Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to city centre: all your options

Schiphol Airport is located just 15 to 20 kilometres south of Amsterdam city centre, and its connection to the city is one of the simplest in Europe. If you're travelling alone and want the fastest and most economical solution, the train is almost always the best option, as it reaches the city centre in less than 20 minutes. If you're a couple with two suitcases, the train remains convenient, but many prefer a taxi or private transfer only when arriving late at night or when their hotel is not near a station.

Families with children and a lot of luggage often choose a shuttle or taxi, because trains during early morning hours get crowded with commuters, and luggage space is limited. For night arrivals, after midnight, options are mainly limited to taxis or pre-booked private transfers, as trains and most buses do not operate 24 hours a day.

Below, we analyse all transfer options from Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre, with indicative costs, journey durations and practical tips for every type of traveller.

Summary comparison of options

Transport	Duration	Cost	Frequency	Operating Hours
NS Train	15 to 20 minutes	5.5 to 6 euros	every 5 to 10 minutes	approx. 04:30 to 01:00
Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express)	30 to 40 minutes	6 to 7 euros	every 10 to 15 minutes	24 hours a day
Taxi	20 to 35 minutes	50 to 65 euros	immediately available	24 hours a day
Private transfer or shuttle	20 to 35 minutes	40 to 90 euros	by reservation	24 hours a day
Car hire	25 to 40 minutes	from 35 euros per day	immediately available	24 hours a day

Prices are indicative, valid as of September 2026, please check before travelling.

Train or metro from the airport

Schiphol Airport station is located directly beneath the arrivals terminal, so there's no need for a bus transfer or long walks with luggage. NS trains connect the airport to Amsterdam Centraal station in 15 to 20 minutes, depending on whether it's a Sprinter or Intercity service. The line also serves intermediate stations such as Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Zuid, useful if your accommodation is closer to these than to the city centre.

Tickets and prices

A standard second-class ticket costs approximately 5.5 euros, while a first-class ticket is around 9 to 10 euros. Children aged 4 to 11 travel with a special RailRunner ticket for around 2.5 euros. Tickets can be easily purchased from automated machines at the station, via the NS app, or with an OV chipkaart, always using contactless payment at the entry and exit gates. Prices are indicative, valid as of September 2026, please check before travelling.

Frequency and stops

During peak hours, trains depart every 5 to 7 minutes, while in the evening and early morning, frequency drops to every 15 to 20 minutes. The last train to the city centre usually departs around 1 am, so if you land later you will need another travel solution.

Bus and express lines

Line 397, also known as the Amsterdam Airport Express, connects Schiphol with Leidseplein and other city centre locations, with a journey taking approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. This is a useful option if your accommodation is closer to a bus stop than a train station, or if you want to avoid stairs and station transfers. A ticket costs approximately 6 to 7 euros and can be purchased via the GVB app or with a contactless card. Line N97 buses operate at night when trains are not running, albeit with reduced frequency. Prices are indicative, valid as of September 2026, please check before travelling.

Taxi from the airport

Official taxis are stationed outside the arrivals halls, and the journey to the city centre takes 20 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and destination. The cost typically ranges from 50 to 65 euros, with no fixed fare, as taxis in Amsterdam operate on a meter. Most companies do not charge extra for suitcases, but it's worth asking before you get in. Apps like Uber operate normally in the area and often offer a more predictable price than traditional taxis, especially during peak hours. Prices are indicative, valid as of September 2026, please check before travelling.

Private transfer and shuttle

If you are travelling with family, with a lot of luggage, or want certainty about your arrival time, you can pre-book a private transfer with a driver who will meet you at arrivals with a sign. The cost ranges from 40 to 90 euros depending on the vehicle type and number of passengers, but it saves you from waiting in a taxi queue or searching for a bus stop. There are also shared shuttle vans that serve multiple addresses, at a lower cost per person but with a longer journey time due to intermediate stops. Prices are indicative, valid as of September 2026, please check before travelling.

Car hire, when it's worth it

Car hire at Schiphol makes sense primarily if you plan excursions outside Amsterdam, for example to Utrecht, The Hague, or the Dutch villages with windmills. Within the city, a car is not advantageous, as parking is expensive and limited, and many areas of the city centre have strict traffic rules. Rental costs start from around 35 euros per day for an economy class, not including tolls, fuel, and hotel parking. If, however, you want to combine the city and surrounding areas, it's better to rent a car on the last day of your stay rather than upon arrival.

Night arrival, children, luggage and accessibility

Schiphol is one of Europe's most accessible airports, with ramps, lifts, and level access from arrivals to the train station. For parents with prams, the train remains a convenient option for most hours, but during early morning hours, carriages fill with commuters, so you might prefer a taxi or private transfer for more space. For arrivals after midnight, options are limited to taxis, the night bus line N97, or a pre-arranged private vehicle. It's a good idea to have your transfer booked in advance if you land very late, to avoid unnecessary waiting at an empty airport.

How much does the transfer cost in total?

For a solo traveller, the most economical option is the train, with a total cost of around 5.5 euros and a journey time of under 20 minutes. For a couple, the combined cost of two train tickets remains lower than a taxi, unless you prefer the comfort of direct transfer to your hotel. For a family of four with luggage, a taxi or private transfer often works out more cost-effective per person compared to four separate train tickets, especially if you consider the time and hassle of carrying luggage. In any case, it's good to budget 6 to 65 euros depending on your choice. Prices are indicative, valid as of September 2026, please check before travelling.

Common mistakes made by travellers

• Not validating train tickets at the entry and exit barriers, resulting in a fine.
• Trying to buy train tickets with cash, whereas most machines only accept cards.
• Underestimating taxi wait times during peak hours and missing return flights.
• Not checking if their hotel is closer to another station besides Amsterdam Centraal.
• Renting a car for their entire stay, without accounting for city centre parking costs.

Where to stay and what to read before your trip

If you plan to combine Amsterdam with other destinations in the region, you can read the accommodation guide for The Hague, an easy day trip by train. If you intend to continue your journey to Germany, see the guide for Cologne or the guide for Dresden, two cities easily connected by rail to the Netherlands. For families travelling with children, the general guide to holidays with children is also useful, with organisational ideas that apply to city trips outside Greece too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way from Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre?

The train is almost always the fastest option, reaching Amsterdam Centraal station in 15 to 20 minutes without traffic delays. Buses and taxis are more affected by road traffic, especially during peak hours, so their journey time can exceed 40 minutes under unfavourable conditions.

How much does a train ticket from the airport to the city centre cost?

A standard second-class ticket costs approximately 5.5 euros, while first-class costs around 9 to 10 euros. Children travel with a cheaper RailRunner ticket. These prices are indicative, valid as of September 2026, please check before travelling.

Is there a direct bus connection at night?

Yes, the night line N97 serves the route when trains are not running, but with reduced frequency compared to morning or afternoon hours. If you land very late, a taxi or pre-arranged private transfer remains a more reliable option.

Is it worth hiring a car for visiting Amsterdam?

Within the city, a car is not worthwhile due to expensive and limited parking. It's only worth it if you plan excursions outside the city, such as to The Hague, Utrecht, or nearby villages, in which case it's better to rent it towards the end of your stay.

Do taxis charge extra for luggage?

Most taxi companies in Amsterdam do not have a separate luggage charge, but the cost is calculated by meter and may vary depending on the company. It's advisable to ask before boarding if you have a lot of or bulky luggage.

What is the best option for a family with small children?

For families with a pram and luggage, a private transfer or taxi offers more comfort than the train during peak hours. If you are travelling outside peak hours, the train remains a fast and economical solution even with children.

How long before my flight should I leave the city centre for the airport?

By train, usually 45 minutes before the recommended airport arrival time is sufficient, while by bus or taxi, it's advisable to allow extra time for potential traffic, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours.

It's also worth noting that many hotels in Amsterdam city centre are located on narrow streets next to canals, where access by car or taxi can be difficult due to pedestrian and cycling zones. In these cases, the taxi driver usually drops you off at the nearest accessible point, and the rest of the journey is on foot. It's a good idea to inform the driver of the exact address beforehand to avoid misunderstandings or unnecessary detours within the city.

Conclusion

Schiphol is one of the easiest airports to get from to the centre of a European capital, thanks to the train station located directly beneath arrivals. For most travellers, the train remains the most logical choice, combining speed, low cost, and convenient frequency throughout the day.

The choice of appropriate transport always depends on your travel profile, the amount of luggage, and your arrival time. Organise your transfer before leaving Greece to avoid unnecessary waiting and start your trip to Amsterdam stress-free.