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Netherlands

Amsterdam

A bicycle city ringed by fan-shaped canals. Trams spread out from Centraal station across town.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

The station sits right under the terminal - 14-17 minutes and €5.50 to Amsterdam Centraal. Tap the yellow readers in Schiphol Plaza before boarding and tap out with the same card at the far end - or NS debits €33.30.

Updated on August 2, 2026

How to ride

  1. 1
    Head down one level to the station
    Leaving the arrivals hall, follow the Trains signs and take the escalator or lift down to the platforms.
  2. 2
    Tap in at the yellow readers
    Tap your card or phone on the yellow readers at the top of the escalators and lifts in Schiphol Plaza.
  3. 3
    Board a train towards Amsterdam Centraal
    Check the departure boards for your platform - the stopping train towards Amsterdam Centraal leaves from track 3.
  4. 4
    Tap out with the same card
    At your destination, tap out on a reader with the very same card or phone you tapped in with.
  5. 5
    For the bus, board at lane B
    Bus 397 goes from lane B - leave Schiphol Plaza and head right - but check the signs on the day.
  6. 6
    Board taxis and app rides at their own stands
    The official taxi rank is at A1; Uber and Bolt use the App pick-up point, stops E1 to E6.

Fares

Single fares4

NS train single to Amsterdam Centraal (2nd class)
The tap-and-go fare; a single-use smartcard from a machine adds €1.60
5.5 EUR ≈ $6
Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397/N97) single
Airport to the city centre; you cannot change buses on it and there are no refunds
6.5 EUR ≈ $7
Amsterdam Airport Express return
The return leg has to be used within 14 days
11.75 EUR ≈ $13
Taxi from the official rank (typical)
The airport's own guide for 1-4 people over 10-20 km; 5-8 people pay €55-100
40〜80 EUR ≈ $45–90

Passes & multi-ride1

Amsterdam Travel Ticket (1-3 days)
2026 prices are €20, €27 and €34; covers the airport train, bus 397/N97 and every GVB line
20〜34 EUR ≈ $22–38

Estimates use exchange rates as of November 4, 2026

Payment

Tap to ride
VISAMastercardMaestro
Tap the yellow readers to travel - the same works on the bus
IC card
An anonymous OV-chipkaart still works for now
App tickets
Buy 397 singles and returns in advance in the app or online
Paper tickets
Single-use chip tickets from machines in Arrivals and Schiphol Plaza
Cash Unverified
Bus drivers take no cash; airport ticket machines unconfirmed

Quick facts

Hours
Trains run 24/7
Frequency
8 trains an hour by day
Fares from
5.5 EUR+

Heads-up

  • Bus stops moved to temporary spots for the rebuild

    The bus station at Schiphol Plaza is being rebuilt and some stops have moved to temporary positions behind the old ones. Go by the signs and boards on the day rather than a stop number you looked up in advance.

  • Taxis that approach you are not the official ones

    Don't take a taxi from anyone who approaches you - those operators are not welcome at the airport and are not the ones queueing at the rank. Follow the signs and the floor stickers to the official stand at A1.

Timetable

Operating hours Trains run 24/7
Typical duration 14-17 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal by train
Check the official site for the latest times and service status
Editor Naotaka