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Getting to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport
Schiphol international airport lies 17km (11 miles) to the south west of Amsterdam. Probably the very best way to get into the city centre is by train which takes 15 to 20 minutes - Schiphol has a railway station which runs directly under the airport. You can also reach the centre by bus, shuttle bus or taxi cab. |
Schiphol to Amsterdam by Train: Trains leave to Amsterdam Central station around 7 times per hour between 6am and 12.30am. There is also a night train service which runs once an hour. One-way tickets (2012 prices) cost €3.80 or €6.50 in first class - this is the full fare (vol tarief). Do not purchase the discount (korting) fare unless you hold a NS Dutch rail discount card which entitles holders to 20% or 40% off.
Buying Train Tickets: (1) You can queue up at the "Tickets & Services" desk in the station hall to purchase. You will be charged an additional €0.50 for the privilege. Payment is accepted in cash or debit cards.
(2) Use the yellow/blue self-service ticket machines dotted around the main station hall. There is also a machine in the luggage claim area. The touch screens have an English language option. To avoid paying any surcharges you need to use Euro coins to purchase. Note that only some of the machines accept coins and none take Euro banknotes. The machines also accept Dutch bank 'PIN' cards and Maestro (free) or Visa / Mastercard (€1 surcharge).
On the English front page of the ticket machine there is a one-touch option for a single "comfort class" ticket to Amsterdam - this is actually for a first class ticket - so if you want to buy second class use the normal ticket selection process.
For more tips and tricks on buying train tickets in Netherlands then do read our guide: How To Buy A Dutch Train Ticket
Not sure which station in Amsterdam? Then familiarise yourself with our Amsterdam Rail Network Map
If you are going to Amsterdam Central station ("Amsterdam Centraal") make sure you get on the correct train! Trains going to "Amsterdam Zuid" and "Amsterdam RAI" use a different route and do not go to Central station.
 | Next train departure info can be found at the blue LCD screens at either end of the station hall, or the display boards above each platform. Alternatively you can check the printed yellow timetables. The platforms are located under the main hall which can be reached by escalator or stairs. Trains to Amsterdam normally depart from platforms 1-2 or 3. |
Note that FYRA high-speed trains which run between Amsterdam and Rotterdam via Schiphol require a supplement to travel on. This is €0.70 for the Schiphol-Amsterdam sector - although that journey will be exactly the same because the high speed track runs only between Schiphol and Rotterdam.
If you are travelling further afield to other parts of Netherlands then check out our Dutch Airports - Transport Connections Map.
Amsterdam to Schiphol: From Amsterdam Centraal trains to Schiphol depart from platforms 13, 14 and 15 at the northern (waterfront) end of the station.
Schiphol by Public Bus: Red "Schiphol Sternet" buses (operated by Connexxion) run from the bus stop area just outside Schiphol Plaza / main station hall. Bus 197 goes to Amsterdam Marnixstraat every 15 minutes with stops at Museumplein and Leidseplein - this option is very convenient if you are staying around this area. The bus costs €4 one-way and the journey takes around 35 minutes. |
Night bus service N97 Niteliner runs hourly during the night between Schiphol Plaza and Marnixstraat. Tickets also cost €4 single.
Hotel Shuttle Bus: If you have a lot of luggage you may want to consider taking a shuttle bus directly to your hotel. Connexxion's Schiphol Hotel Shuttle departs regularly between 0600 and 2100 from bay A7 outside the main station hall. Journey time to Amsterdam will be around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
This costs €16 one-way and €26 return. Children between 4 and 14 travel for half-price, under 4's free. Tickets can be bought at the Connexxion desk at Schiphol Plaza (Arrivals Hall 4); they are also sold at tourist information offices and participating hotels.
Shared Taxi: Schiphol runs a "Travel Taxi" minibus service - basically a shared taxi that can take you to any address in Netherlands. A typical fare to central Amsterdam is €22 one-way and €38 return. Higher fares apply for private hire.
Taxis: Private taxi cabs in the Netherlands are not cheap - the trip to the centre of Amsterdam will cost around €40 - €50 and will only be economical with 3 or 4 passengers. The taxi rank is just outside the station hall to the left. You can choose whichever taxi you want - you are not obliged to take the first car.
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