World Travel Tips

Getting from Amsterdam Airport to the city center is very simple. Besides being one of the most important airports in Europe, the Netherlands has an incredible public transportation system. Schiphol Airport is only 15 kilometers from the city center and is perfectly connected by public transport. Here are all the options to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center.

Train: The Fastest Way to Get from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center is by train. The airport itself has a station underneath the main hall. Trains to Amsterdam Central Station run almost every 5 minutes from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. There are also trains at night, running hourly.

1.1. How Much Does It Cost to Get from Schiphol Airport to the City Center?

The ticket costs €5.70, which includes a €1 surcharge for a disposable ticket. This surcharge is intended to promote the use of rechargeable cards (designed for residents, as the card itself costs €7.50 plus the balance you want) or unlimited travel tickets for tourists. Do not buy a round-trip ticket if you will not be returning to the airport on the same day, as it will not be valid.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters or ticket machines at the airport station. Keep in mind that the machines only accept coins, not bills. Additionally, if you pay with a Visa or Mastercard, a surcharge of €0.50 is applied to the total amount.

1.2. How Long Is the Journey to Get from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center? How Many Stops Are There?

The trip to Central Station takes approximately 15 minutes if you take the Intercity direct, which goes directly without any stops.

However, most trains make two stops before arriving at Amsterdam Centraal in 24 minutes. They stop at Lelylaan and Sloterdijk, which might be closer to your accommodation.

Both have connections with metro line 50 (green) and some tram lines. If you reach Central Station, you can take a tram or bus to your accommodation if it’s too far to walk.

2. Amsterdam Airport Express, If You Are Staying in the Museum Quarter or Around Leidseplein

The 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus departs from stop B17, just outside the terminal. It runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After midnight, the service is called N97, although it has more stops and takes a bit longer.

2.1. Prices

A single ticket costs €6.50. You can buy an open-return ticket for €11.75. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at the ticket office next to the stop, either in cash or by card.

2.2. How Long Is the Journey? What Stops Are There?

The trip takes about 30 minutes, depending on the stop where you get off. The most common stops, where the hotels are concentrated, are Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein.

3. Private Transfer, to Go Directly from Amsterdam Airport to Your Hotel

Another very convenient way to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center, or wherever your hotel is located, is to take a direct private transfer. Being private, you only need to go to the arrivals area of the airport and look for your name on a sign. From there, they will take you directly to your hotel’s door, without worrying about buying tickets or finding public transport connections.

4. Bus to Sloterdijk: To Get from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center for Free with the Amsterdam City Card

None of the previous public transportation options are included in the city’s tourist card, as they are not operated by the GVB company. However, if you decide to purchase the I amsterdam City Card, you can use it to avoid paying for transportation if you don’t mind taking longer to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center.

If you have already purchased the card, you can pick it up at the tourist information center in the arrivals hall and use it to get to the city center with the included transportation. If you’re not familiar with it, the Amsterdam City Card offers free entry to most of the city’s tourist attractions. It’s worth buying if you plan to visit the most famous museums and churches in Amsterdam, as single tickets are quite expensive.

4.1. Price

You can get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center for free if you have the I amsterdam Card. However, you will need to transfer at Sloterdijk.

4.2. How Long Is the Journey? What Stops Are There?

The most negative aspect of this option is that it takes more than an hour to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center. From the airport, you need to take bus 69 to Sloterdijk station. The journey takes about 40 minutes. From there, you can take bus 22 to Central Station or tram 12, which passes through the Museumplein area. But you’ll travel for free!

What Is the Best Option to Get from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center?

It largely depends on the area where you are staying. However, we believe that the train is the most convenient option to get from Schiphol Airport to the city center. It is economical and super fast.

However, if you have several days in the city and decide to buy the I amsterdam City Card, you can opt for the free option.

We believe that the bus is not very worthwhile if you are not staying in the hotel area. It is slower and the price is similar.

Tags: Amsterdam Airport Express, Bus, Train