Amsterdam Airport to City
Train – Bus – Taxi – Private Transfer – Car Rental
Amsterdam Airport to City
Train – Bus – Taxi – Private Transfer – Car Rental
Amsterdam Airport to City Center – Your Complete Transportation Guide
Last updated on November 28, 2024
How to get from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the city center? The Amsterdam city center is just 15 kilometers (10 miles) from the airport. There are frequent, fast, reliable, and safe public transport connections. The train is the quickest way to reach the heart of the city, while the bus offers the most budget-friendly option.
If you value convenience and comfort, or if you’re carrying heavy luggage, a fixed-price private transfer or an airport taxi straight to your final destination may be a better choice. And in some cases, alternatives like renting a car, taking a hotel shuttle, or even cycling or walking might be the best fit.
The information below will help you make the right decision, considering your needs, preferences, and budget. Booking your transport in advance will save you valuable time, money, and effort, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your time in Amsterdam.
Recommended Public Transport from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center (Train and Bus)
1. Train
Travel time: 20 min. to Central Station
Price: € 17 p.p. roundtrip
Frequency: 4-6 times per hour
Main pro: fast & economic to Central Station
Main con: transfer / walk to final destination
Warning: keep a close eye on your luggage
2. Bus
Travel time: 30-40 min. to western city center
Price: € 11,75 p.p. roundtrip
Frequency: 4-8 times per hour
Main pro: economic
Main con: only serves south-western center
Warning: keep a close eye on your luggage
Recommended Private Transport from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center (Private Transfer and Taxi)
3. Private Transfer by Car
Travel time: 20-30 minutes (off-peak hours) to appr. 1 hour (rush hour)
Price: fixed price, from appr. € 50 one way
Main pro: directly to your final destination & convenient with heavy luggage
Main con: expensive when traveling alone
4. Taxi
Travel time: 20-30 minutes (off-peak hours) to appr. 1 hour (rush hour)
Price: usually € 40-60 one way, depending on car type, destination, and traffic
Main pro: directly to your final destination, even with heavy luggage
Main con: expensive, sometimes very busy
Warning: only use taxis from the Official Taxi Stand
Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center – FAQ:
What is the fastest way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?
The fastest way to travel from Schiphol Airport to the Amsterdam city center is by train. Trains depart every 10-15 minutes from the platform located directly under Schiphol Plaza. The journey to Central Station takes about 20 minutes, and a roundtrip costs €17 including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App.
👉 Find out more about the train or book your train ticket here
What is the cheapest way to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre?
The cheapest way to travel from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam is by bus. A return ticket to the southwestern city center costs €11.75. Another economic -and faster- option is the train connection to the middle of the city at €17 for a return ticket (including free Amsterdam Guide App).
👉 Find out more about the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus or book your bus ticket
👉 Find out more about the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam or book your train ticket
How much does a taxi cost from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?
A taxi from Schiphol Airport to central Amsterdam typically costs between €40 and €60, depending on traffic and your destination. The journey takes 20-30 minutes in off-peak hours, but it could take up to an hour during rush hour. For a hassle-free experience, make sure to use the Official Taxi Stand at Schiphol. Alternatively, you can book a safe and convenient private transfer at roughly the same price.
👉 Learn more about taxis at the airport
👉 Learn more about a private transfer from the airport
How often do trains run from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station?
Trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes 20 minutes and a roundtrip ticket costs €17, including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App.
👉 Learn more about the train from Amsterdam Airport to the city or buy your train ticket
How long does it take to travel from Schiphol to Amsterdam by train?
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station takes just 20 minutes and departs frequently, making it the quickest and most reliable way to reach the heart of the city. 👉 Find out more about the Amsterdam airport train or book your train ticket here.
Where do I catch the train to Amsterdam at Schiphol Airport?
The train platforms are located directly underneath Schiphol Plaza, a central area with shops and restaurants that you’ll encounter after passing through customs. Trains to Amsterdam typically depart from platforms 1, 2, or 3. Be sure to check the digital signs at the platform for “Amsterdam Centraal” if you’re heading to the Central Station.
👉 Find out more about the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam or book your train ticket
Is there a direct bus connection from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?
Yes, the Connexxion Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express) is a direct service from the airport to the southwestern center of Amsterdam (Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Jordaan). Buses run frequently, and the journey takes 30-40 minutes. A roundtrip ticket costs €11.75.
👉 Find out more about the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus or book your bus ticket
How far is it from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?
Schiphol Airport is located about 15 kilometers (10 miles) from the heart of Amsterdam. You have several convenient transportation options to choose from, including public transport (trains and buses) or private services (taxis and private transfers). This website provides all the information you need to find and book the best option for your journey.
Is there a night bus or night train between Schiphol and Amsterdam?
Yes, there are both night trains and night buses for late arrivals or early departures. The N97 Niteliner bus and the night train to/from Amsterdam Central Station run every hour throughout the night.
👉 Check the specific Amsterdam Airport Train and Amsterdam Airport Bus sections for more info and tickets
What’s the best option for larger groups or travelers with heavy luggage?
For larger groups or those with heavy luggage, a private transfer is the most convenient option. It takes you directly to your destination and offers the highest level of comfort. Prices depend on your final destination, the number of passengers and the amount of luggage, and start at approximately €50.
👉 Learn more about a private transfer or book it here
Is there a shuttle bus service from Schiphol to my hotel?
Some hotels near Schiphol Airport offer free shuttle bus services, but Amsterdam city center hotels do not. The best alternatives are a comfortable private transfer, the fast train, and the economic Airport Express Bus.
Can I get a private transfer from the airport to Amsterdam?
Yes. For a private transfer from Amsterdam airport to the city, Welcome Pickups is your best option in terms of reliability and price.
👉 Learn more about private transfer or book it here
Can I take an Uber from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?
Yes, Uber is available at Schiphol Airport with several options including Uber Green, UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Black, and Uber Van for larger groups. Prices can vary depending on demand and time of day, and usually range from €40 to €60. The journey takes 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours up to an hour during peak traffic. The ‘App Pick-up Point‘, located outside Schiphol Plaza close to the Hotel Shuttles, is where Uber drivers await their passengers.
Can I rent a car at Schiphol Airport?
Yes, car rentals are available at Schiphol Airport, but renting a car is only recommended if you’re planning to explore multiple areas outside of Amsterdam. Parking in Amsterdam can be expensive and challenging. And inner city travel is more efficient by public transport, taxi or rental bike.
Is it possible to walk or cycle from Schiphol to the city center?
While technically possible, walking to the city center from Schiphol would take about 3.5 hours and is not recommended. Cycling (about 1 hour) is also an option, but only if you take your own bike, since there are no bike rentals at the airport. Renting a bike once you’re in the city is a very good idea.
What’s the best transport option from Schiphol to my conference in Amsterdam?
The best transport option depends on your conference location. If your event is at the RAI Convention Center, there’s a direct train from Schiphol Airport that takes only 10 minutes. For convenience and speed, this is an excellent option. However, if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, a private transfer might be more comfortable.
👉 Find out more about the trains from the airport or book your train ticket here
👉 Learn more about a private transfer or book it here
Alternative Modes of Transport from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center (Car Rental, Shuttle Bus, Cycling, Walking)
5. Rental Car
Travel time: 20-30 minutes (off-peak hours) to appr. 1 hour (rush hour)
Price: depending on car, season, conditions
Main pro: practical for combining multiple destinations out of town
Main con: expensive, time-consuming, difficult and costly parking
Warning: don’t rent a car just for your airport transfer
6. Shuttle Bus
Travel time: appr. 10-30 min.
Price: free in most cases
Frequency: depending on hotel and the time of day
Main pro: convenient & free
Main con: only for hotels on and near the airport + Leonardo Rembrandtpark Hotel
Warning: not available for other Amsterdam City Center hotels
7. Walking
Travel time: appr. 3,5 hours to center
Price: free
Main pro: free
Main con: tiring and unpleasant route
8. Cycling
Travel time: appr. 1 hour to center
Price: free
Main pro: free
Main con: no bike rental at airport
Extra Travel Tips for Getting from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
- Compare transport options: Consider the prices, travel time, and convenience of different transport methods on this website;
- Plan and book ahead: Pre-book your tickets for trains, buses, or private transfers to save time and avoid long queues;
- Watch your luggage: Whether using public or private transport, always be mindful of your belongings;
- Shop for essentials at Schiphol Plaza: Right after passing through customs, you can buy a wide range of items at Schiphol Plaza, including newspapers and books, clothing, toiletries, electronics, and more – typically at reasonable prices;
- Download the Schiphol-App on your phone: This app offers real-time flight info, shopping discounts, baggage claim details, and an airport map;
- Get your free airport Wifi: select the ‘Airport_Free_Wifi’ network in your phone settings for four hours of free internet access.