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. Here you'll find Amsterdam's airport ground transportation options and the pros and cons of each.
Pros - Fastest option.
- Very economical option.
- No risk of heavy highway traffic during commute hours.
Cons - Inconvenient for those with large or many bags.
- You must still take a tram, bus or taxi to your destination from Centraal Station.
Cost - 2nd-class Single: € 3.80
- 2nd-class Round-trip: € 6.40
Direct trains to Amsterdam Centraal Station run every 10 to 15 minutes between about 6 and 12:30 a.m. (every hour during other times). The trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Buy tickets either at the ticket desk on the arrivals level or at the yellow machines (with euro coins or with a debit card that uses a "PIN" code). Trains leave from platforms 1, 2 or 3, one floor below.
2. By Taxi
Pros - Convenience of door-to-door service.
- Trip to central Amsterdam can be as little as 20 minutes if it's not rush hour.
Cons - Most expensive option.
- Risk of sitting in heavy highway traffic at peak commute hours.
Cost - Anywhere from € 33 to € 40, depending on destination and route.
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. Be sure to choose a taxi from this line, not from individuals walking around soliciting their services. There is no set flat rate, but the fare shouldn't be more than € 40.
3. By Bus
Pros - Economical option.
- Can be more direct than train if you're staying near one of the bus stops.
Cons - Limited service on weekends.
Cost Bus 370 (direction of Amsterdam Marnixstraat) is a cheap transportation option little known to tourists. The bus leaves Schiphol about every 30 minutes between 5:40 a.m. and 11:40 p.m. from the stop just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level. The bus only makes five stops, two of which are conveniently located near many hotels: Museumplein and Leidseplein. The journey takes about 30 minutes. You can use the public transportation multi-stamp ticket called a
strippenkaart (purchase at a magazine kiosk inside) or pay the driver the fare in cash.
Pros - Cheaper than a taxi for door-to-door service.
- Reservations for return trip to the airport.
Cons - If you're one of the last stops on the shared route, the journey could take up to an hour.
Cost - Single journey: € 13.50 (adults), € 6.25 (children)
- Round-trip: € 21 (adults), € 11.50 (children)
The Schiphol Hotel Shuttle, run by Connexxion, offers service to more than 100 Amsterdam hotels. Buses run every 10 minutes between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. from platform A7, just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level. Journey time varies based on stops. Buy tickets at a Connexxion desk inside, near arrivals area 1 or 4, or at your hotel.
Be sure to ask your hotel first if they offer a complimentary airport shuttle.
