If you’ve just landed at Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest, you’re about 17 kilometers away from the heart of the Dutch capital.
Whether you’re in town for business, a brief stopover, or a leisurely vacation, here’s how to smoothly transit from the airport to your destination in Amsterdam.
Here’s a map that shows the airport location:
This is a pretty short article, because getting from the airport to the city center of Amsterdam is easy and pain-free.
To summarize, it’s straightforward, and everybody speaks English if you need help navigating the airport or public transport.
Let’s start with my preferred way of getting from Amsterdam Airport to the city center.
1. By Train: The Fast & Efficient Route
I usually take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal (the central train station) when I go to Amsterdam as it’s cheap and efficient.
Schiphol Airport Station offers easy navigation with 3 platforms and 6 tracks located directly beneath the airport.
Trains to Amsterdam Centraal usually depart from platforms 1 or 2.
The journey is about 15-20 minutes and trains run every 10-15 minutes.
Insider Tip: For a scenic view of the Dutch countryside, grab a window seat on the right side of the train.
The price for a one-way 2nd class ticket is €5.90, while 1st class is €9.33. But there’s really no need to buy a 1st class ticket when you’re only going to be on the train for 15 minutes.
GVB Multi-Day Tickets
For longer stays, consider these tickets for unlimited use of public transport within Amsterdam.
Read more about the tickets here.
You can also ‘tap in’ with your phone using Apple Pay – I did this on my latest trip to Amsterdam in spring 2023, and it worked like a charm.
- Currently, no metro line directly connects the airport to the city. However, plans to extend metro line 52 to Schiphol are underway, with completion expected by 2030.
Here’s a great video that shows the transfer brilliantly:
2. By Taxi: Prices & Info
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area for direct, hassle-free transport to your destination.
If you’re traveling with heavy luggage or traveling in groups this might be a good way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center.
Cost: Typically between €40-60 for a ride to the city center. Duration is about 15-25 minutes, obviously, depending on where your hotel or destination is.
Pre-Booked Shuttles: These offer fixed prices and can be cheaper than local taxis. You’ll know the cost upfront, and there are no detours to inflate the fare.
I always recommend Welcome Pickups for airport transfers as they’re the company I use myself whenever I want a pre-booked airport taxi.
Taxis can be a time-saver, especially if your accommodation is not near a train or bus station. The comfort and convenience of a taxi can be particularly appealing after a long flight.
If you haven’t booked a place to stay yet, check out my huge guide on the best areas and places to stay in Amsterdam.
3. By Bus: Connect to Key Locations
For a journey that aligns closely with your hotel location, buses are a great option.
The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397, departing from Schiphol Plaza, takes you to various stops in the city, including Museumplein and Leidseplein, in about 30 minutes.
Buses run from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Single fare costs €6.50, and children aged 4-11 travel for €1.
An open return ticket, valid for 14 days, is €11.75.
Here are the bus stops from the Airport:
- Knooppunt Schiphol Noord
- Anderlechtlaan
- Amstelveenseweg
- Olympisch Stadion
- Haarlemmermeerstation
- Emmastraat
- Museumplein
- Rijksmuseum
- Leidseplein
- Elandsgracht-busstationen
Be aware that this bus does not go to Amsterdam Central Station.
Alternatively, the GVB bus 369 connects Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk, taking around 40 minutes.
And there you have it, the essential guide to transport from Schiphol Airport to the streets of Amsterdam.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve any questions about your trip to Amsterdam.
See all Amsterdam travel guides here.
Frequently asked questions:
How much is a train ticket from Amsterdam airport to the city centre?
A train ticket from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal, the city center, typically costs about €5.90 for a one-way journey.
Is it easy to get into Amsterdam from the airport?
Yes, it’s effortless to get into Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport. The airport boasts excellent transportation links, including frequent trains, buses, taxis, and car rentals. The train station is conveniently located directly beneath the airport, making it a straightforward and efficient option for travelers.
What is the cheapest way to get from Amsterdam Airport to downtown?
The cheapest way to travel from Amsterdam Airport to downtown is by train. With tickets costing around €5.90, it’s both economical and efficient. Alternatively, for those who prefer road transport, the bus is also a budget-friendly option, with fares for the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 being approximately €6.50 for a single journey.
Can I buy train tickets at Amsterdam Airport?
Yes, you can buy train tickets at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. There are ticket machines available in English, accepting both cards and cash. Additionally, there are staffed ticket kiosks for those who prefer purchasing tickets from a person. The machines and kiosks are conveniently located near the entrance to the train platforms, making it easy for travelers to buy tickets upon arrival at the airport.
Is Schiphol Airport near the city center?
Schiphol Airport is not located in the city center of Amsterdam, but it is relatively close. The airport is situated approximately 17 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam’s city center.
Is the Amsterdam Airport big or small?
It’s the 4th largest airport in Europe, so it’s rather significant!
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• NordVPN is the only VPN I've ever needed for travel (it just works, everywhere)
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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