travel schiphol to amsterdam

Getting to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is a major international airport which lies 17km south-west of central Amsterdam. It offers excellent transport connections including a railway station directly under the airport.

For many passengers the train is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting to Amsterdam city centre. Below we compare all the possible travel and ticket options – by train, bus and taxi.

Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam summary (2024 prices)

1. TRAIN: NS (Dutch Railways) train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central (single €5.90 including €1 surcharge for a disposable ticket, 15-20 mins).

It is also possible to buy fully-cancellable Schiphol-Amsterdam train e-tickets here from Tiqets at a slight premium ( €10.50 single, €18 return) and go straight to the train.

2. TRAIN+METRO: NS train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid (single €4.30 including €1 surcharge, 7 mins) where you can connect onto the metro (single €3.40).

3. BUS: Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 (Connexxion-RNET) from Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Elandsgracht (single €6.50 , open return €11.75 , 30 mins). Also, GVB bus 369 Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk (single €3.40, 40 mins). Note neither bus goes to Amsterdam Central.

Multi-day transport tickets useful for visitors:

Holland Travel Ticket: 1 day ticket ( €70 /€48 off-peak) valid on all Dutch public transport. Only good for longer journeys around the Netherlands and/or if using multiple transport companies.

TAXI: Standard metered fare will be €45-€60 to central Amsterdam; fixed fare discounts offered by some companies. Book a taxi at a fixed rate with Sneleentaxi

UBER: Ride-hailing app Uber is present in Amsterdam and airport-city transfers cost around €62 (Uber Black) and €39 (UberX).

1. Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by NS train

All Schiphol passenger arrival points (exits 1-4) are a short walk to the main station hall. Dutch Railways (NS) runs trains to Amsterdam Central station up to 10 times per hour between 0600 and 0100. There are also night trains running once an hour on the hour between 0200 and 0500.

There are 6 underground platforms at Schiphol with trains to Amsterdam normally departing from platforms 1-2 or 3. You can go down to the platforms by escalator or stairs from the station hall.

How much does it cost? One-way tickets to Amsterdam Central cost €5.90 standard 2nd class or €9.33 in 1st class – these prices include the €1 surcharge for buying a disposable ticket. The standard Schiphol-Amsterdam 2nd class fare is thus €4.90 .

Do not buy a return ticket (2x single fare) unless you are coming back to the airport on the same day. Children aged 4-11 can travel on a “Railrunner” ticket which costs €2.50 (+ €1 surcharge for a disposable ticket) and is valid the whole day in 2nd class on the rail network. Children 0-3 travel free.

Tiqets offers the option to pre-purchase Schiphol-Amsterdam train tickets online here in multiple currencies – although it charges a slight premium at €10.50 single / €18 return – the tickets are fully cancellable up to the day before. You can hop directly onto the train at Schiphol, scan your barcode to open the gates at Amsterdam Central.

Alternatively, you could buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket (which includes the airport train trip + unlimited GVB transport in Amsterdam) or the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (which also includes unlimited transport in the entire Amsterdam region). See below for more detailed info.

The complex OV-chip card system is in use on Dutch railways and this means it is mandatory to check-in and check-out of your journey using the yellow card readers or gates. At Schiphol the card reader poles are located around the station hall before going down to the platforms.

If you are on a short visit to Amsterdam it’s probably best to stick with disposable single tickets or buy one of the good value multi-day tickets .

For regular visitors or those wanting to use a lot of public transport you could consider buying an anonymous OV-chip card . This plastic card costs €7.50 to purchase and will last 4-5 years. It’s possible to load travel credit onto the card which can be used on trains and all other public transportation in the Netherlands. Be aware that the cards always require a minimum of €20 credit for using the train.

You can now also check-in and -out using contactless debit/credit cards/mobile using the OVPay system. The standard fare is charged to your card.

For more tips and tricks on buying train tickets in the Netherlands see our detailed guide: How To Buy A Dutch Train Ticket

Buying train tickets at Schiphol Airport: You can buy disposable train tickets at either the ‘ Train tickets & Services’ desk or at the yellow/blue automatic ticket machines .

The ticket machines can be found dotted around the station hall – plus a couple in the luggage reclaim area as well. The touch screen display is available in both Dutch and English.

The front page of the machines has a quick one-press option for tickets to Amsterdam Central – you do need to specify the date of your journey.

The ticket machines accept payment by debit and credit cards (V-Pay, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express) using pin and/or contactless. The machines also accept euro coins (change given) but euro banknotes are NOT accepted.

The ticket desk does accept euro cash payment by notes/coins and also accepts debit and credit cards as described above.

Which train? Train departure information can be found on the large screen above the ticket desk and on smaller triple screens around the station hall and platforms. For timetables check the ns.nl website – free WiFi is available at Schiphol – or the printed yellow boards.

If going to Amsterdam Central station (Amsterdam Centraal) make sure you get on the correct train!

Trains going to Amsterdam Zuid (see below), Amsterdam RAI or Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA use a different route and DO NOT go to Central station. Every day quite a number of people get on the wrong train and the odd lost soul ends up in Utrecht! If you have taken the wrong train then get out at Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA where a Sprinter train can take you back up to Amsterdam Centraal.

Which station in Amsterdam? Familiarise yourself with our Amsterdam Rail Network Map

With a checked-in OV-chip card or ticket, you can get on any domestic train between Schiphol and Amsterdam Central. Sprinter and Intercity trains generally make stops at Amsterdam Lelylaan and Amsterdam Sloterdijk stations before reaching Amsterdam Central in just under 20 minutes.

The comfortable Intercity Direct trains run 5x hourly non-stop taking 15 minutes between Schiphol and Amsterdam. If possible we recommend taking this train from Schiphol to Amsterdam as it has good luggage racks.

Note, if travelling from Schiphol to Rotterdam on the Intercity Direct (which uses the high-speed track) you must pay an extra supplement of €2.90, although this can be occasionally waived for various reasons, check for announcements. No supplement is required between Schiphol and Amsterdam.

On the journey to/from the airport please watch your belongings as opportunist thieves and pickpockets are known to occasionally operate along the route.

At Amsterdam Centraal station the airport trains mainly arrive and depart from platforms 13, 14 and 15 at the northern waterfront side (IJ-side) of the station. From the platform go down the stairs or escalators and check-out with your ticket or OV-chip card at the gate barriers.

Taxis and ferries are found on the waterfront side; head towards the opposite southern exit for the city centre, trams and metro.

2. Train to Amsterdam Zuid then North-South Metro Line

An alternative route to the city is to take the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Zuid (2nd class €4.30 , 1st class €6.61 including the €1 disposable ticket) and then connect onto the North-South metro line M52 . The train trip takes just 7 minutes to Zuid with up to 12x hourly services.

At Amsterdam Zuid you can get onto the North-South metro which runs towards Amsterdam North through the central spine of the city. Stops can be made at Europaplein (RAI), De Pijp, Vijzelgracht, Rokin (Dam Square/Spui), Amsterdam Central and onto Amsterdam North. See Amsterdam Metro Map

The best way to do this is booking the Amsterdam Travel Ticket (see below for more info) which covers both the train and metro journeys on a single ticket. Otherwise you will have to buy separate rail and metro tickets.

In terms of metro tickets, there is the a GVB 1 hour ticket ( €3.40 ), a Bus Tram Metro BTM 1.5 hour ticket ( €6.50 ) or the better value GVB multi-day tickets.

GVB multi-day tickets are valid on a full 24 hour basis ranging from 1 day ( €9 ) to 7 days ( €41 ); children’s 1 day ticket ( €4.50 ). Book GVB multi-day tickets online here for pick-up at GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam Central stations.

Hopefully the metro will be extended to the airport in the coming years meaning passengers can use GVB tickets without having to buy a separate rail ticket.

3. Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397

The Amsterdam Airport Express 397 bus service (operated by Connexion/R-NET) runs from bus stop B15 at Schiphol Plaza, just outside the main station hall.

These red buses depart up to 8x hourly to Amsterdam city centre – with various stops including Olympic Stadium, Museumplein and Leidseplein – finally terminating at Amsterdam Elandsgracht bus station. This bus option is convenient for visitors staying around the Museum quarter or Leidseplein. Please note, the bus does not go to Amsterdam Central station .

The journey takes just over 30 minutes and buses operate from 0500 to 0030. Screens at the airport bus stop will show the next departure. A single Bus Tram Metro (BTM) ticket costs €6.50 , an open return which can be used within 14 days costs €11.75 . A children’s ticket (aged 4-11) is just €1 .

Tickets can also be purchased (with card only) either from the driver or at the Public Transport Service & Tickets minibus tucked away near the hotel shuttle bus stops A5-A7.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket and Amsterdam & Region Ticket are also both valid for the 397 bus. Note, GVB tickets are NOT valid for the 397 service.

The standard distance fare for this trip is around €4.21 if using a personal or anonymous OV-chip card or OVPay.

There is a small space for luggage on board the bus.

Night bus service N97 Niteliner runs hourly during the night (0100 to 0500) between Schiphol Plaza and Amsterdam Elandsgracht. Ticket prices are as above.

Alternative GVB airport bus to Sloterdijk : GVB is the main transport company for Amsterdam including trams, metro and buses. Unfortunately GVB only has 1 service connecting to Schiphol – GVB bus 369 (R-NET-branded) Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Sloterdijk station which runs 2-4x per hour. This bus does not go to Amsterdam Central station. This journey takes 40 minutes compared to 11 minutes with the train.

Cheapskate’s tip: The cheapest way to get from Schiphol to Amsterdam is to buy a 1 hour GVB ticket ( €3.40 ) and take GVB bus 369 to Sloterdijk then immediately connect onto GVB bus 22 to Amsterdam Central; or tram 12 to the Museumplein area. Bus 369 could also be of use to those with a GVB multi-day tickets. However we still recommend taking the much faster train!

4. Amsterdam Travel Ticket

This 1, 2 or 3 day ticket combines the airport train or bus journey with an unlimited GVB travel around Amsterdam . If you are on a short visit and also plan to use public transport in Amsterdam this ticket could be useful. You can purchase the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here .

It offers unlimited travel for NS train journeys between Schiphol Airport and any station in Amsterdam (Central, Amstel, Bijlmer-ArenA, Duivendrecht, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk or Zuid). This also includes any train journeys between the mentioned Amsterdam stations.

You also get unlimited travel on the Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 and unlimited GVB transport travel which can be used on all GVB trams, buses, metro and night buses in the Amsterdam metropolitan area.

Ticket costs are €18 (1 day), €24 (2 days) and €30 (3 days).

Note that validity of the card is on a ‘day’ basis, not ’24 hours’ and cards expire at 0400 the following morning of the last valid day. You must make the return journey back to the airport before expiry! This means the card is best suited to those who activate it earlier in the day and who will return to the airport during the late afternoon/evening.

For example, if you activate the 1 day card anytime on a Wednesday (0000-2359) the card will expire on Thursday morning at 0400. Likewise, a 2/3 day card activated on a Wednesday would expire on Friday/Saturday at 0400, respectively.

So those activating in the morning could make good use of the card; those activating in the evening would get limited hours so it’s frankly not worth it in that case – buy separate train and transport tickets instead. For more see our detailed article on public transport tickets in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket works using the OV-chip system so you must check-in and check-out for every journey taken.

You receive a voucher and simply pick up your pre-purchased tickets at the following points: NS ticket & service desks at at Amsterdam Schiphol airport , Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk ; at the GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid , Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena or Amsterdam Noord .

You can also purchase this ticket at the following points at Schiphol: NS Tickets & Service desk, Iamsterdam Visitor Centre (Schiphol Plaza Arrivals 2), Public Transport Service & Tickets minibus (stops A5-A7), AKO newsagents or the “Public Transport tickets” machine (cards only) near the escalator to platform 1/2. You can also buy this ticket at NS Tickets & Service (Amsterdam Central) and GVB Tickets & Info points.

This ticket could be useful for those staying at Schiphol airport hotels wanting to visit the city each day. It could also be handy if you are staying at Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena.

If staying longer than 3 days you could always consider buying 2 sets of tickets and using them consecutively.

5. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

This is a (multi)day ticket which is valid on all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region . This includes NS trains, all regional buses (Connexxion, EBS and Arriva 858 Schiphol-Keukenhof service) and all GVB Amsterdam buses, metro and trams. It is valid for the airport train trip and the 397 bus.

Ticket costs are €21.00 (1 day), €31.50 (2 days) and €40.50 (3 days).

As with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, it is valid on a “calendar day basis” only rather than 24 hours. The card is activated on first check-in and expires at 0400 in the morning after the last valid day. You must check-in and check-out for each journey taken.

Once again, you could consider buying more than 1 ticket if you are staying longer than 3 days/2 nights – or mix and match with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket or GVB multi-day tickets, depending on your itinerary.

This ticket is good if you are planning to take side trips outside of Amsterdam. The ticket region includes the Waterland fishing villages area, Zaanse Schans/Industrial Heritage area, Amsterdam beaches, Keukenhof flowers area, Castles/Garden area and the New Land area.

The ticket is available at Iamsterdam Visitor Centres plus Connexxion, EBS, GVB and NS ticket offices. It can also be purchased at the “Public Transport tickets” machine near the escalator to platform 1/2 or the ‘Public Transport Service & Tickets’ minibus (stops A5-A7).

6. Holland Travel Ticket

This ticket was introduced to make it easier for visitors to navigate the Netherlands on one single ticket. It is valid for 1 day on all Dutch public transport in the country including trains (2nd class), buses, trams and metro. It can be bought at the desk or ticket machines at the train station and is a disposable OV-chip card. You must check-in and check-out for each journey leg.

The standard Holland Travel Ticket costs €70 and can be used anytime during the day. The off-peak Holland Travel Ticket costs €48 and is not valid for travel during the 0630-0900 rush hour Mon-Fri – but can be used anytime at weekends.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling in the Netherlands on a single day (either in terms of distance or using different forms of transport) then this ticket could offer good value and saves you having to buy separate tickets each time. Don’t buy it if you just need to go to Amsterdam from Schiphol!

7. Taxi Schiphol-Amsterdam

Private taxi cabs in the Netherlands are not particularly cheap – the trip to the centre of Amsterdam will cost around €45 to €60 . That said, the cars are usually very comfortable (Mercedes sedan or similar) so this may be a good choice for business travellers, older visitors and small groups. For more detailed info, see Amsterdam taxis

The official taxi stand at Amsterdam Schiphol is located just outside the main station hall slightly to the left. You can choose whichever taxi you want – you are not obliged to take the first car. The fare is calculated by meter and the journey should take between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Please be aware that illegal taxi touts are known to operate around the Schiphol Plaza area, often holding official-looking taxi signs and calling out “taxi”. Stick with the official taxi stand or use a pre-booked vehicle.

There are a number of private firms which can offer fixed rates to travel to/from Amsterdam Schiphol. The largest taxi firm in Amsterdam is TCA taxi (+31(0)20 7777777).

Sneleentaxi offers fixed fares to/from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam or any destination in the Netherlands. Book a taxi at fixed rate with Sneleentaxi

8. Uber Amsterdam Schiphol

Uber , the ride-hailing service app (uber.com) is available in Amsterdam in the form of UberBlack (original service with VIP taxis), UberVan (minivan) and UberX (lower cost version). Users can order a car through the mobile app and payment is automatically handled. Expect to pay €62 for UberBlack from airport to city centre; €39 for UberX.

RENTAL CARS : If you need to hire a car from Schiphol or Amsterdam, you can book with Discover Cars here which checks all the main sites.

Last updated 7 December 2023. This article was first published in 2008 and has been updated continuously since then. In 2008 a Schiphol-Amsterdam train ticket cost €3.80!

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

Related Articles

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotels Guide

NS Group Ticket (Off-Peak) – Cheapest Dutch Train Offer

Train Stations in Amsterdam

Is There a Left Luggage Facility at Amsterdam Central Station?

Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in the Netherlands

Getting Around the Netherlands

Cities to Visit

Complete Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Public Transportation

Essential Dutch Phrases

One Week in the Netherlands

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Getaways From Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in the Netherlands

Castles to Visit in the Netherlands

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Top Markets

Live Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums

Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens

Must-Try Food in the Netherlands

Craft Beer in the Netherlands

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Amsterdam

How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to City Center by Train, Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

Daniel Hernanz Ramos / Getty Images

It's not the most thrilling part of planning a trip, but deciding on how best to get from the airport to your accommodations (and back again) is usually a detail worth researching. Thankfully, transportation to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is relatively easy, quick, and can be inexpensive.

Figure out beforehand if it makes the most sense for you take a bus, train, or car, as each method of transportation has its own pros and cons based on your individual trip. The train is the cheapest and fastest way to get to the city center, shuttling passengers to Amsterdam Centraal Station in 15 minutes. Even though the bus takes longer, it has more stops throughout the city, so depending on where your hotel is it could be a more convenient option. Taxis are the most expensive option, and the airport shuttle can also take you to your hotel door at a much lower price.

How to Get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center

• Train: 15 minutes, from $5
• Bus: 30 minutes, from $7
• Taxi: 20 minutes, from $50
• Hotel Shuttle: 30 minutes, from $20 (for single rider)

Skip Nall / Getty Images

The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station is the fastest and cheapest way to the city center. 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 during other times). The trip takes only 15 minutes, leaving passengers in one of Amsterdam's most central and best-connected locations.

Tickets are only 4.60 euros, or about $5, and you can buy them at the ticket desk on the arrivals level or at the yellow machines using euro coins or a credit card. To catch the train, walk down one level to the floor below the ticket machines.

The train is one of the best ways to get into the city, and avoids any risk of getting stuck in busy Amsterdam traffic. However, you'll need to continue your trip from the train station after arriving, either by foot, tram, bus, or taxi, which can be a hassle, especially if you're carrying lots of luggage.

Tip: Especially if you plan to arrive after 12 a.m. or on the weekend, check the NS (Dutch Railways) website to see if any maintenance works will interrupt your journey.

Anestiev / Pixabay  

The Amsterdam Airport Express, or Bus 397, departs from the airport several times an hour between the hours of 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. You can catch this big red bus right outside the main airport hall, and the trip takes about 30 minutes to arrive in central Amsterdam.

The bus does not go to Amsterdam Centraal Station, but it does have stops near Olympic Stadium, Museumplein, and Leidseplein, so it may be an even more convenient option for travelers with accommodations near these popular areas. Check the address of your lodging or ask before arrival to see if the bus is the best option for you.

 RUBEN RAMOS / Getty Images

You'll find plenty of private taxis for hire in the taxi line just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level at  Schiphol Airport . Be sure to choose a taxi from this line and not from individuals walking around soliciting their services. Note that taxis run on a strict meter basis and there is no set flat airport rate.

Uber is also available from the airport in Amsterdam, and you can choose the standard UberX, a luxury Uber Black, or a van for a larger group of people. UberX is sometimes a little cheaper than standard taxis, but you'll need internet on your phone to call the Uber.

Although getting a car directly to your hotel is much more convenient, traffic can cause serious delays and run up the meter. If you want door-to-door service, the airport shuttle may be a more affordable option.

By Schiphol Hotel Shuttle

The Schiphol Hotel Shuttle, run by Connexxion, offers service to more than 100 Amsterdam hotels. Shuttles run every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. from platform A7, just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level. The shuttle is a shared vehicle that holds up to eight passengers, so the total journey time varies based on the number of stops. If you are the last one dropped off, then the total travel time can be significantly higher.

The price of the shuttle starts at about $20 per person, but if you're traveling with a family or group, then there are discounts for each additional traveler. For example, a large family will save money by using the shuttle instead of hiring two separate taxis. Buy tickets at the Connexxion service desk at Arrivals 4 (opposite Starbucks), or online.

Be sure to ask your hotel first if they offer a complimentary airport shuttle before reserving the Connexxion shuttle.

What to See in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is easily one of Europe's most charming cities, especially if you visit in the warm summer months when the sun is shining and the tulips are in bloom. A cruise through the canals is one of the best ways to get a tour of the city, or hop on a bicycle and make your own tour in this über-bike-friendly capital. The infamous red-light district and the deceivingly-named coffeeshops are an exciting part of Amsterdam culture to experience for foreigners, but remember they are geared toward tourists. For a more authentic cultural experience, try one of the city's prestigious museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Anne Frank House.

Guide to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From BWI Airport to Baltimore by Rail, Bus, and Taxi

Take GO Transit to Toronto Pearson Airport

How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car

Getting To and From LaGuardia Airport in NYC

Taking the Roissybus to or From Charles de Gaulle Airport

How to Travel From Eindhoven Airport to Amsterdam by Train, Bus, and Car

How to Travel From Amsterdam to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel From Amsterdam to Charleroi Airport by Train, Bus, and Car

Getting Around Amsterdam: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From BWI Airport to Washington, DC, by Train, Taxi, and Shuttle

A Guide to Airports in the Netherlands

How to Travel From Amsterdam to Bruges by Train, Bus, and Car

How to Travel From Amsterdam to Maastricht by Train, Bus, and Car

How to Travel from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Holland Explorer

Amsterdam & tulips travel guide, from schiphol airport to amsterdam center.

How to get from Amsterdam airport to the city center? You can travel by train, by bus or by taxi. Here is a short summart of prices and travel times. You’ll find detailed step-by-step guides further on this page. Have a nice trip from Schiphol to Amsterdam downtown!

How far is Schiphol from Amsterdam city center?

Schiphol airport is located 17 kilometers away from Amsterdam. After you pick up your luggage, head to Schiphol Plaza and follow the signs to find the trains, buses or taxis.

What public transport is the best to get to your hotel in Amsterdam from Schiphol airport?

• Download Glimble for iOS >>
• Download Glimble for Android >>

Tip! Make sure that you choose all types of transport during your search with Glimble. You can select it by clicking the Filters button in the app.

• Find a hotel at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam >>
• Transit hotels inside Schiphol Airport >>
• Things to do in Amsterdam >>
• Is travelling from Schiphol to Amsterdam is included into I amsterdam City Card? >>

Important! At the moment it’s very busy at Schiphol. To avoid unnecessary stress, we recommend to travel to other European destination by train. Check prices and destinations >>

From Schiphol to Amsterdam city center by train

Schiphol airport railway station is located directly below the airport. Take an escalator or an elevator from Schiphol Plaza hall downstairs and board the train.

A direct train will take you to the center of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal station, or Amsterdam CS) within 17 minutes. Usually trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center depart from platforms 1 or 2.

Ticket price. A single train ticket from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal in 2024 costs € 5,90 . The ticket is valid in both Intercity and Sprinter trains. If you are travelling with children age 4-11, you can buy a special kids train ticket – Railrunner . It costs € 2,50 and is valid all day in all domestic trains.

Here you can book your train tickets from Schiphol to Amsterdam online. This e-ticket is € 1 cheaper than a ticket from a vending machine. The ticket can be used any time at the selected date.

Travelling from Schiphol to Amsterdam in the weekend? Please note that sometimes there are maintenance works on the rail which affect the trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam. We recommend to check the scheduled maintenance works , and use a travel app with the most up-to-date information.

• Download Glimble travel planner for iOS >>
• Download Glimble travel planner for Android >>

How to buy train tickets at Amsterdam airport? The easiest way is to buy your train ticket online . This e-ticket is € 1 cheaper than a ticket from a vending machine at the station. The ticket can be used any time at the selected date. You can also buy tickets at the airport from the yellow NS machines at Schiphop plaza (central airport hall above the station).

• Read more: Travelling by train in the Netherlands >>

Alternatively you can buy Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket , which includes unlimited travel by bus, tram and metro (operated by GVB , Connexxion and EBS, including night buses) as well as NS trains in the Amsterdam area for 1, 2 or 3 days.

The ticket is valid from the first time you check in until 04:00 hours after the last valid day. Great option if you are planning to discover the Amsterdam area, including the Zaanse Schans , Volendam and Marken, Haarlem and Zandvoort aan Zee . It is also valid for travelling to Keukenhof by bus (lines 852 , 858 , 50).

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket map in 2024. You can find a full-size image at Iamsterdam.com official website. Learn more about ARTT >>

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket prices in 2024:

• 1 day – € 21,00
• 2 days – € 31,50
• 3 days – € 41,50

You can check availability and book the transportation card here:

How to get from Schiphol to Amsterdam by bus

To get from Amsterdam airport to the city center, you can take a bus line 397 (in 2024 it costs € 6,50 one-way ) or N97 (Niteliner). It will take you from Schiphol Plaza to Leidseplein and Museum Square (Museumplein) in 30 minutes. Connexxion bus line 397 (also known as The Amsterdam Airport Express) departs from bus platform B17.

Bus departure times . The bus leaves every 8 minutes from bus stop B17.

How to get a bus ticket? You can buy a single bus ticket directly from the driver. The driver doesn’t accept cash, you can only pay with a bank card. Alternatively you can order a return ticket (Schiphol – Amsterdam – Schiphol) by bus 397 online (€ 11,75).

Taxi from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center

Taking a taxi is the most comfortable way to get from Schiphol airport to your hotel in Amsterdam. Taxi ride from Schiphol to Amsterdam center costs from € 55 to € 70. Depending on the traffic, a ride can take from 25 minutes. To make things smooth and get a fixed and transparent price we recommend to order taxi online >>

Ready for take off? Book your tickets to museums and attractions!

Enjoy your stay in amsterdam.

• Amsterdam in one day: things to see and do
• Red Light District in Amsterdam
• Canal cruises in Amsterdam: book online!

About the author:

Last updated: 26 March 2024

There are 5 passengers in our group all carrying large suitcases and backpacks for a British Isles cruise . We have to stay in Movenpick Hotel for2 days prior to cruise.

Hi Arnaldo, so what’s your question?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

How to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by train step-by-step

February 18, 2019 by Karen Turner 6 Comments

As someone who lived in Amsterdam, I am often asked how to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by train. It’s pretty easy to go independently from Schiphol to Amsterdam (and vice versa), however, I’ve included a step-by-step guide with photos on how to navigate the Dutch trains to get to Amsterdam to start off your Dutch adventure.

The best way to get from Schiphol Airport into Amsterdam city is by train. I do not recommend taking taxis as they have quite a poor reputation within the city for taking advantage of tourists who do not know prices. A taxi driver has once tried to rip me off and I’d recommend just taking the train for ~5.50 euros (plus one euro for the train ticket paper) per person.

The train from Schiphol Airport runs every every 10-15 minutes direct to Amsterdam Centraal. The journey takes about fifteen minutes to bring you from the airport to the heart of Amsterdam Centre. It’s easy, clean, and simple. Sometimes, the trains can be crowded, but you can wait for the next one if you choose!

From Amsterdam Centraal, you should be able to walk or catch a train or bus (different system) towards your final destination in Amsterdam. You might want to look up the directions ahead as there are several train stations in Amsterdam and it might be more convenient to take the train towards another station (e.g. Amsterdam Sloterdijk ) if your hotel is near here.

(If you really want to take a taxi and you’re staying in Amsterdam Centre, I’d recommend waiting until you arrive at Amsterdam Centraal to hail a taxi at the taxi stand.) It’s cheaper and you’re less likely to be ripped off!

• 1 Land in Schiphol Airport
• 2 Go through immigration (if applicable)
• 3 Gather your luggage (if applicable) and head to Schiphol Plaza
• 4 Find a ticket machine
• 5 Get the ticket machine into English and get a one way ticket
• 6 Get a one-way ticket to Amsterdam Centraal
• 7 Pay for the ticket and gather your ticket
• 8 Find the correct track
• 9 Tap in with your ticket
• 10 Get on the train to Amsterdam. (Let other passengers off before getting on!)
• 11 Press the open doors button when you’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal (wait for the announcement!)
• 12 Exit through the gates by tapping your ticket

Land in Schiphol Airport

Welcome to the Netherlands. Schiphol Airport has a lot of great amenities that you can read about here in this Schiphol Airport guide , including some great food.

Go through immigration (if applicable)

If you’re flying from outside of the Schengen zone or Europe, you’ll need to go through immigration. You’ll find Wi-Fi throughout the airport to get your documents ready for immigration. Depending on the flight, it might take 20-40 minutes to get through immigration as the line can be long for non-EU citizens.

Gather your luggage (if applicable) and head to Schiphol Plaza

After immigration, you’ll gather your luggage, if you have any, and leave the airport to enter the terminal. From here, look for signs for Trains . There will be a large open area with shops, which is where you’ll find the train ticket machines!

Find a ticket machine

From here, you’ll look for a ticket machine like the one above. If anyone tries to engage with you to ask you if you need a taxi, sell you a ticket and/or exchange money, avoid these people as these are common scams. Only buy your ticket through the machine and use official exchange desks prior to buying a ticket. Similarly, the “taxis” that approach you in this area are unlicensed .

Note: You’ll need to have a debit or credit card with a chip in it that is cleared for international use. You can also pay with coins, not bills. (There is an ATM in the terminal.) There is also a clerk available to help with transactions along the wall if you’re having difficulty.

Get the ticket machine into English and get a one way ticket

At the bottom left-hand corner, you’ll see a British flag and the word English. This will switch the machine into English to make it easier. Then, select one way ticket .

A return ticket only applies to journeys made the same day, so don’t buy this if you’re only heading to Amsterdam from Schiphol! If you need to purchase a ticket for a child under 12 (reduced fare), you can check under “ other products” oddly enough.

First and second class are a pretty minor difference, but if you want to ensure that you have a seat on the train, I recommend choosing first class as there are generally seats available. Otherwise, you may need to look for a seat in second class or stand for fifteen minutes.

Get a one-way ticket to Amsterdam Centraal

From here, you’ll need to select your destination. By default, Amsterdam Centraal comes up. You can tap that or hit the A button if you’re going to one of the other train stations within Amsterdam.

Note: Amsterdam Centraal is only one of the train stations in Amsterdam.Many tourists make the mistake of getting a ticket to the wrong station and/or getting off at the wrong station.  

Check on  Google Maps  for the best station for your hotel!   It might be that Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Amstel should be your destination. You can always take a bus onwards towards these destinations from Amsterdam Centraal if you want to get to Amsterdam first.

Pay for the ticket and gather your ticket

From here, you’ll want to pay for your ticket. If you’re using a card, you’ll tap Debit/Credit Card prior to looking to your right for the card machine. You’ll need to put the card with the chip towards the machine into the card reader. It sometimes needs to be pushed a little further prior to working. You might need to enter a pin.

After, you can choose if you want a receipt. Be sure to check the bottom of the machine for your ticket and receipt. Don’t leave without your ticket!

Find the correct track

This may change, however at the time of writing, trains to Amsterdam Centraal from Schiphol Airport are via Track 1&2. You should check the boards for updated train information.

Tap in with your ticket

Before you enter the train, you need to check-in to activate your ticket! This means that you’ll briefly press your new paper card against the yellow machine prior to hearing a beep (and seeing a green light). This means that you have checked-in successfully. From here, you’ll go down the escalator and wait for your train.

Note: Don’t lose your ticket! You will need to check-out with your train ticket and it might be checked on the train. As a result, I recommend putting your ticket in a secure pocket!

Get on the train to Amsterdam. (Let other passengers off before getting on!)

Allow other passengers to get off first. Then, get onto the train with your stuff. If the door isn’t opening, press the button on the side of the train to open the doors! I recommend checking the class (1 or 2) to go into the applicable class. If the train is pretty full, you might need to stand if you have second class tickets.

Press the open doors button when you’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal (wait for the announcement!)

After fifteen minutes, you’ll arrive in Amsterdam Centraal. Your train might continue on to other cities, so be sure to get off at Amsterdam Centraal! From here, watch the gap.

Exit through the gates by tapping your ticket

From here, head down the stairs in order to exit the station. Amsterdam city is on your right. You’ll need to tap your paper ticket against the gate in order to exit the train station. Welcome to Amsterdam! You’ll find many more tips for visiting Amsterdam here !

• Your perfect Amsterdam itinerary
• The best day trips from Amsterdam
• Secret Amsterdam
• Your guide to the Jordaan
• Tips for first-time visitors to Amsterdam

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

July 6, 2019 at 3:54 pm

How to purchase two way ticket to allow return at the same day

July 6, 2019 at 6:29 pm

Hi Maen, You can buy a round-trip ticket!

January 28, 2020 at 11:04 pm

Hello! Does this work the same way with the iAmsterdam pass? Thank you.

January 28, 2020 at 11:40 pm

The iAmsterdam pass is not valid for trains. You’ll need to buy a ticket per the blog post

September 26, 2022 at 3:53 am

Hello! Thanks for the helpful article. Can you go from the airport directly to the Hague, or must you first go to the Amsterdam train station? Thank you!

December 1, 2022 at 8:39 pm

You can directly go from the Hague train station yes 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• The Netherlands
• New York State
• Other European destinations
• Work With Me
• Disclosure and Privacy Policy
• Jeju SEO Tool: Free SEO Writing Tool

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

TreasureHunter USA Inc. 251 Little Falls Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19808 +1 (915) 4632387 EIN 88-2174128

www.wanderlustingk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs

www.wanderlustingk.com all rights reserved © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

How to Get From Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Centre

This post provides details about how to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre, including information about various transfer services and opportunities to save money on this service.

• Train Service
• Shuttle Bus
• Private Car/SUV
• Hotel Shuttle

TAKE THE TRAIN

The Dutch National Rail (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) offers trains from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station in an average of 14-17 minutes.

This option will cost about €5.50 per person with a €1 surcharge for disposable tickets.

You can purchase admission at either a ticket machine or a ticket desk.

Of course, if you want to take all the guesswork out of it, you can also purchase an Amsterdam & Regional Travel Ticket. 

This type of ticket is good for 1-3 days at a time, and it is valid across pretty much all public transportation in Amsterdam.

For more details, please read our post covering Amsterdam's public transport .

Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets here or learn more ( Affiliate Disclosure ).

You can also get a train ticket with at least one Amsterdam tourist pass, which we cover in our discounts section .

If you’re looking for a potentially cheaper alternative, consider taking the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Zuid station.

These tickets only cost €4 for second class (with €1 disposable ticket surcharge).

At Amsterdam Zuid, you can transfer onto the metro line M52 and head towards the city centre.

This option is also available if you get an Amsterdam & Regional Travel Ticket.

Each arrival point at Schiphol Airport is pretty close to the main station hall.

There are 6 underground platforms to depart from, but you should head to platforms 1, 2, or 3 to take a train to Amsterdam.

You can reach the underground platforms by escalator or stairs from the main station hall.

TAKE A SHUTTLE BUS

If you don’t mind a slightly longer wait, there is also a shuttle bus available from Connexxion for €6.50.

This option will take approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and other factors.

The line which will take you to Amsterdam city centre is bus 397, and you’ll find it at the bus stop B15 just outside the main station hall at Schiphol Plaza.

One of the main advantages of this option is that the shuttle bus runs up to 8 times per hour between 5:00 am and 12:30 am, so you can usually rely on the bus to be there when you arrive.

Another bonus is that your ticket is good for 1 ½ hours and it can be used on all other public transport in Amsterdam. 

Since the ride to the city centre usually only takes half an hour, that gives you plenty of time to use your transfer to reach another part of the city if needed.

Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the Public Transport Service booth near stops B9-B15.

Alternatively, you can also purchase ticket s online (Affiliate Disclosure) ahead of time to avoid worrying about paying fares on-site.

If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, you can also take bus 69, which will take you to the Sloterdijk station. 

This service only requires a 1-hour ticket which is €3.20 per person.

This option will take 40 minutes, but you should have enough time to connect to bus 22 which will take you to Amsterdam Central.

Alternatively, you can also use your transfer to hop on tram 12, which will take you to the Museumplein area. 

Even better, if you’re not interested in paying for individual tickets, you can also use a 1-7 day bus pass to hop on bus 69 and take your time travelling around the city.

Some of these day pass options are included with tourist passes, allowing you to save money on public transportation. For more details, please check our discount section .

TAKE A PRIVATE CAR OR VAN

There are several private shuttle services available in Amsterdam that offer transportation between Schiphol Airport and the city centre.

The most popular options are either by car or luxury van, and each of them provides door-to-door transfers from the airport to just about any destination in or around Amsterdam.

As if that weren’t good enough, these services are available pretty much 24 hours a day, so they’ll always be ready to pick you up no matter when you arrive.

• Private Car Shuttle | €44 per person (up to 3 people).
• Private Van Shuttle | €61 per person (up to 7 people).

Unfortunately, there are no discounts available on private airport transfers to Amsterdam city centre. 

While this is a great option if you don’t feel like waiting for a bus or train and you want a break from the public, it’s worth noting that you’ll save a lot more money with another type of transfer service.

Most private shuttles will meet you at the airport and lead you in the direction of the vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost trying to find your shuttle!

TAKE THE HOTEL SHUTTLE MINIBUS

In addition to line 397, Connexxion also provides a minibus shuttle service from Schiphol Airport directly to your hotel.

If you’re looking for a transfer that will get you straight to the hotel, this is an excellent alternative to private shuttles.

The Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle departs every 30 minutes from 6:00 am - 21:30 (9:30 pm) and you can find the minibus at bay A7 outside the station hall.

These buses have around 8 seats, so they’re almost as good as a private car, and ticket prices are a little more reasonable as well.

Adult Prices

• €18.50/One Way
• €29.50/Return

Children Prices (4-14)

• €9.75/One Way
• €14.75/Return
• Free for kids under 4.

Discounts are available for groups of 3-8 people. The max discount available is for 8 people, and the total cost for this service is €76 one way and €128 for return tickets.

You can purchase tickets at the Connexxion desk in the Arrivals Hall 4.

Alternatively, you can also pay for this service separately at the I Amsterdam Visitor Centres or participating hotels.

TAKE A TAXI OR UBER

As with pretty much all airports, there are almost always taxis waiting at Schiphol to take you to your destination in Amsterdam.

Although this option isn’t usually the cheapest, taxis will usually cost about as much as a private car or van at an average rate of about €45-€50 for a trip to the city centre.

You’ll find taxis right outside the main station hall and to the left.

You can expect a trip to Amsterdam to take around 30-40 minutes on average, but it could be as quick as 20-25 minutes depending on traffic.

If you’re worried about taxi rates getting out of control due to heavy traffic, consider using Taxi-Electric.

This company exclusively uses electric cars and they offer a fixed price of €40 to central Amsterdam. 

They also have a fixed rate of €30 to Amsterdam South – and city centre if they have a car nearby when you call from the airport! To request a Taxi-Electric ride, call +31(0)88-1004444.

Alternatively, you can also use the Uber service on your smartphone in order to get a rideshare from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre.

Depending on which service you choose and where your destination is, you can expect rates between €30-€60.

DEALS AND DISCOUNTS

Tourist passes.

In addition to helping you save money on admission to dozens of attractions, tours, and other activities, tourist passes can also be used for discounts on shuttles from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central.

There are currently two ways to save money on airport transfers in this city: either through a public transport pass or actual shuttle services included with various passes.

The following tourist passes include anywhere from a 1-5 day public transport pass or shuttle transfer at no additional cost:

• The Amsterdam City Pass
• I Amsterdam Card

Of course, tourist passes are valuable for more than just an airport shuttle.

Here are a few of the most popular tours, museums, and cultural landmarks included with the services we’ve listed above:

• Hop on Hop off Boat Tour | €26
• Hop on Hop off Bus Tour | €26
• Nemo Science Museum | €17.50
• Heineken Experience | €21
• Amsterdam Dungeon | €24
• Ripley’s Believe it or Not! | €21.50
• Madame Tussauds | €24.50
• Van Gogh Museum | €19
• Stedelijk Museum | €18.50
• Rijksmuseum | €20

Depending on which type of pass you choose, you should be able to save anywhere from 20% - 50% off general admission prices – or more!

For more details, please read our post covering Amsterdam tourist passes .

Discount Sites

If all else fails, you can always check sites such as Groupon to see if they’re currently offering any deals on shuttles or car rentals from Schiphol airport.

These services usually provide discounts on various transportation options, and they also frequently offer additional coupon codes for an extra 10% - 20% off.

Before you make a purchase, check both the top and bottom of the page for any banners which may include a coupon you can use to save even more money.

RELATED POSTS:

• How to Avoid Jet Lag
• Where to Store Your Luggage
• Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses
• What to Do in the Red Light District
• Public Transport Tickets

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Amsterdam: Public transport tickets & Passes Overview, current prices (2024)

Whether you are looking for a single ticket, a day pass or an Amsterdam Travel Card, here you will find all the information you need. In this guide we present the most important tickets for visitors. So you can easily find the right ticket for your stay in Amsterdam.

Important information about buying tickets:

• You cannot buy tickets on buses and trams from the driver.
• Many of the tickets are available online and can be purchased before your trip. You will find more information below.
• Almost all public transport in Amsterdam is organized under the tariff system of the municipal transport company GVB “Gemeente Vervoer Bedrijf”. This makes it much easier for passengers, as a day ticket is valid on the metro, trams and GVB buses.

#1 Single rides with the OV chip card / “e-purse” or OVpay

If you are staying in amsterdam for a longer period of time but do not want to use public transport very often.

A charger for the OV-chip card – credit card fees may apply (image: travelguide.amsterdam)

The OV card / e-purse system is not that simple, especially if you don’t visit the Netherlands often.

How does the OV card / e-purse work?

The OV card works like a prepaid cellphone card. You can load the card with a certain amount of money at a machine and then use it up.

For a single ride, you will pay a fixed base price plus a set amount per kilometer driven. Thus, you are paying for the distance traveled. The distance is measured exactly every 50 metres and charged accordingly. There is no such thing as a classic one-way ticket , which costs a certain amount regardless of the distance travelled (flat rate). The OV chip card / e-purse can be used in trams, buses, as well as the Metro.

• Every passenger over the age of 4 must have a chip card.
• The card must be topped up with at least €4 before each journey to ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover the fare.

E-purse – prices

A rechargeable and anonymous chip card, without personalisation with a passport-type photo, costs €7.50 (without adding credit). There is a €2.50 service charge for withdrawing any remaining balance.

Standard fare: base price: €1.08 per trip plus 19.6 cents per kilometer traveled

Children (4–11 years) get a discounted fare: base price: 71 cents per trip plus 12.9 cents per kilometer traveled

Another payment system was introduced in 2023: OVpay. You can pay for a single journey on local public transport directly with your credit or debit card. All you have to do is present your payment card to a scanner when boarding and alighting. The fare will be automatically debited from your account.

Paying with OVpay – important information:

• You must always check in and out with the sa me bank card. Otherwise, the billing system will not be able to determine the correct fare.
• For single journeys, you will need a separate payment card for each passenger.
• In addition to the fares, credit card or exchange rate fees may also apply.
• A journey with an age discount (e.g. children’s fare) is not yet possible with OVpay.
• Don’t forget to check out with your payment card when you get off the bus. The fare depends on the distance traveled. If you do not check out, you will be charged an incorrect, usually higher fare.
• There is no daily limit, as there is in London. This means that you can pay significantly more per day with OVpay than with a day ticket (see below).

#2 GVB single day ticket or multi-day-ticket: Easy & affordable – ideal for visitors & tourists – optional Airport Express bus

Cheap & easy: the single-day-ticket with a validity of 1 – 7 days. Buy online and save time and stress in Amsterdam.

GVB single and multi-day tickets are popular with visitors to Amsterdam. They are easy to use and affordable.

What does this ticket offer?

• This ticket gives you unlimited travel on all GVB trams, city buses and the metro (day and night) throughout Amsterdam and you don’t have to keep an eye on your balance like you do with the e-purse.
• It is flexible in terms of time. Tickets are available for a single day and for up to 7 days , from 24 to 168 hours. The clock starts ticking at the time of first use.
• There is a day ticket, especially for children aged 4 to 11. The kids’ ticket is only valid for a single day. You can purchase more than one child’s day ticket if required.
• You can buy the ticket online before your trip (no surcharge – click here) .
• This ticket is not valid for other regional bus companies, such as Connexxion or EBS, or in trains of the Dutch railway company NS

GVB Day Ticket + Airport Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ City Centre

→ You can find more information about the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

→ More information about the various options for airport transfers, including travel times and prices

Current prices for GVB day and multiple-day tickets

Prices are at the lower end for a European city. The longer the validity, the lower the price per day.

Fares (2024) :

Children’s ticket (4–11 years) for 1 day / 24h: €4.50 – multiple tickets can be purchased for longer stays.

Standard fare:

1 day / 24h: €9 2 days / 48h: €15 3 days / 72h: €21 4 days / 96h: €26.50 5 days / 120h: €33 6 days / 144h: €37.50 7 days / 168h: €41 (€5.85 per day)

Our tip: buy online to save time and stress You can buy your ticket online before your trip via the English-language website of the authorised GVB ticket seller without having to pay a surcharge (click here) . This will save you stress later, as you won’t have to deal with the fare system and ticket machines after your flight. If you are travelling via Schiphol Airport, you can also buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online (day ticket for local transport + airport transfer by express bus or train).

GVB Ticket Child

Children aged 0-3 travel free on Amsterdam’s public transport. For children between 4 and 11 years of age, the GVB children’s day ticket is available at a reduced price.

Children aged 0–3 years can use public transport in Amsterdam free of charge. There is a reduced day ticket for children between the ages of 4 and 11. It currently (2024) costs €4.50. There is no multi-day pass for children.

If you need a children’s ticket for several days, the easiest way is to buy several one-day children’s tickets. You can buy GVB children’s day tickets online together with adult tickets.

Where is the GVB day ticket valid?

The GVB day ticket is valid on the entire GVB tram, underground and bus network.

→ Map / city map Amsterdam: GVB day ticket coverage

If your destination or accommodation is outside the validity area, you might be interested in the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket (see below). This ticket is valid for the entire region around Amsterdam.

# 3 Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Trips around Amsterdam + airport transfer included

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket entitles you to:

• Unlimited use of all GVB streetcars, city buses, metro (day and night) and ferries . This allows you to travel within the city of Amsterdam in the same way as the GVB Day Ticket (see above).
• In addition, you can also use the buses of the Connexxion and EBS companies . These bus companies serve destinations outside the Amsterdam city area. The GVB day ticket (see above) is not valid on these buses. This also includes the Airport Express Bus 397 (shuttle bus to the airport) .
• Trains  in the Amsterdam region with the national railroad company NS are included.

You can buy this ticket before your trip via the GVB authorized ticket portal (click here) . This will save you time and stress during your stay in Amsterdam.

Current prices for the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (2024)

With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you can travel in a much larger area than with a GVB day pass. Therefore the price is higher.

Current prices for the “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” Valid for 1 day: €21 Valid for 2 days: €31.50 Valid for 3 days: €40.50

The validity period is different from the GVB day ticket. The “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 04.00 a.m. after the last valid day (depending on whether you have the 1, 2 or 3 day version). The day starts at midnight.

For example: If you use a 2-day ticket for the first time from midnight on Wednesday, then your ticket will be valid until 04:00 on Friday morning.

Where is the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket valid?

Here is a map showing the area covered by the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.

→ Map / Plan: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

#4 Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT)

Day ticket + transfer by train or bus to schiphol airport.

The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” – day ticket for public transport + airport transfer – online booking saves time and avoids stress

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT) is an extension of the GVB single day or multi-day-ticket described above. It can be considered an extension because with this ticket you also have the option of using the following unlimited times for your transfer to and from Schiphol airport :

• Unlimited 2nd class rail travel between train station “Schiphol Amsterdam” Airport and any train station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Station , Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrecht)
• The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) operated by Connexxion and the Niteliner (bus N97).

This ticket also entitles you to unlimited travel on all GVB trams, (night) buses, metro and ferries in the whole of Amsterdam. However, its validity is regulated differently. The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 4 AM following the last valid day (depending on whether you have booked the 1, 2 or 3 day option). The day starts at midnight. For example: if you start using a 2-day ticket at midnight on Wednesday, then it will be valid until 4 AM on Friday.

Please note: This ticket is not valid on buses that are operated by other transport companies such as EBS and Arriva or on any bus other than the Amsterdam Express (bus 397) and the Niteliner (bus N97) operated by Connexxion.

Our tip: buy online and save time and stress abroad

You can buy the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” via this English-language website This will save you stress on arrival. You won’t have to deal with ticket machines after your flight.

Current pricing for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Prices are higher than a simple day ticket as it includes your airport transfer. A return trip from the airport to the city centre on the Airport Express Bus 397 currently costs €11.75. Taking this into account, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is affordable.

 Current fares for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Validity 1 day:   18 Euro Validity 2 days: 24 Euro Validity 3 days: 30 Euro

Tickets with longer validity are not currently available.

→   Overview: Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam city centre – all transport options (bus, train, taxi,…) incl. journey times and current prices.

#5 “I Amsterdam” card: Day ticket + discount card for sightseeing

Day ticket for public transport + free / reduced entry to attractions.

The I Amsterdam card is the official sightseeing pass for the city of Amsterdam. It is designed to help visitors navigate the maze of public transport fares and entrance tickets. The name is derived from the play on words “I am Amsterdam”. If you are also planning to visit the attractions and famous sights of the city, then the ‘I Amsterdam’ card may be of interest to you. It is a combination of day passes for public transport and discounted admission to tourist attractions.

The “I Amsterdam” card is a combination ticket and offers the following benefits:

“I Amsterdam” – just one ticket for public transport + free admission to attractions

Tip: Buy the ‘I Amsterdam’ card, GVB day ticket or entrance ticket online without paying a surcharge.

Insider tip: you can purchase the “I Amsterdam” card via this English-language website before your trip. This will save you the hassle and possibly even the credit card fees that you might incur if you pay on arrival.

Pricing for the “I Amsterdam” card (as of 2024)

1 day – 24 hours: €60 2 days – 48 hours: €85 (€42.50 per day) 3 days – 72 hours: €100 (€33.33 per day) 4 days – 96 hours: €115 (€28.75 per day) 5 days – 120 hours: €125 (€25 per day)

#6 Overview: Day tickets in Amsterdam

#7 group tickets for travel groups or school trips.

In addition, these tickets can be purchased online at no extra cost via this English language website .  There is no need to handle a large sum of money at a local ticket machine while your group waits impatiently. You will receive a receipt for your online purchase, which makes accounting for a group much easier.

#8 GVB 1 hour ticket

With the GVB 1 hour ticket, you can use all GVB lines within one hour. The ticket is unfortunately not available online. Current price 2024: €3.40 for adults

#9 FAQ 2024

Local transport Amsterdam: How much does a day ticket cost 2024?

The prices for the day ticket are very reasonable for a European metropolis. With a longer period of validity, the price per day decreases significantly.

Regular fare 2024: 1 day / 24 hours: 9 € 2 days / 48 hours: 15 € 3 days / 72 hours: 21 € 4 days / 96 hours: 26,50 € 5 days / 120 hours: 33 € 6 days / 144 hours: 37,50 € 7 days / 168 hours: 41 € (5,85 € per day)

More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

Which public transport ticket is best for Amsterdam tourists?

The day or multi-day ticket of the city’s public transport company GVB is very popular with visitors to Amsterdam. With this ticket, you can easily use local transport (metro, bus, tram) in the Amsterdam city area . It is very cheap compared to other European metropolises. More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

How much does a single ticket cost for public transport in Amsterdam?

There is no classic single ticket for Amsterdam public transport. Single journeys can be paid for with the “OV / E- Purse card”. It works in a similar way to a prepaid mobile phone card. You can load an amount of money onto this card at a machine. You can then use this credit to pay for local transport. A reloadable, anonymous e-purse card (without passport photo) costs 7.50 euros (without credit).  It is easier to use local transport with a day or multi-day ticket.

Where can I buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam?

You can buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam at vending machines or sales points of the local transport company GVB. You can also buy many tickets online. This saves time and stress in Amsterdam. You can find more information and our tips on buying tickets in our Amsterdam travel guide.

Is the GVB Day Ticket Amsterdam valid on the Schiphol Airport Express Bus 397?

The regular GVB day pass does not include the airport transfer by express bus or train. However, you can buy a combined ticket consisting of a day ticket for public transport + airport transfer (express bus or train). This combined ticket is called the “ Amsterdam Travel Ticket ”.

Is an airport transfer included with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

With the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” you can use the following unlimited transfer options to and from Schiphol Airport :

• Train travel in 2nd class on NS trains between Schiphol Amsterdam station and any station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Central Station, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Science Park, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrech)
• Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) and Niteliner (Bus N97)

I was a tourist in Amsterdam and lived in the DAM square area from 28th September 2019 to 1st October 2019. I request you to please issue a 12 hour ticket for 4.0 Euro. The 24 hour ticket which I bought for 8 Euro becomes a bit redundant since trams are not there in the late hours up to early morning. We usually party till about 2 am and then the walk back from Bull Dog Palace at Leidseplein Square to Dam Square becomes arduous and dangerous since we are not in our senses. I used line 2, 14, 24 and 26 extensively during our stay there.

good information

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

• Amsterdam Tourism
• Amsterdam Hotels
• Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast
• Amsterdam Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Restaurants
• Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Travel Forum
• Amsterdam Photos
• Amsterdam Map
• All Amsterdam Hotels
• Amsterdam Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Amsterdam
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Any advice on tight transfer in Schipol? - Amsterdam Forum

• Europe    
• The Netherlands    
• North Holland Province    
• Amsterdam    

Any advice on tight transfer in Schipol?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• North Holland Province forums
• Amsterdam forum

Do you have any advice for not to be late flying out? Is there a fast pass or something like that? Should I contact KLM to change schedule to fly earlier from LUX to AMS? As the schedule is shortened by them not me.

Please advise. Thanks.

• Too late for tulips? 10:51 pm
• Outlet mall (Amsterdam to paris) 4:51 pm
• Lunch to take to Keukenhof 3:16 pm
• Public transport usage - International credit card 3:13 pm
• When are the tulip fields in full bloom? 2:57 pm
• Transport to Keukenhof yesterday
• Breakfast options near Westcord Art hotel yesterday
• Bike rental Keukenhof yesterday
• Kalverstraat or 9 Streets shopping? yesterday
• Find hotel in Amsterad Apr 13, 2024
• Zaanse Schans for 1/2 day Apr 13, 2024
• Any advice on tight transfer in Schipol? Apr 13, 2024
• Amsterdam Schipol is a nightmare Apr 13, 2024
• Keukenhof on 2nd May Apr 13, 2024
• Best area in Amsterdam to stay? 17 replies
• Night train from Amsterdam to Prague... 8 replies
• Electrical outlets 9 replies
• Hotels in Amsterdam near Dam Square with smoking rooms 2 replies
• Floriade, 2012 81 replies
• Travel from rome to Amsterdam by train? 3 replies
• What would be considerd a "good" salary in Amsterdam? 16 replies
• Train to Copenhagen 12 replies
• Train from Amsterdam to Venlo 4 replies
• train journey from Amsterdam to Delft. 3 replies

Amsterdam Hotels and Places to Stay

• Schiphol - Arriving and departing, Transfers, Layovers and Luggage storage.
• What is there to see and do?
• How do I use public transport?
• What should a visitor AVOID in Amsterdam?
• How can I see Amsterdam from the water?
• KEUKENHOF. All you need to know about visiting
• Overview of Discount Cards
• SIM card info for NL & Europe
• Using the Loo/WC/Restroom in Amsterdam
• Eating Gluten Free in Amsterdam
• Biking in Waterland
• Biking with teens in and around Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Schiphol airport trialling driverless buses on the tarmac

O ne of Europe's busiest airports has moved closer to self-driving terminal shuttles with Amsterdam Schiphol’s deployment of 2 electric autonomous buses on the tarmac.

The vehicles are being used to ferry cleaners and ground-handlers around the airport as part of an effort to "understand" how the technology works, according to Schiphol management, which will make a call next month on expanding their use.

Nine of 10 workers said they were willing to take the driverless buses again, according to a statement by the airport, which suggested the tech provided a "safe and positive experience."

The buses are made by Ohmio, a New Zealand-based business which has had autonomous buses in operation at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and on the streets of Wellington.

Other self-driving buses have recently been tried out at Newark Airport, also in the US, and at Incheon in Seoul.

Ohmio executive Mohammed Hikmet said the company was "honoured to join hands with Schiphol Airport, a leading player in Europe's aviation industry."

"This trial represents another step towards our ambition of having an emission-free and autonomous ground operation by 2050," said Jan Zekveld, head of innovation at Royal Schiphol Group, the airport’s parent company.

Schipol aims to stop night flying as part of its emission-reduction efforts, while the Dutch government has moved to cap the number of flights going into and out of the airport.

The moves have been met with opposition and lawsuits from airlines, which say they will lead to more expensive fares. Air-France KLM has labelled the changes as "incomprehensible," contending they would only drive business to rival airlines and airports.

KLM cancels flight from Schiphol to Tel Aviv on Sunday; Israeli airlines may still fly

Dutch national airline KLM has canceled its only scheduled flight from Schiphol Airport to Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday. The decision was made after dozens of drones and rockets were fired from Iran towards Israel, most of which were intercepted.

Although El Al cancelled a number of flights between Tel Aviv and Europe, the Israeli airline had not cancelled its Amsterdam service as of 10 a.m. The company was scheduled to operate two flights on Sunday from Schiphol, one of which showed a delay of several hours. El Al warned its passengers to pay close attention to its website amid the fluid situation, and offered them the possibility to change flights without penalty.

KLM also has a scheduled flight to Tel Aviv on Monday morning with a stop in Larnaca, Cyprus. El Al also has two nonstop flights over the course of Monday, and Israeli airline Arkia has another. The three airlines have direct or one-stop flights scheduled throughout the week, as does British budget carrier EasyJet.

On Saturday, KLM said it will immediately stop flying over Iranian airspace, and most of Israel. The airline said this was a precautionary decision ahead of global concern that Iran intended to carry out a counterattack after an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

The incident killed a senior officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and six colleagues. Israel did not officially take credit for the Damascus strike.

KLM had intended to continue service to Tel Aviv, which lies on the Mediterranean Sea, and rerouting a few other flights around the increasingly tense region. A spokesperson for the airline told ANP that the Dutch airline is closely monitoring the situation and assessing safety issues daily.