Major boost for RAI Amsterdam as new €1.3bn metro line opens

After 15 years of construction and a €1.3bn investment, Amsterdam has finally opened one of the most high-tech Metro lines in the world. The new North/South Line 52 also now makes RAI Amsterdam one of the most easily accessible convention centre of any metropolitan city. The RAI Amsterdam is in close proximity to the city centre and fairly well served for public transport, with direct tram and bus routes to all the main areas of the city. Schiphol airport is a 10-minute train ride from the RAI’s dedicated railway station. Nevertheless, the opening of the new North/South line on 21 July, given the growing pressure on space and increasing demand, offers a brand new route into the centre. Line 52 used new micro-tunnelling technology to take passengers beneath the famous Amsterdam canals and under the IJ waterway to connect the north and south of the city. There are eight stations on the 9.7km route and one is situated directly outside the convention centre. With up to 10 underground trains an hour passing through Station Europaplein, it now takes less than 10 minutes to reach Amsterdam’s Central railway station from the RAI. Exhibitors and visitors can also easily access other bustling parts of the city from this Metro stop. “The new line means we can offer even greater opportunities for conferences and events at our prime location,” said RAI Amsterdam COO Maurits van der Sluis. He told CMW that the RAI could now be considered as part of the city centre and no longer in the outskirts. “Amsterdam is already recognised as one of the best destinations and we host hundreds of world-class congresses, conventions, events and trade fairs each year. The new metro line further enhances our connectivity and supports RAI Amsterdam’s plans to create a fertile breeding ground for new and innovative conferences, meetings and meetups,” the COO added.