The “Amsterdam Airport Express” (Bus 397 or N97)

The “Amsterdam Airport Express” is the best bus connection from Schiphol Airport to the Amsterdam city center. The large red bus operated by public transport company Connexxion offers great value at appr. € 11,75 for a return trip. It takes about 30-40 minutes to get from the airport to its final destination near downtown Leidseplein.

This bus service is recommended if your final destination is close to one of the stops of this bus (check the map below). This is the case if you need to be in the southwestern part of the city center, near:

• the Olympic Stadium
• the area just south of the Vondelpark
• the Museum Square (Concertgebouw, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, MOCO)
• the Leidseplein
• the southern or western Jordaan area

During daytime (between approximately 5 AM and 12 PM) this bus is numbered 397. The departure frequency varies from 4 to 8 times per hour, depending on the day of the week and the time of day.

During nighttime (between approximately 12 PM and 5 AM) the bus is numbered N97. Then the frequency drops to one single bus per hour.

Purchase Your Online Bus Tickets

You can buy your bus ticket outside Schiphol Plaza from a red ticket vending bus (limited opening hours: 9AM – 6PM). However, it’s much more convenient to purchase your ticket online. Then you will receive your ticket via E-Mail. So you can directly hop on the bus, skipping the waiting lines and without having to search for and deal with the ticket vending bus.

Getting to the airport’s bus station and getting on the right bus

The outdoor bus station is located right in front of Schiphol Plaza. It’s only a short stroll once you’ve past customs. Just follow the yellow “Bus” signs. The Amsterdam Airport Express departs from platform B17 on the right hand side of the bus terminal.

The bus number (397 or N97) is clearly visible on the large digital display at the front of the bus. And so is the destination of this bus: “Leidseplein City Center”. The actual final destination -which is also referred to in time schedules and on displays- is a few minutes further: the bus station “AMS Elandsgracht”.

Make sure you don’t hop on bus number 397 or N97 to “Nieuw Vennep”, as that bus goes into the opposite direction.

Luggage on the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus

You may take your luggage on the bus at no extra cost. The bus has a low entry and a public luggage area. Make sure to stay close to your luggage and watch it carefully.

Combining the Bus with other Public Transport or a Rental Bike

For the last mile from the bus station to your final destination and for getting around during your stay, there are several options. Walking will suffice if you travel light and intend to stay within the city center.

However, more convenient and faster ways of getting around in and out of the city center are by renting a bike and by using public transport. Amsterdam is probably one of the best cities in the world to explore by bike, and the public transport network is excellent. Therefore, you might consider renting a bike from the Vondelpark or upgrading your airport transfer by bus to an all-inclusive Public Transport Pass.