Train from Amsterdam Airport to City Centre
Train from Amsterdam Airport to City Centre
Travel time: 20 min. to Central Station
Price: € 18 p.p. roundtrip
Availability: daytime (6 AM – 12 AM): 4-6 times per hour; nighttime (12 AM – 6 AM): once per hour
Roundtrip Train Ticket:
Airport – City – Airport
Price: € 18 p.p.
Includes:
- roundtrip transfer airport – city – airport
- online ticket
- free City Guide App (100+ highlights)
Amsterdam Airport Train – Pros and Cons
- Fastest option to Amsterdam Central Station
- Economical
- Eco-friendly
- Frequent service between 6 AM and 12 AM
- Walk or transfer to reach your final destination
- Not ideal with a lot of luggage
- Rush hours can be busy
- Beware of pickpockets and luggage thieves
Train from Amsterdam Airport to City Center
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport boasts excellent train connections to the City of Amsterdam. All trains departing from the airport to Amsterdam are operated by NS, the government-owned Dutch Railways. They adhere to international standards and perform well on cleanliness, safety, reliability, and punctuality.
Purchase Your Train Tickets Online
You can buy your train ticket at Schiphol Plaza from a yellow-and-blue ticket vending machine or at the NS (Dutch Railways) service counter. However, it’s much more convenient to purchase your ticket online (see below). Then you will receive the ticket (plus a free City Guide App with 100+ highlights) via E-Mail. So you can directly hop on the train, skipping the waiting lines and without having to search for and deal with a vending machine or the railway service counter.
The NS (Dutch Railways) have two classes: 1st class and 2nd class (economy class). Since the journey by train takes only 10-20 minutes, the vast majority of travelers is satisfied with 2nd class.
Roundtrip Train Ticket:
Airport – City – Airport
Price: € 18 p.p.
Includes:
- roundtrip transfer airport – city – airport
- online ticket
- free City Guide App (100+ highlights)
Getting from the Gate to Schiphol Airport Train Station
At Schiphol Airport, arrivals are located on the ground floor. After collecting your luggage and passing through customs, you can reach the train station in a few minutes. Just follow the yellow ‘Trains’ signs.
The entrance to the train station is conveniently situated in the middle of the covered Schiphol Plaza. To get to the underground train platforms, you can either take the moving walkway or the elevator.
Please note that you may access the train terminal only with a valid ticket. So make sure to purchase your train ticket in advance.
Entrance Underground Train Platform
Train Amsterdam Airport to City
Combining the Airport Train with other Public Transport or a Rental Bike
For the last mile from the train 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 Central Station or upgrading your airport transfer by train to an all-inclusive Public Transport Pass.
All-in Public Transport Pass
- 1-day pass: € 18 p.p.
- 2-day pass: € 24 p.p.
- 3-day pass: € 30 p.p.
Includes:
- airport transfer by public transport
- all GVB public transport: bus, tram, metro, ferry, night bus
- free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Amsterdam Airport to City – Boarding the Right Train
Trains to Amsterdam usually depart from train tracks 1, 2 or 3. The City of Amsterdam has about a dozen train stations (see map below), of which most can be reached directly from Schiphol Airport without any transfers.
The vast majority of travelers head from the airport to the city’s main train station: “Amsterdam Centraal“. From there, you can easily walk into the old city center. And there are numerous connections to other modes of public transportation for the final leg of your journey: local buses, trams, metros, and also ferries to the North of Amsterdam.
However, “Amsterdam Centraal” is not always your best option:
- For the western part of the city, it might be more practical to disembark at an earlier train station: Amsterdam Lelylaan, or Amsterdam Sloterdijk;
- For the southern part of the city you might arrive more quickly by taking a different train and getting off at Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam RAI;
- For the eastern part of the city you might arrive more quickly by taking a different train and getting off at Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Muiderpoort or Amsterdam Science Park;
- For the south-eastern area you might arrive more quickly by taking a different train and getting off at Duivendrecht, Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Holendrecht, or Weesp.
Amsterdam Train Stations
Train from Amsterdam Airport to City Centre – FAQ
Planning your trip by train:
How long does the train from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre take?
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station takes around 20 minutes. It is the fastest way to get to the city centre.
How often do trains run from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?
Trains run every 10-15 minutes from early morning until late at night, ensuring minimal wait times.
How long does it take to get from the gate to the train platform?
That depends on several factors. Walking from your gate to the luggage belt and customs usually takes between 5 and 20 minutes. Usually, your luggage needs a little longer to get from your plane to the belt: between 15 and 45 minutes. From the luggage belt to the train platforms underneath Schiphol Plaza, it takes just a few minutes on foot, assuming that customs won’t delay you.
What time does the first train from Schiphol to Amsterdam depart?
The first train departs from Schiphol Airport around 5:30 AM, making it convenient for early arrivals.
What time does the last train from Schiphol to Amsterdam depart?
The last regular train of the day departs around 12:30 AM, but there are also night trains. They run every hour throughout the night, ensuring 24/7 service.
How do I get from Schiphol to Amsterdam if my flight arrives at night?
If you arrive after midnight, you can still take a night train to Amsterdam, which runs hourly between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
Price information and purchasing your train ticket:
How much is a train ticket from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre?
A return ticket from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central costs €18, including a free Amsterdam City Guide App.
👉 Book your train ticket here
Can I buy train tickets in advance?
Yes, you can buy tickets online in advance. This avoids queues and saves time upon arrival at the airport.
👉 Book your online train ticket here
Can I buy a return ticket online?
Yes, it will save you time and effort to buy a return ticket.
👉 Book your return train ticket
Navigation to and at the train station:
Where do I catch the train at Schiphol Airport?
The train station is conveniently located directly underneath Schiphol Plaza, the large covered area that you enter after passing customs. Just follow the yellow signs for “Trains”.
Is it easy to navigate the train station at Schiphol?
Yes. The train station at the airport is relatively small, with just six tracks. It is well-signposted in both English and Dutch.
How do I find the right train platform at Schiphol Airport?
Both in Schiphol Plaza, at the entrance to the ramps and elevators, and at the underground platforms, you will find digital displays showing destinations and departure times. Usually, for the direction of Amsterdam, you need to be on platform 1, 2, or 3.
Popular destinations in town:
Can I take a train directly to other parts of Amsterdam besides Central Station?
Yes, direct trains from Schiphol also stop at other stations, such as Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam RAI, and Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Your online return ticket is valid for all Amsterdam train stations.
How long is the journey from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid or RAI?
If you’re heading to Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam RAI, the train ride takes just 6-10 minutes.
How long is the journey from Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk?
The train ride from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Sloterdijk is also very quick and efficient, taking just 10 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Schiphol to the Amsterdam RAI Convention Center?
Yes, there are direct trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam RAI station. The train journey takes about 10 minutes. And from Amsterdam RAI station, it’s only a few minutes on foot to the entrance of the RAI Convention Center.
Can I take the train to Amsterdam Central Station if I’m heading to a cruise terminal?
Yes, Amsterdam Central Station is close to both the PTA (Passenger Terminal Amsterdam) and the river cruise docks. You can either walk from the station or take a short taxi ride.
Travelling with a disability:
How accessible are the trains for people with disabilities?
The train platforms at Schiphol Plaza are equipped with ramps and elevators, making them accessible for the majority of travelers with mobility issues. You may bring your mobility aids on the train for free if they meet NS standards. If you need professional assistance to get on and off the train, you need to book that in advance (free of charge) via the NS App or by phone: +31 30 235 7822. You can also request a Travel Companion Card in advance to bring your own travel companion on the train for free.
Facilities:
Is there space for luggage on the train?
Yes. Most trains have dedicated areas near the doors for larger suitcases. Always keep an eye on your luggage.
What should I do if I lose something on the train?
If you lose an item on the train, you can report it to the NS Lost & Found service. They have an online form where you can describe the lost item, and they will help you recover it if found.
Is Wi-Fi available on the trains?
It depends. If you’re on an Intercity train, there’s free Wi-Fi: select ‘Connections’ and then ‘WiFi in the train’. Sprinter trains are not standardly equipped with Wi-Fi.
Is there a toilet on the train?
That also depends: Intercity trains always have a toilet; most Sprinter trains do not. There are free toilets at Schiphol Plaza. Amsterdam Central Station also has toilets, but you have to pay a small fee for those.
Do the trains have air conditioning?
Yes, the trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam are modern and come equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable ride in any season.
Can I get food or drinks on the train?
Trains between the airport and Amsterdam do not have food or drink services onboard. But there are plenty of options for purchasing snacks, drinks, and meals at Schiphol Plaza or at Amsterdam Central Station.
Can I withdraw or change money at Schiphol before boarding the train?
Yes, there is a currency exchange desk and several ATMs at Schiphol Airport where you can get cash euros before taking the train.
Safety & reliability:
Is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam affected by weather, incidents, or maintenance work?
Trains in the Netherlands generally run reliably. However, during rare and extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or storms, there may be severe delays or schedule changes. In case of incidents or maintenance work, NS (Dutch Railways) provides alternative transport by bus. Of course, your train ticket is valid for that.
Is it safe to take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam at night?
Yes, the train service is generally very safe at all hours, including at night. The trains are monitored by security personnel and cameras. As always, make sure to keep a good eye on your luggage.
Access to information:
How do I find my exact train time from Schiphol?
As you never know exactly how long it will take from the gate to the train platform, it doesn’t make much sense to worry about a specific train departure time. Even more so since trains run very frequently. If you’re not assured by that, you could download the NS App for up-to-date departure times, platform information, and any possible delays.
What’s the best way to get train updates in real time?
The digital boards at Schiphol Plaza and on the platforms provide live updates on train schedules, platform changes, and delays. Alternatively, you can download the NS App on your phone.
Terms and conditions:
Do I need to validate my train ticket before boarding?
If you buy your train ticket online, you don’t need to validate it before boarding. Just show it on your phone when needed.
What happens if I go on the train without a ticket?
If you enter the train without a valid ticket, you will have to pay a hefty fine on top of the ticket price.
What should I do if I miss my train? Is my ticket still valid?
If you miss the train you aimed for, don’t worry! Your ticket is valid for the full day. Trains between Schiphol and Amsterdam Central run frequently, so you can simply take the next available train, usually within 10-15 minutes.
Is this a flexible ticket? Can I change or cancel it?
Your ticket is valid for the full day of your reservation. So you can still use it in case of a delayed flight on the same day. Unfortunately, once booked, you cannot cancel it.
Roundtrip Train Ticket:
Airport – City – Airport
Price: € 18 p.p.
Includes:
- roundtrip transfer airport – city – airport
- online ticket
- free City Guide App (100+ highlights)