Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), otherwise known as Schiphol Airport, is 22 km from the city of Amsterdam. Five modes of transport are available from Amsterdam Airport to the city center: taxi, Amsterdam Airport transfer, train, express bus, or public bus.
The fastest route to the city center is via an Amsterdam Airport taxi or private transfer, as these services are door-to-door. The ride takes just 25 minutes, and you can enjoy the privacy of your own vehicle. Alternatively, the fastest method of public transportation is the train, which also takes 25 minutes to reach Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Additionally, you can choose between two bus services. The best is the Airport Express Bus, which gets you to the city center in around 30 minutes. The service runs 24/7, with the N97 Niteliner taking over during the early hours of the morning. For a cheaper option, you can choose a GVB public bus. However, these routes are longer and have more stops along the way.
5 ways to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €52 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Perfect for families and business travelers after a seamless experience. | ||||||
Taxi | €55 | 25min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Good for families or groups that want a fast, door-to-door arrival. | ||||||
Train | €11.80 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Ideal for travelers after the quickest mode of public transport. | ||||||
Airport Express Bus | €13 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Useful if your accommodation is close to Amsterdam Elandsgracht bus station. | ||||||
Public Bus | €6.80 | 35min | 08:27–03:23 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Great for budget-conscious travelers. | ||||||
Catching a taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the city center is one of the most comfortable and convenient travel methods. Official Amsterdam Airport taxis are available 24/7 from the ranks and are easily recognizable thanks to ‘TAXI’ roof lights and blue number plates.
Note that there is always a taxi queue during rush hour. So you will likely have to wait in line for one. Without traffic, the ride to the city center takes around 25 minutes.
Amsterdam Airport to city center taxi fare
Amsterdam Airport taxi prices are calculated using a taximeter and are regulated by the government. However, most taxi companies offer set prices for routes from Schiphol to the city center. Official rates are usually displayed inside the vehicle.
Nevertheless, a taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the city typically costs between €45 and €55. However, tolls, traffic levels, and other factors may increase your final fare.
You can always double-check the driver is offering a fixed fare before setting off. And remember that the taximeter should still be on. If the meter displays a lower amount once you reach your final destination, you will pay the lower price.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Amsterdam Airport’s taxi rank is located right in front of Schiphol Plaza. Official taxis in the ranks are part of registered taxi companies, with some offering set rates to specific destinations. You must head to the rank and jump in the queue to wait for the next available vehicle.
Remember that waiting times can be extended during peak season (May-August).
Convenience
Since Amsterdam taxis run 24/7, you can always find one waiting for you just outside of the airport’s Arrivals Hall. With door-to-door rides and set prices, taking a taxi is one of the best ways to travel to and from Schiphol.
Despite this, it’s good to be aware that the airport gets very crowded during peak season, and you may end up waiting in line for a while. To avoid this, you can just book your airport taxi in advance.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreAmsterdam Airport is directly connected to the city center via rail. 180 NS trains run daily from Schiphol Airport Train Station to Amsterdam, specifically Centraal Station. You can opt for the Sprinter service or the Intercity Direct trains.
The fastest option is the Intercity Direct train, as the route is non-stop and takes just 15 minutes to get to Centraal Station. You can also take a Sprinter train, which takes around 20 minutes and stops at ‘Lelylaan’ and ‘Amsterdam Sloterdijk’ before reaching the station.
How much is the train from Amsterdam Airport to city center?
There are two ticket classes for the Amsterdam Airport to city train: a one-way 2nd class ticket costs €5.90, and a 1st class ticket costs €8.33. Tickets for children up to 11 years of age cost €2.50.
Single-use OV-chipkaart tickets can be purchased from the NS ticket desks at Schiphol Plaza or the automated ticket machines in the Arrivals Hall. The yellow machines also allow you to scan your mobile, credit, or debit card for contactless payment.
Tickets are also available online in advance on the NS website. A standard 2nd class ticket costs as little as €4.90.
Trains to Amsterdam Central Station run between 05:30 and 00:00. After 00:00, night trains run once an hour.
Where do I get a train from?
Schiphol Train Station is located underneath the terminal building. Follow the train signs and take the escalator or lift downstairs. NS trains leave from platforms 1, 2, and 3. Check the monitors for the next departure and head to the correct platform to board the train.
Convenience
Taking the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam is convenient. Trains operate all day and depart fairly frequently from the airport, getting you to central Amsterdam in under 20 minutes. However, we recommend catching the Intercity Direct train, which is faster, non-stop and provides more luggage space than the Sprinter services.
It’s worth noting that the rail services get overcrowded during peak season and rush hours, so be prepared to stand and always watch your luggage.
Timetables
NS Journey Planner
Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal
Useful Tips
Connexxion’s 397 Amsterdam Airport Express Bus service provides travelers with the cheapest yet more time-consuming option from the airport to Amsterdam city center. Conveniently, the service runs 24/7, so travelers can use bus 397 during the day and the N97 Niteliner after 00:00.
These red 397 buses depart every 7 to 12 minutes and take approximately 30 minutes to reach the center. However, the route doesn’t go to Centraal Station. The terminal station is ‘Elandsgracht,’ with centrally located stops along the way, including ‘Museumplein,’ ‘Rijksmuseum,’ and ‘Leidseplein.’
If you catch the N97 Niteliner bus, it takes almost the same route from Nieuw Vennep to Elandsgracht. However, the night services make more stops, so the journey will take longer.
We recommend you check which stop is closest to your hotel or accommodation.
How much is the bus from Amsterdam Airport to city?
A single ticket for the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus from Schiphol Airport to the city center costs €6.50, and a return costs €11.75. Tickets are valid for 1 hour and 30 minutes after validation. So don’t forget to validate your ticket on the bus.
You can find ticket machines at Schiphol Plaza near the bus stop and at Arrivals 1, 2, and 3. Likewise, you can get them from the counters in Arrivals or on board the bus. Cash payments are not accepted if you buy your bus ticket from the driver.
Connexxion's 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus runs from 05:00 to 00:00. Whereas the N97 Niteliner runs from 00:00 until 05:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
The airport bus stops are in front of Schiphol Plaza. Just exit Arrivals, and you’ll see the bus stops up ahead. The express services (including the N97 night bus) depart from the stop located between B15 and B19.
Convenience
Taking a bus from the airport might be cheap but less convenient. The bus journey has multiple stops, including Museumplein and Leidseplein. It is important to note that the bus ride terminates at Amsterdam Elandsgracht bus station rather than at Amsterdam Centraal Station. In addition, buses can get quite crowded during peak season, so waiting times may be long.
Timetables
9292 Journey Planner
Bus from Amsterdam Airport to city center
Useful Tips
The GVB services at Amsterdam Airport provide public bus connections to various destinations across Amsterdam. However, these services are slower than other public transportation options available from the airport.
Nevertheless, Bus 369 heads from the airport to ‘Sloterdijk Station,’ taking around 35 minutes and passing eight stops. In addition to Sloterdijk, the bus also passes other central stops such as ‘Osdorpplein Oost’ and ‘Ookmeerweg.’
Similarly, buses 245, 246, and 247 also offer routes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Bus 245 ends at ‘Oostzanerdijk,’ Bus 246 finishes at ‘Borneolaan,’ and Bus 247 takes you to ‘Bos en Lommerplein.’ However, these buses take longer as there are more stops on the line.
How much is the bus from Amsterdam Airport to the city?
You will need a GVB 1-hour ticket for the local buses from Schiphol to Amsterdam, which costs €3.40 one-way.
If you are using multiple modes of public transport to reach your final destination, purchasing a ‘Bus Tram Metro (BTM)’ ticket may be wise. These tickets are valid on public transport services for up to 1.5 hours and cost €6.50.
Tickets can be bought in advance online, at the automatic ticket machines, or from the bus driver. For security reasons, cash payments are not accepted.
Bus 369 operates between 08:27 and 03:23. The other bus lines typically operate in the mornings, from 05:24 until 15:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
The airport bus stops are in front of Schiphol Plaza. Exit Arrivals and look for the bus stops up ahead.
Convenience
Using the local bus services is the least convenient option, as there are more stops on these lines and the trip takes longer than the express service. However, tickets are cheap, and the variety of routes means the GVB buses are handy for travelers staying in alternative areas of the city.
The downside is that none of these services head to Centraal Station, so you will most likely need to hop on another mode of transport if your hotel is in the heart of the city. Plus, local buses provide little space for luggage, and the routes are often used by locals, making the service rather crowded during Amsterdam’s rush hours.
Timetables
GVB Bus 369 Timetable
Schiphol Plaza to Sloterdijk
GVB Bus 245 Timetable
Schiphol Plaza to Oostzanerdijk
GVB Bus 246 Timetable
Schiphol Plaza to Borneolaan
GVB Bus 247 Timetable
Schiphol Plaza to Bos en Lommerplein
GVB Tickets and Fares
Bus Tickets Amsterdam
Useful Tips
The best way to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center is by private transfer. Instead of waiting at the taxi rank, you can hop straight into a waiting vehicle when you pre-book an airport transfer.
Amsterdam Airport transfer, such as Welcome Pickups’ personalized services, are known to be the most comfortable and convenient option when arriving at AMS Airport. They offer plenty of extra services to eliminate travel anxiety and make your journey as seamless as possible:
By opting for a transfer, you can plan everything in advance so that the day goes smoothly. Plus, your trained local driver will give you a mini tour of the city during your ride and offer local recommendations so that you can ensure an unforgettable trip.
How much is a transfer from Schiphol Airport to the city center?
When you book a transfer, you’ll receive a fixed quote in advance. This means you can avoid any hidden fees by booking and paying for your ride before even stepping foot in the airport.
Nevertheless, the fixed prices of a private transfer from Amsterdam Airport to your hotel are as follows:
– Sedan (up to 4): €52 during the day and €60 at night
– Minivan (up to 8): €73 daytime and €84 nighttime
– Minibus (up to 12): €175 during the day and €201 at night
You can book your ride via our website or app within minutes. All you have to do is enter your personal details, flight number, and pick-up time to get your quote. The quote you receive is not subject to change, so even if traffic is heavy, you won’t need to whip your card out again on the day.
Transfers are available 24/7 from the airport.
Where do I get an airport transfer from?
If you book a private transfer in advance, your trained English-speaking driver will be waiting for you outside Arrivals, holding a sign with your name. Your driver will introduce themselves and help you with your luggage on your way to your pre-selected, modern vehicle.
Convenience
For a similar price to official airport taxis, airport transfers allow you to save time and ensure a top-quality, reliable service with a trained and vetted driver. On top of that, they’re the best solution for avoiding the taxi waiting line if you’re arriving during peak season!
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 4 passengers
€52Starting from 13 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€73Starting from 9.1 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€175Starting from 14.6 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city?
You can choose between five modes of transport when getting from Amsterdam Airport to the city: taxi, airport transfer, train, express bus, or public bus. The quickest options are via taxi or airport transfer, as these services take just 20 minutes. The train also takes 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam Centraal Station. Additionally, you can choose between two bus services: the Airport Express Bus and a GVB public bus. The express services are faster and run 24/7.
How much is a taxi from Amsterdam Airport to city center?
Amsterdam Airport taxis calculate fares using a taximeter. However, most taxi companies at the airport offer prices that are set for the city center. Nevertheless, a taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the city center typically costs between €45 and €55. But tolls, traffic levels, and other factors may increase your final fare.
How much is a train ticket from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central?
A one-way 2nd class ticket for the train from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam costs €5.90, and a 1st class ticket costs €8.33. If you buy your ticket online, you can pay as low as €4.90
How far is it from Amsterdam Airport to the city center?
The distance between Amsterdam Airport (AMS) and the city center is approximately 22 km. A journey in normal traffic by car should take around 25 minutes.
What is the main train station in Amsterdam called?
The main train station in Amsterdam is called Amsterdam Centraal Station. The train heads straight to Centraal Station from the airport while the buses pass several central stops around the city.
Justine Mellor
Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.
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