Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Amsterdam
The NS train from the station directly under Schiphol Plaza reaches Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes and is both the fastest and one of the cheapest options. For hotels near the Museumplein or Leidseplein, the airport bus 397 drops you closer than the train.
Best for most people: Train. The station is inside the terminal, trains run around the clock and the trip to Centraal takes under 20 minutes.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train NS train from Schiphol Airport station (below Schiphol Plaza) to Amsterdam Centraal; some trains also stop at Amsterdam Zuid or RAI | about 15–20 min to Centraal | every 5–15 min by day, about hourly at night | about €6–7 single | 24 h (night trains roughly hourly) | Tap in and out with a contactless bank card or phone (OVpay) or buy a ticket at the yellow machines. |
| bus Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express) from the bus station outside Arrivals to Museumplein, Leidseplein and Elandsgracht | about 25–35 min | every 10–15 min by day | about €6–7 single | early morning to around midnight; check last departures | Good for hotels in the museum quarter or west of the centre; contactless payment accepted. |
| taxi Official taxi rank outside Arrivals (follow the taxi signs) | about 20–35 min | about €50–65 to the centre | 24 h | Taxis are metered with a regulated maximum tariff; use the official rank rather than drivers approaching you inside. | |
| ride-hailing Uber and similar apps pick up at a designated zone signposted from Arrivals | about 20–35 min | about €40–60, varies with demand | 24 h | Prices rise at peak times. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Other airports
- Eindhoven (EIN) is used by some low-cost airlines; it is about 1 h 30 min from Amsterdam by train.
Tips
- Do not forget to tap out at the destination station when paying by card, or you are charged a higher fare.
- Take the train to Amsterdam Centraal only if your hotel is near it; for the Zuid business district, trains to Amsterdam Zuid take about 7 minutes.
- Bus 397 is often more convenient than the train for the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark area.
- Schiphol Plaza has luggage trolleys right down to the train platforms via lifts.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Schiphol to the centre?
Expect about €50–65 to central Amsterdam, depending on traffic and the exact address. Taxis use a regulated meter. Take one from the official rank outside Arrivals and ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal. For small groups the train is much cheaper and usually as fast.
Is there a train from Schiphol at night?
Yes. Trains between Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal run 24 hours a day. After midnight they run roughly once an hour, so check the departure boards. The airport bus 397 stops around midnight, so late arrivals should use the night train or a taxi.
How do I pay for the train?
The easiest way is to tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gates or card readers when you enter and again when you exit (OVpay). You can also buy a single ticket at the yellow NS machines in Schiphol Plaza, which take cards. A small fee may apply to single paper or disposable tickets.
How long does it take to get to Amsterdam city centre?
The train to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 15–20 minutes. Bus 397 to Museumplein or Leidseplein takes about 25–35 minutes. A taxi takes about 20–35 minutes, longer in rush hour. Add time to walk from the station or stop to your hotel, as much of the canal centre is pedestrian-friendly but not car-friendly.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.