Amsterdam Airport Taxi Transfer to City Centre
Travel time: 20-30 minutes (off-peak hours) to approximately 1 hour (rush hour) Price: usually € 40-60 one way, depending on exact destination and traffic Availability: 24/7
Pros
- Suitable for travelers with a lot of (heavy) luggage
- Convenient
- Directly to your final destination
- Available 24/7
Cons
- Costly when compared to international standards
- No fixed prices
- Wait times during rush hours and in special circumstances (bad weather, events, problems with public transportation)
4 Types of Taxis from Amsterdam Airport to the City:
- 1. pre-ordered private transfers
- 2. official airport taxis
- 3. ride-hailing platforms (Uber & Bolt)
- 4. other taxis (not recommended)
1. Pre-ordered Private Transfer
A pre-ordered private transfer has two advantages over a regular taxi: a) it has a fixed price , so no unexpected surprises; b) no waiting time . See the separate section on private transfers for more details and for arranging your comfortable personal transfer at a fixed rate.
Private Transfer Amsterdam Airport to City
Price: € 40 – 60
Includes:
- One way Amsterdam Airport to City
- Excellent reviews
- English speaking driver
- Flight monitoring in case of delay
- Assistence with your luggage
- 24/7 customer support
2. Trustworthy Taxis from the Airport’s Official Taxi Stand
The Dutch taxi market is generally characterized by high rates and varying service quality . At the airport, there’s money to be made for taxi services. This attracts high-quality transportation companies, but unfortunately also some less reputable drivers who don’t strictly adhere to the rules and the customer’s best interests.
To protect airport travelers and to ensure quality service, Schiphol has issued licenses to a limited number of transportation companies. These taxis are only found at the “ Official Taxi Stand” . You’ll come across this stand if you follow the yellow “Taxi” signs at the airport and walk straight out of Schiphol Plaza.
Taxis are available 24/7, but the supply can vary . It can get very busy, especially during rush hours and large events like major conferences, resulting in wait times. Several times a year, it can be extremely challenging to find a taxi. This is particularly the case during extreme weather conditions or issues (maintenance or disruptions) with public transportation to and from the airport.
Regular taxis in the Netherlands always have blue license plates and a rooftop sign displaying their company name and taxi license number. These rules apply to all taxis:
- their rates and permit should be clearly visible;
- they are not allowed to refuse short rides;
- costs should be visible in real-time on the meter;
- there are maximum starting rates, per kilometer rates, and per-minute rates;
- at the end of the ride, you are entitled to a detailed receipt.
Eco-Friendly Electric Taxis
You are never obligated to take the first taxi in line. Instead, you can choose one yourself . This gives you the opportunity to select an electric taxi . Many official airport taxis are electric, including comfortable and stylish Tesla cars.
3. Uber or Bolt
You can also arrange your transfer using alternative taxi services, such as Uber or Bolt. Lyft is not active in the Netherlands. The advantage here is that you know the cost in advance .
There is a designated area for these services: the “ App Pick-up Point “. To reach it, walk out of Schiphol Plaza, keep right toward the Hotel Shuttles, and then cross a few bus platforms at the zebra crossing.
A good time to order your Uber or Bolt is once you’ve passed through customs. From there, it’s just a short walk to the “App Pick-up Point.” However, make sure to check in advance whether you’ll meet your driver there, or at a different location.
4. Warning for Other (Non-Airport) Taxis
Apart from the official airport taxis, other legal and illegal taxis may be trying to secure a lucrative ride at the airport. You can never be sure if they are well-intentioned drivers or part of a scam. Therefore, never engage with individuals offering taxi services in Schiphol Plaza or outside, and do not take a taxi from any place other than the Official Taxi Stand . Even if they appear professional, entice you with a favorable offer, or carry an official-looking sign with “Taxi” on it. Ignoring this advice so may lead to overpaying significantly for your taxi ride to Amsterdam.
Official Taxi Stand
App Pick-up Point
taxi
€40–60
private transfer
from €50Frequently 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