Schiphol to Amsterdam: Train, Bus & Taxi
Quick answer
Direct trains run from beneath Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal in 15–20 minutes for about €5–6. They're frequent, even overnight. Taxis take 20–30 minutes for roughly €40–50. The train is the clear winner for speed and value.
From Schiphol, the train is the easy winner: the station sits directly beneath the terminal and trains reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes, frequently. Taxis and ride-hailing are door-to-door but pricier. This is one of the simplest airport-to-city links anywhere, making a layover visit straightforward with Schengen entry — see the Schiphol layover guide.
- Train ~15–20 min to Amsterdam Centraal, from under the terminal.
- Frequent service; no transfer hassle.
- Leaving needs Schengen entry.
- Overnight? See our Schiphol hotels guide.
Schiphol has a railway station directly under the terminal, making the transfer to Amsterdam exceptionally easy. Trains are fast, cheap and run through the night, so even an awkward arrival time is covered. This guide explains the train, plus bus and taxi alternatives.
Train — fastest and cheapest
Trains depart from the station directly below Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal in 15–20 minutes for about €5–6, several times an hour. Buy from machines or tap a contactless card. Night trains keep the route covered around the clock.
- 15–20 min to Centraal
- ~€5–6
- Runs day and night
Buses
The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) serves the museum quarter and Leidseplein area, a good option if your hotel is near those stops and you'd rather not change at Centraal.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis and Uber take 20–30 minutes to the centre for about €40–50. Convenient with luggage, but the train is so quick and cheap that most travellers skip the taxi.
Train or taxi?
The train is the obvious choice — it's directly below Schiphol Plaza, fast and frequent, reaching Centraal and other stations. Taxis and ride-hailing are convenient door-to-door, especially late at night or with luggage, but cost much more. For a city visit plan, see the Schiphol layover guide.
On a layover
With about five-plus hours and Schengen entry, a city visit is genuinely easy thanks to the short, frequent train — confirm eligibility in the Schengen transit guide.
The best way into the city from Amsterdam?
Answer five quick questions and we'll rank taxi, train, bus, ride-hail and private transfer for your trip.
Guidance only — prices, service hours and rail links vary by airport. Check the specific route guide for fares and timings.
Best way from the airport: at a glance
| Mode | Approx time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (NS) | ~15–20 min | Low | Fast, frequent, under the terminal |
| Taxi | Traffic-dependent | High | Door-to-door, late nights |
| Ride-hailing | Traffic-dependent | Medium–High | App convenience, luggage |
The verdict
Pros
- Station under the terminal
- Cheap, frequent trains
- Runs overnight
Cons
- Centraal can be busy
- Taxis pricey
- Bikes and trams crowd the centre
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam?
15–20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal, several times an hour, for about €5–6.
Do trains run overnight from Schiphol?
Yes. Night services keep Schiphol connected to the city around the clock, useful for late or early flights.
Is a taxi worth it from Schiphol?
Rarely. The train is faster and far cheaper; a taxi only makes sense with heavy luggage or a group.
What's the best way from Schiphol to Amsterdam?
The train — the station is directly under the terminal and reaches Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes, frequently. It's one of the simplest airport-to-city links anywhere.
Is it easy to visit Amsterdam on a layover?
Very — with about 5+ hours and Schengen entry, the quick train makes it straightforward. See the Schiphol layover guide.
Layover tips that actually help
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