Public Transport to and from Schiphol Airport

• By Train
Schiphol, Amsterdam’s airport, is located 18km (11mi) southwest of the city. The airport includes a train station – right underneath the main hall.

Trains to and from Amsterdam Central Station run every 10-15 minutes. They usually leaves from tracks 1 or 2.

The train ride itself takes 15-20 minutes and costs €3.60.

Tickets for the train can be obtained from machines (or at the service counter) inside Central Station as well as in Schiphol’s main arrival hall.

Note that Dutch trains have First Class and Second Class cars. Most Dutch people travel second class, which usually is good enough. First Class offers a bit more space and a bit more comfort, especially in newer trains — but the extra expensive is not really worth it.

So don’t be duped into buying more expensive tickets than you have to. At Schiphol NS (Dutch Railways) refers to First Class as ‘Comfort Class.’

Do not buy return trip tickets, unless you plan on returning to the airport on the same day. Round-trip tickets are valid for one day only.

Be aware of the fact that this route is popular with pickpockets and luggage thieves. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, and be careful whom you accept help from.

In addition, at Central Station – and throughout downtown Amsterdam – people who look like tourists (carrying backpacks or suitcases) will be accosted by hotel runners. Do not trust them. Usually the rates they quote are invented on the spot. Once they have led you to the hotel – in an area you are not familiar with – the room rate turns out to be a lot higher. And some runners don’t easily take ‘no’ for an answer. [Other things to avoid in Amsterdam]

TIPS:
• While the train ticket vending machines are easy to use (on-screen instructions are provided in English) you may prefer to purchase your tickets at the train service counter instead. Either way, it is not necessary to buy the so-called ‘Comfort Class’ tickets.

• Purchase a phone card and a ’strippenkaart’ — multiple use tickets for bus, tram and metro — at the AKO news stand, a few stores to the right of the train service counter.

• By Bus 15 major hotels in Amsterdam are served by the KLM shuttle. Stops along the way bring you within walking distance of many other Amsterdam hotels. The one-way fee is €10.50. Despite its name you do not have to fly KLM in order to use the shuttle bus.

The Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle takes you from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to more than 100 hotels in the city of Amsterdam between 06.00 a.m. and 21.00 p.m.

Less expensive public transport buses are available as well. You’ll see them just across the street from the taxi ranks. The bus ride to Amsterdam takes about 25-40 minutes.

• By Taxi
Amsterdam’s taxis are among the most expensive in Europe. The 30-minutes ride to Amsterdam should set you back about €40.00 – €45.00, and it is a good idea to let the driver know you are aware of this rate.

Note: Do not accept rides from people who offer you taxi services inside the airport terminals or halls. Instead, select a taxi from the official taxi lot in front of the main hall. Incidentally, you can select any of the taxis you see there. You are not obligated to take the first one in line.

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More articles on this topic: Public Transport, Schiphol Airport, Visitors Guide
More about these tags / keywords: airport • Amsterdam airport • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • bus • Central Station • Public Transport • Schiphol • Schiphol Airport • taxi • train

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