It's not as exciting as planning time to see the tulips or a trip to the Van Gogh museum, but if you are traveling to Amsterdam it's smart to figure out how to get from the airport to your accommodations (and back again) in advance. Thankfully, transportation to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is relatively easy, quick, and can be inexpensive.
You can take a bus, train, or cab from the Amsterdam airport to the city center, and each method of transportation has its pros and cons. The train is the cheapest and fastest way to get to the city center, shuttling passengers to Amsterdam Centraal station in 18 minutes. Even though the bus takes longer, it has more stops throughout the city, so depending on where your hotel is it could be a more convenient option. Taxis are the most expensive option, and an airport shuttle can also take you to your hotel door at a lower price than a taxi.
How to Get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center
Train: 18 minutes, from €4,9
Bus: 30 minutes, from €6,5
Taxi: 25 minutes, from €45
Hotel Shuttle: 30 minutes, from $20 (for single rider)
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station is the fastest and cheapest way to the city center. The train runs 24 hours a day, with departures scheduled for every 5-10 minutes between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. (they depart every hour during other times). The trip takes only 18 minutes, leaving passengers in one of Amsterdam's most central and best-connected locations.
Tickets are only 4.90 euros, and you can buy them at the ticket desk on the arrivals level or at the yellow machines using euro coins or a credit card. To catch the train, walk down one level to the floor below the ticket machines.
The train is one of the best ways to get into the city, and avoids any risk of getting stuck in busy Amsterdam traffic. However, you'll need to continue your trip from the train station after arriving, either by foot, tram, bus, or taxi, which can be a hassle, especially if you're carrying lots of luggage.
Tip: Especially if you plan to arrive after 12:30 a.m. or on the weekend, check the NS (Dutch Railways) website to see if any maintenance works will interrupt your journey.
The Amsterdam Airport Express, or Bus 397, departs every 7.5 minutes from 5:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. You can catch this big red bus right outside the main airport hall at bus stop B17, and the trip takes about 30 minutes to arrive in central Amsterdam.
The bus does not go to Amsterdam Centraal Station, but it does have stops near Olympic Stadium, Museumplein, and Leidseplein, so it may be an even more convenient option for travelers with accommodations near these popular areas. Check the address of your lodging or ask before arrival to see if the bus is the best option for you.
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By Taxi
You'll find plenty of cabs for hire in the taxi line just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level atSchiphol Airport. Be sure to choose a taxi from this line and not from individuals walking around soliciting their services. Note that taxis run on a strict meter basis and there is no set flat airport rate.
Uber is also available from the airport in Amsterdam, and you can choose the standard UberX, a luxury Uber Black, or a van for a larger group of people. UberX is sometimes a little cheaper than standard taxis, but you'll need internet on your phone to call the Uber.
Although getting a taxi directly to your hotel is the easiest way to get from Amsterdam airport to the city center with a lot of lugggage, traffic can cause serious delays and run up the meter. If you want door-to-door service, the airport shuttle may be a more affordable option.
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What to See in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is easily one of Europe's most charming cities, especially if you visit in the warm summer months when the sun is shining and the tulips are in bloom. A cruise through the canals is one of the best ways to get a tour of the city, or hop on a bicycle and make your own tour in this über-bike-friendly capital. The infamous red-light district and the deceivingly-named coffeeshops are an exciting part of Amsterdam culture to experience for foreigners, but remember they are geared toward tourists. For a more authentic cultural experience, try one of the city's prestigious museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Anne Frank House.
Train: It is the quickest and cheapest way to get to the city center of Amsterdam. Every day numerous trains depart from the airport and take between 15 and 20 minutes to get to Amsterdam Centraal Station. A one-way ticket is € 4.20 ( US$ 4.60), plus € 1 ( US$ 1.10) for the travel card (Smart Card).
Train: It is the quickest and cheapest way to get to the city center of Amsterdam. Every day numerous trains depart from the airport and take between 15 and 20 minutes to get to Amsterdam Centraal Station. A one-way ticket is € 4.20 ( US$ 4.60), plus € 1 ( US$ 1.10) for the travel card (Smart Card).
Taxi price from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre
Prices for a transfer from the airport to the city center range from € 35 to approx. € 46.75. In contrast, a metered fare can be as high as € 75. Most people who visit Amsterdam have a visit to the city center on their wishlist.
There are two bus services that run from Amsterdam Airport into the central city, these are the Conexxions 397 Airport Express during the day and the Niteliner N97 bus overnight.
Please note: GVB's public transport network is cashless. You can only purchase a ticket or check in with a debit card, credit card or I amsterdam City Card.
At Schiphol, you can buy public transport tickets at the blue/grey Public Transport Tickets machines. These can be found near the baggage belts in Arrivals 1, 2 and 3, and at Schiphol Plaza.
You can buy train tickets for the journey from the airport into the city center online in advance. Alternatively you are able to buy tickets for a one-way ride at the airport train station. The ticket machines at the airport are yellow in color and you can pay by credit card or with Euros.
Access Amsterdam's public transport network with OVpay, the Public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) or the I amsterdam City Card, for unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours. Please note: GVB's public transport network is cashless.
The answer to this question depends on how far you need to go. For shorter distances within the city, public transportation like buses and trams are usually less expensive compared to Uber. However, Uber may be more cost effective than taxis when there is a lot of traffic or when you are traveling late at night.
Get in a taxi at Schiphol's official taxi rank in front of Schiphol Plaza, for a quick and easy onward journey. Always follow the signs for taxis so you know you are getting into an approved taxi. If you come to Schiphol by taxi, you will be dropped off in front of your departure hall.
Catch the train at Schiphol to travel directly to many destinations in The Netherlands. The NS train station is located directly below the terminal building. Take the escalator or lift downstairs and board the train. The train gets you for instance to Amsterdam Central Station in 14-17 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking, as the city is one of the most walkable in the world. The Dutch National Rail (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) provides a 14-17 minute train ride from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station, costing approximately €5.50 per person.
A one-way ticket for the train from Amsterdam Airport to Central Station costs 4.90€/5.20$. Railrunner tickets (for children between 4 and 11) are priced at 2.50€/2.67$. Younger kids don't have to pay for their tickets.
Yes.The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Amsterdam anytime, 24/7. What's the most affordable way to travel in Amsterdam? With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Amsterdam.
Train tickets from Amsterdam-Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can start from as little as $6.83 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
The airport includes a train station – right underneath the main hall. By the way: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is not serviced by tram (light rail) or metro lines.
Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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