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15.7 km • ~22 mins

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

Leidseplein is about 15.7 km northeast of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes roughly 25–50 minutes, with the direct bus 397 the cheapest public option and a pre-booked private transfer the most comfortable door-to-door choice.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 15.7 km road distance

Private Door-to-Door Transfer

Most Comfortable
25 mins •On Demand / Pre-Booked
€65 - €80 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Luggage Included
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, follow signs to the Arrivals Hall / Schiphol Plaza.
  2. Look for your pre-booked driver holding a name board in the Arrivals Hall; do not leave with touts.
  3. Confirm the ride and fixed price before walking to the vehicle.
  4. Board and drive directly to Leidseplein, about 22–30 minutes depending on traffic.
  5. Ask the driver to drop you at the main square or your hotel entrance on or near Leidseplein.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official Airport Taxi (Metered)

Quick & Direct
25 mins •Available 24/7
€55 - €75 (Meter, Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 4 People & Bags
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 a ride inside the terminal; use the official queue.
  3. Give the driver your destination 'Leidseplein' and confirm the meter or fixed price before leaving.
  4. Ride about 22–30 minutes depending on traffic; pay by card or confirm card acceptance first.
  5. Ask to be dropped at the Leidseplein square or your hotel entrance.

Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397

Cheapest Direct
35 mins •Every 7–15 Mins (Daytime); Night N97 Hourly
€6.50 / Person (One Way)
Luggage: Luggage Space On Board
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit baggage claim into Schiphol Plaza and follow signs to the bus station outside.
  2. Buy a single ticket €6.50 at the ticket office, from the driver by bank card, or tap in with contactless OVpay.
  3. Board bus 397 towards Busstation Elandsgracht; do not take it to Centraal or Dam Square.
  4. Stay on for about 30 minutes, passing Museumplein and Rijksmuseum.
  5. Get off at the Leidseplein stop and walk a minute or two to the square.

NS Train to Centraal + Tram 2/24

Frequent Alternative
45 mins •About 8 Trains/Hour; Trams Frequent
€8.90 / Person (Train + Tram)
Luggage: Luggage Space Limited in Rush Hour
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs in Schiphol Plaza to the NS train station downstairs.
  2. Buy an NS e-ticket or tap in with your contactless bank card, one card per traveller.
  3. Board a direct NS train to Amsterdam Centraal, about 14–17 minutes.
  4. At Centraal, follow signs to city trams; board tram 2 or 24 towards Leidseplein/Rijksmuseum.
  5. Get off at Leidseplein; the square is right there.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Never accept rides from people offering taxis inside the terminal; use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals and only licensed taxis with blue plates and a visible driver card.
  • Confirm the meter is running or agree a fixed price before leaving; the 2026 national maximum taxi tariff is €4.31 start plus €3.17 per km plus €0.52 per minute, so a ride to Leidseplein should not far exceed €70–€80 at the meter.
  • Always tap out with the same bank card on NS trains, trams and buses; forgetting to tap out on the train charges a €33.30 check-out fee.
  • Buy bus 397 tickets only at the official ticket office, from the driver by card, or via OVpay contactless; tickets from touts may be invalid or overpriced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Amsterdam Schiphol to Leidseplein?

The direct Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 costs €6.50 one way and stops at Leidseplein. Tapping in with a contactless bank card may be slightly cheaper than a paper ticket.

How long does it take from Schiphol to Leidseplein?

By taxi or private transfer it takes about 22–30 minutes in light traffic. The direct bus 397 takes about 30–35 minutes, and train to Centraal plus tram 2 or 24 takes about 45–50 minutes.

Is there a night bus from Schiphol to Leidseplein?

Yes, night bus N97 runs the same route roughly hourly after the daytime 397 stops, roughly 00:15–05:30. NS trains to Amsterdam Centraal also run about hourly all night.

Can I pay by card on the bus 397 and trains?

Yes, public transport in Amsterdam is cashless. Use a contactless bank card with OVpay (tap in and out), buy an e-ticket, or pay the bus driver by bank card.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is easiest because the driver meets you in Arrivals and handles the luggage. The bus 397 has luggage space and is cheaper, but you need to carry bags a short walk to the stop.

Does bus 397 go to Amsterdam Centraal or Dam Square?

No, the 397 runs from Schiphol via Museumplein and Rijksmuseum to Leidseplein, ending at Busstation Elandsgracht. For Centraal or Dam Square take the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal.

Nearby places

More transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Rijksmuseum · 17.4 km Dam Square · 23.8 km Anne Frank House · 16.4 km De Pijp · 17.5 km Jordaan · 16.7 km Amsterdam Centraal · 20.7 km Passenger Terminal Amsterdam · 26.2 km RAI Amsterdam · 15.2 km Amsterdam Zuid · 12.2 km Johan Cruijff ArenA · 19.1 km

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