Johan Cruijff ArenA (formerly Amsterdam ArenA) and how to get there

The stadium everyone still calls "the ArenA" was renamed the Johan Cruijff ArenA for the 2018-19 season, after the Ajax and Netherlands legend who died in 2016. It opened in 1996, has a retractable roof, and holds about 56,000 for football and up to 71,000 for concerts with a center stage, which makes it the largest stadium in the Netherlands.

It's home to AFC Ajax (say "EYE-ax"), the city's famous and usually successful club, and it hosts many of the Netherlands national team's home games. On national team days the stadium, and half of Amsterdam, turns bright orange. The ArenA is also the city's biggest concert venue. The official site lists what's coming up, from Eredivisie matches to stadium shows already booked into 2027.

Where it is

The stadium stands in Amsterdam Zuidoost, about 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Centraal Station, at Johan Cruijff Boulevard 1. Two other big venues sit right next to it:

• AFAS Live, the concert hall that was called the Heineken Music Hall until it was renamed on 1 January 2017. Its main hall holds about 6,000.
• Ziggo Dome, opened in 2012, the country's largest indoor concert venue at about 17,000.

There's also a big multiplex cinema and the Amsterdamse Poort shopping center. Beyond that, the area has little for visitors, so don't book a hotel here unless you're coming mainly for a match or a show. For more on concerts, see our live music in Amsterdam page.

Getting to the ArenA

The stadium is out of the way, but the transport is excellent. Everything goes to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station, a combined metro and train station a short walk from the stadium, AFAS Live and Ziggo Dome.

By metro

The old "Yellow Line" and its colored cousins are gone. Amsterdam's metro lines now have numbers, and two of them stop at Bijlmer ArenA, according to the station's listing:

• Metro 54 runs from Centraal Station through Nieuwmarkt, Waterlooplein and Weesperplein, so it's the one to take if you're staying near the Red Light District or Rembrandtplein. The ride from Centraal takes about 16 minutes, and metros come more often than NS trains.
• Metro 50, the ring line, runs from Isolatorweg via Sloterdijk and Station Zuid. Take it if you're staying in the west or south of the city.

The metro runs underground in the center and above ground farther out, including at Bijlmer ArenA.

By train

NS Sprinter trains from Amsterdam Centraal also stop at Bijlmer ArenA, several times an hour, and take about 15 minutes. Other NS services, including Intercity trains toward Utrecht, stop there too. Check ns.nl for times.

Paying

The strippenkaart this page once described was abolished years ago. Now you simply tap in and tap out with a contactless bank card, credit card or phone, or an OV-chipkaart, on both GVB metros and NS trains. Remember to tap out at the other end. Our Amsterdam public transportation guide has the details.

On match and concert days

From the station you follow the crowd west to the stadium. You really can't miss it. After the final whistle or the encore, expect long lines at the station. Hanging back for 20 minutes is often less stressful than joining the crush. The ArenA's FAQ points to its own mobility planner and says the stadium opens 1.5 hours before an Ajax kickoff.

Public transport beats driving on event days. If you come by scooter, note that helmets aren't allowed inside; the ArenA points you to paid lockers at the Ziggo Dome entrance.

Tickets for Ajax, the national team and concerts

This is where things have changed most. The old advice about buying from scalpers out front is outdated and risky.

• Ajax matches: tickets are sold only through Ajax's own ticket shop, with season-ticket holders, supporters' club members and Club Card holders getting priority. Season tickets for 2026-27 are sold out. You'll need a My Ajax account, and international fans must verify their identity before buying. Ajax warns against black-market resale, and tickets from unauthorized sellers can be refused at the gate.
• Netherlands national team: any remaining tickets for KNVB matches at the stadium are sold through the ticket shop on the ArenA's website.
• Concerts: tickets go through each event's organizer, not the stadium. The calendar entry names the organizer.

Tickets are e-tickets or mobile tickets. Bring a printout if your ticket allows it, in case your phone dies. You can't bring food or drink in.

Stadium tours

No match during your visit? The ArenA runs stadium tours, including guided and self-guided versions, a VIP tour, and combination tickets with the Heineken Experience or the Moco Museum. On non-event days the stadium is open weekdays from 7am to 6pm and weekends from 9am to 6pm. It's a good add-on for football fans who can't get match tickets.

FAQ

Is the Amsterdam ArenA the same as the Johan Cruijff ArenA?

Yes. The stadium was renamed for the 2018-19 season. Locals still often just say "de ArenA."

How long does it take to get from Centraal Station to the Johan Cruijff ArenA?

About 15 to 20 minutes on metro 54 or an NS Sprinter train, both to Bijlmer ArenA station, then a short walk.

Can tourists buy Ajax tickets?

Yes, through Ajax's official channels after creating and verifying an account. Popular matches sell out to members, so plan ahead and avoid unofficial resellers.