How to get from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre
High confidenceChecked May 2026
NS train direct to Amsterdam Centraal — ~€6, 15–20 min, every few minutes.
Best options
Best overall
NS Sprinter or Intercity to Amsterdam Centraal.
Cheapest safe
NS train as above; tap in/out with contactless card.
Best at night
Trains run all night roughly hourly; otherwise official Schiphol Taxi.
With luggage / kids
NS trains have luggage space; taxis for groups with multiple bags.
Taxi fare
Official Schiphol Taxi roughly €45–€60 to central Amsterdam. Fares vary with traffic and time.
Ride-hailing
Uber and Bolt both operate — pickup at the marked ride-hailing zone.
available
Public transport
NS train (Sprinter/Intercity) every few minutes; Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express).
Compare your options — AMS → Amsterdam city centre
Distance ~17 km, typical journey 15–20 min.
| Option | Typical fare | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | NS train (Sprinter/Intercity) every few minutes; Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express). | Cheapest safe option |
| Official taxi | Official Schiphol Taxi roughly €45–€60 to central Amsterdam. Fares vary with traffic and time. | Late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| Ride-hailing | Uber and Bolt both operate — pickup at the marked ride-hailing zone. | available |
After landing — step by step
- 1Follow signs to 'Trains' from Schiphol Plaza
- 2Tap in with contactless or buy a single at the machine
- 3Tap OUT at your destination — easy to forget
Scam warnings
Forgetting to tap out and getting a €20+ fine
Unbooked 'taxi' offers in arrivals
Avoid this
- • Unbooked curbside taxis
- • Skipping the tap-out
Frequently asked
Q.How much is a taxi from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre?
Official Schiphol Taxi roughly €45–€60 to central Amsterdam. Fares vary with traffic and time.. Always confirm the fare or that the meter is on before pulling away. Watch for: Forgetting to tap out and getting a €20+ fine.
Q.What is the cheapest safe way from AMS to Amsterdam city centre?
NS train as above; tap in/out with contactless card.
Q.Does Uber or ride-hailing work at Amsterdam Schiphol?
Uber and Bolt both operate — pickup at the marked ride-hailing zone.
Q.What's the best way from AMS to Amsterdam city centre at night?
Trains run all night roughly hourly; otherwise official Schiphol Taxi.
Q.What scams should I watch for going from AMS to Amsterdam city centre?
Top reported: Forgetting to tap out and getting a €20+ fine; Unbooked 'taxi' offers in arrivals. Use the official taxi rank, never accept a fare from someone approaching you in arrivals.
SOURCES