What is the safest way to leave Amsterdam Schiphol?

Take the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal. Tap in AND out with contactless — forgetting to tap out charges a €20 penalty..

Are taxis at AMS safe?

Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: forgotten tap-out fine — Tap in but not out and you're auto-charged €20 'incomplete journey' fare. Tap your card at the yellow gates on the way OUT at Centraal.

Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at AMS?

Yes — Uber / Bolt works at AMS. Typical cost €35–€55, journey ~25–45 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.

How much should a taxi from AMS to the city centre cost?

Expected fare on the AMS → Amsterdam Centraal route is roughly €5.90 (train) · €40–€55 (taxi). Anything around €65–€80 is high — €100+ is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.

Do I need cash for a taxi at AMS?

Carry small local notes — Schiphol Taxi (official rank) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.

Where is the official taxi pickup at Amsterdam Schiphol?

Train station is directly under the terminal — follow 'Trains/Treinen' signs. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.

What scams should I watch for at AMS?

The most reported at AMS: Forgotten tap-out fine; 'Free' city tour touts. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.

ARRIVING AT

AMSTERDAMLeaving Amsterdam Schiphol: transport guide

Amsterdam Schiphol · Netherlands

AMS

Low riskUpdated May 2026High confidence

Excellent transit, transparent taxi system, low scam risk. The train into Centraal is the obvious choice.

TL;DR

AMS (Amsterdam Schiphol) is the main international airport serving Amsterdam, Netherlands. The recommended way out is Take the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal (~€5.90, 15–20 min). Pickup is at Train station is directly under the terminal — follow 'Trains/Treinen' signs. The most common scam to watch for is "Forgotten tap-out fine". Fares on the AMS → Amsterdam Centraal route typically run €5.90 (train) · €40–€55 (taxi); anything above €100+ is almost certainly a scam. Last updated May 2026.

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

Take the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal

Typical fare: €5.90
Journey time: 15–20 min
Pickup: Train station is directly under the terminal — follow 'Trains/Treinen' signs

WARNING · Tap in AND out with contactless — forgetting to tap out charges a €20 penalty.

Compare your options at a glance

Option	Cost	Wait	Payment	Pick
NS Train	€5.90	Every 10 mins	💳Card
Uber / Bolt	€35–€55	5–10 mins	📱App	—
Schiphol Taxi (official rank)	€40–€55	0–10 mins	💳Card / Cash	—
Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express)	€7.50	Every 7–15 mins	💳Card	—

Your first 30 minutes

1Clear immigration (eGates for most passports)
2Follow signs to 'Trains/Treinen' — station is under the terminal
3Tap in at the yellow gates with a contactless card
4Board any train marked 'Amsterdam Centraal' (every 10 mins)
5Tap OUT at Centraal — important, or you'll be charged extra
6Expected total: €5.90, 15–20 min

Airport exit score

AIRPORT EXIT SCORE

92/ 100

Easy exit

Scam risk95
Public transport98
Ride-hailing80
Signage clarity95
Payment convenience95

Fare reality check

AMS → Amsterdam Centraal

ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
€5.90 (train) · €40–€55 (taxi)
ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
€65–€80
Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
€100+

Best ways out, ranked

1
NS Train
RECOMMENDED
Cost
€5.90
Journey
15–20 min to Centraal
Wait
Every 10 mins
Payment
💳 Card
PAYMENT · Tap in AND out. Forgetting to tap out triggers a €20 penalty fare.
Pros
Cheapest
Fastest
Direct to city centre
Cons
Crowded at peak
2
Uber / Bolt
Cost
€35–€55
Journey
25–45 min
Wait
5–10 mins
Payment
📱 App
Pros
Fixed price
Door-to-door
Cons
Slower than train in any traffic
3
Schiphol Taxi (official rank)
Cost
€40–€55
Journey
25–45 min
Wait
0–10 mins
Payment
💳 Card / Cash
Pros
Metered
Regulated
Cons
Pricier than Uber
4
Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express)
Cost
€7.50
Journey
30 min to Museumplein
Wait
Every 7–15 mins
Payment
💳 Card
Pros
Direct to museum quarter
Luggage space
Cons
Slower than train

Paying without surprises

Always tap in AND tap out on the train — missed taps cost €20.
Contactless works on all public transport — no need to buy a paper ticket.
Taxis are obliged to accept card; report any that refuse.

Common scams

Forgotten tap-out fine

Low risk

Tap in but not out and you're auto-charged €20 'incomplete journey' fare.

HOW TO AVOID · Tap your card at the yellow gates on the way OUT at Centraal.

'Free' city tour touts

Low risk

Aggressive timeshare / tour pitches near the train station exit.

HOW TO AVOID · Politely decline and keep walking.

What locals & travellers say

AMS·Amsterdam

“Tap in and out with your phone — no need for OV-chipkaart for short visits.”

Redditr/AmsterdamChecked Mar 2025confirmed

01 / 02

Arrival checklist

Train station is under the terminal — follow 'Treinen' signs
Tap in AND out with contactless
€5.90 to Centraal, every 10 minutes
Uber / official taxi if you have heavy luggage
Avoid 'free tour' touts near the exit

✉︎

Take it with you

AMS arrival FAQs

What is the safest way to leave Amsterdam Schiphol?: Take the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal. Tap in AND out with contactless — forgetting to tap out charges a €20 penalty..
Are taxis at AMS safe?: Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: forgotten tap-out fine — Tap in but not out and you're auto-charged €20 'incomplete journey' fare. Tap your card at the yellow gates on the way OUT at Centraal.
Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at AMS?: Yes — Uber / Bolt works at AMS. Typical cost €35–€55, journey ~25–45 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
How much should a taxi from AMS to the city centre cost?: Expected fare on the AMS → Amsterdam Centraal route is roughly €5.90 (train) · €40–€55 (taxi). Anything around €65–€80 is high — €100+ is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
Do I need cash for a taxi at AMS?: Carry small local notes — Schiphol Taxi (official rank) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
Where is the official taxi pickup at Amsterdam Schiphol?: Train station is directly under the terminal — follow 'Trains/Treinen' signs. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
Is AMS safe to arrive at late at night?: AMS is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
What scams should I watch for at AMS?: The most reported at AMS: Forgotten tap-out fine; 'Free' city tour touts. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.

Specific routes from this airport

→ Amsterdam city centre
NS train direct to Amsterdam Centraal — ~€6, 15–20 min, every few minutes.

Back to all airports