Amsterdam airport to city centre
Prices and journey times checked 2026-11-11. Always confirm with the operator before you travel.
Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest hubs, only about 15 km from the centre.
How long it takes and how often
The direct train takes about 15 minutes. Trains run day and night, hourly at night.
Options and prices
- Train to Centraal: about 5.50 EUR
- Bus 397 to Leidseplein area: about 6.50 EUR
- Taxi: about 60 EUR or more
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport is about an hour away
Where to buy tickets
- Train: NS machines in Schiphol Plaza and baggage reclaim take cards and coins, not banknotes. The NS desk also takes cash.
- Train: tap in with OVpay at the card readers in the station hall, or buy an e-ticket online before you land.
- Train: not possible on board. Buy or tap in before you go down to the platform.
- Bus 397: tap in with OVpay or buy online (about 6.50 EUR single, 11.75 EUR return). GVB tickets are not valid.
- Public Transport Service & Tickets minibus near stops A5 to A7 sells bus and travel tickets. It is sometimes closed.
- Amsterdam Travel Ticket (1 to 3 days, about 20 to 34 EUR) covers the Schiphol train, bus 397 and GVB. Sold at NS desks and AKO shops.
Once you arrive
- Metro and tram in Amsterdam
- Trains from Amsterdam
- Tips and apps for Amsterdam
- Brussels to Amsterdam by Train: Eurostar and Eurocity Direct Guide (2026)
- Paris to Amsterdam by Train: The Ultimate Eurostar (ex-Thalys) Travel Guide (2026)
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Amsterdam airport to the city centre?
Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest hubs, only about 15 km from the centre. The direct train takes about 15 minutes. Trains run day and night, hourly at night.
How much does it cost to get from Amsterdam airport to the centre?
Train to Centraal: about 5.50 EUR. Bus 397 to Leidseplein area: about 6.50 EUR. Taxi: about 60 EUR or more. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is about an hour away.
Where do I buy tickets at Amsterdam airport?
Train: NS machines in Schiphol Plaza and baggage reclaim take cards and coins, not banknotes. The NS desk also takes cash. Train: tap in with OVpay at the card readers in the station hall, or buy an e-ticket online before you land. Train: not possible on board. Buy or tap in before you go down to the platform. Bus 397: tap in with OVpay or buy online (about 6.50 EUR single, 11.75 EUR return). GVB tickets are not valid. Public Transport Service & Tickets minibus near stops A5 to A7 sells bus and travel tickets. It is sometimes closed. Amsterdam Travel Ticket (1 to 3 days, about 20 to 34 EUR) covers the Schiphol train, bus 397 and GVB. Sold at NS desks and AKO shops.
Any tips for the airport transfer in Amsterdam?
Trains run 24 hours, so the train is best even at night.