How To Get From Amsterdam Airport To The City Centre
Amsterdam Airport is the first stop for many visitors arriving in the Netherlands. Once you land, the next question is simple: how do you get from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre?
The answer depends on where you are going, how much luggage you have and what kind of trip you want after your flight. Some travellers take the train to Amsterdam Central Station. Others prefer a taxi, shuttle or public transport. In this guide, we’ll explain the main options, the distance to the city and a few things that are useful to know before you arrive.
What Is Amsterdam Airport?
Amsterdam Airport is officially called Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It is the main international airport in the Netherlands and one of the busiest airports in Europe.
You may also see it written as Schiphol Airport or simply AMS. That last one is the airport code, which is useful when booking flights, hotels or transfers.
Schiphol is a large airport, but it is generally easy to find your way around. There is one main terminal, divided into several departure halls.
Where Is Amsterdam Airport Located?
Amsterdam Airport is located southwest of Amsterdam. It is close enough to the city that the transfer is usually quite straightforward.
The exact distance depends on where in Amsterdam you need to be. Amsterdam Central Station, the Museum Quarter, De Pijp, Jordaan and Zuidas are all in different parts of the city, so the travel time to get to these places can be different.
That is why it helps to check your final address before choosing how to travel from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre.
How far is Amsterdam Airport from the city centre?
By taxi or car, the journey from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It can be faster when traffic is quiet and slower during rush hour, bad weather or roadworks.
The train to Amsterdam Central Station is often quick too. But Central Station is not always the end of your journey. If your hotel or apartment is somewhere else in Amsterdam, you may still need a tram, metro, bus or taxi after the train.
So when comparing options, look at the full trip from airport to door. Not just the first part from Schiphol to the station.
Amsterdam Airport to City: How to Get There
There are several ways to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city.
Taxi
A taxi is the most direct option. It takes you from the airport to your hotel, apartment, office or home address without transfers. This is useful if you have luggage, arrive late or travel with children.
Train
The train is a popular choice if you need to go to Amsterdam Central Station. It is usually fast and works well if you travel light.
Hotel shuttle
Some hotels offer a shuttle from Schiphol. This can be convenient, but it depends on the hotel, the schedule and where the shuttle stops.
Public transport
Public transport can work well if your destination is easy to reach by bus, tram or metro. If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, it may take a little more planning.
If you want to skip ticket machines, transfers or delays, booking a taxi in advance is the smoothest option. Staxi offers a fixed fare from Amsterdam Airport to the city, so you know exactly what you’ll pay before your trip starts.
Taxi From Amsterdam Airport to City Centre
A taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre is often the easiest option if you want to go straight to your address.
It can be a good choice when you are travelling with heavy suitcases, arriving late at night or staying somewhere that is not close to Amsterdam Central Station. It also saves you from working out tram or metro routes after a flight.
Train From Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Central Station
The train is one of the most common ways to travel from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam. It connects the airport with Amsterdam Central Station and is often a practical option.
This works best if Central Station is close to where you need to be. If your hotel is in another area, such as De Pijp, Jordaan, Museum Quarter, Amsterdam Noord or Zuidas, you may still need another ride after the train.
For light travellers, the train can be a good choice. With large luggage or a final address away from the station, a taxi may be simpler.
How Busy Is Amsterdam Airport?
Amsterdam Airport can get busy, especially during holidays, weekends and early mornings. Security, baggage claim and passport control may take longer at peak times.
If you are flying from Schiphol, it is smart to check your airline’s advice before you leave. Many travellers arrive around 2.5 to 3 hours before departure, depending on the flight and destination.
For live airport information, check Schiphol Live updates before travelling.
What Is Amsterdam Airport’s Code?
The IATA code for Amsterdam Airport is AMS.
You will often see this code when booking a flight, hotel or Amsterdam Airport transfer. If you are arranging transport, make sure you choose Amsterdam Airport Schiphol or AMS, not another airport in the region.
Is Amsterdam Airport Big?
Yes, Schiphol is a large airport. It has one main terminal with different departure halls.
Even though the airport is big, it is usually easy to navigate. Signs are clear and there are plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants and lounges throughout the terminal.
Can You Smoke at Amsterdam Airport?
Smoking is not allowed inside the terminal. There are designated smoking areas outside, before security.
If this is important for your trip, check the airport signs when you arrive, as rules and locations can change.
Is Amsterdam Airport Kid-Friendly?
Yes, Amsterdam Airport is suitable for families travelling with children. There are play areas, baby care facilities and family-friendly places to eat.
If you are travelling from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre with children, think about the whole journey. The train may be fine if you travel light. A taxi can be easier if you have a stroller, suitcases or tired kids after a flight.
Are There Hotels Near Amsterdam Airport?
Yes, there are several hotels near Amsterdam Airport. Some are within walking distance of the terminal, while others are a short shuttle or taxi ride away.
Staying near the airport can be useful if you have an early flight. If you are heading into Amsterdam, check where your hotel is located before choosing your transfer. A hotel near Central Station is different from one in De Pijp, Amsterdam Noord or the Museum Quarter.
Final Tip: Book Your Taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the City in Advance
Getting from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre is usually easy, but it helps to plan your transfer before you arrive.
The train is a good option if you travel light and need to be near Amsterdam Central Station. A taxi is often more convenient if you want to go directly to your hotel, apartment, meeting or home address.
If you prefer to know the fare in advance, you can book a taxi from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre with Staxi. Your ride is arranged before you land, and the price is fixed before the journey starts.
That gives you one less thing to figure out after your flight.
