So you’ve arrived in the bustling city of Amsterdam! If you’ve just landed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol you might be wondering how to make your way to Amsterdam Central, fear not – we’ve got you covered. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s biggest and busiest hubs, so it’s a relatively easy destination to fly into from all over the world. This means that it also has a variety of transportation options available. Getting from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central is nice and easy.

It might not be the most exciting part of planning a trip, but deciding how best to get from the airport to the city centre (and back again) is usually a detail worth researching before you arrive at the airport and end up spending an hour unnecessarily walking around trying to detect the best (and most cost-effective) route into the centre and to your hotel. So sit back, relax, and read on for the easiest ways to reach Amsterdam Central from the airport.

Getting to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport

How far is Schiphol Airport from Amsterdam city centre?

First thing first how far is Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam City Centre? Amsterdam Centraal also known as Amsterdam Central is 21km/13 miles from Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam Airport) to Amsterdam City Centre. 

Taking a train from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central

One of the most popular, cheapest and easiest ways to get from Schiphol Airport to the city centre is by taking a train. The NS train station is located directly beneath the airport, simply take the escalator or lift downstairs, follow the signs and hop on a train heading towards Amsterdam Central Station. You can use the ticket machines in both Dutch and English and choose either 1st or 2nd class.

The train runs 24 hours a day, with departures scheduled for every 10–15 minutes between the hours of 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. (they depart every hour outside of these times). The journey by train takes only 15 minutes, and you’ll arrive in one of Amsterdam’s most central and best-connected locations leaving you ready to explore the centre or to get a connecting train to a different part of The Netherlands. You can also travel directly from Schiphol Airport to many other destinations in The Netherlands as well.

Train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station price

The train from the airport Amsterdam to the city centre costs around €4.60 for a one-way ticket between the airport and Amsterdam Central depending on the day and time. You can book your train tickets in advance here. Or, you can purchase your train tickets in the station hall from the big blue and yellow ticket machines as well as the manned service desks.

You can check the up-to-date schedule here.

Taking a taxi from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central

If you prefer the comfort of a taxi or have a lot of luggage, then you can also take a taxi or an Uber from the airport to Amsterdam Central. You will find plenty of private taxis in the taxi line just outside the main entrance outside the arrivals hall at the train station level at Schiphol Airport. The drive from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Centre will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre, depending on traffic.

A taxi from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central will cost you around between €39 and €45 one way, making it a much more expensive option.

Is there Uber in Amsterdam?

Yes, there is Uber in Amsterdam and in 5 other cities across The Netherlands. Uber is widely available in Amsterdam and it can be a great way to quickly and efficiently get across the city and to spots just outside of it, including Amsterdam Central.

Uber from Amsterdam airport to the city centre

Alternatively, you can also get an Uber from Amsterdam airport to the City Centre. Depending on which service you choose and where your destination is, you can expect to pay between €30-€60.

Taking a bus from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central

Amsterdam Aiport is well connected by public transport. This means you also have the option to travel from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam by taking a bus, which operates between the airport and various locations in Amsterdam including Amsterdam Central. Take the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397. This bus allows you to travel quickly from Amsterdam Airport to the centre of Amsterdam and back again. A return ticket costs €11.75 per person.

You can find ticket machines at Schiphol Plaza and in Arrival 1, 2 & 3, or you can pay on board using your bank card, credit card or mobile with OVpay. Always remember to check in and out when getting on and off the bus.

The bus stops at various main city locations including Stadionplein, Emmastraat, Museumplein, Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein.

Taking the Schiphol Hotel Shuttle from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central

Operated by Connexxion, the Schiphol Hotel Shuttle extends its services to over 100 hotels in Amsterdam. Departing every half hour between 6 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. from platform A7, situated just outside the main entrance on the arrivals and train station level, this shuttle facilitates convenient transfers. Accommodating up to eight passengers in a shared vehicle, the journey duration varies depending on the number of stops, potentially elongating if you happen to be the last drop-off point.

Starting at approximately $20 per person, the shuttle offers discounted rates for families or groups, making it a cost-effective alternative to individual taxi rides. Families, especially, benefit from significant savings compared to hiring multiple taxis. Tickets can be purchased either at the Connexxion service desk located at Arrivals 4 (opposite Starbucks) or online.

Before opting for the Connexxion shuttle, it’s important to enquire with your hotel about the availability of a complimentary airport shuttle service. This ensures you make the most informed decision regarding your airport transfer arrangements.

Cycling from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also rent a bike at the airport and pedal your way into the city! Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam and there are plenty of bike lanes for safe riding. So, if you don’t have too much luggage and lots of energy then hire a bike and travel into the city whilst also getting your daily exercise.

If you want to opt for this option then head to the Sheraton Hotel and the cycle path from Amsterdam Airport can be found just the other side of it and leads all the way to Amsterdam Central. The cycle should take you approximately 1 hour. There are also signs that will direct you the whole way from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central.

Top tip: We highly recommend getting an Amsterdam Travel Ticket. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way of exploring the city. It also includes a return journey via the Airport Express bus, from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. If you anticipate frequent use of public transit throughout your stay, this ticket is well worth considering.

Hiring a car from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central

The option we recommend the least is to travel from Amsterdam airport to Amsterdam Central. It’s technically possible to drive to Amsterdam Centraal. However, Amsterdam is an expensive and inconvenient city to park in. Unless you are looking to go further afield in the Netherlands than Amsterdam there really isn’t any need in hiring a car.

However, if you are looking to explore more of the Netherlands then we recommend using Discover Cars to book your rental car through. They’re great for finding the most competitive price for all-hire cars.

Conclusion on How To Get From Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central/ Centraal

In conclusion to the question “How To Get From Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central” your best option is to get the train between the two as it is budget-friendly and the fastest option. However, you also have the option to get a bus, shuttle bus, Uber or taxi. You can be in Amsterdam in as little as 20 minutes making getting from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central very quick and efficient.