How to Get From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to City Centre
Wondering how to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre? The good news is that it is really easy, and you have a few different options depending on your budget, luggage, and where you are staying.
Most of the time, I would take the train. It is quick, affordable, and easy to figure out, even if you are arriving with kids and luggage. We took the train from Schiphol Airport when we visited Amsterdam, and it was much simpler than I expected.
But there are times when paying more makes sense. If you are arriving late, travelling with a lot of luggage, or just want someone to take you straight to your hotel after a long flight, a taxi or private transfer can be worth it.
Below, I will walk you through the best ways to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city centre, including the train, taxi, private transfer, and airport bus, plus which option I would choose in different situations.
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What Is the Best Way to Get From Amsterdam Airport to the City Centre?
If you’re trying to decide between the different options, I’d recommend taking the train. The station is located directly beneath Schiphol Airport, trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey to Amsterdam Centraal only takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
That said, if you’re travelling with lots of luggage, arriving late at night, or simply don’t want to deal with public transportation after a long flight, a taxi or pre-booked transfer may be worth considering.
Train from Schiphol Airport (Best Overall Option)
The train is the option we would choose again without hesitation. It is fast, affordable, and easy to use, even if this is your first time arriving in Amsterdam.
Schiphol Airport train station is located directly beneath the airport terminal. After collecting your luggage, follow the signs for “Trains,” then take the escalator or elevator down to the station.
The ride to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
What to know:
- Travel time: about 15–20 minutes
- Cost: around €5.50 per person (€7.70 first class)
- Kids: ages 4–11 can travel with a Railrunner ticket (€2.50) when accompanied by an adult
- Where it goes: Amsterdam Centraal (right in the middle of the city)
- Best for: most visitors, especially if you’re staying in central Amsterdam
You can buy tickets at the station, online ahead of time, or simply tap in and out with a contactless credit card, which is what many travellers do now.
One quick note for families: kids still need their own Railrunner ticket — they can’t tap in and out on your card with you.
When I took the train with my kids, it was easy to manage, even with luggage. If your hotel is in central Amsterdam, there’s a good chance this will be the option that makes the most sense for you too.
Taxi or Uber (Most Direct)
If you’d rather skip the train altogether, taxis and Ubers are available from the airport and will take you directly to your hotel.
The drive into central Amsterdam usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and fares are typically around €40–€60.
What to know:
- Travel time: about 20–30 minutes
- Cost: roughly €40–€60
- Best for: direct hotel drop-off or late-night arrivals
That said, unless you’re arriving late, staying farther from the centre, or simply want the easiest option, the train is usually the better choice.
Private Transfer (Most Stress-Free Option)
If you want the easiest arrival, booking a private transfer ahead of time is the way to go.
Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel, so there’s no need to figure out train tickets, transfers, or where to go once you land.
It costs more than taking the train, but there are definitely times when paying extra makes sense. We’ve used private transfers in other destinations after long travel days, including one arrival at 1 a.m., and honestly, having someone waiting to take you straight to your hotel is hard to beat.
What to know:
- Travel time: about 20–30 minutes
- Cost: usually more than a taxi, depending on your destination and vehicle type
- Best for: late arrivals, lots of luggage, or an easy door-to-door arrival
- Where it drops you: right at your accommodation
Some services, including Welcome Pickups, which we’ve used in other places, offer airport meet-and-greet, fixed pricing, flight tracking, English-speaking drivers, and optional child seats.
If you prefer to have someone waiting for you at arrivals, a private transfer can make the start of your trip so much easier
👉 Check transfer prices for your dates
Airport Express Bus (Good for Some Areas)
While we’d still recommend the train for most travellers, the Airport Express Bus can be a good option if you’re staying near Museumplein, Leidseplein, or other parts of Amsterdam’s southern canal belt.
Unlike the train, which arrives at Amsterdam Centraal, Bus 397 serves several stops closer to the Museum Quarter and the western canal belt. Depending on where your hotel is, this may save you an extra tram or metro connection.
What to know:
- Travel time: about 30–40 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Cost: €6.50
- Best for: hotels outside the Centraal area
- Where it goes: multiple stops around the city
That said, if you’re staying near the city centre, the train is usually faster and easier.
Is Uber Available at Amsterdam Airport?
Yes. Uber operates at Schiphol Airport and can be booked through the app after you collect your luggage. Depending on demand, Uber may be slightly cheaper than a traditional taxi, although prices can vary.
If you’re considering a taxi or Uber, I’d check both when you land and choose whichever offers the better price.
Which Option Should You Choose?
For most travellers, the train is the best option. It’s quick, affordable, and easy to use, even with luggage. If you’re staying in central Amsterdam, it’s hard to beat for convenience.
If you’re arriving late, carrying a lot of luggage, or simply want the easiest possible arrival, a private transfer can be worth the extra cost, especially after a long travel day.
A taxi is another simple option, but unless you need the door-to-door convenience, it’s usually hard to justify the extra cost over the train.
The Airport Express Bus can make sense if your hotel is in a neighbourhood that’s easier to reach by bus than by train.
At a glance:
- Take the train if you want the best combination of price, speed, and simplicity.
- Take a taxi or Uber if you’re travelling with lots of luggage or arriving late at night.
- Book a private transfer if you want someone waiting when you land.
- Take the Airport Express Bus if you’re staying near Museumplein or Leidseplein.
Getting to Your Hotel in Amsterdam
Before visiting, I assumed staying near Amsterdam Centraal was the easiest option. So we chose a hotel near there for that reason. But really, the train and bus make it easy to reach many of Amsterdam’s popular neighbourhoods.
Amsterdam Centraal
If you’re staying near Amsterdam Centraal, getting there couldn’t be much easier. Direct trains from Schiphol Airport take about 15 to 20 minutes, and you’ll arrive right in the heart of the city.
One thing to keep in mind is that Amsterdam’s historic centre is very walkable, but many streets are cobbled, narrow, and lined with canals. Rolling luggage across bridges and uneven sidewalks is not always as easy as it sounds.
Jordaan
Staying in Jordaan? Take the train to Amsterdam Centraal and then either walk or hop on a tram. Depending on where your hotel is located, the journey usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes in total.
Museum Quarter
The Museum Quarter is easy to get to from Schiphol Airport. You can take the train and transfer to a tram, or use the Airport Express Bus, which stops near Museumplein. Plan for about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on connections.
Amsterdam Noord
To reach Amsterdam Noord, take the train to Amsterdam Centraal and then hop on the free ferry across the IJ. The ferry is free to use and offers a different perspective of the city, making it a fun thing to do when visiting Amsterdam with kids.
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam
We stayed near the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam during our three days in Amsterdam and it was really easy to get there from Schiphol Airport. We took the train to Amsterdam Centraal and then it was just a short walk to our hotel.
Amsterdam Zuid
Before visiting Amsterdam, I assumed staying near Amsterdam Centraal was the easiest option. But after taking the train from Schiphol Airport, I quickly realized that Amsterdam Zuid is actually one of the most convenient areas to reach.
Direct trains connect Schiphol with Amsterdam Zuid station in about 10 minutes, and the area is well connected by tram, metro, and train. It’s also close to the Museum Quarter, home to several of the best museums in Amsterdam for kids, including the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
If you want easy airport access without staying in the busiest part of the city, Amsterdam Zuid is well worth considering. If I were booking another trip to Amsterdam, it’s one of the areas I’d seriously look at.
If you are still deciding where to stay, this guide to where to stay in Amsterdam breaks down the best neighbourhoods and hotel areas for families.
FAQs
The train is usually the cheapest and most convenient option. A one-way ticket costs significantly less than a taxi or private transfer, and the journey takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
Yes. Direct trains run regularly between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal, with the journey taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Yes. Train tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines at Schiphol Airport, through the NS app, or online before your trip, but you can also just tap with your credit card.
Yes. Many trains, trams, buses, and metros in the Netherlands now use OVpay, which allows you to tap a contactless credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet instead of purchasing a separate ticket.
If you’re travelling from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by train, this can be one of the easiest ways to pay. Just make sure you use the same card or device when you tap in and tap out.
A taxi from Schiphol Airport to central Amsterdam typically costs between €40 and €60, depending on traffic and your final destination.
Sometimes. Uber prices vary based on demand, while taxis generally have more predictable pricing. If you’re considering a taxi or Uber, I’d check both when you land and choose whichever offers the better price.
No. While Amsterdam Centraal is the city’s main transportation hub, areas like Amsterdam Zuid, Sloterdijk, and the Museum Quarter are also easy to reach from Schiphol Airport. Depending on your itinerary and budget, staying outside the immediate city centre can sometimes be more convenient. If you’re still deciding where to stay, this guide on where to stay in Amsterdam breaks down the best neighbourhoods for first-time visitors, families, and shorter stays.
Our Take on the Best Way to Get from Amsterdam Airport to the City Centre
After arriving at Schiphol Airport and taking the train into the city ourselves, that’s the option I’d recommend for most travellers.
The station is easy to find, trains run frequently, and the journey to Amsterdam Centraal takes only about 15 to 20 minutes. We found it simple to use, even with luggage, and it ended up being much easier than I expected.
One thing this trip taught me is that you don’t necessarily need to stay near Amsterdam Centraal to have an easy airport transfer. Areas like Amsterdam Zuid, Jordaan, and the Passenger Terminal area are all easy to get to from Schiphol Airport, which opens up a lot more hotel options.
That said, there are definitely times when paying more makes sense. If I was arriving late at night, exhausted after a long flight, or heading straight to a hotel farther from the centre, I’d seriously consider booking a private transfer instead.
No matter which option you choose, getting from Schiphol into Amsterdam is pretty easy, which makes for a good start to the trip.
Planning a trip to Amsterdam with kids?
I’ve put together more guides to help, including things to do in Amsterdam with kids, my thoughts on whether Amsterdam is worth visiting with kids, how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam, and a few easy day trips if you’re spending longer in the Netherlands.
