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Getting from Amsterdam Airport to City Centre

There are 3 modes of transportation available from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to the city centre of Amsterdam: taxi, train and bus. The fastest route to the city centre is by hiring an Amsterdam airport taxi. Though it will cost approximately 39€, it will only take 15-20 minutes to reach your destination. The quickest method of public transportation is the train. Train tickets cost 5.40€ and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the downtown area. An alternative cheap option is the bus. Tickets for the bus cost 5€ and the journey takes 35 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Amsterdam at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €39 20min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €39 20min 24/7
Train €10.80 20min 06:00–01:00
Bus €10 35min 05:00–00:30

How to get from Amsterdam airport to centre by taxi

The most convenient way to reach Amsterdam downtown area is by taking a taxi. Keep in mind that the taxis in Amsterdam do not look identical. Licensed taxis can be recognized by their roof lights and blue number plates. It is important to note that during rush hour there is always a queue for the taxis; therefore, you must wait in line to get one. Without traffic, the ride to the city centre takes around 20 minutes. It is recommended to book your Amsterdam airport taxi in advance in order to save time and to ensure that there are no communication issues with the drivers.

Taxi fare from Amsterdam airport to city centre

A taxi from Amsterdam airport to city centre will charge you a flat fee of 39€. Online reservations can cost up to 55€. However, extra charges may apply, usually from luggage, late-night driving, and traveling on public holidays.

*It is advised to pre-book your Amsterdam airport transfer in order to make sure that you get the best service available.

Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM AMS - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE
€39
€39
20 min
FROM AMS - TO CITY CENTRE
€39
€39
20 min
FROM AMS - TO CENTRAL TRAIN STATION
€39
€39
26 min
FROM AMS - TO VAN GOGH MUSEUM
€39
€39
15 min
FROM AMS - TO CRUISE TERMINAL
€40
€40
20 min
FROM AMS - TO UTRECHT
€75
€75
35 min
FROM AMS - TO THE HAGUE
€65
€65
35 min
FROM AMS - TO ROTTERDAM
€160
€160
55 min
Cost

39€

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

You can always find a taxi at the Amsterdam airport.

Where do I get it from?

You can easily locate the taxi stands just outside of the airport’s arrivals hall.

Convenience

Since Amsterdam taxis run 24/7, you can always find one waiting for you just outside of the airport’s arrivals hall. Furthermore, they can provide the fastest and most comfortable services to their customers.

Editor’s Note

Hiring a taxi is ideal for a quick and convenient transfer. However, traveling by taxi can be quite expensive. If you want to save time and avoid the busy airport, then opt for a taxi. Yet, If you are on a tight budget, you can always use other modes of public transport.

Useful Tips

Taxis in Amsterdam can fit up to 4 people with 3 pieces of luggage.
For more than 4 passengers or more than 3 luggage you have to book a Taxi bus.
Pick a taxi from the line and not from random individuals.
Amsterdam Taxis accept debit/credit cards.
The taxi journey from Amsterdam airport to the city centre takes approximately 20 minutes.

How to get from Amsterdam airport to centre by Train

The train system is directly connected to the Amsterdam airport, which will conveniently bring you straight to the city centre. Dutch railways runs trains to Amsterdam central station up to 10 times per hour and the travel time is approximately 20 minutes.

How much is the train from Amsterdam airport to city centre?

One-way standard 2nd class tickets to Amsterdam Central station cost 5.40€ or 8.40€ in first class.

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket desks or from the automated ticket machines on the arrivals hall.

Cost

5.20€

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Waiting time is around 10 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The direct trains to the Amsterdam Central Station run between 06:00 a.m and 01:00 a.m. There are also night trains running once an hour between 02:00 a.m and 05:00 a.m.

Where do I get it from?

Trains leave from platforms 1, 2 or 3, which are all located one floor below the airport terminal.

Convenience

If you are traveling between major centres, we recommend taking the Intercity Direct train since it is the best and quickest option. The Intercity Direct trains run twice every hour non-stop and the trip from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam takes 15 minutes. The standard Dutch double decker Intercity trains are less convenient as they do multiple stops and have limited luggage space.

Editor’s Note

Please watch your belongings as bag snatchers and pickpockets are known to be particularly active on the trains to and from the airport.

Useful Tips

Many Intercity trains offer free onboard WiFi.
Make sure you get on the correct train and have a railway map.
The journey from the airport to the city centre takes around 20 minutes.
Children under 3 years of age travel for free.
You are able to book tickets in advance on various websites for an often better deal.

How to get from Amsterdam airport to centre by bus

Connexxion’s 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus service provides travelers with the cheapest, yet more time consuming option to get from the airport to the Amsterdam city centre. These red buses depart every 15 minutes and the ride takes approximately 35 minutes.

How much is the bus from Amsterdam airport to city centre?

A single ticket costs 5€ (open return ticket costs 10€).

You can buy tickets straight from the bus driver or from the Amsterdam Airport Express ticket desks and Info booths near the bus stop.

Cost

5€

Trip Duration

35 Min.

Waiting time is around 15 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Connexxion's 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus runs from 05:00 a.m to 00:30 a.m. Night bus service N97 Niteliner runs hourly from 01:00 a.m to 05:00 a.m.

Where do I get it from?

You can take bus 397 from platforms B9, B11 or B13 at Schiphol Plaza,
just outside the main station hall.

Convenience

Taking a bus from the airport might be cheap, but it is less convenient. The bus journey has multiple stops, including Stadionplein, Museumplein and Leidseplein. It is important to note that the bus ride terminates at Amsterdam Elandsgracht bus station and not at Amsterdam Central station. In addition, buses can get quite crowded and luggage space is also limited.

Editor’s Note

For people in wheelchairs this bus might be a decent option as it has all the required tools to accommodate them.

Useful Tips

Bus 397 was previously Bus 197.
The bus ride from the airport to the city centre takes over 30 minutes.
Please note that the bus 397 does not go to Amsterdam Central station.
A children's day ticket (aged 4-11) is just 1€.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Amsterdam. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€39
NIGHTTIME
€39
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Amsterdam airport to city centre?

There is a flat fee of 45€ from the airport to the city centre of Amsterdam.

How much is a train ticket from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central?

One-way standard 2nd class tickets cost 5.20€ or 8.10€ in first class. You can also take the metro, bus or taxi to get from the airport to the city centre if you prefer.

How far is it from Amsterdam airport to the city centre?

The distance between Amsterdam airport and the city centre is approximately 22km. A journey in normal traffic by car should take around 20 minutes.

What is the main train station in Amsterdam called?

The main train station in Amsterdam is called Amsterdam Central station.

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