ComeToGuide
View All Airports
20.7 km • ~24 mins

How to Get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Centraal is 20.7 km northeast of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The direct NS train reaches Centraal in 14–17 minutes, while road options take 24–35 minutes depending on traffic.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 20.7 km road distance

NS Train (Direct to Amsterdam Centraal)

Cheapest & Fastest
17 mins •About 8 Trains Per Hour Daytime, Hourly at Night
€5.50 / Person
Luggage: No Reservation Needed; Limited Space at Rush Hour
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow the signs for Trains from Arrivals or Schiphol Plaza to the escalators or lifts down to the NS station.
  2. Buy a single-use ticket at a yellow machine or NS desk, or use the NS app or a contactless bank card (OVpay) to avoid the paper-ticket surcharge.
  3. Tap in at the card reader with the same card or scan your e-ticket before boarding.
  4. Board any direct train marked Amsterdam Centraal (about 14–17 minutes).
  5. Tap out at Amsterdam Centraal and follow the exit signs up to the station hall and city centre.

Official Airport Taxi

Door-to-Door
25 mins •On Demand 24/7
€50 - €80 Per Vehicle
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free (Confirm)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow the Taxi signs from Arrivals to the official taxi rank outside Schiphol Plaza.
  2. Ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal and join the official queue at the rank.
  3. Confirm the meter is on or agree a fixed price before departing.
  4. Check the taxi has a blue number plate and a visible driver card.
  5. Ride directly to Amsterdam Centraal (about 24–35 minutes depending on traffic).

Private Transfer (Pre-Booked)

Fixed Price & Meet & Greet
25 mins •Pre-Booked on Arrival
€55 - €85 Per Vehicle
Luggage: Free Luggage Allowance (Confirm)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After collecting your luggage, meet your pre-booked driver in the Arrivals hall holding a name board.
  2. Confirm the vehicle and pre-arranged price before leaving the terminal.
  3. Follow your driver to the pick-up point or car park.
  4. Ride directly to Amsterdam Centraal (about 24–35 minutes depending on traffic).
  5. Ask to be dropped at the nearest station entrance or taxi drop-off point.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Deals

Compare all terminal car rental desks with free 48h cancellation.

Small Medium Large
Compare Terminal Car Prices
Landing in Netherlands?
Skip expensive airport SIM kiosks. Activate a 5G eSIM on your phone in 2 minutes before takeoff.
Get Netherlands eSIM

Tours & activities: Amsterdam

See all tours & tickets
Was your flight delayed or cancelled?
In some cases passengers are entitled to compensation. AirHelp checks your flight for free and only charges a fee if they win your claim.
Check my rights for free

⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore people offering taxi rides inside the terminal; use only the official taxi rank outside Arrivals.
  • Check that the taxi meter is switched on or agree a fixed price before departing; licensed taxis have blue number plates and a visible driver card.
  • Tap out with the same bank card on NS trains and GVB transport; forgetting to tap out triggers a check-out charge (€33.30 on NS).
  • Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express) does not go to Amsterdam Centraal or Dam Square; it ends at Leidseplein, so use the train for Centraal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal?

The direct NS train is the cheapest option at €5.50 second class with an NS e-ticket or contactless bank card. It also avoids the small paper-ticket surcharge.

How long does the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal take?

Direct NS trains take about 14–17 minutes. They run roughly every 7–10 minutes during the day and hourly at night.

Is there a direct bus from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal?

No, Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 goes to Leidseplein/Museumplein but not Centraal or Dam Square. The direct NS train is the best public-transport link to Centraal.

Can I pay by card on public transport in Amsterdam?

Yes, public transport is cashless. Use a contactless bank card or phone with OVpay on NS trains, GVB metro/tram/bus and Connexxion buses, tapping in and out with the same card.

Is a taxi or private transfer better for families with luggage?

For families with lots of luggage, a taxi (about €50–80) or pre-booked private transfer offers door-to-door convenience. Trains have luggage space but it is limited at rush hour.

Do I need to book the train to Amsterdam Centraal in advance?

No reservation is needed for NS trains. You can buy an e-ticket or tap in with a contactless bank card just before travel.

Nearby places

More transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Dam Square · 23.8 km Passenger Terminal Amsterdam · 26.2 km Anne Frank House · 16.4 km Jordaan · 16.7 km Leidseplein · 15.7 km Rijksmuseum · 17.4 km De Pijp · 17.5 km RAI Amsterdam · 15.2 km Amsterdam Zuid · 12.2 km

Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and can change.