3 Best Ways to Get From Amsterdam Airport to City Center ✈️ (2024)

If you’ve just landed at Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest, you’re about 17 kilometers away from the heart of the Dutch capital.

Whether you’re in town for business, a brief stopover, or a leisurely vacation, here’s how to smoothly transit from the airport to your destination in Amsterdam.

Here’s a map that shows the airport location:

This is a pretty short article, because getting from the airport to the city center of Amsterdam is easy and pain-free.

To summarize, it’s straightforward, and everybody speaks English if you need help navigating the airport or public transport.

Let’s start with my preferred way of getting from Amsterdam Airport to the city center.

1. By Train: The Fast & Efficient Route

I usually take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal (the central train station) when I go to Amsterdam as it’s cheap and efficient.

Schiphol Airport Station offers easy navigation with 3 platforms and 6 tracks located directly beneath the airport.

Trains to Amsterdam Centraal usually depart from platforms 1 or 2.

The journey is about 15-20 minutes and trains run every 10-15 minutes.

Insider Tip: For a scenic view of the Dutch countryside, grab a window seat on the right side of the train.

The price for a one-way 2nd class ticket is €5.90, while 1st class is €9.33. But there’s really no need to buy a 1st class ticket when you’re only going to be on the train for 15 minutes.

GVB Multi-Day Tickets

For longer stays, consider these tickets for unlimited use of public transport within Amsterdam.

Read more about the tickets here.

You can also ‘tap in’ with your phone using Apple Pay – I did this on my latest trip to Amsterdam in spring 2023, and it worked like a charm.

• Currently, no metro line directly connects the airport to the city. However, plans to extend metro line 52 to Schiphol are underway, with completion expected by 2030.

Here’s a great video that shows the transfer brilliantly:

2. By Taxi: Prices & Info

Taxis are available outside the arrivals area for direct, hassle-free transport to your destination.

If you’re traveling with heavy luggage or traveling in groups this might be a good way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center.

Cost: Typically between €40-60 for a ride to the city center. Duration is about 15-25 minutes, obviously, depending on where your hotel or destination is.

Pre-Booked Shuttles: These offer fixed prices and can be cheaper than local taxis. You’ll know the cost upfront, and there are no detours to inflate the fare.

I always recommend Welcome Pickups for airport transfers as they’re the company I use myself whenever I want a pre-booked airport taxi.

Taxis can be a time-saver, especially if your accommodation is not near a train or bus station. The comfort and convenience of a taxi can be particularly appealing after a long flight.

If you haven’t booked a place to stay yet, check out my huge guide on the best areas and places to stay in Amsterdam.

3. By Bus: Connect to Key Locations

For a journey that aligns closely with your hotel location, buses are a great option.

The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397, departing from Schiphol Plaza, takes you to various stops in the city, including Museumplein and Leidseplein, in about 30 minutes.

Buses run from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Single fare costs €6.50, and children aged 4-11 travel for €1.

An open return ticket, valid for 14 days, is €11.75.

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Here are the bus stops from the Airport:

• Knooppunt Schiphol Noord
• Anderlechtlaan
• Amstelveenseweg
• Olympisch Stadion
• Haarlemmermeerstation
• Emmastraat
• Museumplein
• Rijksmuseum
• Leidseplein
• Elandsgracht-busstationen

Be aware that this bus does not go to Amsterdam Central Station.

Alternatively, the GVB bus 369 connects Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk, taking around 40 minutes​.

And there you have it, the essential guide to transport from Schiphol Airport to the streets of Amsterdam.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve any questions about your trip to Amsterdam.

See all Amsterdam travel guides here.

Frequently asked questions: