How to Get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the City Center
When you get to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, it is now easy to transfer to your hotel or any other place in the city center. This means that several transport types are available depending on your needs and budget. You can see these options below:
- Taxi/Private Transfer: Fastest, door-to-door service | Takes about 20 minutes
- Car Rental: Convenient for exploring beyond the city |Takes about 15 minutes
- Train: Fastest public transport | 18 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal Station
- Express Bus 397: More stops throughout the city | Takes about 30 minutes
- N97 Niteliner Bus: Cheaper, but longer and more stops | From midnight to 05:00 am and takes about 30 minutes
- Hotel Shuttles: Free, running between the airport and the hotels | takes about 35 minutes
Book VIP Private TransferHow to Get from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the City Center via Private Transfer?
Cost: Depends on |Trip Duration: 20 min.
The best way to get from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the city center is a private transfer service. You do not have to spend time waiting in a taxi line or finding the right taxi because there are taxi scams in front of the Amsterdam Airport.
At the Airport There are several means of getting to your destination and private transfer is the luxurious and easy way, although if you have to travel with heavy luggage or with a baby or elder one of the best choices for you is a Private Transfer.
They provide extra services such as:
- English-speaking drivers
- Flight monitoring
- Fixed fares
- 24/7 customer support
Booking a transfer in advance ensures everything goes smoothly on the day. Your local driver will also give you a mini tour of the city and offer recommendations, making your trip unforgettable.
How Much is a Private Transfer from Schiphol Airport to the City Centre?
When you book a private transfer, you'll get a fixed quote in advance, so there are no hidden fees. You can book your ride via our website in minutes. Simply enter your details, flight number, and pick-up time to get a quote and find out the price of the private transfer from the airport to your destination. When you arrive, your English-speaking driver will be waiting outside Arrivals with a sign with your name on it. They'll help with your luggage and take you to your modern vehicle.
Why Choose a Private Transfer for Getting from Amsterdam (AMS) Airport to the City Center?
Private Transfer offers comfort and style, with welcome services that make your trip easier. Door-to-door service with well-maintained vehicles and knowledgeable drivers adds to the convenience, providing useful advice and tips about your stay in Amsterdam.
Take a Taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center
Cost: €45 to €55 |Trip Duration: 20 min.
When you arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, taxis are conveniently lined up at the official taxi stand right outside the Schiphol Plaza doors, available 24/7. Your taxi will always stop right outside the departure and arrival halls. You can choose from a regular taxi, a luxury Schiphol Business Taxi, or a Schiphol Travel Taxi minibus.
During peak hours, you might have to wait in line, but always take a taxi from the official rank to avoid scams. Official taxis don’t have a unique color but have a "Taxi" sign, a company logo, a taxi number on the roof, and blue license plates.
The trip to the city center takes about 18-35 minutes, depending on traffic. Traffic can get busy, especially around the airport and in the city center. Amsterdam taxis are metered, but many have fixed fares for popular routes. A ride from the airport to the city center usually costs between €45 and €55.
Always check that the taximeter is running, and if it shows a lower fare than the fixed price, pay the lower amount. Payments can be made in cash or by card, but confirm with the driver first. Tipping is optional, but rounding up the fare is common for good service.
Tips for Getting a Taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center
- TCA (Taxi Centre Amsterdam) is the main taxi provider at the Amsterdam Airport.
- Ride-sharing is also an option from the airport.
- To order an Uber from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, simply use the Uber app as you normally would. For pick-up, follow the signs to the car rental desks and exit through the door adjacent to them. Cross a few crosswalks heading towards the Sheraton Hotel. You'll find an old bus stop directly in front of the hotel, which serves as the designated pick-up point for Uber rides.
- To find a taxi, head to the taxi rank in front of Schiphol Plaza. (Schiphol Plaza is located directly in front of the main terminal building at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.)
- Official taxis are part of registered companies, and some offer set rates to specific destinations.
- Remember, waiting times can be longer during peak seasons (May-August), so consider booking your taxi in advance for convenience.
How to Get from Amsterdam Airport to the City by Train
Cost: One-way 1st class: €8.33 |Trip Duration: 25 min.
Amsterdam Airport is well-linked with the city center and thus, access to the airport via train is very convenient. Today, there are about 180 NS trains in service from the Schiphol Airport Train Station to the Amsterdam Stadsstation. Another available mode of transport is the Sprinter service especially when you want to be ferried rather than being driven directly to a certain place there are the Intercity Direct trains which are faster.
- Fastest Option: The Intercity Direct train, which is non-stop and takes only 25 minutes to reach Centraal Station.
- Alternative Option: The Sprinter train, which takes about 30 minutes and stops at "Lelylaan" and "Amsterdam Sloterdijk" before reaching Centraal.
Ticket Prices of Trains at Amsterdam Airport
- One-way 2nd class: €5.90
- One-way 1st class: €8.33
- Children up to 11 years: €2.50
In the case of a single journey, one can purchase an OV-chip card ticket at the NS ticket booth which is found in Schiphol Plaza, or by utilizing the ticket vending machines located at the Arrivals Hall. For their convenience, contactless payment including Mobile, Credit Card, or Debit Card can also be used at the Yellow Machines. Tickets are available online as well, sometimes for as low as €4.90 for a 2nd class ticket.
Train Schedule of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Trains at Amsterdam Airport run 8 times per hour from 5:00 am to midnight. For other times, check the board at the train station which shows when and where you can catch the train.
- Trains run every 5-10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
- After midnight, trains run once an hour
Location of the Train at the Airport
As for the train station, it is placed under the building of the terminal. Take the escalator or lift going down, and read the signs on the monitors to see when the next one is leaving. Trains leave from platforms 1, 2, and 3.
Tips for Getting a Train at Amsterdam Airport
- Trains, which connect the airport to the city center and other railway stations, are relatively cheaper and swift and one does not have to worry about traffic jams.
- However, some people may feel uncomfortable when they are sitting or carrying bags because trains are crowded at some hours of the day and during some seasons of the year.
- On the train from AMS Airport to the city center, there are plenty of places designated for storing your luggage, which is handy if you have a lot.
- You can eat and drink snacks on the trains; it's allowed.
- There are fares for persons with disabilities and children between the ages of 4 to 11 years for a price of € 2 each.
- Special deals and discounts are available for non-peak hours, weekends, and public holidays.
- It has been observed that there are rail maintenance works conducted at night, thus it is advisable to consider checking which night is not suitable for rail maintenance before making the journey.
- It is widely acknowledged that there are several options to get from Schiphol to Amsterdam, but one of the fastest and most efficient is a train to Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Amsterdam Airport (AMS) to City Center by Bus
Cost: One-way ticket: €6.50 |Trip Duration: 30 min.
Amsterdam Airport is well-connected to the city center via the Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express, also known as Bus 397. This bus departs every 7-8 minutes from bus stop B17, located just outside Schiphol Plaza, from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. During the night, the Niteliner Bus N97 takes over, running every 30 minutes from midnight to 5:00 a.m. These red Connexxion buses are comfortable, offering Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, and low entry points to help passengers with heavy luggage.
Ticket Prices of the Buses from Amsterdam Airport to City Center
You can purchase tickets from the blue-grey machines in the Arrivals 3 baggage claim area, at the escalators to Departures 3, inside the bus, or online. Note that cash is not accepted on the bus.
- One-way ticket: €6.50
- Round-trip ticket: €11.75 (valid for 14 days)
- Children under 3: Free
- Children aged 4-11: €1
Bus Stops from Amsterdam Airport
Check if your accommodation is near one of these stops for a convenient trip. The bus does not go to Amsterdam Central Station but stops at popular tourist areas. such as:
- Schiphol Airport
- Schiphol Knooppunt Noord
- Schiphol Cateringweg
- Amsterdam Anderlechtlaan
- Amsterdam Amstelveenseweg
- Amsterdam Olympisch Stadion
- Amsterdam Haarlemmermeerstation
- Amsterdam Emmastraat
- Amsterdam Museumplein
- Amsterdam Rijksmuseum
- Amsterdam Leidseplein
- Amsterdam Busstation Elandsgracht
Tips for Transfering from Amsterdam Airport Via Bus
- The trip takes about 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
- After exiting from Amsterdam Airport, go through either door C or D and locate the red van where transportation tickets are sold.
- Taking the Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) is a convenient and affordable way to reach the city center, especially if your accommodation is near its stops at Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, or Leidseplein.
- The bus stop is easily accessible from the terminal.
- Buses are frequent and comfortable but can get crowded during peak times.
- Ensure you check in and out with your OV-chip card or scan your mobile ticket barcode.
- GVB Bus 369 to Sloterdijk is a cheaper option but requires additional transfers to reach the city center.
Get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to City Cente by Car Rental
Cost: Depends on |Trip Duration: 25 min.
Renting a car from Amsterdam Airport gets you downtown in just 25 minutes. It's a great way to explore the Netherlands, where you can cross the country in under 4 hours. With plenty of car rental options at AMS Airport, you'll find competitive prices, excellent service, and a wide range of vehicle choices. To get the best deals and find the perfect car for your needs, it's smart to book your rental in Amsterdam as early as possible.
The 25-minute trip from Amsterdam Airport to downtown can sometimes take longer due to traffic. While Amsterdam's traffic isn't usually terrible, roads near the airport and in the city center can get congested, extending the journey to up to 40 minutes.
When it comes to parking your rental car in Amsterdam, city center parking can be expensive and street parking is scarce. Another option is Amsterdam's Park & Ride system, where you can leave your rental at affordable lots outside the city and use public transportation to get around.
How to Get from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the City Center via Hottel Shuttles?
If you are based in Amsterdam and you use Schiphol Airport, most hotels provide free airport transfers to and from the airport. These shuttles meet you right outside the car rental zone at the airport. Alternatively, you can book a shuttle service for about €20. This service is convenient if your hotel doesn't offer a free shuttle or if you prefer a direct transfer without waiting.
What is the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?
This ticket allows unlimited use of public transit (including Bus 397) for 1, 2, or 3 days, costing €18, €24, and €30 respectively. You can buy these tickets online, at Connexxion counters at Bus Platform B9, airport vendors, and the Holland Tourist Desk at Schiphol Plaza.