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26.2 km • ~28 mins

How to Get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Passenger Terminal Amsterdam

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) lies 26.2 km southwest of Passenger Terminal Amsterdam on the IJ waterfront. Journeys take from about 28 minutes by taxi or private transfer to about 30 minutes by train plus a short walk.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 26.2 km road distance

Private Transfer

Door-to-Door
28 mins •On Request
€95 - €125 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Meet your driver in the Arrivals hall at Schiphol Plaza (they hold a name sign).
  2. Exit the terminal and board the private vehicle at the designated pick-up lane.
  3. Drive directly to Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (Piet Heinkade).
  4. Journey takes about 28 minutes in normal traffic.
  5. Driver can assist with luggage at the cruise terminal entrance.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

24/7
28 mins •Always Available
€85 - €120 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow the Taxi signs to the official rank outside Arrivals at Schiphol Plaza.
  2. Ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.
  3. Confirm the meter or fixed price before departing.
  4. Ask for Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, Piet Heinkade.
  5. Journey takes around 28 minutes without traffic; card payment is widely accepted.

Train to Amsterdam Centraal + Walk

Cheapest
30 mins •Every 7-8 Mins Daytime; Hourly at Night
€5.50 / Person
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to NS train station below Schiphol Plaza.
  2. Tap in with a contactless bank card/OVpay or buy an NS e-ticket at a machine.
  3. Board a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal (about 15 minutes).
  4. Exit at Amsterdam Centraal and tap out.
  5. Walk east along the IJ for about 1 km (10-15 minutes) to Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.

Bus 397 + Tram 2/24 via Centraal

Scenic Alternative
60 mins •Bus Every 7-15 Mins; Tram Frequent
€6.50 Bus + €3.40 Tram (Per Person)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the bus station in front of Schiphol Plaza (stops may be moved; follow signs to your line).
  2. Board bus 397 and pay by bank card/OVpay; get off at Leidseplein.
  3. Walk to the tram stop at Leidseplein and take tram 2 or 24 towards Centraal Station.
  4. Ride to Amsterdam Centraal (about 10-15 minutes).
  5. Walk east along the IJ for about 1 km (10-15 minutes) to Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals; ignore people offering rides inside the terminal.
  • Confirm the taxi meter or fixed price before departing; national maximum tariff is €4.31 start + €3.17/km + €0.52/min, with no night surcharge.
  • Always tap out with your contactless card on NS trains and trams; failing to tap out on a train costs a €33.30 check-out charge.
  • Do not buy tickets from strangers; use yellow ticket machines, NS app, or contactless OVpay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a taxi from Amsterdam Schiphol to Passenger Terminal Amsterdam?

Expect roughly €85–120 by official taxi for the 26.2 km trip, depending on traffic and company. The national maximum tariff applies; fixed prices are sometimes available when booked in advance.

What is the cheapest way to get from AMS to Passenger Terminal Amsterdam?

The cheapest option is the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal for €5.50 per person, followed by a 10–15 minute walk east along the IJ. The journey takes about 30 minutes total.

Is there a direct bus from Schiphol Airport to the cruise terminal?

No direct bus serves Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. The best public option is the train to Centraal and a short walk, or bus 397 to Leidseplein then tram 2/24 to Centraal and walk.

Can I pay for the train with a contactless bank card?

Yes. Tap in and out with the same contactless bank card or phone (OVpay) on NS trains. A single-use ticket bought at a machine carries a small surcharge, so using the NS app or contactless is recommended.

What is the best option for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is most convenient for families, offering door-to-door service to the cruise terminal with assistance for luggage. Taxis are also available, but private transfers can be booked with fixed pricing.

How long does the train from Schiphol to the cruise terminal take?

The direct train to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 14–17 minutes. Add a 10–15 minute walk east along the IJ to reach Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, for a total of around 30 minutes.

Nearby places

More transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Amsterdam Centraal · 20.7 km Dam Square · 23.8 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 Johan Cruijff ArenA · 19.1 km

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