Bus from Amsterdam Airport to City Centre
Travel time: appr. 30-40 min. to western city center. Price: € 15 p.p. roundtrip. Availability: daytime (5 AM – 12 AM): 4-8 times per hour; nighttime (12 AM – 5 AM): once per hour.
Roundtrip Bus Ticket — Price: € 15 p.p. Includes: roundtrip transfer airport – city – airport, online ticket, free City Audio Guide App, free Wifi on board, no surcharge fur luggage, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Buy my Roundtrip Bus TicketPros
- Economical
- Fast if your destination is near the bus corridor
- Eco-friendly
- Frequent service between 5 AM and 12 AM
Cons
- Only practical if your destination is near the bus corridor
- Walk or transfer to reach your final destination
- Not convenient with a lot of luggage
- Rush hours can be busy
Roundtrip Bus Ticket
Price: € 15 p.p.
- roundtrip transfer airport – city – airport
- online ticket
- free City Audio Guide App
- free Wifi on board
- no surcharge fur luggage
- free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
The “Amsterdam Airport Express” (Bus 397 or N97)
The “Amsterdam Airport Express” is the best bus connection from Schiphol Airport to the Amsterdam city center. The large red bus operated by public transport company Connexxion offers great value at appr. € 15 for a return trip. It takes about 30-40 minutes to get from the airport to its final destination near downtown Leidseplein.
This bus service is recommended if your final destination is close to one of the stops of this bus (check the map below). This is the case if you need to be in the southwestern part of the city center, near:
During daytime (between approximately 5 AM and 12 PM) this bus is numbered 397. The departure frequency varies from 4 to 8 times per hour, depending on the day of the week and the time of day.
During nighttime (between approximately 12 PM and 5 AM) the bus is numbered N97. Then the frequency drops to one single bus per hour.
- the Olympic Stadium
- the area just south of the Vondelpark
- the Museum Square (Concertgebouw, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, MOCO)
- the Leidseplein
- the southern or western Jordaan area
Purchase Your Online Bus Tickets
You can buy your bus ticket outside Schiphol Plaza from a red ticket vending bus (limited opening hours: 9AM – 6PM). However, it’s much more convenient to purchase your ticket online. Then you will receive your ticket via E-Mail. So you can directly hop on the bus, skipping the waiting lines and without having to search for and deal with the ticket vending bus.
Getting to the airport’s bus station and getting on the right bus
The outdoor bus station is located right in front of Schiphol Plaza. It’s only a short stroll once you’ve past customs. Just follow the yellow “Bus” signs. The Amsterdam Airport Express departs from platform B17 on the right hand side of the bus terminal.
The bus number (397 or N97) is clearly visible on the large digital display at the front of the bus. And so is the destination of this bus: “Leidseplein City Center”. The actual final destination -which is also referred to in time schedules and on displays- is a few minutes further: the bus station “AMS Elandsgracht”.
Make sure you don’t hop on bus number 397 or N97 to “Nieuw Vennep”, as that bus goes into the opposite direction.
Luggage on the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus
You may take your luggage on the bus at no extra cost. The bus has a low entry and a public luggage area. Make sure to stay close to your luggage and watch it carefully.
Combining the Bus with other Public Transport or a Rental Bike
For the last mile from the bus station to your final destination and for getting around during your stay, there are several options. Walking will suffice if you travel light and intend to stay within the city center.
However, more convenient and faster ways of getting around in and out of the city center are by renting a bike and by using public transport. Amsterdam is probably one of the best cities in the world to explore by bike, and the public transport network is excellent. Therefore, you might consider renting a bike from the Vondelpark or upgrading your airport transfer by bus to an all-inclusive Public Transport Pass.
Bike Rental Vondelpark
Price: from € 17,50 per day
- wide range of bikes
- online ticket
- locks
- anti-puncture tires
- safety lights
- excellent customer reviews
Public Transport Pass
1-day pass: € 18 p.p.
2-day pass: € 24 p.p.
3-day pass: € 30 p.p.
- airport transfer by public transport
- all Amsterdam GVB public transport: bus, tram, metro, ferry, night bus
- free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
bus
€15 RTFrequently asked questions
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 €16 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 €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
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 €16, 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 €15 including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App.
👉 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, a fixed-price service 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 other venues, a private transfer takes you straight to the door — ideal when you’re carrying conference materials or luggage.
👉 Find out more about trains from the airport or book your train ticket here
👉 Learn more about a private transfer or book it here