Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, often referred to simply as Schiphol, is the main international airport in the Netherlands. In this guide, we’ll look at how to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam and other useful tips. The article also includes a map with all the important information for getting from the airport to Amsterdam.
HOW TO GET FROM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT TO AMSTERDAM
QUICK OVERVIEW
There are 2 basic options to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre by public transport:
- direct train from the station, located directly below Schiphol Plaza at the airport. The train ticket costs € 5.90 and is valid for any connection on the selected day. The train stops in Amsterdam at Amsterdam Centraal Station and the journey takes a quarter of an hour.
- red Conexxion 397 bus, which runs from platform B17 directly in front of Schiphol Plaza at the airport. After purchasing tickets you can go straight to the bus and board. A one-way ride costs €6.50, a return ticket is more economical. The bus stops at several stations in Amsterdam and takes about 35 minutes to the final station Elandsgracht on the edge of the city centre.
☞ Are you planning to use public transport in Amsterdam? Look for day/weekend tickets. With it, you get city transport from GVB in Amsterdam (metro, trams, buses) and airport transport (trains and buses 397) included. At the airport, just scan the barcode in the machine and a chip card will come out.
SCHIPHOL AIRPORT
If you’re flying to Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague, Schiphol Airport is your gateway. It is one of the most important airports in Europe, with easy access to various parts of the world.
Schiphol Airport is open 24/7. There are plenty of shops, refreshments, toilets and showers. You can refill your water in the small fountains, which are located mainly in front of the security checkpoint. You can find a few behind the checkpoint or you can refill your water in the toilets, where the water is also perfectly fine.
The airport also offers a WIFI connection – to connect you need to log into the KPN network (your phone will offer you this option).
In front of the airport, you can take a photo with the large I amsterdam sign or enjoy the view from the panoramic terrace if you have enough time before your flight.
How many terminals does Schiphol Airport have?
The airport has 3 terminals, but they are all under one building, so you don’t have to find out which terminal you are departing from in advance. Just look at the departure board and follow the signs to your departure.
The concept of “3 terminals under one building” can be disadvantageous for transfer flights as the distances between arrival and departure can sometimes be long.
What is Schiphol Plaza?
At the heart of the airport is Schiphol Plaza, a centre full of shops and restaurants that acts as a signpost to the various terminals. Everything is perfectly signposted and easy to find your way around, despite the size of the airport.
The part of Schiphol Plaza with shops and restaurants is before security and the other part after security.
Shuttle buses depart from the square in front of Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam and other nearby cities. The train station is located directly below Schiphol Plaza – you can get here by lift or escalator.
If you plan to rent a car in Amsterdam, you can pick it up here at Schiphol Plaza. All major car rental brands are represented.
Hotels near the airport that offer airport transfers:
- Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (free transfer to and from the airport)
- Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport (free airport transfer)
AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT ON THE MAP
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map on how to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the article about transport from the airport to Amsterdam. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
HOW TO GET FROM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT TO AMSTERDAM
Schiphol Airport is just 18 km from the city centre and can be easily reached by train, bus or taxi. We will now take a closer look at all the possibilities.
TRAIN
The train is one of the best ways to get from the airport to the centre of Amsterdam. The Dutch Railways (NS) station is located directly below the airport – just follow the signs to the station, which is connected to the airport.
The station has a large board with train departures – to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and other nearby cities. Schiphol Airport is not a final stop, so flights from Amsterdam and other nearby cities pass through.
Look up where you are going and the platform number on the board. On the left side you will see the entrances to the individual platforms, which are located one floor below. Trains to Amsterdam usually depart from platforms 1-3.
The station has refreshments, toilets and information where you can ask for directions if you need them.
On the Dutch Railways website, you can find the latest connections, including prices.
Read: Itinerary for Amsterdam in 3 days
How long does it take to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by train?
There are Sprinter and Intercity trains to Amsterdam. Intercity runs non-stop to Amsterdam and the journey takes 14 minutes. The Spinter takes 17 minutes and also stops at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, located northwest of Amsterdam city centre.
Both trains terminate at Amsterdam Centraal Station, the most important link in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Centraal is right in the centre – from here you can walk along the main Damrak street, which has plenty of shops and restaurants. Several metro lines, trams, buses and ferries stop at the main station.
Trains run to and from Schiphol Airport every 15 minutes, but only run every hour between 01:00-05:00 at night.
How much do train tickets from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam cost?
Train tickets from the airport to Amsterdam city centre cost €5.90.
Where to buy train tickets?
There are several yellow and blue machines right at the station where you can buy a ticket. But not all of them are functional – only a few were functional during our visit. You can also buy a ticket at the ticket office.
The machines accept cash and cards.
You can also buy a train ticket online – you can use it for any train on the day you choose. Once purchased, you will receive the ticket directly on your mobile phone and you don’t have to go anywhere. At the station you look up the platform number and go straight to the train.
Read: Things to do in Amsterdam
AUTOBUS
Conexxion 397 buses (sometimes also called the “Amsterdam Airport Express Bus”) are, along with trains, the most popular way to get to central Amsterdam.
The bus stop is located right outside the main entrance to Schiphol Plaza – signs at the airport will direct you. Buses depart from platform B17.
The Conexxion buses are red and offer WIFI connection and power sockets so you can conveniently charge your mobile phone. They are not elevated and have a low entrance like regular public transport, so you can leave your luggage with you.
Where do Conexxion 397 buses stop?
Conexxion 397 buses do not stop at Amsterdam Centraal. On the other hand, it stops at multiple stops in the city, including Museumplein and Leidseplein.
The final stop is the Elandsgracht, located on the edge of the centre near the Jordaan district. If you would like to go to the station from there, just take tram 17, which passes through here.
How long does it take to get to the centre by bus? And how often do they go?
Bus line 397 runs every 7.5 minutes between 5:00-00:00. At night it is replaced by the N97 night bus, which runs once an hour. You’ll be at the final stop in 30-40 minutes, depending on where you get off.
How much does the bus from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam cost?
A one-way bus ticket to the centre costs €6.50. I recommend to purchase return ticket for €11.75 to save a few euros.
Where to buy a bus ticket?
The easiest option is to buy your ticket online. The ticket is valid all day and is open, so you can use it whenever you need it.
You can also buy a ticket from the driver, but you can only pay by card. There is also a ticket office directly on the square via Schiphol Plaza from 9:00-18:00.
Taxi
Taxi is the most expensive, but it is also the most convenient. Especially if you have large luggage.
How much does it cost to take a taxi from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre?
Depending on where in Amsterdam you are going, but usually the price for a taxi from the airport to Amsterdam is between €40-60. Wherever you go, you will always pay at least €35 for a taxi.
HOW TO GET FROM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT TO AMSTERDAM AT NIGHT
Trains run 24/7, but at night between 1:00 and 5:00 a.m. they usually run only once an hour. The journey takes 18 minutes and stops at both Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Centraal in the city centre.
If you miss the train, another option is the N97 night buses from Conexxion, which also run once an hour. They replace the daily 397 buses and take 37 minutes to get to the centre. Bus N97 departs from bus stop 15b and you can buy your ticket again from the driver.
☞ If you plan to use public transport in Amsterdam, look for a day/weekend pass. This includes transport to and from the airport – you can use it for trains or lines No. 397 and N97 from Conexxion, which also connect the airport to Amsterdam. Another advantage is unlimited transport within Amsterdam – valid for metro, trams and buses of the Amsterdam GVB.
HOW TO GET FROM AMSTERDAM TO SCHIPHOL AIRPORT
Amsterdam Centraal
Trains depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station, the city’s most important link. It is within walking distance of the centre, with trams, buses and several metro lines. Amsterdam Centraal includes various shops and snack bars.
The main entrance to the station is in the direction from the centre. The metro station is located right in front of the main entrance or you can enter directly inside the station. From the other side of the station, ferries to Amsterdam Noord leave every few minutes.
The station is open 24/7.
By train to Schiphol Airport
As you enter Amsterdam Centraal Station, you will see the entrance to the trains (there are signs to guide you). There is a large board with the departure times of each train and the platform number.
Tickets can be bought online, at ticket machines or at ticket offices.
The station is big and busy. The station itself has 15 platforms, divided into a and b, so you’d better leave yourself some time to get your bearings. Trains to the airport run mostly from platforms 14 and 15. At the airport, get off at the “Airport Schiphol” stop.
By bus to Schiphol Airport
Conexxion airport buses do not depart from Amsterdam Centraal. You can find the individual stops marked on the map at the beginning of this article or you can simply get on where you got off on the way to your accommodation.
SAVE TIME WITH ONLINE TICKETS
You can buy bus, train and transport tickets in Amsterdam before your trip. This will save you time and stress before your trip.
- Online ticket for bus 397 – buy here
- Online train ticket – buy here
- Online ticket for bus 397 or train + day ticket or multi-day ticket for local transport in Amsterdam – buy here
Do you have a question about getting from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AMSTERDAM
AMSTERDAM: Plan your trip with our detailed travel guide and things to do in Amsterdam. Here is the itinerary for 3 days in Amsterdam. Do you have less time? See the route map for 1 day in Amsterdam.
In this article, we share tips on things to do in Amsterdam with children.
Here is a detailed guide to transport in Amsterdam. These are the best hotels in Amsterdam for every budget.
HOW TO SAVE IN AMSTERDAM: Amsterdam Pass is one of the ways to save money on sightseeing in Amsterdam.
Summary: How to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
Train: The fastest and most common way to travel
Taxi or carpool: Direct transport to your destination
Airport shuttle: specific routes to several stops in Amsterdam
In the article you will find detailed information and a map for each mode of transport.
Depending on which transport you choose, the time spent on the journey will vary: By train you are at Amsterdam Central Station in 14-17 minutes, by bus you can reach the Museumplein or Leidseplein in about 30 minutes.
A one-way train ticket costs €5.90 and a bus ticket costs €6.50 (a return ticket is cheaper).
