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23.8 km • ~28 mins

How to Get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Dam Square

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport lies about 24 km southwest of Dam Square in the heart of the city. Door-to-door transfers and taxis take 28–40 minutes, while the NS train plus a short walk takes about 30 minutes.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 23.8 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Door-to-Door
30 mins •On Request
€75 - €90 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Luggage Included
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs for pre-booked transfers or your driver's instructions to the Arrivals hall meeting point.
  2. Meet your driver inside the Arrivals hall; confirm your name and destination.
  3. Load luggage into the dedicated vehicle.
  4. Ride directly to Dam Square; drop-off is beside the Royal Palace.
  5. Pay the pre-agreed fixed price or via your booking.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official Airport Taxi

Metered
35 mins •On Demand
€70 - €100 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Luggage Included
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow Taxi signs from Arrivals to the official taxi rank outside Schiphol Plaza.
  2. Ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal; go to the queue.
  3. Ask the driver for an estimated price or fixed quote before starting; ensure the meter is running.
  4. Travel via A4/S110 to Amsterdam centre; journey takes 28–40 minutes depending on traffic.
  5. Ask to be dropped at Dam Square near the Royal Palace.

NS Train to Centraal + Walk/Tram

Cheapest
30 mins •About Every 7-8 Mins Daytime, Hourly at Night
€5.50 / Person
Luggage: Limited Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Schiphol Plaza follow signs to the NS train station below; tap in with bank card/phone at the card reader or buy an NS e-ticket at a yellow machine or service desk.
  2. Board any train marked Amsterdam Centraal (about 14–17 minutes).
  3. At Amsterdam Centraal exit towards Stationsplein/Damrak.
  4. Walk straight down Damrak for about 800 m (10 minutes) to Dam Square, or take tram 2/24 one stop to Dam.
  5. Tap out at Centraal if using OVpay; use the same card per traveller.

Amsterdam Airport Express 397 + Tram 2/24

Direct Bus + Tram
50 mins •Frequent by Day, Hourly N97 at Night
€9.90 / Person
Luggage: Space On Board
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Schiphol Plaza follow signs to the bus station outside; bus stops may be temporarily moved, follow signs to your bus line.
  2. Board Connexxion bus 397 (or night bus N97) towards Amsterdam Elandsgracht; pay €6.50 by bank card or buy an e-ticket.
  3. Ride to Leidseplein stop (about 30 minutes).
  4. At Leidseplein change to tram 2 or 24 towards Centraal; tap in with bank card/phone or buy a GVB 1-hour ticket (about €3.40).
  5. Get off at Dam stop; it is right at Dam Square.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore people offering rides inside the terminal and only use the official taxi rank outside Schiphol Plaza; licensed taxis have blue number plates and a visible driver card.
  • Make sure the taxi meter is running or agree a fixed price before leaving; the national maximum from 1 January 2026 is €4.31 start + €3.17/km + €0.52/min, so a ride to Dam Square should not exceed roughly €100.
  • Always tap out with the same bank card or phone when leaving NS trains, metro or trams; forgetting to check out triggers a €33.30 penalty on NS.
  • Bus 397 does not go to Dam Square; get off at Leidseplein and take tram 2 or 24 to Dam, or choose the train to Centraal instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Schiphol to Dam Square?

The cheapest option is the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal for €5.50 second class, then a 10-minute walk down Damrak to Dam Square. If you want to avoid walking, tram 2 or 24 adds about €3.40 with a GVB 1-hour ticket.

How long does a taxi from Schiphol to Dam Square take?

A taxi takes about 28–40 minutes depending on traffic. The metered fare is roughly €70–100 for the 23.8 km journey, so confirm the price or meter before departing.

Is there a night train or bus from Schiphol to central Amsterdam?

Yes, NS trains run 24/7 between Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal, roughly hourly at night. Bus 397 runs frequently by day and the night bus N97 serves the same route about hourly.

Can I pay by card on public transport from Schiphol?

Yes, public transport is cashless. Use OVpay contactless with a bank card or phone, one card per traveller, and always tap in and tap out. Single-use tickets from machines carry a small surcharge.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest door-to-door option with guaranteed space for luggage. An official taxi also works well; NS trains have limited luggage space at rush hour.

Does bus 397 stop at Dam Square?

No, bus 397 ends at Elandsgracht and stops at Leidseplein, not Dam Square. From Leidseplein you can take tram 2 or 24 to Dam, or use the NS train to Centraal and walk.

Nearby places

More transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Anne Frank House · 16.4 km Jordaan · 16.7 km Amsterdam Centraal · 20.7 km Leidseplein · 15.7 km Passenger Terminal Amsterdam · 26.2 km Rijksmuseum · 17.4 km De Pijp · 17.5 km RAI Amsterdam · 15.2 km Amsterdam Zuid · 12.2 km

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