Getting from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to the city center is straightforward with several efficient options. This guide will help you choose the best transfer method based on your budget, time, and convenience preferences.
1. By Train (Recommended for Speed and Cost)
The train is generally the fastest and most popular way to reach Amsterdam city center from Schiphol.
- Location: Schiphol Airport has its own train station located directly beneath the terminal building (Schiphol Plaza). Follow the signs for “Trains” or “NS” (Nederlandse Spoorwegen – Dutch Railways).
- Destination: Most trains head directly to Amsterdam Centraal Station (Amsterdam CS), which is the main transport hub in the city center.
- Journey Time: The journey to Amsterdam Centraal takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Frequency: Trains run frequently, typically 8 times per hour between 06:00 and 01:00, and hourly during the night.
- Cost: A one-way ticket to Amsterdam Centraal costs around €5.20 (2nd class). There may be a small surcharge (€1.00 – €1.50) if you purchase a disposable paper ticket from the yellow machines, so consider an e-ticket if available or an OV-chipkaart for multiple journeys.
- Tickets:
- Yellow ticket machines: Located in Schiphol Plaza. You can pay with debit/credit card or euro coins.
- Ticket counters: Also available in Schiphol Plaza.
- Online/e-ticket: Can be purchased in advance from the NS website or app, allowing you to scan a barcode at the gates.
- OVpay: You can also check in and out using your contactless debit card, credit card, or the debit card on your phone at the yellow card readers near the escalators and lifts.
- Tips:
- Be aware of your belongings, especially during busy times, as pickpockets can operate on this route.
- Check the NS website (ns.nl) or 9292.nl for up-to-date timetables and planning your onward journey within Amsterdam.
2. By Bus (Good for Specific City Locations)
The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) is a convenient option if your accommodation is in areas like Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, or Leidseplein, as it has direct stops there.
- Location: The bus departs from bus stop B17, just outside Schiphol Plaza (to the right after exiting).
- Destination: The bus does not go to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Its route covers popular central areas like Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein, with its final stop at Elandsgracht bus station.
- Journey Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency: Bus 397 runs every 10 minutes during the day (from 05:30 to 00:30). The Niteliner N97 operates hourly at night (from midnight to 05:00).
- Cost: A one-way ticket costs €6.50, and a return ticket is €11.75.
- Tickets:
- Online as an e-ticket.
- From the bus driver: Debit or credit card only (cash is not accepted).
- At the mobile ticket office: Outside Schiphol Plaza (open daily from 09:00 to 18:00).
- OVpay: You can also check in and out with your contactless debit/credit card or phone.
- Tips: The buses are comfortable, often offering Wi-Fi and charging points. They have low entries for easy luggage access.
3. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service (Convenient, but More Expensive)
For direct door-to-door service, a taxi or ride-hailing app is an option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group.
- Location:
- Official Taxi Rank: Taxis are readily available at the official taxi rank outside the main entrance to the arrivals hall.
- App-based services (Uber, Bolt, FREENOW): Head to the designated “App pick-up point” by following the signs in the terminal.
- Journey Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes, but can be longer depending on traffic.
- Cost:
- Standard Taxi: Typically ranges from €45 to €75 to the city center, depending on distance, time of day, and traffic. Taxis operate on a meter.
- Ride-hailing apps (UberX/Bolt): Can range from €30 to €65, often with transparent pricing displayed before your trip.
- Pre-booked shuttle/private transfer: Often offer fixed rates, which can sometimes be cheaper than a metered taxi.
- Tips:
- Always take a taxi from the official rank or use a legitimate app. Avoid drivers soliciting rides inside the airport, as these are not officially approved.
- For groups, shared taxi services like Schiphol Travel Taxis can be a practical option, though they may take longer due to multiple stops.
4. Other Options & Travel Passes
- Amsterdam Travel Ticket: This multi-day public transport ticket includes train travel between Schiphol and Amsterdam, plus unlimited use of GVB (Amsterdam’s municipal public transport company) trams, buses, and metro within the city. This can be cost-effective if you plan to use public transport extensively.
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket / Holland Travel Ticket: These broader tickets offer even more extensive travel options if you plan to explore beyond the immediate city center or other parts of the Netherlands.
- Train to Amsterdam Zuid + Metro: An alternative train route is to take a train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid (7 minutes), and then connect to Metro Line M52 (North-South line) to reach various central locations. This can be useful depending on your final destination.
No matter which option you choose, Amsterdam’s public transport system is well-connected and efficient, making your transfer from Schiphol Airport to the city a smooth start to your trip!