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Train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
Of all the ways into town, the train is the one most locals would point you to. It leaves from platforms right under Schiphol Plaza and reaches Amsterdam Centraal in about 20 minutes — often before you would have finished queuing for a taxi.
Departures run up to eight times an hour through the day and roughly hourly overnight, and a return ticket is around €16 per person. Buy it before you fly and you can head straight down to the platform the moment you clear the gates.
At a glance
Travel time 20 min. from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central 
Price €16 p.p. roundtrip (incl. free City Guide App, 100+ highlights) 
Daytime frequency 05:30 – 01:00: up to 8 times per hour Nighttime frequency 12 AM – 6 AM: once per hour Operator NS (Dutch Railways)
Classes 1st and 2nd class available
Pros
- Fastest option to Amsterdam Central
- Economical
- Eco-friendly
- Frequent service between 6 AM and 12 AM
Cons
- Walk or transfer to reach final destination
- Not ideal with substantial luggage
- Rush hours can be busy
- Beware of pickpockets and luggage thieves
How good is the airport train?
Very. Schiphol has first-rate rail links into Amsterdam, and every airport train is run by NS, the state-owned Dutch railway. By international standards the trains score well on the things that matter to a tired traveller — clean, safe, reliable and on time.
Buy your ticket online
You can grab a ticket from the yellow-and-blue machines in Schiphol Plaza or at the NS counter, but it is far smoother to buy online (see below). The ticket lands in your inbox — along with a free city guide app covering 100-plus highlights — so you can walk straight to the platform instead of queuing at a machine.
NS runs 1st and 2nd class. Since the ride is only 10–20 minutes, almost everyone is perfectly happy in 2nd class.
From the gate to the platform
Arrivals at Schiphol are on the ground floor. Once you have your bags and are through customs, the station is only a couple of minutes away — just follow the yellow “Trains” signs.
The entrance sits right in the middle of the covered Schiphol Plaza; take the travelator or the lift down to the underground platforms.
One thing to remember: you can only pass through to the platforms with a valid ticket, so sort yours out before you head down.
Going further than Centraal
For the last stretch from Amsterdam Centraal to your door — and for getting around afterwards — you have choices. If you are travelling light and staying central, walking may be all you need.
For anything more, a bike or public transport is quicker and easier. Amsterdam is one of the world’s great cycling cities and the tram and metro network is excellent, so it is worth renting a bike at Central Station or rolling your train trip into an all-in travel card.
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 GVB public transport: bus, tram, metro, ferry, night bus
- free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Getting on the right train
Airport trains usually leave from tracks 1, 2 or 3. Amsterdam has around a dozen stations (see the map below), and most are reachable direct from Schiphol with no change.
Most people head for the city’s main hub, Amsterdam Centraal — you can walk straight into the old centre from there, and it connects to trams, buses, the metro and even the free ferries across to Amsterdam North.
But Centraal is not always the closest stop to where you are staying:
- For the western part of the city, it might be more practical to disembark at an earlier train station: Amsterdam Lelylaan, or Amsterdam Sloterdijk;
- For the southern part of the city you might arrive more quickly by taking a different train and getting off at Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam RAI;
- For the eastern part of the city you might arrive more quickly by taking a different train and getting off at Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Muiderpoort or Amsterdam Science Park;
- For the south-eastern area you might arrive more quickly by taking a different train and getting off at Duivendrecht, Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Holendrecht, or Weesp.
train
€16 RTSchiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Centre – FAQ:
Planning your trip by train
How long does the train from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre take?
About 20 minutes from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal — no other option gets you into the heart of the city faster.
How often does the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam run?
Very often — up to eight times an hour from early morning until late evening, so you rarely wait more than a few minutes on the platform.
How long does it take to get from the gate to the Schiphol train platform?
It varies. Walking from the gate to baggage reclaim and through customs is usually 5–20 minutes, and your bags themselves can take 15–45 minutes to reach the belt. Once you have them, the platforms under Schiphol Plaza are only a couple of minutes’ walk away.
What time does the first train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central depart?
The first morning train leaves Schiphol at around 5:30 AM — handy if you land early.
What time does the last train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central depart?
The last regular service goes around 12:30 AM. After that, hourly night trains keep the route running right through the small hours.
How do I get from Schiphol to Amsterdam by train if my flight arrives at night?
Landing after midnight is no problem — an hourly night train covers the gap between roughly 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
Price information and purchasing your train ticket
How much is a train ticket from Amsterdam Airport to city centre?
A return between Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal is around €16, and it includes a free city guide app. 👉 Book your train ticket here
Can I buy Amsterdam airport train tickets in advance?
Yes — buying online before you fly skips the machines and the queue, so you can walk straight to the platform on arrival. 👉 Book your online train ticket here
Can I buy a return ticket for the Amsterdam airport train online?
You can, and it saves sorting out a second ticket for the way back. 👉 Book your return train ticket
Navigation to and at the train station
Where do I catch the train at Schiphol Airport?
The station sits directly beneath Schiphol Plaza — the big covered concourse you reach after customs. Just follow the yellow “Trains” signs down to the platforms.
Is it easy to navigate the train station at Schiphol?
Yes — it is a compact station with only six tracks, clearly signed in both English and Dutch, so it is hard to get lost.
How do I find the right train platform at Schiphol Airport?
Digital boards in Schiphol Plaza, at the escalators and lifts, and down on the platforms list destinations and times. For Amsterdam you almost always want platform 1, 2 or 3.
Popular destinations in town
Can I take a train directly to other parts of Amsterdam besides Central Station?
Yes — direct trains also call at Amsterdam Zuid, RAI and Sloterdijk. Your online return ticket is valid to any Amsterdam station, so get off at whichever is closest to your hotel.
How long is the journey from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid or RAI?
Quick — just 6–10 minutes if Amsterdam Zuid or RAI is your stop.
How long is the journey from Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk?
Also very short: the run to Amsterdam Sloterdijk takes around 10 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Schiphol to the Amsterdam RAI Convention Center?
Yes — direct trains reach Amsterdam RAI station in about 10 minutes, and the convention centre entrance is a short walk from there.
Can I take the train to Amsterdam Central Station if I’m heading to a cruise terminal?
Yes — Centraal is close to both the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and the river-cruise moorings, an easy walk or short taxi ride away.
Travelling with a disability
How accessible are the trains for people with disabilities?
The Schiphol platforms have lifts and ramps, so they work for most travellers with reduced mobility. Mobility aids ride free if they meet NS standards. For hands-on help boarding and alighting, pre-book free NS travel assistance via the NS app or on +31 30 235 7822, and you can request a Travel Companion Card so a companion travels free.
Facilities
Is there space for luggage on the train?
Yes — most trains have luggage space by the doors for larger cases. Keep your bags within sight during the trip.
What should I do if I lose something on the train?
Report it through the NS Lost & Found service; there is an online form to describe the item, and they will help track it down if it turns up.
Is Wi-Fi available on the trains?
On Intercity trains, yes — it is free (look for “WiFi in the train” under Connections). The slower Sprinter trains usually do not have it.
Is there a toilet on the train?
Intercity trains always have one; most Sprinters do not. There are free toilets in Schiphol Plaza if you need to go before boarding.
Do the trains have air conditioning?
Yes — the rolling stock on this route is modern and air-conditioned, so it stays comfortable whatever the weather.
Can I get food or drinks on the train?
There is no on-board service on this short hop, but Schiphol Plaza and Amsterdam Centraal both have plenty of places to grab a snack or drink.
Can I withdraw or change money at Schiphol before boarding the train?
Yes — Schiphol has a currency-exchange desk and plenty of ATMs if you need euros in hand before you travel.
Safety & reliability
Is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam affected by weather, incidents, or maintenance work?
Dutch trains are generally dependable. In rare extreme weather — heavy snow or storms — expect possible delays or changes, and during incidents or engineering work NS lays on replacement buses, which your ticket also covers.
Is it safe to take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam at night?
Yes — the service is generally very safe around the clock, with staff and cameras on board. As anywhere, just keep an eye on your luggage.
Access to information
How do I find my exact train time from Schiphol?
Honestly, you do not really need to — you cannot predict exactly how long the gate-to-platform walk will take, and trains run so often that you simply catch the next one. If you like to plan, the NS app shows live times, platforms and any delays.
What’s the best way to get train updates in real time?
The digital boards in Schiphol Plaza and on the platforms show live times, platform changes and delays; the NS app does the same on your phone.
Terms and conditions
Do I need to validate my train ticket before boarding?
No — if you buy online, there is nothing to validate. Just have it ready to show on your phone if asked.
What happens if I go on the train without a ticket?
Travelling without a valid ticket means a steep fine on top of the fare — not worth the risk for a €16 trip.
What should I do if I miss my train? Is my ticket still valid?
No drama — your ticket is valid all day, and another train usually turns up within 10–15 minutes, so just hop on the next one.
Is this a flexible ticket? Can I change or cancel it?
It is valid for the whole day of your booking, so a delayed flight on the same day is fine. It cannot be cancelled once booked, though.