Rent a Car Amsterdam Airport

Travel time: 20-30 minutes (off-peak hours) to approximately 1 hour (rush hour). Price: depending on type of car, busyness, and conditions.

Get my best car rental deal at Amsterdam Airport
Travel time 20-30 minutes (off-peak hours) to approximately 1 hour (rush hour)
Price depending on type of car, busyness, and conditions
Companies Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt
Pick-up Counters clustered in the covered Schiphol Plaza

Pros

  • Comfortable private space
  • Combining multiple destinations out of town
  • Flexible off the beaten track sightseeing
  • Independence from time schedules
  • Practical with a lot of luggage

Cons

  • Not recommended just for your transfer to Amsterdam
  • Time-consuming check-in
  • Expensive
  • High parking fees
  • Congestion, road works and car-free zones in Amsterdam

Rent a Car Amsterdam Airport

Let’s find:

  • offers from all major car rental companies
  • the best rates and conditions
  • free upgrades and extras
  • free cancellation or changes up to 48 hours in advance

When to Rent a Car at Amsterdam Airport?

Renting a car is only advisable if you plan to visit many other destinations from Amsterdam. This is especially true if you want to combine multiple destinations in a single day or if your destinations are in remote rural areas, making them less accessible by public transport.

These five major car rental companies have a counter at Schiphol Airport: Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. If you intend to rent a car from the airport, it’s wise to reserve it in advance. Renting at the spot typically comes at a premium. A reliable and user-friendly platform for comparing car rental prices and conditions from Schiphol is Auto Europe. They provide a comprehensible overview of the best offers by all major car rental companies.

When NOT to Rent a Car at Amsterdam Airport?

There’s no point in renting a car solely for your journey from Schiphol to Amsterdam. It’s a waste of time, money, and effort. And parking your rental car in Amsterdam can be a true hassle and extremely costly.

Also, don’t rent a car just to get around in the City of Amsterdam, or for an occasional visit out of town. Amsterdam is a compact city with relatively short distances. Moreover, it boasts an extensive public transportation network and an abundance of taxis. And it is the ultimate biking city.

Within the city, public transport, a bike or even walking often gets you to your destination faster and easier than a car. And for most occasional visits to neighboring towns and other Dutch cities, a regional bus connection or a train will do.

Getting from the Gate to your Amsterdam Airport Car Rental

Arrivals at Schiphol are located on the ground floor. After collecting your luggage and passing through customs, you can walk to the car rental counters in a few minutes. All of them are clustered in the covered Schiphol Plaza. Just follow the yellow or brown “Car rental” signs.

car rental

varies
  • Travel time: 20–30 min
  • Direct to your door
Book online

Frequently 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