Question 1

What is the fastest way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?

Accepted Answer

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 €16 including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App.
👉 Find out more about the train or book your train ticket here

Question 2

What is the cheapest way to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest way to travel from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam is by bus. A return ticket to the southwestern city center costs €15 including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App. Another economic -and faster- option is the train connection to the middle of the city at €16 for a return ticket (also 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

Question 3

How much does a taxi cost from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?

Accepted Answer

A Schiphol taxi into central Amsterdam usually lands between €40 and €60, depending on where you are headed and how heavy the traffic is — figure 20–30 minutes off-peak, up to an hour at rush hour. Only take a car from the licensed airport rank, never from someone who approaches you in the terminal. A pre-booked private transfer costs about the same but fixes the price before you travel.
👉 Learn more about taxis at the airport
👉 Learn more about a private transfer from the airport

Question 4

How often do trains run from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station?

Accepted Answer

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 €16, including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App.
👉 Learn more about the train from Amsterdam Airport to the city or buy your train ticket

Question 5

How long does it take to travel from Schiphol to Amsterdam by train?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Where do I catch the train to Amsterdam at Schiphol Airport?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Is there a direct bus connection from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?

Accepted Answer

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 €15 including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App.
👉 Find out more about the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus or book your bus ticket

Question 8

How far is it from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?

Accepted Answer

It is a short hop — Schiphol sits roughly 15 km from the middle of Amsterdam. That short distance opens up plenty of choices: public transport (train or bus) or a private ride (taxi or private transfer). AmsterRoute walks you through each one so you can pick and book the right fit.

Question 9

Is there a night bus or night train between Schiphol and Amsterdam?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

What’s the best option for larger groups or travelers with heavy luggage?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Is there a shuttle bus service from Schiphol to my hotel?

Accepted Answer

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.
👉 Book a private transfer, train ticket or bus ticket

Question 12

Can I get a private transfer from the airport to Amsterdam?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For a private transfer from Amsterdam airport to the city, a fixed-price service is your best option in terms of reliability and price.
👉 Learn more about private transfer or book it here

Question 13

Can I take an Uber from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?

Accepted Answer

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.
👉 Compare taxi & ride-hailing options or book a fixed-price private transfer

Question 14

Can I rent a car at Schiphol Airport?

Accepted Answer

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.
👉 Learn more about car rental or compare car rental deals

Question 15

Is it possible to walk or cycle from Schiphol to the city center?

Accepted Answer

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.
👉 More about walking or cycling in Amsterdam
👉 Prefer to arrive fast? Book a train ticket or bus ticket

Question 16

What’s the best transport option from Schiphol to my conference in Amsterdam?

Accepted Answer

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 trains from the airport or book your train ticket here
👉 Learn more about a private transfer or book it here

			Frequency	Direct to your door	Luggage
train Budget & speed	20 min	€16 RT	4–6 / hour	—	—	Book
What's included Direct Schiphol → Centraal/Zuid Departures every few minutes Runs day and night Not included Transfer from the station to your door Guaranteed seat at peak times Help with heavy luggage Pros: Fastest into the centre · Leaves every few minutes Cons: Short walk or transfer to your door Book now
bus Cheapest booked	30–40 min	€15 RT	4–8 / hour	—	—	Book
What's included Airport Express into the city Luggage rides free Frequent departures Not included Stops outside the south-west centre Door-to-door service Pros: Cheapest booked option · Luggage rides free Cons: Only serves the south-west centre Book now
private transfer Families	20–30 min	from €50	—			Book
What's included Meet & greet at arrivals Fixed price, no meter All luggage, child seats on request Not included Driver gratuity Tolls or parking (if any) Pros: Door-to-door, fixed price · Driver meets you with a sign Cons: Pricey for a solo traveller Book now
taxi On demand	20–30 min	€40–60	—			Book
What's included Door-to-door from the rank No booking needed Available 24/7 Not included Fixed price (meter-based) Flight monitoring Gratuity Pros: On-demand, door-to-door Cons: Meter climbs in traffic · No fixed price Book now
car rental Day trips	20–30 min	varies	—			Book
What's included Pick-up at the airport Freedom to explore beyond the city Not included Fuel and insurance extras City-centre parking (expensive & scarce) Pros: Freedom for day trips out of town Cons: Costly, hard parking in the city Book now
shuttle Airport hotels	10–30 min	often free	—			Read guide
What's included Often free for airport-area hotels Door-to-door to the hotel Not included Hotels outside the airport zone Fixed timetable for all stays Pros: Often free for airport-area hotels Cons: Only a handful of hotels Read guide
bike City flexibility	~1 hour	from €17.50/day	—	—	—	Book
What's included Bike rental with lock Cheap, flexible city travel Not included Hire at the airport itself Luggage transport Pros: Cheap and flexible in the city Cons: No hire at the airport itself Book now
public transport card Heavy riders	—	from €18	—	—	—	Book
What's included Airport transfer + city travel on one ticket Unlimited trips for the period Not included Door-to-door service Value if you barely ride Pros: Transfer + city travel on one ticket Cons: Only worth it if you ride a lot Book now
walking The adventurous	~3.5 hours	free	—	—	—	Read guide
What's included Free No timetable to catch Not included A realistic option with luggage A safe pedestrian route the whole way Pros: Completely free Cons: ~3.5 hours; not practical with bags Read guide

Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam

Getting from Schiphol into Amsterdam — the complete AmsterRoute guide

Cost & time calculator

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Public transport from Schiphol: train or bus

Door-to-door from Schiphol: private transfer or taxi

Other ways into town: car rental, hotel shuttle, cycling or walking

Where are you staying?

City Centre / Centraal

Jordaan

De Pijp

Museumplein / Zuid

Amsterdam West / Centre-West

Make the most of your visit to Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum Entry Ticket

Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Bites

Heineken Experience Ticket (Optional Rooftop)

Top 10 Tastes of Amsterdam: Guided Food Tour