Once you get to Amsterdam Schiphol you need not worry a lot about reaching your accommodation in the center of the city. There are various travel options including a private transfer from Amsterdam Airport to get from Schiphol Airport to the center of the city which can give you a variety of choices that match your specific needs based on things like exact destination and budget. Besides the regular Amsterdam airport taxis one can opt in for the Amsterdam Airport Transfer which is considered a lavish way to get from the airport to the center of the city. Another option is to go for a car rental but if you are looking to cut down on costs we would recommend train or bus options as the best way to get to Amsterdam City Center from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Below are listed some details of ways to get from the airport to Amsterdam City Center. You will also find that getting to the city center costs varying amounts.
Cab: $48 – 59 22 minutes travel time
Amsterdam Airport Express Bus: $6.90 27 minute duration
Train: $5.20 14-17 minute travel time
Getting to the City Center from AMS by Airport Express Bus
The airport bus 397 to Amsterdam Centraal Station departs at a 7 – 8 minute frequency all the way from 5:00 AM up to midnight. On the other hand the Niteliner Bus N97 manages transfers from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to downtown which also operates from 5:00 AM to midnight and their routes from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station run every 30 minutes. The Red Connexion buses are highly comfortable, come with mobile charging points and Wifi access and low entry points to make loading baggage an easier task and they can help you with your journey to the Center of Amsterdam, the heart of the city.
You have a variety of payment options when paying for an Amsterdam Travel Ticket by bus but people who are planning in Amsterdam for a longer period of time should go ahead and by the OV-chipkaart which costs only $9 and can be bought at the yellow machines at Schiphol and these cards can be used for public transit including direct trains, tram, busses and subway and the minimum top up is $21.30 and comes with discount fares for bus tickets making it a good way to travel.
Another option is to go through AMS to the center of the city is by Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 where a one way trip costs $6.90 and a two way trip costs $12.50. You will have a 14 day time period to avail the Amsterdam airport to the city service while trying to get from Amsterdam Airport to the City Center and back. When travelling from Amsterdam Airport tickets for the bus can be bought at the bluish grey machines at Schiphol Plaza at the Arrival 3 baggage claim and outside that area at Departures 3. When going from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam payment can be made at the vendors in cash or by credit card but cash is not accepted if you get your ticket onboard.
The last option you have to get to the center of the city by bus is recommended for people planning to used public transport often are the 1, 2 and 3 day tickets priced at $19.20, $25.60 and $32 respectively. These allow unlimited transport including Schiphol Airport to the city. The validity lasts from the first time of use up to the next morning at 4 Am. These can be bough online before going from Schiphol to the center of the city or at the Connexion counters near Bus Platform B-9 as well as the Holland Tourist Desk at Schiphol Plaza or airport vendors. Do note that Holland Travel Tickets as well as Amsterdam and Region Travel Tickets are great when traveling to other Dutch cities or wanting to explore the area around Amsterdam.
Taking A Train from AMS to the City Center
This is a convenient and fast form of transport to take you from Amsterdam Airport to downtown or the center of the city by train. Intercity direct trains and Splinters depart from the Schiphol Train Station which is located under the AMS airport terminal and is linked to Schiphol Plaza by escalators, stairs and lifts. The train from Schiphol heads to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Depending on where your stay in Amsterdam is located you may need to take further transport after your train journey to reach the hotel. The Airport train Sprinter takes 17 minutes where as Intercity takes 14 minutes to reach the center by train. When taking the train, the Intecity train is more spacious and has more room for luggage as well. The trains from AMS travel every 4 to 10 minutes from 5:30 Am to midnight and less often between 12Am and 1Am . Trains from Schiphol Airport between 2Am and 5:30Am run on an hourly basis. These factors makes trains a good way to get from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Centraal as well as great option to get from AMS to the center of the city.
Besides the OV-chipkaart which offer reasonable prices and is mostly used by residents but you can buy an Amsterdam travel ticket online and save it on your phone or load it the to NS app as well to travel by train. You may need to verify your identity using ID, license or passport. The cost from Schiphol Airport train station $5.20 and you can even buy round trip tickets depending on your needs. Round trip tickets through the station in the center of the city must be used on the same day.
Another option is to buy a single use OV-chipkaart at the yellow machines or the ticket counters at Schiphol Plaza to get the the city of Amsterdam. Cash is not accepted at ticket sales offices and the disposable kind comes for an extra $1.07 fee making the cost of taking trains to Amsterdam to downtown $6.30. This is another way to reach Amsterdam Centraal Train Station.
Amsterdam Travel Tickets are good for train journeys from the airport to Central Station. They only have a second class rail travel option and contactless forms of payment are accepted as well.
Tip # 1: Railrunner tickets are good for children between the ages of 4 and 11 and the price is $2.67, kids younger than that travel for free.
Tip # 2: There are deals that can be availed on non peak hours between 9:00 Am to 4:00 Pm and 6:30 Pm to 6:30 Am. Group tickets are an option and early reservations 4 days prior come at a 10% discount.
Tip # 3: Maintenance on rail roads take place at night which increases the travel time significantly. Check the NS webpage before going for a night ride to be careful
Tip # 4: You can choose the alternative of travelling to Zuid Station and then get on the Subway Line M52 to reach the center of the city. This is long process however and has a lot of hassles like walking and waiting. The Subway Line M52 does stop at popular downtown locations and if you hotel is in one of those areas this alternative may suit you best.
Getting from AMS to City Center by Taxi
Besides the trains and busses taking a taxi from Schiphol right in front of Schiphol is also a valid choice. Official Amsterdam taxis are available in front of Schiphol Plaza and run around the clock. You may need to wait outside Schiphol Plaza during peak times. Always choose your cab ride from AMS by taking a taxi in the taxi rank and avoid getting scammed by private rides. Pay attention to the taxi sign over the taxi, the taxi number on the roof and the company logo as well as a price sheet on the exterior of the vehicle. Once inside the taxi you should find the license number and tariff list in the interior of the vehicle.
It takes about 18-35 minutes to get downtown from AMS which depends on traffic. Traffic jams in Amsterdam are not all that bad even though the highways around the airport and streets in the middle of city are crowded. All Amsterdam Taxis are metered and they have fixed fares for the more popular routes the airport is well connected to. The total cost of the journey should be between $48-$59. Even during fixed fare rides meters should be operational and if the metered price is lower you are entitled to pay that amount only. Payment forms accepted are both bank cards and cash and do check with your driver to be sure before embarking on your journey. If you enjoy the services you can round up the fare as a tip.
Tip # 1 Taxi Centre Amsterdam is the major taxi provider in Amsterdam
Tip # 2 You can pick any taxi in the line, not necessarily the first one
Tip # 3 Ride sharing is an alternative for of transport as well to ride to the city
Car Rental from AMS to City Center
You can get downtown in a total of 22 minutes. The car rental services at AMS are excellent and allows you to explore the country as free as a bird. It doesn’t take longer than 4 hours to travel from one side of The Netherlands to the other. Since there are so many car rental options at AMS prices are competitive, they possess a variety of vehicles and they have top rated services. The sooner you book your vehicle rental the more deals and discounts you can take advantage of as well as a larger variety of cars.
The 22 minute trip from AMS, also known as Schiphol Airport can get longer based on the conditions of traffic. Though traffic jams are not as bad as other parts of the world roads around the airport and city center do get congested which could take the travel time up to 40 minutes.
When it comes to parking your car you can park in the car parks which are pricey yet good choices. There is no such thing as free street parking in The Netherlands and parking fares are expensive as well. There is however something called the Amsterdam Park and Ride system where you can drop off your car at cheaper parking lots outside the downtown of the city and then move on to public transport to complete your journey.
Airport Transfers from AMS to the City Center
This is a stylish and comfortable option to get downtown. Welcome services are great and this means you don’t need to carry your own luggage. You don’t have to search for the trains, bus stops or taxis all together. This is a door to door service with high rated drivers and the cars are in spectacular condition. You can even chat with your drivers for more guidance and tips about your journey in The Netherlands.
How Far Is AMS from the City Center
The distance between Amsterdam Airport and the City Center of Amsterdam is 21 km from the city. Normal travel times range between 22 to 40 minutes depending on traffic
How to Get from Schiphol to the City Center
If you are located downtown there are many options of travel to choose from. These range from normal from taxis to airport transfers as well as car rentals. Yet when on a budget the cheapest way to reach the city center is by train and bus.
How much is the Train from AMS to the City Center
A fast train will get you downtown in about 14 to 17 minutes and costs $5.20 If you buy your ticket online. The single use OV-chipkaart is an option and can be collected from ticket counters and machines at Schipohl Plaza. The single ticket price is $6.30
How much is the Taxi from AMS to the City
Even though most taxis are metered taxis in The Netherlands come with fixed rates and you could be charged anywhere from $48 to $59. However if the taximeter shows a lower price than the fixed one you are only entitled to pay that amount.