How to transfer from Amsterdam Airport to City Centre by public transport
Transfers from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre are well organised. You will not feel lost while you travel from the airport to the city centre.
Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. It is important for you to plan how to transfer in Amsterdam before you leave home. Find out which area your accommodation is located in central Amsterdam. Then choose the most convenient, cheapest and comfortable way to your destination.
Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands. It is the country’s financial, cultural and transportation hub. Amsterdam Airport is the third largest international airport in Europe.
In this article, you will find Amsterdam’s best areas to stay in. Then find the best ways to transfer from Amsterdam Airport to Central City.
Save money while you stay in Amsterdam. Organise a transfer from Amsterdam Airport to City Centre by public transport.
I. Amsterdam Transport
The transport system in Amsterdam is highly developed. Amsterdam Centraal Station is the central hub of the city. From Amsterdam Airport, you can easily access to the central city. Take a train to a station closest to your accommodation. It only takes 10-15 minutes. It could be Amsterdam Centraal, Sloterdijk and Zuid (source).
Where is the airport in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (IATA: AMS) is one of the largest international airports in Europe. KLM is the largest carrier operating at Schiphol and provides flights to major cities around the world.
Amsterdam Airport is located less than 10 km away from the central city. which is surrounded by renowned iconic landscapes, with the 400-year-old Canal Ring (source).
Where are the Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam?
The Best 4 Areas to Stay in Amsterdam
Old Centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the best area for sightseeing
Canal Ring – the most romantic neighbourhood in Amsterdam
Jordaan – the best area to stay for the first time visitors
Plantage – pleasant 19th-century district with many museums.
If you are loking for Amsterdam Hotel near Cruise Port, please visite my article. The article offers the very best hotels in Amsterdam city centre.
Amsterdam’s Important Train Station
Amsterdam Centraal Station (with one extra ‘a’ in Dutch) is the central transport hub in Amsterdam. The central station located on an island between the Amsterdam/Old Centre and the IJ waterfront.
Trains to Brussels, Paris, Cologne and Antwerp
Thalys is a high-speed train that connects Amsterdam with Paris (3h19m), Brussels (1h54m) and Antwerp (1h12m). Eurostar provides a high-speed service from London St Pancras Station to Brussels Zuid/Midi Station. From Brussels, you can continue to Amsterdam by Thalys.
ICE International connects Amsterdam up 7 times each day with Düsseldorf (2h16), Cologne (2h41), and Frankfurt (3h46).
The Intercity train to Berlin
Places to Visit in Amsterdam
- Rijksmuseum
- See the city from Above at Skylounge Amsterdam
- Rent a bike
- Cruise the canal
- Stroll Through De Wallen
- Rembrandt’s House
- Anne Frank Huis
- Van Gogh Museum
- A’DAM Toren
- Dutch beer in trendy Leidseplein
II. Amsterdam Airport to City Centre
Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (IATA: AMS, a.k.a. Schiphol Airport) is the main international airport of the Netherlands. This international airport and is the 3rd largest in Europe. The first floor is for Arrivals and the second floor is for Departures. In the Arrival, there are 4 zones.
Amsterdam Airport also has its own train station. It is functioning as a major interchange station in The Netherlands.
Amsterdam Airport Transfer General Tips
- Get cash in advance for public transportation, with less than 20 EUR notes. It is available to get it at ATM in Amsterdam Airport but is inconvenient to find it and get cash while you carry a heavy suitcase.
- To get on a train you could buy a single ticket with either coins or Dutch bank card to get it at the machine. Or go to the counter.
- If you buy a ticket at the vending machine, be careful with your wallet. Do care about the secrecy of your PIN identification code.
- Amsterdam Central Station and its area are by and large safe. It is always good to stay alert about your luggage and as on any train station in the world beware of pickpockets.
- Amsterdam Airport is the busiest place in the city. Give extra attention to your pockets and luggage. If you have much luggage, MRT is not recommended to use due to pickpocket
Which transport options are available?
Find out the different options to transfer from Amsterdam airport to the city centre. Prepare your transfer in advance to make your transfer goes smoothly. Which transport options are available?
Train – the fastest way to transfer to the city centre
Bus – cheapest and luggage with free for hand
Taxi – an expensive but comfortable and relaxed door to door transfer
Getting to Amsterdam city centre from Amsterdam Airport
(Cost is Euro (€) on April 2019)
1. Train from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam city centre
The train is the easiest and fastest way to transfer from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre. This railway connection leaves from platform 1 and 2 in the main arrival plaza at the airport and will take you to the train station Amsterdam Central. Take either Sprinter or Intercity train.
Travel Time – 15 minutes
Operation – day and night every day of the week, running every 10 to 15 minutes from 6 am to 1 am and once per hour from 1 am to 6 am
Amsterdam Train Prices – One ticket costs €5,40 or €8.40 in first class.
Where can you purchase a train ticket?
A train ticket can be purchased at the ticket machines at the Arrival’s hall in Amsterdam Airport. Amsterdam airport to city centre train fare is €5,40.
How to use Amsterdam public transport tickets for Train, Tram and Bus
The locals use the public transport charge card called Chip-card or OV Chipkaart valid on all means of transport everywhere in the Netherlands. If you are visiting The Netherlands for a short stay, you are the best suggested to buy a specific ticket for one trip. This is simply because it is easy and convenient.
Very important!
You need to validate the ticket you purchased at the entry to the platform area of each train station. This rule is the same as both OV Chipkaarts and paper tickets. If you forget to check-in and check out, your paper ticket will automatically become invalid. If using a Chipkaart, it’ll take €20 for an unchecked train ride and €5 for a tram as a penalty
Chip-card or OV-card and iAmsterdam Card
OV Chipkaart
You can purchase either a 24-hour pass for €7.50 or getting an OV Chipkaart. You can purchase them online, or at the counter at selected stations upon arrival.
OV Chipkaart can be used on trains, buses and trams. Note: Always have a minimum of 20 Euros on the card to ride a train and 5 Euros for trams and buses. Otherwise, you cannot get in. Don’t worry about it, you can cash out the unused money on your card at the counter at Schiphol when you leave.
iAmsterdam Card
If you visit museums, an iAmsterdam Card is recommended to purchase. It gives you access to many museums for free and a ticket for transportation.
There’s also Amsterdam Holland Pass. It includes free public transportation within Amsterdam. You can access to top attractions in Amsterdam and other major cities.
2. Airport Express
An alternative cheap option is bus 397 Amsterdam. Connexxion’s 397 Amsterdam Airport Express is the cheapest. It runs from the airport to Amsterdam city centre. These red buses depart every 15 minutes and the ride takes approximately 35 minutes.
Bust Ticket Fare – 5€ ( for return costs 10€)
Travel Time – 35 minutes
Operation – every 10 minutes at day time and every 35 minutes at night
Bus Stops in Amsterdam central city – Amsterdam Elandsgracht, Stadionplein, Museumplein and Leidseplein
Operation time – here the timetable
How can you buy a bus ticket?
You can buy tickets straight from the bus driver or from the Amsterdam Airport Express ticket desks and Info booths near the bus stop.
Where is the bus stop in Amsterdam Airport?
You can take bus 397 from platforms B9, B11 or B13 at Schiphol Plaza,
It is just outside the main station hall.
Convenience
Taking a bus from Amsterdam Airport is the cheapest. If the bus stops are close to your accommodations, it can be the best transportation you can have. The bus stops Stadionplein, Museumplein and Leidseplein.
Important! : the bus sops at NOT at Amsterdam Central station BUT Amsterdam Elandsgracht. Buses can get quite crowded and luggage space is also limited.
3. Amsterdam taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre
Taxi is costly. If you have a lot of luggage or arriving at midnight or too early, you can use a taxi. You would prefer to be transported directly from Amsterdam Airport to your hotel.
Amsterdam Airport to city centre taxi fare: a flat fee €39, online reservation coss €50 to €60
Travel Time – 20 minutes if the traffic goes smooth
Where to find a taxi – at Arrivals Hall Exist
Extra chanrge for luggage, late-night driving, and
Note: Keep in mind that the taxis in Amsterdam do not look identical. Find licensed taxis and so that you can avoid possible problems. Licenced taxis can be recognized by their roof lights and blue number plates. It is important to note that during rush hour expect a long line for the taxis and need to wait for taking the one.
4. Rental Car Service
All cars can be picked up at the Car Rental and Service Desk, located in Schiphol Plaza, the airport’s main foyer. You can follow the ‘Car Rental’ signs.
You may also be interested in hotels in Central Amsterdam:
Amsterdam Hotels near Cruise Port
Find out the best hotels in the best areas while you stay in Amsterdam for Baltic Cruises.
Bonus Tip!: Visiting Information for Amsterdam!
- Travel Visa Information Do You Need a Travel Visa?
- Currency: the Netherlands is part of the European Community, and the euro is the official currency. Euro (EUR) Go to a currency converter
- Internet: Free WiFi access in Heathrow Airport and Southampton Cruise Port
- Language – Dutch is the official language. You can easily communicate with locals in English. The Netherlands’ second language is English.
- Amsterdam Weather Information
- Public Holidays in The Netherlands – change a year
Articles on Amsterdam Airport to City Centre:
Next reading >> Amsterdam Hotels near Cruise Port Best Areas
>> Amsterdam Cruise Port
>> Baltic Cruise Guide
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