You’ve just landed at Amsterdam Airport and are waiting for your bags. Next, you need to plan how to get into Amsterdam City Centre to check into your accommodation. Where before this would have been a headache; now, it couldn’t be easier.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is well-connected with a number of fast and reliable options to get you off the plane and into your hotel as soon as possible. As the main international airport in the Netherlands, it’s pretty much guaranteed this is where you’ll be starting your trip. Located a mere 20km from the city centre, the journey takes around half an hour by bus, taxi, train or private shuttle.
Most hotels, hostels and Airbnbs will be located in the city. Providing you have your address on hand, or the information of your nearest stop or station, you can work out – depending on your budget and how much time you have to spare – which mode of transport is best suited to you.
Planning your travel from Amsterdam Airport by...
Bus
Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express runs buses every 15 minutes. Coming out of the Amsterdam Airport arrivals, make your way to bus stop B9 and look for bus number 397, Amsterdam Airport Express, and that will take you directly from the airport to city centre in around 30 minutes. It is recommended to purchase a Connexxion Amsterdam Round Trip Ticket for just €10, to take the hassle out of planning and purchasing tickets for your return. Should you be planning another route back, single tickets are available to purchase for €5. Visit the website to pre-purchase tickets in advance to save time.
Shuttle
Door-to-door services are also available with a hotel shuttle. Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle will pick you up from Amsterdam Airport and drop you off at your accommodation – a great option for families or groups. Connected to almost all hotels in the Amsterdam area, a Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle can be booked online.
Train
Travellers and holidaymakers can also make their way from the airport into the city by rail; Schiphol train station is located right underneath the terminal. From here you can board a train to Amsterdam Central Station for the city centre, Amsterdam Zuid for the World Trade Centre, or Amsterdam RAI for the Conference Centre. There are also other national services and Dutch Railway trains (NS) running, too. To purchase a ticket, there are yellow automatic ticket machines around the baggage claims, Schiphol Plaza and near the train platforms, or a staffed ticket office is located in the main hall of the airport. The automated machines accept international credit cards (adding a €0.50 surcharge) and Dutch cash cards are also accepted – only some machines accept coins. If you decide to purchase your train tickets at the ticket office, you have the option to purchase an Amsterdam Travel Ticket, too, which includes a return train journey between Schiphol and Amsterdam, as well as free public transport in the city centre. Visit the Schiphol Amsterdam Airport website for more information and timetables. Note: there is an elevator at the Amsterdam airport for those with disabilities.
Taxi
Although not the quickest, cost-effective, or most advised form of transport to get from Amsterdam airport to city centre, there is a taxi rank located at the exit of the arrivals terminal. An average journey from the airport to the city will cost around €40 - €60 depending on the address of your accommodation. Not all taxi drivers at the airport are officially approved, either. If you really like travelling by taxi, another alternative is to use Uber.
Amsterdam Airport is one of the most customer-friendly airports to navigate. Once you arrive off your international or domestic flight, your onward journey into the city centre will be smooth and simple. One of the best things, too, is that most Dutch people have an impeccable grasp of English and are always willing to help should you need assistance. No matter which hotel you’ve chosen, you’ll be able to get to your accommodation with ease. Choose from a bus, shuttle, train or taxi to get you from Amsterdam Airport to city centre – and there, the adventure awaits.