It is not the most exciting part of planning a trip, but deciding the best way to get from the airport to your accommodation (and vice versa) is often a detail worth investigating. Here you will find the best tips for getting from Amsterdam airport to the city center by ground transport, and the pros and cons of each.
By train
Direct trains to Amsterdam Central Station run every 10 to 15 minutes between 6 and 1 am (every hour at other times). The trip lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. Buy tickets at the ticket counter on the arrivals level or at the yellow machines (with euro coins or with a selected credit or debit card). Trains depart from platforms 1-2 or 3, one floor below.
Pros
- Very low cost.
- It is the fastest option.
- You risk getting stuck in traffic during commute hours.
Cons
- It is a drawback for those who carry large and / or many bags.
- Once you arrive at the central station, you will have to take a tram, bus or taxi to your hotel.
- Trains do not run late at night or early in the morning.
Tip: Especially if you plan to arrive after 12am or on the weekend, check the NS (Dutch Railways) website to see if any maintenance work will interrupt your trip.
A taxi
You will find plenty of private taxis for hire from the taxi line just outside the main entrance at arrivals and at the train station level at Schiphol. Make sure you choose a taxi from this line, not from people who walk requesting their services. Please note that taxis run strictly in meters, there is no fixed flat rate for the airport.
Pros
- The convenience of door-to-door service.
- A trip to the center of Amsterdam can be as little as 20 minutes if it is not rush hour.
Cons
- It is the most expensive option.
- There is a high risk that you will sit in heavy traffic during peak travel hours.
By bus
Bus 19, the Amsterdam Airport Express, is a cheap transport option little known to tourists. Monday through Friday, the bus leaves Schiphol approximately every 10 to 15 minutes between 5:15 am and 1 am from the bus platform. On weekends they have a much less frequent service.
The trip takes about 30 minutes to the city center, and you can pre-order tickets online, or pay the driver in cash.
Pros
- Another low cost option.
- It can be more direct than the train if you are staying close to one of the bus stops.
Cons
- Limited service on weekends.
- There is no late night / early morning service.
By Schiphol Hotel Shuttle
The Schiphol Hotel Shuttle, run by Connexxion, offers service to more than 100 hotels in Amsterdam. Buses run every 30 minutes between 6 am and 9:30 pm from platform A7, just outside the main entrance at arrivals and at the train station level. Travel time varies depending on the stops. Purchase tickets at the Connexxion service counter in Arrivals 4 (across from Starbucks) or online.
Be sure to ask your hotel first if they offer a free airport shuttle service.
Pros
- Cheaper than a taxi.
- Door to door service.
Cons
- If it’s one of the last stops on the shared route, the trip can take up to an hour.
