How to get from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station

Amsterdam Airport (AMS)TransportationAirport to Train Station

Transit Options from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station

Amsterdam Centraal Station is located in the city center and is the second busiest Dutch rail hub as well as one of the city’s attractions itself. Hence, if you want to reach the Amsterdam Centraal Station as soon as you land at AMS Airport, you’ll have to choose between the always available airport taxis, the luxurious Amsterdam airport transfers, the independent car rentals, or the fast and effective train.

OptionsPrice (€)Price ($)Duration
Taxi50-6053-6426 min
Train4.905.2014-17 min

Our Tip: Bus lines also serve Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Verily, both Connexxion bus and GVB routes depart from AMS Airport. However, they don’t reach Amsterdam Centraal Station. Thus, to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station via bus, you’ll have to change lines, making your transit tedious and time-consuming

Amsterdam Airport to Train Station by Taxi

Amsterdam airport taxis are the first option for your ride from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central. They are available around the clock at the airport taxi rank (Taxistandplaats) located outside the Schiphol Plaza. Taking your taxi from the official taxi stand is crucial to avoid getting scammed. Verily, some single scamming incidents have been reported in Amsterdam Airport by individual drivers claiming to have an official taxi license. In any case, Amsterdam taxis have the “Taxi” sign, the company’s logo, and the taxi number on their roof and their pricelist displayed on their exterior. Their prices and license number should be displayed inside the cab as well. Moreover, their license plates are blue.

The ride from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station lasts around 26 minutes. Nevertheless, traffic jams can raise that time to even 50 minutes. As far as its cost is concerned, Amsterdam airport taxis are metered, meaning that the taximeter calculates the fare for each ride. As the Dutch government has only set the higher allowed taxi rates, most taxi companies have fixed fares for journeys to popular destinations. Hence, you can expect a 50€-60€/53$-64$ fare for your drive from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. On the other hand, the taximeter must still be running during your journey. In fact, if at the end of the ride, it indicates a lower price than the agreed one, you’ll have to pay that lower rate. Tips aren’t obligatory. The Amsterdam taxi passengers usually round up the fare when the provided services are adequate. Payments are accepted in cash and via credit/debit cards. Still, if you are planning on paying via card, it is always advisable to let the driver know before setting off.

Our Tip 1: Since each taxi company provides services at different prices, you can pick whatever taxi you want from the taxi rank and not necessarily the first in line. 

Our Tip 2: Ride-sharing services are also provided at Amsterdam International Airport.

We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Athens Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.

  • Local English-speaking drivers
  • Flat, pre-paid fee
  • Flight monitoring for delays
  • 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation

Amsterdam Airport to Train Station by Train

Amsterdam airport trains are the fastest and cheapest alternative for rides from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station. Sprinter lines and Intercity direct trains leave the Schiphol Station and reach Amsterdam Centraal in just 14 minutes (Sprinter lines in 17 minutes). Schiphol Station lies underneath the AMS terminal, connected to Schiphol Plaza via lifts, escalators, and stairs.  Choosing to travel by train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station is a value-for-money option whenever landing at the airport. Verily, trains run 24/7. However, their frequency is 4-10 minutes from 05:30 am to midnight, whereas routes become scarcer from midnight to 01:00 am and hourly from 01:00 am to 05:30 am. 

Ticket Options for the Train from Amsterdam Airport to Central Station

Depending on the duration of your stay in Amsterdam and how you are planning on spending your time there, you can opt for the right ticket option for your ride with the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station.

If you are to stay in Amsterdam for a long period of time, an anonymous OV-chipkaart will be proven handy. The rechargeable card offers lower prices to all public transit modes and can be used by more than one passenger (yet not at the same time). It costs 8.50€/9$ and is available from the yellow ticket machines lying at Schiphol Plaza, while must be topped with at least 20€/21.30$. Thus, it is worth taking into consideration for long-stays in the Dutch capital. Please note that personal OV-chipkaarts also exist, providing even more benefits. Still, they are mainly used by Amsterdam residents. 

On the other hand, online tickets are widely preferred by Amsterdam passengers. E-tickets can be bought online and get printed, loaded into the NS app, or kept on a mobile phone. They are personal, meaning that you’ll have to carry your ID, passport, or driver’s license with you. One-way tickets, as well as tickets for round trips, are available. Please remember that round trips must take place on the same day. A one-way ticket for the train from Amsterdam Airport to Central Station costs 4.90€/5.20$. Railrunner tickets (for children between 4 and 11) are priced at 2.50€/2.67$. Younger kids don’t have to pay for their tickets. 

Additionally, you can opt for a single-use OV-chipkaart, the disposable ticket that can be purchased from the yellow ticket machines, and the ticket counters at Schiphol Plaza (cash is accepted only at automatic machines, not at the counters). However, the single-use OV-chipkaart has an extra 1€/1.07$ fee. Thus, the fare for your ride with the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station will be 5.90€/6.30$.

Last but not least, if you intend to use Amsterdam’s public transit network a lot during your stay, you should buy an Amsterdam Travel Ticket. Amsterdam Travel Tickets are available for 1, 2, or 3 days, are priced at 18€/19.20$, 24€/25.60$, and 30€/32$ respectively, and allow only second-class travel. With an Amsterdam Travel Ticket, you can make unlimited use of all the public transit means (even the Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397). The 24-h period of time starts when the ticket is first used and lasts until the next morning (at 04:00 am). Those tickets can be found at the Schiphol Plaza’s Holland Tourist Desk and ticket machines, the Connexxion counters at Bus Platform B9, and online. Please note that if you intend on exploring Amsterdam’s nearby areas, you should opt for an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, whereas for traveling around the Netherlands, the Holland Travel Ticket is always a good choice. 

Whatever your option may be, you should keep in mind that you’ll have to check in and out at the stations’ gates or scan your mobile (in the case of e-tickets).

Our Tip 1: Contactless payments have been recently accepted as a payment method at the NS railroad network.

Our Tip 2: The Intercity direct trains are somewhat more spacious and have slightly more luggage storage space.

Our Tip 3: Special offers, such as a 10% discount for at least 4 days before the train ride bookings and group deals, are offered during non-peak hours (from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm and from 06:30 pm to 06:30 am, on weekends and public holidays).

Our Tip 4: If you intend on traveling via train at night, you should check the NS webpage for potential maintenance works that may add time to your ride from the airport. 

Car Rental from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station

Amsterdam airport car rentals are mainly appreciated by travelers valuing independence and autonomy during their journeys. Verily, an Amsterdam airport car rental isn’t only a worth-considering option for your trip from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station but is the handiest way to travel around Amsterdam or even traverse the small yet full of interesting sightseeing Netherlands. International car rental providers and domestic agencies offer their services at Amsterdam International Airport. Thus, finding the right car rental for you at a bargain price is totally doable. In any case, early online bookings are always recommended.

The ride with your Amsterdam car rental from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station should last around 26 minutes. Heavy traffic levels (the roads around the airport tend to get congested) can double this traveling time. Once reaching the Centraal Station, you should choose one of the car parks lying in the area. If you want to save money on your parking fees, you can use one of the cheap parking lots of the P&R (Park & Ride) system, located outside the city center, and use the subway or the tram to reach the Centraal Station.

Amsterdam Airport Transfers from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station

When landing at Amsterdam International Airport and retrieving your luggage, there’s nothing more convenient than having your driver waiting for you at Schiphol Plaza, helping you with your personal belongings, and leading you straight forward to the vehicle parked outside the terminal. As if this wasn’t enough, door-to-door rides and onside amenities are provided as well, while your experienced driver will also be your guide to the city, giving you priceless info about Amstedam’s hidden gems while driving you to your destination. For all those reasons, Amsterdam airport transfers are considered the most luxurious way to travel from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. Various private airport companies operate at AMS Airport. Thus, you can compare the options and elevate your airport ride experience without exceeding your budget.

FAQs

What is the best way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station?

Even though airport taxis are comfortable and Amsterdam airport transfers guarantee an elevated traveling experience, opting for the train from Amsterdam Airport to Central Station is the top value-for-money choice. Trains are cheap, leave around the clock from Schiphol Station, and need only 14-17 minutes to get to Centraal Station. Still, from 01:00 am to 05:30 am, their routes are hourly. 

How long is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central?

You can opt for a Sprinter line or an Intercity direct train for your transit from Amsterdam Airport to Train Station. Trains depart from Schiphol Station around the clock every 4-10 minutes (hourly from 01:00 am to 05:30 am ) and need 14 minutes (the IC direct) to 17 minutes (the Sprinter line) to get to Amsterdam Centraal.

How much is the train from Amsterdam Airport to Central Station?

The ticket for the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station costs 4.90€/5.20$ if bought online. Single-use OV-chipkaarts are also available from the ticket counters and the automatic vendors lying in Schiphol Plaza. However, an extra 1€/1.07$ is always added to their rates, raising their price to 5.90€/6.30$.