If you have a connection layover at Schiphol airport then our guide below will help you make the most of your time – either at the airport or if heading into Amsterdam city itself.

What you can do during your Amsterdam Schiphol layover depends on a number of factors:

Time available between your flights – You now probably need at least 6-7 hours transit time to comfortably visit the city.

A standard flight connection is deemed as being under 24 hours – anything more is considered as a stopover and the flight ticket will likely be more expensive.

It could well be that you have an overnight connection at Amsterdam Schiphol which could require a hotel stay.

Time to get through the airport – Schiphol has 6 runways – if you land on the one furthest away (the Polderbaan) it could take 10-15 minutes taxi time to reach your gate.

You then need to walk from the gate to passport control and the luggage/customs area – this process can take anything up to 60 minutes, depending on gate location, immigration queues and number of border posts open. Obviously if you have checked luggage to pick-up this will slow you down a few more minutes.

As most of the transfer passengers will be flying KLM or Skyteam partners, there are transfer desks and self-service KLM transfer kiosks in each main pier where you can get info and/or check-in for your next flight.

Luggage – For layovers it is optimal to have your luggage already checked through to your next destination. Allow extra time if you need to collect, store and re-check bags.

There are Schiphol Baggage Storage points around the airport – 4 airside (after security) and 1 before security.

Costs are €6 (hand baggage), €9 (hold baggage) and €12 (odd sizes) for 24 hours to store luggage. Payment can be made only by debit or credit card. You get a receipt which you should keep safe (and take a photo of it as a back-up).

Passport control – You will need to go through a passport control if arriving from outside the European “Schengen area” into the Netherlands or when departing from the Netherlands to a country outside Schengen (such as UK or US).

Obviously transit passengers from certain countries who wish to make a quick trip to Amsterdam will still need a suitable Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands and the European EES Entry/exit system.

Schiphol airport has installed 78 automatic self-service passport eGates. Currently they can only be used by arriving passengers aged 14 or over who have various European ‘e-passports’ that contains a microchip.

However in our experience the eGates can sometimes be closed or only partially open.

Note: passengers with suitable e-passports from Australia/Canada/Hong Kong/Japan/Malaysia/New Zealand/Singapore/South Korea/UK/USA are able to only use the eGates on departure – but NOT on arrival.

Time of day – An ideal layover would be arriving on a sunny(!) morning, having a day in Amsterdam then departing in the evening.

Security – On peak travel days there can be long lines at security. It is now possible to pre-book security timeslots (in 15 minute arrival increments). You can see how busy the airport is on the day here

Time of year – Summer is the best time to visit as the days are long and the weather should be at its best although be prepared for rain! If you come in the winter months the days are short (dark by 5pm) and it can be very cold and windy – so ensure you have some warm clothing.

Overnight stays at Amsterdam Schiphol

If you have an overnight transfer then you will need to consider staying at one of the Schiphol Airport hotels

If you want to remain in the terminal during your layover you could consider taking a pod-like room at the YOTELAIR which is in the airside Lounge 2 terminal (non-Schengen departures). The minimum stay is 4 hours, hand-baggage only.

There are also 3 hotels located a short walk from the airport terminal. The budget CitizenM design hotel has small capsule-style rooms. The Sheraton is a very comfortable but more expensive option with spacious rooms and an atrium bar. Finally the Hilton is within walking distance and has modern rooms.

Sheraton Amsterdam Schiphol	Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol

CitizenM Amsterdam Schiphol	YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol

Schiphol layover greater than 6-7 hours: visit Amsterdam?

For a comfortable visit to central Amsterdam our recommendation would be to have at least a 6-7 hours transit. Travel to the city is best made by train or taxi. You can book a taxi in advance at a fixed rate with Sneleentaxi

Schiphol airport lies some 17km (11 miles) south-west of Amsterdam and there is a frequent train service to Amsterdam Central station which takes 15-20 minutes.

You can buy a day return ticket which costs from €11.00 (2026 price).

You can buy e-tickets in advance which allows you to walk straight onto the train (no check-in/scanning required at Schiphol). Just scan the ticket when exiting at the gate barriers at Amsterdam Centraal.

Book round-trip e-tickets here

You could alternatively buy a 1 day Amsterdam Travel Ticket here (€20) which is valid for the train trip and gives unlimited city public transport on GVB trams/buses/metro. You can pick up the ticket at Schiphol.

With this card you need to check-in to the OV-chip card readers which are in the station hall – just before you go down to the platforms. At Amsterdam you should check-out at the gate barriers.

Do make sure you get on the correct train at Schiphol by checking the overhead platform boards (destination Amsterdam Centraal, the train may also stop at Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Lelylaan). See our Amsterdam Rail Map for an overview of stations.

There is a different train line going to Amsterdam Zuid station which has a metro station that connects to central Amsterdam. You would need an Amsterdam Travel Ticket or a separate metro ticket for connecting onto the metro.

As you arrive at Amsterdam Central station the city centre is located on your right side (facing forward). From the platform head down the stairs to the tunnels which take you to the main exit.

Things To Do in Amsterdam on a Short Layover

What you do during your time in Amsterdam is up to you and depends if you are a first time visitor.

If this is your first visit to Amsterdam then it is highly recommended that you take a canal cruise (rondvaart) on a glass-topped boat.

Lovers runs a 60 minute canal cruise from Prins Hendrikkade 25, conveniently located just outside Amsterdam Central Station – book your Lovers cruise here from €15.50. It has a GPS audio guide in 19 languages and free WiFi is available on board.

If you’re here overnight then the Amsterdam Dinner Cruise could be a great experience combining a 4 course meal and drinks with an evening cruise.

You should have enough time to explore around the city a little and perhaps make a flying visit to one of Amsterdam’s museums or attractions.

Here are a few tips and ideas:

• do note that many museums these days require you to make a reservation in advance. If you wish to visit either the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum then this is absolutely essential.
• Body Worlds Amsterdam has a fascinating display of 200 human body ‘plastinate’ specimens. It is located only 400m from Central Station, about 5 minutes walk.
• You could jump on a free GVB ferry at the waterside of Central Station. Cross the IJ river to “Buiksloterweg” where you can see the white EYE Film building. There is also the A’DAM Lookout for a fine panoramic view and This Is Holland virtual 5D flight attraction.
• Or take a longer free ferry ride to NDSM wharf which takes about 15 minutes. This is a quirky area of former shipyards, some cafes and home to STRAAT, the world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum.
• Heading on foot down Damrak from Central Station gets you to Dam Square – which has the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Madame Tussauds (celebrity waxworks), Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Bijenkorf department store and the Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s main shopping street.
• If continuing further down Rokin to Muntplein/Rembrandtplein, in this area you will find the Amsterdam Dungeon, Allard Pierson Museum, the Begijnhof, the main bookshops around Spui and the Flower Market.
• Head down Zeedijk (from Central Station) for Chinatown, Nieuwmarkt, Op Solder Museum and Oudekerk (Old Church) – do note, this area has the red-light district.
• For boutique shops head west – either around the Negen Straatjes (9 streets) and Jordaan areas or down the Haarlemmerdijk street.

Train back to Schiphol Airport – Head back to Amsterdam Central in good time for your train back to Schiphol Airport. These run up to 10x hourly and usually go from platforms 10, 13, 14 or 15.

Trains operate between 06:00 and 00:30; there is an hourly night train service as well. Be aware that most trains will have a destination beyond Schiphol Airport.

Alternatives to Amsterdam

The town of Hoofddorp is just 5 minutes train ride from Schiphol. Whilst this modern town is nothing special there are good shopping facilities about 15 minutes walk from the station including a large supermarket (Albert Heijn XL) and all the major Dutch chains.

Keukenhof is the world famous tulip and flower garden park open only in springtime (late March to late May). It is located near the town of Lisse. You can book a bus trip from Schiphol + Keueknhof entrance here

Keukenhof is open for 2026 (76th edition) from 19 March to 10 May 2026.

Leiden is a wonderful historic city about 16 minutes train ride west of Schiphol.

Schiphol layover less than 6 hours: stay at the airport

There is not really enough time to consider a trip into the city. You will have to entertain yourself at the airport. Amsterdam Schiphol happens to be an excellent airport with many things to do.

Remember that Schiphol is effectively partitioned into 3 zones:

Things to do at Amsterdam Schiphol during transit

• Lounge about on the easy chairs, many of which are located in the terminal’s upper level.

• Browse the web – free WiFi is available throughout the airport – under the “Airport_Free_Wifi” network. Do be aware that Schiphol employs WiFi and Bluetooth tracking of devices for data analysis.

• Relax at the Schiphol Airport Library which has a selection of books to browse while you wait for your flight. The library collection has some 500 titles translated from Dutch authors and also includes children’s books and coffee table style books on art, design, architecture, history and Amsterdam.

The library is open 24 hours and can be found on Holland Boulevard in the non-Schengen departures area.

• Take a shower at either the Mercure hotel (€22.50) or YOTELAIR (€17.50-€22.50) which both include towels and toiletries. You can also take a free shower at the facilities located at the EF Filter, 2nd floor of Lounge 2-3 – but bring your own towel/toiletries.

• Head up to the panorama terrace (public side, departures 1) to look at the planes.

• Take a selfie at the city’s last remaining permanent ‘I amsterdam’ sign, which is just outside the main station hall.

• Visit one of the Schiphol airport lounges if you have access.

• Have some quiet time at the Meditation centre on the upper level of Lounge 2. A church service is held there on Sundays at 11:00.

• Get a massage or a spa treatment at XpresSpa – open 07:00-21:00 at 2 locations around the airport. There are also Massage-O-Matic self-service massage chairs around the airport.

• Work out at the Sheraton Hotel Fitness & Spa (€39 day pass), on the public side close to Schiphol Plaza/station hall.

• Have a look at the small Rijksmuseum Schiphol which features 17th century paintings from Dutch Masters. Located between Lounges 2 and 3 (past security), it is open 24 hours per day with free entry for passengers.

• There are a number of shops at Schiphol – the See Buy Fly are on departures terminal side while the Schiphol Plaza mall on the public side includes a supermarket and various chain stores.

• There are over 40 places to eat and drink at the airport! On the terminal side, places of note include: Murphy’s Irish Pub (D pier), Grand Café Het Paleis, Dutch Kitchen, Bar & Cocktails (try a raw herring), Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar, Harvest Market and the Park Café.

The public side includes a La Place Restaurant, HEMA food (Dutch smoked sausage) and Bánh Mì (Vietnamese).

• Meeting rooms are available at the Spaces Lounge (public side, near the panorama terrace).

• The airport has plenty of ATM machines to get out some euros and various bureau de change counters.

Check out our Schiphol airport guide with more details.

This article was originally published in 2013 and has continuously been updated. Last update 16 February 2026.

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Schiphol has a number of airline lounges and third-party lounges, mainly located airside on the upper (mezzanine) level. Below we review all the business lounges at Schiphol and how passengers can get access.

Schiphol airport is divided between Schengen departures (European) and non-Schengen departures (UK, Ireland, US and rest-of-the-world). You will find lounges located in both the Schengen and non-Schengen zones of the airport.

Schiphol lounges are generally denoted by a confusing lounge number – just follow the signs or check airport maps.

Here is a more detailed look at each lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol:

Aspire Lounge 41 Amsterdam Schiphol (non-Schengen)

There are 2 Aspire-branded lounges at Schiphol run by Executive Lounges (Swissport) located upstairs at Lounge 41 (non-Schengen departures) and Lounge 26 (European Schengen departures).

Book access to the Aspire 41 or 26 lounges

click to check availability via GetYourGuide and select either T2 International Departure: Aspire Lounge (No.41) OR T1 International Departure: Aspire Lounge (No.26). Entrance is cheaper this way than booking directly with Swissport-Aspire.

Lounge 41 re-opened in February 2024 following a major refurbishment project. We reviewed the Aspire lounge 41 at Amsterdam to see the updated version.

The lounge has capacity for 180 guests though the footprint (625m²) was reduced slightly to accommodate the Oneworld lounge nextdoor.

The main space contains comfortable armchair seating but you will also find a communal table and some private nooks with individual seats. There is a small buffet area for drinks and food.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer good views of the apron. It also has shower facilities (at extra charge).

There is a glass partition which is an exclusive space for Singapore Airlines premium passengers.

The lounge is open to paying guests, the standard entrance is around €50 for a 3 hour stay.

Access is also granted via a number of other channels including Priority Pass, DragonPass, ABN AMRO MeesPierson Private banking client and various travel agents.

Business class/elite passengers of Star Alliance airlines to non-Schengen departures plus many non-alliance airlines (such as Emirates) get access to Aspire Lounge 41.

It is located upstairs (3rd floor) in the main area between the E and D gates. Follow signs to Lounge 41.

Opening hours for Aspire Lounge 41 at Amsterdam Schiphol is 06:00-22:00 daily.

Pre-book your lounge access at Aspire 41 – check availability and select T2 International Departure: Aspire Lounge (No.41). By purchasing you should get guaranteed immediate entry unlike Priority Pass holders.

Aspire Lounge 26 Amsterdam Schiphol (Schengen)

Lounge 26 is run by Executive Lounges (Swissport) and is for passengers travelling to Schengen area destinations.

The lounge offers an array of seating, work tables and buffet station. Windows overlook the panorama terrace area.

The lounge is open to paying guests from around €50 for a 3 hour stay.

Access is also available to Priority Pass and DragonPass members.

Note, Easyjet passengers to Schengen destinations cannot access this lounge.

Opening hours for Aspire Lounge 26 at Amsterdam Schiphol is 06:00-21:00 daily.

Pre-book lounge access at Aspire 26 – check availability and select T1 International Departure: Aspire Lounge (No.26). By purchasing you should get guaranteed immediate entry unlike Priority Pass holders. Entrance is cheaper this way than booking direct with Swissport-Aspire.

KLM Crown Lounges Amsterdam Schiphol – 25 and 52

Royal Dutch Airlines KLM has 2 flagship lounges at Schiphol – for Schengen departures (Lounge 25, upper level) and non-Schengen (Intercontinental Lounge 52, upper level near the F pier).

Free access is available to elite members – Flying Blue Gold, Platinum and Ultimate or Skyteam Elite Plus which includes up to 1 guest. KLM economy passengers can access the lounge on payment of a fee (€75 for Lounge 52, €60 for Lounge 25) or by using Flying Blue Award Miles.

Delta SkyClub members on Skyteam flights also get access.

Access is also granted to first/business class passengers of Air France/KLM Flying Blue and other Skyteam airline partners.

This includes Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Xiamen Air.

The revamped Crown Lounge facilities include bar and buffet, showers, free WiFi, comfy chairs and work areas. The intercontinental lounge includes the paid Blue bar and also special Sleep Cabins (at extra charge for 3-5 hours) which contain a bed, TV and sink.

KLM Crown Lounges are open daily 04:45-22:00.

See our Review of KLM Crown Lounge 25 Amsterdam

Oneworld Lounge Amsterdam (non-Schengen, Lounge 40)

In February 2024 Oneworld opened a 473m² lounge facility with capacity for 118 guests in the space of the former British Airways lounge 40, nextdoor to Aspire lounge 41.

The lounge is managed by Aspire (Swissport) on behalf of Oneworld and the 2 lounges share a reception desk.

The lounge features some quirky design elements with arched entrance, funky seating and lighting, a buffet station, a full-service bar including cocktails and barista coffee, shower facilities and some good views of the apron.

Access is granted to Oneworld airline elite (Emerald/Sapphire) and business class passengers. This includes American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Royal Air Maroc and Royal Jordanian – though note Finnair and Iberia fly to Schengen destinations.

It is located upstairs (3rd floor) in the main area between the E and D gates. Follow signs to Lounge 40.

The Oneworld lounge Amsterdam is open daily 05:30-22:00.

See our Review of Oneworld Lounge 40 at Amsterdam

Star Alliance Schengen Lounge

In the Schengen departures area can be found a well-appointed Star Alliance lounge which opened in 2019.

Access is granted to Star Alliance business and first class passengers including Aegean Airlines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss and TAP Air Portugal – which all serve the Schengen departures.

Business class passengers on other Star Alliance airlines (non-Schengen departures) will generally be directed to the Aspire Lounge 41. However they are welcome to visit the Star Alliance lounge but need to go through a border control to reach the non-Schengen gates.

Access is also available to Star Alliance Gold members, United Club and eligible Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members.

Paid access for €50 is available to economy passengers flying on a Star Alliance carrier.

The lounge has modern decor and capacity for 150 passengers. There are bar/dining facilities, business area, comfy seats, international newspapers/magazines but no showers.

The Star Alliance Lounge 27 is open 05:30-21:00 daily. It can be found next to Aspire Lounge 26.

Privium Lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol

Privium is a subscription service available at Schiphol for nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. It allows members to pass through Dutch passport control via an iris scan. Note, you cannot join Privium with a United Kingdom passport.

Members are issued with a chip card on which the biometric data is stored and encrypted.

Privium Plus members (€320 per year) get access to the 3 Privium lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol as long as they can show a boarding pass for on-the-day. Privium members can also access lounges when arriving at Schiphol as well as departing.

Holders of Netherlands-issued American Express Platinum cards can get complimentary Privium Plus membership (apply here)

Members can access the lounges as long as they can show a departing or arriving boarding pass. Guests are charged at €40 per person and any children must be 12 or over.

Non-Privium members can access the lounge by paying €45-€65 for a lounge access voucher.

Privium plan to open a 4th lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol at the Schengen C pier sometime in the future.

Privium ClubLounge Departures

The 600m² Privium ClubLounge Departures is located before security between Departures 1 and 2, behind check-in desk row 9. It can be entered immediately after passing through the iris scan gate.

With contemporary white decor, the Clublounge offers drinks and buffet food, work places, and an array of seating zones. Note, the lounge does not have any windows.

Opening hours are 05:30-21:00 daily.

Privium ClubLounge West

The Privium ClubLounge West was opened in 2021 following a redesign and expansion of the previous Privium Airside lounge. It is found past security in the non-Schengen area on Holland Boulevard at pier E behind Dutch Bar & Kitchen. The lounge has a Northern Lights design theme and has a food/drink bar, individual workstations, shower and hand spa.

Opening hours are 05:30-21:00 daily.

Privium ExpressLounge

The Privium ExpressLounge is another Privium lounge located after security at Lounge 1 (second floor) near the start of the D pier (Schengen area).

It is open daily 05:30-21:00.

Schiphol VIP Service Lounges

Amsterdam Schiphol airport offers a paid VIP service for departing, arriving and transfer passengers travelling on any airline. This gives access to a select range of private lounges at Schiphol’s dedicated VIP centre.

The stylish lounges are designed by Marcel Wanders and include good quality food and drinks.

Reservations are possible for groups up to 20 people. VIP access has its own security channel, baggage check-in, passport control and all transfers to aircraft by luxury car.

The location of the VIP centre is at Arrivals 4 at the end of Jan Plezierweg, next to the Excellence Parking facility.

Rates in 2026 for departing/arriving passengers: €615 (first passenger) plus €380 (each additional passenger).

Rates for transfer passengers: €825 (first passenger) plus €560 (each additional passenger).

All prices exclude Dutch VAT at 21%.

American Express Centurion Lounge Amsterdam

We expect American Express to open a Centurion Lounge facility at Amsterdam Schiphol  around mid-2026.

Schiphol Arrivals Lounges/Showers

There are no dedicated arrivals lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol for passengers. There are a few options for taking a shower though:

• There are free showers upstairs on the 2nd floor of Lounge 2-3 (at the so-called EF Filter). It is open 24/7 but you do need to bring your own soap and towels!
• Mercure Schiphol terminal hotel on the upper level of Lounge 3 between piers E and F (non-Schengen) offers showers for €22.50 which includes soap and towels.
• YOTELAir on the upper level of Lounge 2 (piers D/E) also offers showers with soap/towels and charges €17.50 (single-use) or €22.50 (double-use).
• Privium Plus members can use the Privium lounges as an arrivals facility on production of a valid boarding pass. The Privium ClubLounge West has a shower.
• Skyteam premium/elite passengers with a same-day ticket can technically access the KLM Crown lounge.
• The Sheraton hotel is a short walk across from the arrivals/train station hall. A Fitness & Spa day pass costs €39 from the hotel reception – giving access to shower and spa facilities. For regular visitors, a 10x entry card costs €175, working out at €17.50 per visit.

Overnight stays at Amsterdam Schiphol

If you want to remain in the terminal during your layover you could consider taking a pod-like room at the YOTELAIR which is in the airside Lounge 2 terminal (non-Schengen departures). The minimum stay is 4 hours, hand-baggage only.

There are also 3 hotels at Amsterdam Schiphol located a short walk from the airport terminal:

• The budget CitizenM design hotel has small capsule-style rooms.
• The Sheraton is a very comfortable but more expensive option with spacious rooms and an atrium bar.
• Finally the Hilton is within walking distance and has modern rooms.

Sheraton Amsterdam Schiphol	Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol

CitizenM Amsterdam Schiphol	YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol

This article was originally published in 2014. Last checked and updated 21 January 2026.

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The red 397 articulated electric buses (R-NET branded) operate between Schiphol Airport, just outside the airport arrivals area and Amsterdam Elandsgracht bus station.

Note, the standard 397 bus does NOT go to Amsterdam Centraal station – however the N97 night service does terminate at Centraal.

Amsterdam Airport Express Bus Operating Hours

The 397 bus operates 4-8x hourly from 05:00 to 01:00 between Schiphol Airport (stand B17) and Amsterdam Elandsgracht. On Sundays the service frequency is reduced to 4x hourly.

Night bus N97 operates 1x hourly between 01:00-05:00 between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal.

The journey time from Schiphol Airport to Leidseplein will be around 30 minutes but can vary slightly depending on traffic.

Bus 397 Route and Stops

The full 397 route runs from the towns of Nieuw-Vennep and Hoofddorp before getting to Schiphol Airport – from there it runs into the centre of Amsterdam, terminating at Elandsgracht bus station.

From Elandsgracht it runs back to Nieuw-Vennep via the airport along the same route.

If your hotel/accommodation is on the route or around the Museumplein/Leidseplein area of Amsterdam then bus 397 is an excellent airport transport option.

Bus 397 – On Board

Buses have convenient ground-level boarding – good for those with luggage or accessibility issues.

On boarding you should ‘check-in’ with your ticket – either hold an OV-chip card or debit/credit card against the card reader or scan your ticket QR code underneath.

There are designated areas with folding seats for prams/pushchairs and wheelchairs. If these are vacant this could be used for placing larger bags/cases here as there are no dedicated luggage areas.

There is free WiFi available on board and USB charging points can be found under the windows of some seats.

Screens give live travel info en route and the ceiling is illustrated with the various stops and surrounding places of interest.

Press the red stop buttons to alert the driver for the next stop and don’t forget to check-out when you leave the bus.

Bus 397 Tickets

There are various ticket options for the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus.

You can buy a single (one-way) ticket for €6.50 or a return ticket at a slight discount for €11.75 – which is valid for 14 days on both the 397 and N97.

You can conveniently purchase online here and choose single or return (saves the hassle of buying at the airport).

For children aged 4-11 buy a children’s ticket on board from the driver for €1 (card payments only). Children 0-3 travel for free.

It is also possible to buy tickets at Public Transport Service & Tickets minibus tucked away near the hotel shuttle bus stops A5-A7 or at the public transport ticket machines.

You can use the credit on an OV-chipcard or check-in/out with a debit/credit card (OVpay) which will charge the standard one-way distance fare between your stops.

Note, standard GVB tickets are NOT valid for the 397 service. However, the following multi-day tickets are valid for unlimited trips on the 397 bus:

Good for AMS airport	Best for Excursions
Amsterdam Travel Ticket	Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
1/2/3 days	1/2/3 days
€20/€27/€34	€23/€34/€44
Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam	Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam
Valid on Schiphol airport train + 397 airport bus	Valid on Schiphol airport train + 397 airport bus
Valid on trains between any Amsterdam stations	Valid on regional NS trains + EBS/Connexxion/Qbuzz/R-NET buses in region
Calendar day basis	Calendar day basis
Card only (not digital)	Card only (not digital)
Order here	Order here
more info	more info

Alternatives to Bus 397

The train is the quickest way to reach Amsterdam Centraal from Schiphol Airport, taking just 15 minutes. Trains run up to 8x hourly between 05:30-01:00.

There are also Intercity night trains running once an hour between 02:00 and 05:00 – but note these require a change at Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena travelling either way.

One-way tickets (2026) between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central cost €7.10 standard 2nd class or €11.50 in 1st class – these prices include the €1.60 surcharge for buying a disposable ticket.

The standard Schiphol-Amsterdam 2nd class fare is thus €5.50. Book e-tickets here or this e-ticket which includes any children for free.

Taxis in the Netherlands are not particularly cheap – the trip from the airport to the centre of Amsterdam will cost around €50 to €80. That said, the cars are usually very comfortable (Mercedes sedan or similar) so this may be a good choice for business travellers, older visitors and small groups.

The official taxi stand at Amsterdam Schiphol is located just outside the main station hall slightly to the left. The journey should take between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Sneleentaxi offers fixed fares to/from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam or any destination in the Netherlands. Book a taxi at fixed rate with Sneleentaxi

For a reliable, good value fixed fare (no surge pricing) meet and greet service at Schiphol book a taxi with Welcome Pickups.

Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397: Summary

Bus 397 from R-NET Connexxion offers a reliable, frequent and cost-effective way to travel between Schiphol Airport and central Amsterdam.

Order your Bus 397 Tickets here

First published in 2024, last checked and updated 7 January 2026.

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Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is a major international airport which lies 17km south-west of central Amsterdam. It offers excellent transport connections including a railway station directly under the airport.

For many passengers the train is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting to Amsterdam city centre.

Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam summary (2026 prices)

1. TRAIN: NS (Dutch Railways) train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central (singles from €5.50-€12.00, 16-17 mins).

You can book single e-tickets here – these are convenient options for arriving travellers – no queues, walk straight onto the train (no scanning required at Schiphol) and you only need to scan the barcode at the exit gates at Amsterdam Centraal.

2. TRAIN+METRO: NS train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid (singles from €3.70, 7 mins) where you can connect onto the metro (single €3.40).

3. BUS: Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 (Connexxion-RNET) from Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Elandsgracht (single €6.50, open return €11.75, 30 mins). Also, GVB bus 369 Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk (single €3.40, 40 mins). Note neither bus goes to Amsterdam Central.

Multi-day transport tickets useful for visitors which are valid on all airport trains and buses to central Amsterdam. These can be good value if you also need transport in and around Amsterdam:

Amsterdam Travel Ticket – Valid between the airport and Amsterdam. Plus unlimited travel on all GVB transport in Amsterdam and on trains between any Amsterdam stations (including Schiphol). Costs €20/€27/€34 for 1/2/3 calendar days. Book the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket – Valid between the airport and Amsterdam. Plus unlimited travel on all GVB transport in Amsterdam and all buses, trains in the Amsterdam region. Costs €23/€34/€44 for 1/2/3 calendar days. Book the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket here

Holland Travel Ticket: 1 day ticket (€79/€54 off-peak) valid on all Dutch public transport. Only good for longer journeys around the Netherlands and/or if using multiple transport companies.

TAXI: Standard metered fare will be €50-€80 to central Amsterdam; fixed fare discounts offered by some companies. If you have large cases and don’t want to navigate busy public transport then a taxi direct to/from your accommodation is a very comfortable option.

For a reliable, good value fixed fare (no surge pricing) meet and greet service at Schiphol book a taxi with Welcome Pickups.

Or book a taxi to anywhere in the Netherlands at a fixed rate with Sneleentaxi

RIDE-HAILING: Uber and Bolt are present in Amsterdam and airport-city transfers generally cost around €40-65.

Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam – Transport & ticket options

1. Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by NS train

All Schiphol passenger arrival points (exits 1-4) are a short walk to the main station hall. Dutch Railways (NS) runs Sprinter trains to Amsterdam Central station up to 8 times per hour between 05:30 and 01:00.

There are also Intercity night trains running once an hour between 02:00 and 05:00 – but note these require a change at Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena travelling either way.

There are 6 underground platforms at Schiphol with Sprinter trains to Amsterdam normally departing from platform 3. You can go down to the platforms by escalator or stairs from the station hall.

How much does it cost? One-way tickets to Amsterdam Central cost from €5.50 in standard 2nd class or €9.90 in 1st class. There is a €1.60 surcharge if buying a disposable ticket.

Children aged 4-11 can travel on a “Railrunner” ticket which costs €2.50 and is valid the whole day in 2nd class on the rail network. Children 0-3 travel free.

You can buy e-tickets in advance which allows you to walk straight onto the train (no check-in/scanning required at Schiphol). Just scan the ticket when exiting at the gate barriers at Amsterdam Centraal.

Book single e-tickets here (€12.00, this ticket allows any accompanied children 0-11 to travel for free)

Other ticket alternatives for airport train travel:

Use OVPay – check-in and -out with your debit card or other contactless payment and you will be charged the standard fare.

Use an anonymous OV-chipkaart – this plastic card costs €7.50 to purchase. It’s possible to load travel credit onto the card which can be used on trains and all other public transportation in the Netherlands. Be aware that the cards always require a minimum of €20 credit for using the train.

However, we no longer recommend the OV-chipkaart for visitors as they can use OVPay or buy one of the better value multi-day tickets:

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (which includes the airport train trip + unlimited GVB transport in Amsterdam) or the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (which also includes unlimited transport in the entire Amsterdam region). See below for more detailed info.

At Schiphol the card reader poles are located around the station hall before going down to the platforms.

For more tips and tricks on buying train tickets in the Netherlands see our detailed guide: How To Buy A Dutch Train Ticket

Buying train tickets at Schiphol Airport: You can buy disposable train tickets at either the ‘Train tickets & Services’ desk or at the yellow/blue automatic ticket machines.

The ticket machines can be found dotted around the station hall – plus a couple in the luggage reclaim area as well. The touch screen display is available in both Dutch and English.

The front page of the machines has a quick one-press option for tickets to Amsterdam Central – you do need to specify the date of your journey.

The ticket machines accept payment by debit and credit cards (V-Pay, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express) using pin and/or contactless. The machines also accept euro coins (change given) but euro banknotes are NOT accepted.

The ticket desk does accept euro cash payment by notes/coins and also accepts debit and credit cards as described above.

Which train? Train departure information can be found on the large screen above the ticket desk and on smaller triple screens around the station hall and platforms. For timetables check the ns.nl website – free WiFi is available at Schiphol – or the printed yellow boards.

If going to Amsterdam Central station (Amsterdam Centraal) make sure you get on the correct train!

Trains going to Amsterdam Zuid (see below), Amsterdam RAI or Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA use a different route and DO NOT go to Central station. The trains to Centraal are clearly marked on the screens and boards.

If you have taken the wrong train then get out at Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA or Duivendrecht where a Sprinter train can take you back up to Amsterdam Centraal.

Which station in Amsterdam? Familiarise yourself with our Amsterdam Rail Network Map

With a valid ticket, you can get on any domestic train between Schiphol and Amsterdam Central. Sprinter trains generally make stops at Amsterdam Lelylaan and Amsterdam Sloterdijk stations before reaching Amsterdam Central in 16-17 minutes.

On the journey to/from the airport please watch your belongings as opportunist thieves and pickpockets are known to occasionally operate along the route.

At Amsterdam Centraal station the airport trains mainly arrive and depart from platforms 10, 13, 14 and 15 at the northern waterfront side (IJ-side) of the station. From the platform go down the stairs or escalators and check-out with your ticket or OV-chip card at the gate barriers.

Taxis and ferries are found on the waterfront side; head towards the opposite southern exit for the city centre, trams and metro.

2. Train to Amsterdam Zuid then North-South Metro Line

An alternative route to the city is to take the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Zuid (2nd class €3.70, 1st class €6.66, plus the €1.60 disposable ticket fee) and then connect onto the North-South metro line M52. The train trip takes just 7 minutes to Zuid with up to 12x hourly services.

At Amsterdam Zuid you can get onto the North-South metro (extra ticket required) which runs towards Amsterdam North through the central spine of the city.

Stops can be made at Europaplein (RAI), De Pijp, Vijzelgracht, Rokin (Dam Square/Spui), Amsterdam Central and onto Amsterdam North. See our Amsterdam Metro Map

The best way to do this trip is booking the Amsterdam Travel Ticket (see below for more info) which covers both the train and metro journeys on a single ticket. Otherwise you will have to buy separate rail and metro tickets.

In terms of metro tickets, there is the a GVB 1 hour ticket (€3.40) or the better value GVB multi-day tickets.

GVB multi-day tickets are valid on a full 24 hour basis ranging from 1 day (€10) to 7 days (€43); children’s 1 day ticket (€5). Book GVB multi-day tickets online here for download to a mobile.

Hopefully the metro will be extended to the airport in the coming years meaning passengers can use GVB tickets without having to buy a separate rail ticket.

3. Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397

The Amsterdam Airport Express 397 bus service (operated by Connexion/R-NET) runs from bus stop B17 at Schiphol Plaza, just outside the main station hall.

These electric red buses depart 4-8x hourly to Amsterdam city centre – with various stops including Olympic Stadium, Museumplein and Leidseplein – finally terminating at Amsterdam Elandsgracht bus station.

This bus option is convenient for visitors staying around the Museum quarter or Leidseplein.

Please note, the bus does not go to Amsterdam Central station during the day.

The journey takes just over 30 minutes and buses operate from 05:00 to 00:30. Screens at the airport bus stop will show the next departure.

A single ticket costs €6.50, you can buy a single ticket online here

A children’s ticket (aged 4-11) is just €1 (available only from the driver).

Tickets can also be purchased at the Public Transport Service & Tickets minibus tucked away near the hotel shuttle bus stops A5-A7.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket and Amsterdam & Region Ticket are also both valid for the 397 bus. However, GVB tickets are NOT valid for the 397 service.

There is a small space for luggage on board the bus.

Night bus service N97 Niteliner runs hourly during the night (01:00 to 05:00) between Schiphol Plaza and Amsterdam Central Station. Ticket prices are as above.

Alternative GVB airport bus to Sloterdijk:

GVB is the main transport company for Amsterdam including trams, metro and buses. Unfortunately GVB only has 1 service connecting to Schiphol – GVB bus 369 (R-NET-branded) Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Sloterdijk station which runs 2-4x per hour.

This bus does not go to Amsterdam Central station. This journey takes 40 minutes compared to 11 minutes with the train.

Cheapskate’s tip: The cheapest way to get from Schiphol to Amsterdam is to buy a 1 hour GVB ticket (€3.40) and take GVB bus 369 to Sloterdijk then immediately connect onto GVB bus 22 to Amsterdam Central; or tram 12 to the Museumplein area.

Bus 369 could also be of use to those with a GVB multi-day tickets. However we still recommend taking the much faster train!

4. Amsterdam Travel Ticket

This 1, 2 or 3 day ticket combines the airport train or bus journey with an unlimited GVB travel around Amsterdam. If you are on a short visit and also plan to use public transport in Amsterdam this ticket could be useful. You can purchase the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here.

It offers unlimited travel for NS train journeys between Schiphol Airport and any station in Amsterdam (Central, Amstel, Bijlmer-ArenA, Duivendrecht, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk or Zuid). This also includes any train journeys between the mentioned Amsterdam stations.

You also get unlimited travel on the Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 and unlimited GVB transport travel which can be used on all GVB trams, buses, metro and night buses in the Amsterdam metropolitan area.

Ticket costs are €20 (1 day), €27 (2 days) and €34 (3 days).

Note that validity of the card is on a ‘day’ basis, not ’24 hours’ and cards expire at 04:00 the following morning of the last valid day. You must make the return journey back to the airport before expiry!

This means the card is best suited to those who activate it earlier in the day and who will return to the airport during the late afternoon/evening.

For example, if you activate the 1 day card anytime on a Wednesday (00:00-23:59) the card will expire on Thursday morning at 04:00. Likewise, a 2/3 day card activated on a Wednesday would expire on Friday/Saturday at 04:00, respectively.

So those activating in the morning could make good use of the card; those activating in the evening would get limited hours so it’s frankly not worth it in that case – buy separate train and transport tickets instead. For more see our detailed article on public transport tickets in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket works using the OV-chip system so you must check-in and check-out for every journey taken.

You can buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online here. Paying in advance is really convenient and whether you are travelling alone or in a large group, you can purchase anything from 1 to 99 tickets in one transaction. Most payment methods are accepted.

You receive a voucher and simply pick up your pre-purchased tickets at the following points: NS ticket & service desks at at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk; at the GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena or Amsterdam Noord.

You can also purchase this ticket at the following points at Schiphol: NS Tickets & Service desk, Public Transport Service & Tickets minibus (stops A5-A7), AKO newsagents or the “Public Transport tickets” machine (cards only) near the escalator to platform 1/2.

You can also buy this ticket at NS Tickets & Service (Amsterdam Central) and GVB Tickets & Info points.

This ticket could be useful for those staying at Schiphol airport hotels wanting to visit the city each day. It could also be handy if you are staying at Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena.

If staying longer than 3 days you could always consider buying 2 sets of tickets and using them consecutively.

5. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

This is a (multi)day ticket which is valid on all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region. This includes NS trains, all regional buses (Connexxion, EBS, Transdev and KeukenhofBuzz 858 Schiphol-Keukenhof service) and all GVB Amsterdam buses, metro and trams. It is valid for the airport train trip and the 397 bus.

Ticket costs are €23 (1 day), €34 (2 days) and €44 (3 days).

As with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, it is valid on a “calendar day basis” only rather than 24 hours. The card is activated on first check-in and expires at 04:00 in the morning after the last valid day. You must check-in and check-out for each journey taken.

Once again, you could consider buying more than 1 ticket if you are staying longer than 3 days/2 nights – or mix and match with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket or GVB multi-day tickets, depending on your itinerary.

This ticket is good if you are planning to take side trips outside of Amsterdam. The ticket region includes the Waterland fishing villages area, Zaanse Schans/Industrial Heritage area, Amsterdam beaches, Keukenhof flowers area, Castles/Garden area and the New Land area.

You can buy the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online here. As above, paying in advance is convenient and gives peace-of-mind on arrival and you can purchase anything from 1 to 99 tickets in one transaction. Most payment methods are accepted.

You receive a voucher and simply pick up your pre-purchased tickets at the following points: NS ticket & service desks at at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk; at the GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena or Amsterdam Noord.

The ticket is available at Connexxion, EBS, GVB and NS ticket offices. It can also be purchased at the “Public Transport tickets” machine near the escalator to platform 1/2 or the ‘Public Transport Service & Tickets’ minibus (stops A5-A7).

6. Holland Travel Ticket

This ticket was introduced to make it easier for visitors to navigate the Netherlands on one single ticket. It is valid for 1 day on all Dutch public transport in the country including trains (2nd class), buses, trams and metro.

It can be bought at the desk or ticket machines at the train station and is a disposable OV-chip card. You must check-in and check-out for each journey leg.

The standard Holland Travel Ticket costs €79 and can be used anytime during the day. The off-peak Holland Travel Ticket costs €54 and is not valid for travel during the 06:30-09:00 rush hour Mon-Fri – but can be used anytime at weekends.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling in the Netherlands on a single day (either in terms of distance or using different forms of transport) then this ticket could offer good value and saves you having to buy separate tickets each time. Don’t buy it if you just need to go to Amsterdam from Schiphol!

7. Taxi Schiphol-Amsterdam

Private taxi cabs in the Netherlands are not particularly cheap – the trip to the centre of Amsterdam will cost around €50 to €80.

That said, the cars are usually very comfortable (Mercedes sedan or similar) so this may be a good choice for business travellers, older visitors, small groups and/or those with large cases.

Large mini-vans are available for groups of 5-8 people at a small premium. For more detailed info, see our guide to Amsterdam taxis

The official taxi stand at Amsterdam Schiphol is located just outside the main station hall slightly to the left – stand A1. It is open 24 hours a day.

You can choose whichever taxi you want – you are not obliged to take the first car. The fare is calculated by meter and the journey should take between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Please be aware that illegal taxi touts are known to operate around the Schiphol Plaza area, often holding official-looking taxi signs and calling out “taxi”. Stick with the official taxi stand or use a pre-booked vehicle.

There are a number of private firms which can offer fixed rates to travel to/from Amsterdam Schiphol. The largest taxi firm in Amsterdam is TCA taxi (+31(0)20 7777777).

Some taxi firms use the Schiphol Transfer Assistance (STA) desk located at Arrivals 4. If you have already pre-booked you simply register your arrival at the desk and wait in the lounge for your driver to collect you.

If you want a meet and greet service at Schiphol then book a taxi with Welcome Pickups – a highly-rated platform offering personalised transfers with vetted English-speaking drivers. A fixed price is paid in advance (no surge pricing) and your driver monitors your flight.

We have used them internationally and always found them reliable and good value.

Sneleentaxi offers fixed fares to/from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam or any destination in the Netherlands. Book a taxi at fixed rate with Sneleentaxi

8. Uber and Bolt at Amsterdam Schiphol

Uber, the ride-hailing service app (uber.com) is available in Amsterdam in the form of UberBlack (original service with VIP taxis), UberVan (minivan) and UberX (lower cost version). Users can order a car through the mobile app and payment is automatically handled. Expect to pay €62 for UberBlack from airport to city centre; €39 for UberX.

Bolt is another ride-hailing company which has a presence in Amsterdam. It charges €37 to €64 for rides into the city.

At Schiphol Airport, you can pick-up ride-hailing cars at the “App pick-up point” at stops E1-E6.

RENTAL CARS: If you need to hire a car from Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam, you can book with Discover Cars here which compares rates from all the main rental companies.

Last checked and updated 1 January 2026. This article was first published in 2008 and has been updated continuously since then. In 2008 a Schiphol-Amsterdam train ticket cost €3.80!

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