Important: Collect your race bib at the Expo, which is held at the Olympic Stadium. The venue is well served by tram lines 24 and the Metro (station: Europaplein or De Boelelaan/VU).
Where to Stay
The best areas to stay are Amsterdam Zuid (close to the Olympic Stadium), the Canal Ring/city centre (picturesque and well-connected), or around Museumplein. Amsterdam is compact and well-served by trams, so you can stay almost anywhere in the centre and reach the stadium easily.
Conservatorium Hotel — Premium Pick
Located on Museumplein, this stunning luxury hotel is housed in a former music conservatory and sits within walking distance of the Olympic Stadium. World-class spa facilities make it ideal for post-race recovery.
CitizenM Amsterdam South — Best Value
This trendy Dutch hotel chain offers compact, high-tech rooms at fair prices. The South location is very close to the Olympic Stadium and the RAI convention centre, with excellent transport links.
Hotel V Nesplein — Central Character
A boutique hotel in the heart of the canal district, perfect for runners who want to experience Amsterdam's historic centre. Well-connected by tram to the stadium and surrounded by great restaurants and bars.
Getting There
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity Train | ~15 min to Amsterdam Centraal | 5.70 EUR | Frequent departures, easiest option |
| Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express) | ~30 min to Museumplein | 6.50 EUR | Drops you near the stadium area |
| Taxi / Ride-hail | ~20 min | 40-50 EUR | Fixed fare taxis available at the rank |
The train is the best option for most visitors. Schiphol station is directly below the airport terminal. From Amsterdam Centraal, you can connect via tram or Metro to your hotel. If staying near the stadium, Bus 397 drops you closer.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single GVB ride (1 hour) | 3.40 EUR |
| Day pass (GVB) | 9.00 EUR |
| Multi-day pass (2 days) | 15.00 EUR |
Amsterdam's GVB network includes trams, buses, and Metro. Tap in and out with an OV-chipkaart or contactless bank card. Trams are the most useful for visitors — lines 24, 1, 2, and 5 connect key areas.
Where to Eat
De Pijp / Albert Cuyp Market — Amsterdam's most vibrant food neighbourhood. The Albert Cuyp street market offers everything from stroopwafels to Surinamese roti to fresh herring. Jordaan — a charming canal-side neighbourhood with cozy brown cafes, bistros, and independent restaurants.
Amsterdam Food to Try
- Stroopwafel — two thin waffles sandwiched with warm caramel syrup, best fresh from a market stall
- Bitterballen — deep-fried crispy meatballs served with mustard, the classic Dutch bar snack
- Herring (Haring) — raw herring served with onions and pickles, a traditional Amsterdam street food
- Pannenkoeken — large, thin Dutch pancakes with sweet or savoury toppings
- Poffertjes — fluffy mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, perfect as a post-race treat
Budget eating: Amsterdam can be pricey for dining out, but the Albert Cuyp Market and Foodhallen (an indoor food court in Amsterdam West) offer great meals for 8-12 EUR. FEBO automat walls dispense hot croquettes and frikandellen for just a few euros.
Essential Amsterdam Tips
Currency. Euro (EUR). Cash vs card. The Netherlands is very card-friendly. Contactless payments (including Maestro, Visa, and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere. Some small market stalls may prefer cash. Tipping. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service. Language. Dutch is the official language, but nearly everyone in Amsterdam speaks excellent English. You will have no communication issues. Weather in October. Average highs of 12-14°C (54-57°F) and lows of 6-8°C (43-46°F). Rain is frequent — pack waterproof layers and a windbreaker. Safety. Amsterdam is a safe city. Watch for cyclists (they have right of way on bike lanes), be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, and stay off the bike paths when walking.
What to See
- Rijksmuseum — the Netherlands' national museum, home to Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid
- Van Gogh Museum — the world's largest collection of Van Gogh works, on Museumplein near the stadium
- Anne Frank House — the preserved hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during WWII (book tickets well in advance)
- Canal Ring — take a canal boat tour or simply walk along the UNESCO-listed 17th-century canal belt
- Vondelpark — Amsterdam's green lung and a beautiful spot for a recovery walk or jog
- A'DAM Lookout Tower — cross the IJ river by free ferry and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck and rooftop swing
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Schiphol (AMS), ~15 min by train |
| Venue | Olympic Stadium |
| Nearest station | Europaplein (Metro) or Tram 24 stop |
| Transport to venue | Train to Centraal, then Metro or Tram 24 |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely — card payments widely accepted |
| Language | Dutch (English widely spoken) |
| Weather | 6-14°C (43-57°F), cool with rain likely |
| Tipping | Round up or 5-10% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 112 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.