Plane at Amsterdam airport

Amsterdam Airport to City Travel Options (Schiphol)

Get straight to sightseeing with this comprehensive Amsterdam transport guide.
By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

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.

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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amsterdam markets
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Best Markets in Amsterdam

Even if you're vacationing abroad, markets can be the perfect place to pick up some fresh groceries, presents for your loved ones, or even something for yourself! Amsterdam is full of markets that run throughout the week, but which is the best? Well, we've collated this handy list of our favorites just for you, so no matter what you're in the market for, you'll find what you want! These are our picks for the best markets in Amsterdam! Including: Markets in Amsterdam North Markets in Amsterdam East Markets in Amsterdam Central Markets in Amsterdam West Markets! Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp) De Pijp is one of Amsterdam's coolest neighborhoods, where much of the expat community congregates. So it's no wonder that you'll find one of the city's most diverse and exciting markets there. The 'Cuyp', named after the famed Dutch painter of the same name, actually predates the modern expat avalanche, with the market going strong for over 100 years. Not only is Albert Cuyp surrounded by De Pijp's cool bars, boutiques, and restaurants, but it also offers a ton of amazing produce, prepared nibbles, and charming handcrafted jewelry and clothing. So, do yourself the greatest favor anyone can do themselves ever, and head down there to see what we're talking about. Waterlooplein (Centre) Predating Albert Cuyp by around 20 years, Waterlooplein definitely has a more local market vibe to it. Setup in the formerly Jewish part of town, you'll find hundreds of traders setting up stalls there. Bargain-hunting is the name of the game here, with plenty of peddlers willing to negotiate their prices. If you're in the market for a cheap bike to get you around the city, or looking for some unique accessories to adorn your withered body, Waterlooplein is the perfect destination for those of you with the savvy to barter. Nieuwmarkt (Centre) Predating the other markets on this list by hundreds of years, Nieumarkt's name might be deceptive. But its offerings are anything but! This is a farmer's market through and through, where growers have sold their wares for centuries, back when the site used to be the city gate. So, expect plenty of amazing organic produce straight from the field, alongside flowers, wine, and a variety of cooked snacks for you to munch on while you browse. De Hallen (West) Let's swap the outdoors for the indoors now. Amsterdam's weather can be a touch unpredictable, what with the windswept clouds turning sun to rain in a matter of minutes. So, why not check out this undercover food extravaganza should the worst happen? De Hallen is a mega-complex of sorts, built in the husk of an old train depot. Inside its walls, you'll find a cinema, events space, and the holy grail of street food - Foodhallen. Nestled inside this football-field-sized space, you'll discover delicious food from all over the world. Mexican, Italian, American diner, authentic Dutch, and many more cuisines call it home. And, with an island bar through the middle, and plenty of tables to eat on, you could spend all afternoon there sampling bits and pieces from each truck. While not a conventional market, Foodhallen is easily one of the best in Amsterdam. Bloemenmarkt (Centre) If you like flowers and you like boats, then boy is this next one going to blow your measly mind. Bloemenmarkt is a floating flower paradise, where you'll find a whole host of flower stalls that sit on one of Amsterdam's many canals. So, if you're in the market for an apology bouquet, want to surprise your partner, or simply love flowers and want them displayed proudly in your house, head down there and pick from a myriad of different species. Of course, they have tulips; they're about as Dutch as it gets. But you'll also find roses, orchids, and many more on the water! IJ Hallen Flea Market (Noord) If you're in the market for some vintage items or second-hand knickknacks, TJ Hallen Flea Market might be the perfect place for you to peruse. Over 500 stands dot the converted warehouse, which was used to build ships. And speaking of ships, you'll need to board one to cross the river. Don't worry; they're free, and run every 5-10 minutes until pretty late! Back to the market, anyone can go along, set up a stall, and flog anything they want to sell. And one person's loss could be your gain, so why not go check it out and see what deals lie in wait for your keen buying brain? And, when you're done, feel free to explore the cool urban landscape that's Noord. You'll find bars, restaurants, and a boat-load of street art! Noordermarkt-Boerenmarkt (Jordaan) If you're looking for high-quality produce at a premium price, then Noordermarkt is the one. The large collection of stalls congregate by the river, and many people spend their day there, sampling bites and sipping fine wines once their grocery shopping is done. The sellers are always on hand to recommend products to match your palate, so don't forego striking up a conversation! They won't bite, for the most part. Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui (Centre) If food is off the menu, and you're looking for a good book to add to your collection, then head to Boekenmarkt in Central. Sellers arrive from across the Netherlands to sell out-of-print editions, old magazines, and other paper-related artifacts from times gone by. Ideal for collectors or those interested in the finer things, feel free to head down there and ask if you're looking for something specific. You never know what they might have behind the stall. Lapjesmarkt (Jordaan) Swap paper and pears for t-shirts and twine at Lapjesmarkt! This delightful material-focused market has a whole host of clothing on sale, from vintage pieces to more up-to-date second-hand items. Alongside the clothing stalls is the craft market, where you can pick up fabrics, textiles, and other building/mending materials to create your own masterpieces, or simply sow that hole in your favorite jeans! For the fashion crazy, it's one of the best markets in Amsterdam! Artplein-Spui (Centre) In the market, wink wink, for some fine art pieces? You'll find nothing but the best at Artplein-Spui, where local and international artists have been selling their pieces for over two decades. Bargain-hunters will find paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, and many other pieces at one of its many stalls. They even have installations on show, if you want to kill a few hours exploring. And those are our picks for the best markets in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
Canal houses over a canal bridge
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3 Days in Amsterdam

Known worldwide for its unique mix of extensive history, intriguing culture and renowned social hubs, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations. Many of the city’s top attractions are nestled together within a compact city center, making the Dutch capital ideal for weekend getaways and whirlwind trips. While you’re sure to find more than enough to last you a number of weeks, three days in Amsterdam is plenty of time to explore some of the best attractions that the city has to offer. In place of a strict, linear itinerary, we’ve put together a selection of our top recommendations for things to do within a three-day trip, along with recommended visit durations to help you plan your own itinerary. Must-Do Museums Rijksmuseum Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours Perhaps the most well-known hub of history and culture in Amsterdam and easily one of the most important museums in the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum dominates the Museumplein with its striking Gothic- and Renaissance-style architecture. Officially opened to the public in 1885, the site is now home to a vast collection of historical artifacts chronicling over 800 years of Dutch history, along with an impressive collection of artworks by some of the Netherlands’ own master painters. Among its most popular pieces are works by Vermeer and Van Gogh, with Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch taking pride of place. Amsterdam Museum Recommended Visit: 1 hour Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archaeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history. Van Gogh Museum Recommended Visit: 1.5 - 3 hours Among Amsterdam’s extensive selection of globally significant art galleries, the Van Gogh Museum remains the king. Understandably a great source of cultural and artistic pride for the Netherlands, the site houses the world’s most complete collection of works by history’s most famous painter. Attracting art aficionados and curious visitors alike from the world over, the museum is home to over 200 of the Dutch artist’s paintings, alongside more than 500 drawings and 700 letters. The site also hosts a rolling series of temporary exhibitions related to the works of Van Gogh, his contemporaries and his impact on the art world as a whole. Anne Frank House Recommended Visit: 1 hour Perhaps the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Left virtually untouched structurally for the best part of a century, this unassuming canal house now serves as a museum and potent reminder of the difficulties and religious persecution experienced by jews and other minority groups during the Second World War. Originally the premises of the Frank family business, the building would later come to house the hiding place in which the family of the famous wartime diarist evaded German capture for almost two years. While the house is now empty of most original furniture, the original annex in which they hid still stands, continuing to breathe the tense atmosphere of the period. Engaging Activities Heineken Experience Recommended Visit: 90 minutes Historic home to one of the world’s most lauded beer brands, Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience takes visitors on a unique behind-the-scenes journey through the creation and history of the globally popular pilsner. The tour guides visitors through every aspect of production, from inception to brewing to marketing, before rounding off with a much-anticipated tasting session. Nightlife Recommended Visit: – Among many other things, Amsterdam is renowned for offering one of the best nightlife scenes in all of Europe. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Nes typically attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd, and the clubs on Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein serve as a fantastic end to the night. Retail Therapy Recommended Visit: – If you’re looking to grab some European bargains or to pick up a souvenir or two from your trip, Amsterdam has you sorted. The Negen Straatjes (‘Nine Streets’) is a collection of narrow, historical streets at the heart of the canal district, replete with charming cafés and restaurants alongside a wide selection of both unique, independent stores and chain boutiques. For the best retail experience that Amsterdam has to offer, you’ll want to take yourself to Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, as well as the Kalverpassage shopping mall that connects the two. The Magna Plaza is your best bet for more of an independent mall experience, while De Bijenkorf is your best source for all things designer and luxury. Outdoor Escapes Canal Cruise Recommended Visit: Varies per provider Most likely the first thing most people associate with Amsterdam is its iconic waterways. Originally serving as means of water management, defense and facilitating trade, the capital’s labyrinthine canals accounts for 25% of the city’s surface area. With tourism now accounting for a huge portion of Amsterdam’s economy, the canals have evolved to serve largely as a unique means for visitors to explore the city from a new perspective. There’s a whole host of canal tour operators providing excursions through the city center, often accompanied by valuable local insights into the cultural and historical significance of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions. ARTIS Royal Zoo Recommended Visit: 2 hours One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden. Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection. Parks Recommended Visit: – For a brief escape from the bustling city streets, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés. Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year. Getting Around Public Transport While most of the city center is easily accessible on foot, with most top attractions rarely more than a short walk from one another, Amsterdam’s extensive public transport system can be a huge boon for getting your two-day itinerary rolling smoothly. Between the capital’s three primary bus operators, 14 tram lines and 39 citywide metro stops, you should have no trouble at all hopping from the likes of the Rijksmuseum straight to Westerpark at your leisure. If you’re trying to cover a lot of Amsterdam in a limited amount of time, public transport can often cut your journey time by at least half when compared to simply walking. All of the services within the Amsterdam public transport system are integrated with each other, meaning any multiple-use pass you purchase will be valid on any mode of transport. You can buy single- or multi-use tickets at most transport hubs, alongside passes valid from anywhere between 24 and 96 hours should you plan to use public transport fairly regularly. Cycling If you’re looking for the full Amsterdam experience, then there’s nothing more truly Dutch than exploring the city on your own set of wheels. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling is easily one of the most convenient means of getting around. Most rental shops dotted throughout the city offer rates of around €10/day. On the Water While we’ve already covered the value of Amsterdam’s canals for providing a new perspective on the city, they also serve as a great way to get around the city center. A ticket for a hop-on, hop-off boat tour can last you the whole day or even your whole trip and offers much the same experience as other tours, while also operating regular stops to help you get from A to B. That being said, given the limited range of the canals, it should be noted that this is not a viable means of traversing the whole city.
Robert Heaney
amsterdam couple
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Things to do in Amsterdam For Couples

Taking that special someone to Amsterdam for a vacation? Good choice! One of Europe's most picturesque cities, there are plenty of things for couples to do there! No need to do your own research because we've done it all for you! Here are our picks for the best things to do in Amsterdam for couples! Including: Leg-stretching strolls Waterbound sights Museums galore Windmill wonders Tony's chocolate factory and more! And those were our picks for things to do in Amsterdam for couples! See them all in one fell swoop with an Amsterdam attraction pass!
Dom Bewley

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