Schiphol is one of the best-connected airports in Europe: the train station is directly under the arrivals hall. This guide compares every option into Amsterdam, with 2026 prices from Amsterdam Tips (updated September 2026), and explains how to use public transport in the city.
All options compared
| Option | Price (2026) | Time | Goes to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (contactless/OVpay) | €5.50 2nd class, €9.90 1st class | About 17 min | Amsterdam Centraal (also Zuid, RAI) |
| Train (paper single ticket) | €7.10 2nd class | About 17 min | Amsterdam Centraal |
| Bus 397 | €6.50 single, €11.75 return | About 30 min | Museumplein, Leidseplein, Elandsgracht |
| Night bus N97 | Same fares | Hourly 1:00–5:00 | Centraal |
| Taxi | About €55–95 (metered) | 25–45 min | Door to door |
| Uber / Bolt | About €40–65 | 25–45 min | Door to door |
Train: fastest and cheapest
Follow the signs to the train platforms under Schiphol Plaza. Trains to Amsterdam Centraal leave several times an hour from about 5:30 to 1:00, with hourly night trains in between. The simplest way to pay is to tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gate when you enter and again when you exit — no ticket needed. Each traveller needs their own card or ticket.
Staying near Museumplein or the RAI? Take a train to Amsterdam Zuid or RAI instead and switch to a tram or metro.
Bus 397: best for the Museum Quarter
The Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 leaves from the bus station in front of Schiphol Plaza and stops at Museumplein and Leidseplein — handy for hotels near the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark. It runs from about 5:00 to 0:30; after that, the N97 night bus goes to Centraal.
Taxi, ride-hailing and transfers
Official taxis wait at the rank outside the arrivals hall; fares are metered and can reach €95 in traffic. Uber and Bolt pick up from a dedicated zone and are usually cheaper. Pre-booked transfers suit families and late arrivals. Compare Schiphol airport transfers.
Getting around Amsterdam
- Contactless: tap your bank card or phone in and out on trams, metro, buses and trains (OVpay). On GVB trams, buses and metro, your spending is capped at €10.50 a day (I amsterdam). Forgetting to tap out charges you a high maximum fare.
- GVB day tickets: €9 for 1 day, €15 for 2 days, €21 for 3 days — good value if you ride several times a day.
- Free ferries: from behind Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord, 24 hours a day.
- Bikes: rent one for a day, but cycle carefully and follow local rules.
- Walking: the canal ring and Jordaan are best on foot.
Tips
- Each traveller needs their own contactless card or ticket — you can’t share one card.
- Avoid buying from people offering “cheap tickets” in the arrivals hall.
- Check for engineering works on weekends on the NS app or website.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly — compare Netherlands eSIMs.
- Flying home? Check the new carry-on liquids rules.
More Amsterdam guides
- Amsterdam itinerary
- Best things to do in Amsterdam
- Where to stay in Amsterdam
- Anne Frank House tickets
- Keukenhof tickets and tulip season
- Best time to visit Amsterdam
- Amsterdam tourist tax
- Amsterdam travel guide
FAQ: Schiphol to Amsterdam
How much is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal?
€5.50 in 2nd class with a contactless card, or €7.10 with a paper single ticket (2026).
How long is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam?
About 17 minutes to Centraal.
Can I pay by card on Amsterdam trains and trams?
Yes. Tap a contactless bank card or phone in and out.
How much is a taxi from Schiphol to Amsterdam?
About €55–95 depending on traffic and destination.
Do trains run at night from Schiphol?
Yes, hourly night trains run between about 1:00 and 5:00.
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