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31 km • ~31 mins

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

Leiden Centraal is about 31 km south-west of Schiphol, and the direct NS train is the quickest cheap option. Door-to-door private transfers and taxis take around 31 minutes in normal traffic, while the train is usually the best value.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 31 km road distance

Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)

Recommended
31 mins •On Demand (Pre-Booked)
€85 - €120 (Per Vehicle, Fixed Price)
Luggage: Meet & Greet, Assistance
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, follow signs to the Arrivals Hall and look for your driver holding a name board.
  2. Confirm the driver knows your destination Leiden Centraal and the pre-agreed fixed price.
  3. Board the vehicle directly outside or at the designated pre-booked pickup area.
  4. The driver takes the direct road route towards Leiden; journey is about 31 minutes without heavy traffic.
  5. You are dropped at the Leiden Centraal station entrance.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

NS Train (Direct)

Cheapest
20 mins •Frequent; Check NS Planner
€7.80 / Person
Luggage: No Reservation; Space Limited at Rush Hour
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to Trains / NS from Schiphol Plaza, then take the escalator or lift down to the railway station below.
  2. Buy a second-class single ticket to Leiden Centraal at a yellow ticket machine, NS service desk, or tap in with your bank card / phone (OVpay) at the card reader.
  3. Tap in at the platform access gates; one card per traveller, same card for tap-out.
  4. Take a direct NS train towards Leiden Centraal (check the NS planner for the next departure; do not board a train to Amsterdam Centraal if you are going to Leiden).
  5. Tap out at Leiden Centraal and follow the signs to the station exit.

Official Airport Taxi

Available 24/7
31 mins •On Demand (Official Rank)
€75 - €120 (Per Vehicle, Metered)
Luggage: Boot Space, 2-3 Bags
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official taxi rank outside Schiphol Plaza Arrivals; ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal.
  2. Queue at the official rank and confirm the price or that the meter will be used before departing.
  3. Ask for a receipt and agree on payment method (card is widely accepted, but confirm).
  4. The ride to Leiden Centraal is about 31 km; expect 31 minutes in normal traffic.
  5. Ask to be dropped at the station entrance; pay the metered fare.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore people offering rides inside the terminal; licensed taxis have blue number plates and a visible driver card, and you should only use the official rank.
  • Always confirm the price or meter before starting a taxi ride; some drivers may quote inflated fixed fares, especially at night or for longer distances.
  • When paying by card on public transport, tap in and tap out with the same bank card or phone; forgetting to tap out on NS triggers a €33.30 check-out charge.
  • Do not accept unsolicited taxi offers near the train station at Leiden; use the official taxi rank or pre-booked transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the train from Schiphol to Leiden Centraal?

A second-class single ticket costs €7.80 in 2026. Tap in with a bank card or use the NS app to avoid the small surcharge for disposable tickets.

How long does it take to get from Schiphol to Leiden Centraal?

The direct NS train takes about 15–20 minutes, but check the NS planner for exact departure times. A taxi or private transfer takes around 31 minutes in normal traffic.

What is the cheapest way to get from AMS to Leiden Centraal?

The direct NS train is cheapest at €7.80 per person. No public buses run directly to Leiden, so the train is the only cheap public option.

Can I pay by card on the train and in taxis?

Yes, all public transport at Schiphol is cashless; tap in/out with a contactless bank card or phone. Taxis widely accept cards, but confirm before the ride.

Is there a direct bus from Schiphol to Leiden Centraal?

No verified direct airport bus serves Leiden Centraal. The direct NS train is the only public transport that goes all the way.

What is the best option for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is easiest for families, with door-to-door service and help with bags. The train is cheap but luggage space is limited at rush hour.

Nearby places

More transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Den Haag Centraal · 45.3 km Haarlem · 22.2 km Rotterdam Centraal · 60.2 km Amsterdam Zuid · 12.2 km RAI Amsterdam · 15.2 km Rijksmuseum · 17.4 km De Pijp · 17.5 km Leidseplein · 15.7 km Johan Cruijff ArenA · 19.1 km Jordaan · 16.7 km

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