How to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
Amsterdam Airport Express Bus
If you’re travelling between Schiphol Airport and the centre of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Airport Express is a quick, affordable and highly convenient option. This direct bus service (line 397 and the Niteliner N97) takes you to key locations like Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein without the need to change buses, offering a convenient short walk to most central accommodations and visitor highlights. Downland the route map here.
- The bus departs from bus stop B17, which you’ll find by exiting Schiphol Plaza and walking to the right. Bus 397 runs every 10 minutes during the day, while the Niteliner N97 operates hourly at night.
- Tickets can be purchased online as an e-ticket, from the bus driver (debit or credit card only—cash is not accepted), or at the mobile ticket office outside Schiphol Plaza, open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
- A one-way ticket costs €6.50, with a return ticket priced at €11.75 (new pricing of €12.50 is expected in 2025). Check for the latest ticket prices closer to your travel date.
Train transfers
The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol station, located directly beneath the terminal, offers excellent connections to the city and the rest of the Netherlands. The train timetable is detailed on the NS website, or see the Schiphol website for information on the airport.
- Trains run eight times an hour between Schiphol and Amsterdam Central Station (€4.90 for a one-way ticket), reaching the city in just 17 minutes with stops at Sloterdijk, Lelylaan, and Hoofddorp.
- Starting in 2025, four Intercity Direct trains will run between Schiphol and Amsterdam Zuid, where you can easily connect to the metro for other parts of the city.
- Tickets can be purchased from the yellow machines at Schiphol, or you can check in and out using a bank card, credit card, or mobile at the yellow card readers located near the escalators and lifts in Schiphol Plaza.
- Plan your train journey online using ns.nl or 9292.nl for convenient, door-to-door public transport advice.
Taxis
For added convenience, taking a taxi is a great option—just sit back, relax, and let the driver handle the journey. Taxis are readily available at the official taxi rank, so reservations aren’t necessary.
- For app-based services like Uber or Bolt, head to the designated App pick-up point at Schiphol by following the signs in the terminal.
- If you’re travelling in a group of up to 8 people, Schiphol Travel Taxis offers a practical solution, allowing you to share costs with others; remember that shared rides may take longer as the taxi makes additional stops.
- Always check for a meter in the taxi to ensure a fair fare—you’ll pay the amount displayed on arrival.
- It is strongly advised not to take rides from drivers soliciting within the airport. These are not officially approved taxi drivers. Find information on authorised taxis or compare transport options on Airport Transfer Amsterdam.
- A standard taxi ride from Schiphol Airport to the city centre typically costs between €35 and €55, though meter prices can rise to around €75 depending on distance and time of day.
Accessibility
- There is an elevator at Schiphol train station which can take you from the platform to the airport and vice versa.
- Visit the Schiphol Travel Assistance website for more information on airport travel support.
- NS Trains operator offers specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trains, such as Travel Assistance, facilities aboard the train, accurate and thorough travel information. Read the full guidance about travelling with a disability here.
- Public transport operator GVB can provide specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trams, buses and metro trains. For example, route folders and timetables indicate which transport stops are not wheelchair accessible or which trams and bus services are not equipped with an accessibility ramp. Read the guidance here.
