In a nutshell
- Amsterdam Schiphol is the city’s only airport, located just outside the center — but getting in is easy.
- We break down all the best transfer options from Amsterdam Airport to the city, so you can pick the right one for your trip.
- Every recommendation comes with a direct link to the right ticket and honest practical tips — no wasted time at the airport.
- Our top pick is the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus — seriously great value, and the ride gives you your first little taste of the city.
Transfer Overview: From Amsterdam Airport to the City Center
First, here’s a quick overview of all your transfer options from Amsterdam Schiphol — so you can see at a glance what works best for you:
| Airport Express Bus Top Pick | Local Train | Uber/Bolt | Taxi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel time | 25 min. | 15 min. | approx. 20 min. | approx. 20 min. |
| From the airport to the city center | 05:00–00:00 | 05:30–01:00 | all day | all day |
| From the city center to the airport | 05:00–00:00 | 05:30–01:00 | all day | all day |
| Price | 6 € single fare | 6 € single fare | 30–40 € | 40–60 € |
| Buy ticket | Buy ticket | Uber app Bolt app | Reserve a taxi |
Our Recommendation: Amsterdam Airport Express Bus
The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus is the absolute best value for your Schiphol airport transfer. Straightforward, comfortable, and seriously affordable.
When does the bus run? Daily from 5:00 AM to midnight every 10 minutes, and once per hour between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. The ride to the center takes 25 minutes with 10 stops along the way.
Stops:
- Knooppunt Schiphol Noord
- Anderlechtlaan
- Amstelveenseweg
- Olympiastadion
- Haarlemmermeerstation
- Emmastraat
- Concertgebouw
- Museumplein (Rijksmuseum)
- Leidseplein
- Busstation Elandsgracht
Where does the bus depart from? The stop at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is at bus bay B17.
How much does the bus cost? A single ride costs €6.50, or €11.75 for a combo ticket covering both your outbound and return trips.
With the combo ticket, you can choose your return time freely — no need to book it in advance. Just use it within 14 days.
Advantages:
- Really affordable ticket
- The bus ride doubles as a mini sightseeing tour
- Luggage goes in the overhead compartment
- Super relaxed journey
- 10 stops to choose from
Book your Airport Express Bus ticket online
Fastest Transfer: Local Train
You can also take the local train from Amsterdam Schiphol into the city. This is the fastest option for getting from the airport to Amsterdam.
When does the train run? Daily from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM every 10 minutes, and once per hour between 1:00 AM and 5:30 AM. The ride to Amsterdam Centraal takes just 15 minutes with no stops in between.
Where does the train depart from? Amsterdam Schiphol train station is directly beneath the airport terminal — all trains leave from there.
How much does the train cost? A single trip from the airport to the city costs around €6. There’s no combo ticket for the outbound and return journey combined.
Advantages:
- Super fast connection to the center
- Affordable ticket
- No intermediate stops
Disadvantages:
- Less comfortable than the bus
- You’ll need to manage your luggage yourself
- You still need to get from Amsterdam Centraal to your hotel
Book your Schiphol–Amsterdam train ticket online
You can easily buy the ticket online and don’t need to print it out. If there’s a ticket check, just show your ticket on your phone. To exit Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll need to scan your ticket again.
Our Tip: Amsterdam Train Ticket for Multiple Days
Planning to use public transit not just for the airport run but all around the city? Then the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is absolutely worth considering.
It covers both the transfer to and from Schiphol Airport plus one, two, or three days of unlimited travel on Amsterdam’s public transit network.
Book the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online
Private Transfer: Uber & Bolt
Want a private airport transfer without paying sky-high taxi prices? Uber and Bolt are both solid options in Amsterdam.
Both apps offer fixed-price rides straight to your destination — a super convenient door-to-door service with no surprises.
When does Uber/Bolt run? Whenever you need it — both services operate around the clock. The ride from Amsterdam Airport to the center takes about 20 minutes.
Where does Uber/Bolt pick you up? The exact pickup spot varies. You can set and view it directly in the app.
How much does Uber/Bolt cost? A ride from the airport to central Amsterdam runs between €30 and €40.
Advantages:
- Really relaxed transfer experience
- Fixed price shown before you confirm the ride
- Convenient door-to-door service
- No cancellations
- Available 24/7
- Drivers are often super friendly and happy to share local tips
Disadvantages:
- Much more expensive than the bus or train
- Traveling with lots of luggage, kids, or a dog? You’ll need a special vehicle type, which costs more
- Finding the pickup spot isn’t always straightforward
- Cars can’t drive or park everywhere in Amsterdam’s city center
To use either service, you’ll need to download the free app beforehand. We’d recommend doing this before your trip so ordering a ride when you land is just a few taps.
For Groups: Airport Taxi
If you’re heading into Amsterdam as a group, a taxi from Schiphol Airport can actually make a lot of sense.
Just like Uber and Bolt, taxis offer door-to-door service — and split among a few people, the cost becomes pretty manageable.
When do taxis run? Airport taxis operate around the clock. That said, if you haven’t reserved your taxi online in advance, be prepared for a longer wait.
Where do I find a taxi? Official taxis are parked right at the arrivals terminal — you can’t miss them.
How much does a taxi cost? Taxis in Amsterdam start at a base fare of €7.50 for 2 kilometers.
The full transfer from the airport to the city center runs between €40 and €60. Split among three or four people, that’s roughly €13 to €20 per person.
Advantages
- Convenient door-to-door service
- Great for groups
- Taxis have more flexibility for driving and stopping in Amsterdam than Uber/Bolt
- No cancellations
- Available 24/7
Disadvantages
- Comparatively expensive
- Taxi fraud does happen
- Possible wait times if you haven’t booked ahead
Watch out! Amsterdam Airport occasionally sees taxi fraud. Men in safety vests or holding taxi signs try to lure travelers away from legitimate taxis to unlicensed ones — and charge way over the odds. Always use the official taxi stands.
Reserve a taxi online in advance
Extra tip: If you ever experience a flight delay, check out our article on flight delay compensation for advice on how to get your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transfers from Amsterdam Airport
Still have questions about your Schiphol airport transfer? Here are the ones we hear most often:
How far is Amsterdam Airport from the city?
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is 11 miles from Amsterdam Centraal. Depending on which transfer you take, the journey to the city center takes between 15 and 25 minutes.
How do I get from Amsterdam Airport to Central Station?
The easiest way from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Centraal is the local train.
Trains run every 10 minutes, make no intermediate stops, and get you there in just 15 minutes.
Can I take regular buses from Amsterdam Airport into the city?
Technically yes — the regular GVB city buses do serve the airport, but the routes are really inconvenient for travelers.
If you want to learn more about getting around the city, check out our guide to Amsterdam public transit.
For a bus transfer from Schiphol to the city center, we strongly recommend the Airport Express Bus instead. It’s run by the private operator Connexxion (not GVB), takes just 25 minutes, and costs a really fair price.
Which transfer option is best when traveling with kids?
If you’re heading from Schiphol into the city with kids, we’d go with the local train.
It costs around 6 euros per adult, children under eight ride for free, and you’re at Centraal Station in 15 minutes.
From there you can easily continue to your accommodation — or just walk if it’s nearby. That’s what we always do.
Book your Schiphol–Amsterdam Centraal train ticket
Also planning activities with the kids while you’re there? Don’t miss our guide to Amsterdam with kids.
Is the airport transfer included in the I Amsterdam City Card?
Unfortunately, no. The transfer from Amsterdam Schiphol is not included in the I Amsterdam City Card or any of the other Amsterdam city passes.
