Schiphol to the City: Your Arrival Game Plan
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol sits directly above its own underground train station, putting Amsterdam Centraal just 17 minutes away. Trains run up to eight times an hour; Bus 397 serves the Museum Quarter; taxis and ride-hail apps cover the rest. The train is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable choice for most arrivals.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Schiphol Airport train station (underground, directly beneath Schiphol Plaza); Bus 397 departs from bus stop B17 outside Schiphol Plaza |
| Time needed | Allow 20–30 min from landing gate to city centre by train; 30–45 min by Bus 397 or taxi depending on traffic |
| Best time to go | Off-peak daytime (mid-morning to early afternoon) to avoid rush-hour crowding on trains and road congestion for taxis; avoid 07:30–09:30 and 16:30–18:30 |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
- How often do trains run between Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal?
- During the day, trains depart up to eight times per hour (roughly every 7–10 minutes). Overnight, a reduced service runs approximately hourly between around 01:00 and 05:00. The first departure from Schiphol is just after midnight, and trains run continuously through the day.
- How do I get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal by train?
- Follow signs from the arrivals hall down to Schiphol Plaza, then take the escalators or lifts to the underground train station. NS (Dutch Railways) trains run up to eight times an hour and reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 17 minutes. A single second-class e-ticket costs €5.50 when booked online, or around €6.20 at the yellow ticket machines in Schiphol Plaza.
- Is there a night bus from Schiphol if I land after midnight?
- Yes. The N97 Niteliner takes over from Bus 397 between midnight and 05:00, running once an hour and following a similar route through the city to Amsterdam Centraal. Night trains also run roughly hourly during those hours. Uber and Bolt are available around the clock, though surge pricing is common between roughly 02:00 and 05:00.
- Are there accessibility options for passengers with reduced mobility?
- The Schiphol Airport train station is fully accessible, with six platforms reachable via twelve escalators and three lifts from Schiphol Plaza. Bus 397 also accommodates wheelchair users and strollers. Schiphol Travel Assistance can arrange additional support — visit the Schiphol Travel Assistance website or ask at the airport's service desk.
- How much does a taxi from Schiphol to central Amsterdam cost?
- Expect to pay roughly €45–€60 for a pre-booked or metered taxi to central Amsterdam; metered fares can exceed €60 during peak hours. Only use taxis from the official TCA-marked taxi rank outside Schiphol Plaza — never accept offers from unmarked drivers. Uber and Bolt have a designated app pick-up point inside the terminal, signposted from arrivals.
- What is Bus 397 and should I take it instead of the train?
- Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express, operated by Connexxion) departs from bus stop B17 outside Schiphol Plaza every 8–10 minutes from 05:30 to midnight, reaching Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, and Elandsgracht in about 30 minutes. A single ticket costs €6.50. It's the better choice if your hotel is in the Museum Quarter or Leidseplein area, saving you a tram transfer from Centraal.
- What is the Amsterdam Travel Ticket and is it worth buying at the airport?
- The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT) bundles your Schiphol airport transfer (by train or Bus 397) with unlimited GVB tram, metro, and bus travel in Amsterdam for 1–3 days. 2026 prices are €20 (1 day), €27 (2 days), or €34 (3 days). It's worth it if you plan to use city transport frequently; if you're only making a couple of tram trips, paying per ride with OVpay may be cheaper.
- Can I just tap my contactless bank card to pay for the train?
- Yes. OVpay lets you check in and out by tapping a contactless debit card, credit card, or phone at the yellow card readers near the escalators and lifts in Schiphol Plaza — no separate ticket needed. Note that only one person per card can check in, so groups must buy individual tickets or use separate cards.
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