Amsterdam Airport to City Travel Options (Schiphol)

Take a look at all the best ways to get from Schiphol Airport to the heart of Amsterdam, including licensed cabs, rental cars and the express train.

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Plane at Amsterdam airport

It’s the dream trip you’ve waited for all these months… a few days in Amsterdam, city of canals, cobbles, culture and more. Whether you’re here to ogle classic Rembrandts, Vermeers and van Goghs at the Rijksmuseum, to pay your respects at Ann Frank House, or simply to sample the famously, ahem, laid back café culture, you’ll want to get to the heart of the action fast. Chances are you’ll be arriving by plane, so we’ve put together a quick guide to the travel options that will get you from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to the city center in a heartbeat. Read on for the gen…

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in Brief

Couple running through the airport to catch a flight

There’s only one international airport in Amsterdam which, if nothing else, should minimize the chances of getting lost, or of pitching up at the wrong city airport on your return leg. The name Schiphol is said to derive from the wetlands on which the airport now stands, where – as lore would have it – many ships were once lost (the literal English translation is ‘ship hole’), though there’s no actual evidence to support such wild claims. In any case, it’s pronounced (roughly) as ‘shipple’. You’ll likely get funny looks from Dutch cabbies if you ask them to drive you to ‘ship hole’.

The airport lies around 9km south-west of Amsterdam city center in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer and is one of the busiest on the planet, thanks to its convenient location for connecting flights in and out of Europe. After clearing passport control and grabbing your bags, you can reach the city center in under 20 minutes. How? Here’s how.

Amsterdam Airport to City by Public Transport

By Train

Train pulling into Amsterdam Centraal Station

Arguably the very best way to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport, the fast train can cost as little as €4.90 one way and will hurtle you straight into Amsterdam Centraal Station in 17 minutes or less. Make your way through Arrivals and down under the terminal to the station, where Sprinter and Intercity trains depart every 4-10 minutes between 5.30AM and midnight, with a smattering of services continuing through the wee small hours to boot.

Book tickets online in advance to nab that bargain sub-€5 price. You can then print your ticket or store it on your phone or in the NS travel app for convenience. Alternatively, a single use OV-chipkaart costs €5.90 from the ticket counters and machines on Schiphol Plaza, one floor above the station.

By Bus

Schiphol is also very well served by bus services though, peculiarly, you’ll have to shell out a little more than you would if you caught the train instead. It’s €6.50 for the 27-minute (traffic permitting) ride from Schiphol Plaza to Leidseplein aboard the Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397. Tickets can be purchased online, on the bus or at various ticket points throughout the terminal.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Top Tip

If you plan to use public transport a fair bit while you’re in town, an OV-Chipkaart is good for use on trams, buses, trains and the subway. Minimum top-up is €20, but you’ll save overall if you’re transport-hopping enough of the time. OV-Chipkaarts are available to buy online and at ticket offices and yellow vending machines in the airport.

Similarly, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket gives you unlimited use of Amsterdam’s public transport network, with 1-, 2- and 3-day passes available at €18, €24 and €30 respectively. It even includes the Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397. Buy yours online, at airport Connexion counters and from the Holland Tourist Desk at Schiphol Plaza.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to City by Private Transfer

Traveler looking at flight timetable in the airport

Tickets schmickets. If you really can’t be bothered negotiating public transport or simply fancy gliding up to your holiday digs in style, perhaps a cab may be the travel option for you. Make a beeline for the Taxistandplaats (or plain taxi stand to you and me) just outside Schiphol Plaza. It’s well signposted and anyway you can’t really miss the lit taxi signs atop the city’s licensed cabs with their distinctive blue plates. Any cab without these, a company logo and a clearly displayed list of tariffs is likely an unlicensed scammer looking to fleece you for twice (or more) what you’ll pay for a taxi from the official stand. Avoid these dodgy dealers at all costs.

Chances are you’ll have to wait in line at peak times, but you should be able to pick up a cab at any time of night or day, reassuring if you’re arriving on the redeye.

Amsterdam Airport taxis are metered, but you can also agree a price with your driver before setting off. Note also that it isn’t essential to take the first cab in the line. If you have a preferred licensed company, just look for their logo and head to the first of their cars that you can see on the rank.

The cab ride can take anything from 15-40 minutes depending on what time of day you’re traveling and how busy the roads are.

Amsterdam Airport to City by Rental Vehicle

Tulips and windmills at Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands

Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, Sixt, Avis… you’ll find all the usual suspects and more at Schiphol. Prices are competitive due to the proliferation of options, and driving in and around Amsterdam is fairly straightforward and generally stress-free although, like anywhere, the streets and ring road around the city center tend to get somewhat congested at peak times.

Central Amsterdam is easy to navigate on foot (or by bike! Or by canal boat!) so a car is certainly far from essential. But if you want to get out of town while you’re here, having your own vehicle does give you the freedom to take day trips on your own timetable. Hit up the likes of medieval Utrecht, the windmills of Zaanse Schans, or Keukenhof’s 79 kaleidoscopic acres of vibrant Dutch blooms for the win.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Tram passing in front of the Rijksmuseum
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Getting Around Amsterdam

Often dubbed one of the greatest of the world’s small cities, Amsterdam is not a particularly monstrous city. Indeed, with a footprint of just a little over three square miles, the city center could quite easily be covered in a day on foot alone. And yet, the city is often recognized for having some of the best transport infrastructure in Europe. From the emblematic canals delightfully splitting up the Dutch capital’s neighborhoods to its famous tram system covering just about all of the city, there’s a capable range of options for getting around Amsterdam to help you explore the city on your own terms. Public Transport Bus Amsterdam boasts an extensive network of buses servicing both the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods. Operated by three companies – GVB, Connexxion and EBS – Amsterdam’s buses offer a reliable means of getting across the city fast, with many routes servicing stops close to key social hubs and attractions. The city also operates twelve night bus routes to help you get around while exploring the city’s famous nightlife scene. Each of these routes helps to connect the city center with the surrounding suburbs, and buses typically depart every 30 minutes between midnight and 7AM. Tram Second only to bicycles, trams are perhaps the most recognizable mode of transport in Amsterdam. Connecting Amsterdam Central Station to the city’s many key areas and further neighborhoods, Lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 13 and 17 are typically your best bet for getting around the city. Depending on the day and time, the frequency of trams will vary, typically arriving every 5 – 10 minutes. Metro The Amsterdam Metro system offers an alternative means of traversing the central spine of the city and accessing the outer suburbs. Operating across five lines and servicing a total of 39 stops, the Metro offers the fastest and most efficient means of crossing through the city, passing through all major business and office districts alongside many train stations. Operating Times The three modes of public transport that make up the transport infrastructure of Amsterdam all operate on roughly the same schedule and ticketing service. The majority of services begin operations at 6AM and will typically continue until 12:30AM the following morning. Tickets & Passes Tickets and passes are wholly dependent on how long you intend to stay in Amsterdam and how often you plan to use public transport. For casual use, single and return tickets are available on all services on demand. You can also purchase passes which allow for unlimited travel for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, offering slightly discounted rates as long as you get plenty of use from them. If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than three days, then your best bet would be to purchase and top-up an OV-chipkaart from any major transport hub. This pass is heavily used by locals and can simply be scanned whenever you hop on your transport of choice. On the Water Amsterdam’s canals are more than just an iconic photo op. Originally serving as means of water management, defense and facilitating trade, the labyrinth of canals accounts for 25% of the city’s surface area. Most of the traffic on the canals now consists of pleasure sailing, both private and commercial. If you’re looking for a unique means of getting around the city, there’s a plethora of boat tours available at your convenience to get you from A to B with a little local insight thrown into the mix. Alternatively, it’s also fairly simple to rent a boat for yourself, whether it be a manual pedal-boat, a small capacity electric boat or a full-sized barge for you and your friends. Cycling You may have heard it said that Amsterdam is home to more bicycles than people, and that’s no simple exaggeration. With roughly 1.1 bikes to each resident, it’s plain to see that the locals readily uphold the age-old image of the Dutch cycling nation. With over half of Amsterdam’s 800,000 residents relying on their bicycles as their daily mode of transport, it should come as no surprise that the city caters heavily to their preferences. In fact, with over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. To capitalize on this trend, there is now a huge selection of bike rental stores dotted throughout the city. You should expect to pay somewhere in the range of €10/day for rentals. If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than a month, then purchasing a second-hand bike is a much more cost-effective option, with many going for between €50 and €200. Avoid buying bicycles on the street from unverified vendors, as these are likely to have been stolen and can land you in a lot of trouble. Cycling Safety Be sure to exercise some basic cycling safety and etiquette if you choose to ride in Amsterdam. Stick to roads and dedicated cycle lanes. Keep to the right-hand side and leave space for other cyclists. Make sure you have working front and rear lights when riding at night. Observe other cyclists’ body language to anticipate their actions and signal your own. If you intend to use your phone for directions, make sure to use a legal handlebar mount. Cyclists should overtake each other on the left, but can overtake other vehicles on the right. Only ring your bell when necessary. Always stow your bike in dedicated spaces and ensure you use a reliable lock. Taxi While road traffic is fairly minimal in Amsterdam, that can be quite the boon for those who need to get themselves across the city fast. Whether you’re looking for airport transfers or need to make it to an event quickly, taxis can be your best friend. Most taxis are regulated by the municipality to charge pre-set rates, so you should never have to face a surprise fee for your journey. Like in most cities, you'll find taxi ranks at the airport and most major transport hubs. Taxis can also be ordered at your convenience by calling up your chosen taxi firm, or you can make a booking via the TCA app. Alternatively, the likes of Uber and Bolt also operate in Amsterdam.
Robert Heaney
View of the Rijksmuseum from across a canal
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Amsterdam in February

Those harboring some winter wanderlust may find Amsterdam in February to be the ideal trip to scratch that itch. Offering all of the city’s best gems without the summertime or festive season crowds, February serves as a fantastic time to experience the Dutch capital at its most genuine. Just be prepared to dress for the weather! Visiting Amsterdam in February Average Temperature: 31 – 45°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day If you’re looking to visit Amsterdam in its true low season, this is the time for it. Amsterdam in February sees some of its lowest tourism rates of the year, owing to the natural absence of peak-season travelers and the European winter chill. That can be a huge boon for those looking to get their fill of Dutch delights. Amsterdam’s core attractions are evergreen – think picturesque canals, cultural hubs and nightlife – which means the city is never truly without its crowds. However, the off-season lull means you’ll get to experience many of its top sights at one of their quietest times. Add to that low-season accommodation prices and airfare, and you’ve got a pretty solid, budget-friendly trip on your hands. Seeing out the winter season, February makes sure to keep things cool right up to the end. With averages ranging between sub-zero and pretty cold, you’ll want to wrap up just as much as for the rest of the winter period. Be sure to pack an umbrella and some waterproofs too, as you’re almost guaranteed at least a couple days of rain per week. Things to Do in February Amsterdam’s cooler and wetter weather in February may put somewhat of a dampener on many plans of spending your trip exploring the iconic canals and squares of the city, but that also makes it a perfect time to explore the inner world of the Dutch capital. Known particularly for its cultural hubs, Amsterdam has a wealth of art galleries to offer. Taking pride of place is the famous Rijksmuseum, where you can explore the Netherlands’ largest collection of art and historical artifacts, including many pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic fortune would be complete without visiting the Van Gogh Museum, housing the largest public collection of the renowned Dutch artist’s works. Fans of contemporary art should also spend some time at the MOCO Museum, where you’ll find the works of such visionaries as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and many other modern artists. On the other side of the culture coin sits Amsterdam’s impressive collection of historical hubs. Among some of the most popular destinations are the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, offering insights into the respective histories of the city and of Dutch nautical endeavors. Anybody with a keen interest in local and continental history will also be well aware of the famous Anne Frank House. Once the home where the famous Jewish wartime diarist managed to evade capture, the site now serves as both a museum to her life and writings and a monument to the endurance of discriminated groups throughout the darkest time in recent European history. Events in February Carnival The one exception to the Netherlands’ tranquility in February is Carnival. Originally a pagan celebration held in the lead-up to Lent, the modern-day festival began in Italy and spread to the likes of Spain, Portugal, France and, of course, the Netherlands. While primarily only recognized in the majority-Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, smaller events can be found dotted around the country. For all its religious symbolism, Carnival is anything but a modest celebration. Over the course of several days in mid- to late-February, a number of major Dutch cities engage in all-out city-wide street parties. The event is usually kicked off with some form of ceremony, often involving the burning of an effigy and a speech by the so-called Prince of Carnival and other local authorities. The largest celebration is held in Maastricht, which sees thousands of visitors flock from around the country and even the continent for up to a week of day drinking and partying. Other major events take place in Den Bosch, Breda, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Enschede, though the exact dates of celebrations may differ between locations. Although Amsterdam itself doesn’t typically engage in Carnival celebrations, you’re still likely to find some localized parties and events throughout the city. But for the true Carnival experience, make your way to a participating city in your choice of fancy dress and prepare for the street party of the year. All of the above cities are reachable within a few hours by train – though be aware that public transport will be jam-packed on festival days. Chocoa Chocolade Festival This indulgence-focused event is a must for visitors with a particularly sweet tooth. Held over two day in the heart of Amsterdam, the Chocoa Festival brings together renowned chocolate makers, industry experts and chocoholics to celebrate their shared passion for our favorite sweet treat. With over 85 unique stalls piled high with free samples, the festival encourages visitors to try out new chocolate flavors. Various types of wine, coffee and craft beer are often also on offer to help you discover the perfect indulgent pairing. Expert-led lectures and presentations are also mixed into the program to provide insights into the history of chocolate, how it’s made and the state of the industry in the modern day. Those with a keen interest can also engage in debates surrounding the ethics and practises of the industry, while also learning about developments in sustainable practises throughout various aspects of production.
Robert Heaney
Rembrandt House
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Why the Museum Rembrandthuis Is a Must-See in Amsterdam

From hands-on demos to hidden history, Museum Rembrandthuis is one that shouldn’t be missed.
Beth Levicki

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