Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Central Amsterdam

Three ways from Schiphol into the city

Most Amsterdam trips start at Schiphol Airport (AMS). The main ways into the city are the NS train, bus 397 (the Amsterdam Airport Express) and the N97 night bus, and a taxi from the official rank.

The NS train takes about 17 minutes to Centraal; for bus and taxi journey times, check official information. Below you'll find how each option works, what it costs, which areas it suits and what to sort out on arrival day.

When you book, check that the arrival airport on your ticket is Schiphol (AMS). For entry requirements (visas, ETIAS and so on), check official information before you travel.

• Full Amsterdam travel guide →
• Incheon → Amsterdam flights →

NS train: about 17 minutes to Centraal

According to NS, eight Sprinter trains an hour run to Amsterdam Centraal via Sloterdijk and Lelylaan. The ride to Centraal takes about 17 minutes, and trains usually leave from platform 3.

You can buy a ticket online from NS (no booking fee) or at station machines, or simply tap in with a contactless bank card (OVpay). Check in at the poles at Schiphol and check out at the gates at Centraal.

Check the single fare in the NS Journey Planner. The Amsterdam Travel Ticket, which includes the airport train, is EUR 18 for 1 day.

Bus 397 and the N97 night bus: for the Museum Quarter

The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) and the N97 Niteliner link the airport and the city. According to the Van Gogh Museum, bus 397 stops at Museumplein.

The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and the Royal Concertgebouw stand around Museumplein, and Vondelpark is close by. So if you're staying in the Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), bus 397 is handy.

The NS Amsterdam Travel Ticket is valid on both buses. Check journey times and fares in the official information.

Taxi: use the official rank only

Take a taxi from the official taxi rank at the airport. The tourist board advises against rides from drivers soliciting inside the airport, as they are not officially approved.

Licensed taxis have blue number plates and a roof sign and charge by the meter. The starting rate is around EUR 4.15; check official information for exact fares and journey times. Ask for a receipt when you get out.

At a glance

Here are the three options side by side. "Check official info" means you should look the figure up from official sources before you go.

• NS train: about 17 min to Centraal · eight Sprinters an hour · single fare in the NS Journey Planner
• Bus 397: stops at Museumplein · time and fare: check official info · Amsterdam Travel Ticket valid
• N97 night bus: links the airport and the city · time and fare: check official info · Amsterdam Travel Ticket valid
• Taxi: official taxi rank · metered (starting rate around EUR 4.15; check official info) · ask for a receipt
• Amsterdam Travel Ticket (EUR 18 for 1 day): airport train, buses 397 and N97, all GVB lines
• Payment: you can tap onto the NS train with OVpay, and according to the tourist board public transport does not take cash

After Centraal: by area

By train you arrive at Amsterdam Centraal. Many trams start in front of the station, and trams link it with the Jordaan, Museumplein and De Pijp. If you stay around Centraal and Dam Square (Centrum), the Royal Palace and the Begijnhof are within walking distance.

Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns of frequent pickpockets around the stations and Dam Square, so watch your bags while you move with luggage.

Trams do not go beyond the city limits, so they do not reach Schiphol. To and from the airport, choose between the train, buses 397 and N97, and a taxi.

• Centrum (around Centraal and Dam Square): NS train to Centraal, then walk
• Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid): bus 397 stops at Museumplein
• Jordaan and De Pijp: change to a tram in front of Centraal

Choosing a ticket and your arrival-day checklist

With OVpay, tap a contactless debit or credit card or a phone wallet on the reader when you board trams, buses, metro and trains, and tap the same card again when you get off. Check in and out every time you change, including between operators.

GVB runs the city's trams, buses, metro and ferries. According to the tourist board (updated June 2026), if you use only GVB with OVpay you pay at most EUR 10.50 a day. GVB unlimited tickets for one to seven days are also available, valid from your first check-in (check amounts officially).

To cover the airport train and buses 397 and N97 with one ticket, there's the NS Amsterdam Travel Ticket (EUR 18 for 1 day, EUR 24 for 2 days, EUR 30 for 3 days). For nearby places such as Zaanse Schans, the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (2026: EUR 23 for 1 day, EUR 34 for 2 days, EUR 44 for 3 days) fits better. For both, each day starts at midnight and runs until 4 a.m. the next morning.

• Check that the arrival airport on your ticket is Schiphol (AMS)
• Have a contactless bank card or phone wallet ready (public transport does not take cash)
• Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so bring a debit card and a little cash too
• On the train, tap at the poles at Schiphol and at the gates at Centraal
• Take taxis from the official rank and ask for a receipt
• In an emergency call 112 (operators speak English)

• Full Amsterdam travel guide →
• Amsterdam in 2 nights and 3 days: canals, museums and transport →

FAQ

Related reading

Itinerary · NetherlandsAmsterdam in 2 nights and 3 days: canals, museums and transportSchiphol by train, OVpay and the GVB daily cap, the canal belt, timed tickets for the…ComparisonAirport to City: Train, Bus, Taxi or Transfer? A Practical ComparisonCompare the five ways to get from the airport into town, with tips for late-night…SafetyHow to Avoid Taxi Scams AbroadHow to avoid overcharging, detours and change tricks at airports and tourist spots, use…

All articles →