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15.2 km • ~18 mins

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

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is 15.2 km from RAI Amsterdam, roughly a 20-minute drive in light traffic. The direct NS train takes about 25 minutes door-to-door, while taxis and private transfers offer 20-minute rides.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 15.2 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Door-to-Door
20 mins •On Demand
Fixed Price (Quote on Booking)
Luggage: Luggage Included
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the Arrivals Hall and look for your pre-booked driver holding a name sign.
  2. Confirm the fixed price to RAI Amsterdam before leaving.
  3. Board the vehicle; the journey is 15.2 km and takes about 20 minutes in light traffic.
  4. Ask to be dropped at the RAI Amsterdam main entrance.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

24/7 Rank
20 mins •On Demand
€50 - €70 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow the Taxi signs from Arrivals to the official rank outside Schiphol Plaza.
  2. Queue at the official rank and ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.
  3. Confirm the price or meter before departing; licensed taxis have blue plates and a visible driver card.
  4. The ride to RAI Amsterdam is about 15.2 km and normally takes 20 minutes.
  5. Pay by card or cash after confirming with the driver.

NS Train to Amsterdam RAI

Cheapest
25 mins •See NS planner (not every train stops at RAI)
Check ns.nl or NS app for exact fare; contactless tap in/out
Luggage: Luggage Space Available
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Schiphol Plaza, follow signs to the NS train station below and tap in with your bank card or buy an NS e-ticket.
  2. Check ns.nl or the NS app for the next train that stops at Amsterdam RAI; not every train does.
  3. Board the train and get off at Amsterdam RAI station.
  4. Exit the station and walk a few minutes to the RAI Amsterdam entrance.

Train + Metro 52 via Amsterdam Zuid

More Frequent
30 mins •Frequent; see NS/GVB planner
Check ns.nl + GVB metro fare
Luggage: Luggage Space Available
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow the signs to the train station and tap in with your bank card or buy an NS e-ticket.
  2. Take any direct NS train to Amsterdam Zuid (check planner for departures).
  3. At Amsterdam Zuid, follow the signs to Metro 52 and tap in/out with the same card.
  4. Take Metro 52 one stop to Europaplein (direction Noord).
  5. Exit at Europaplein and walk about 5 minutes to RAI Amsterdam.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore people offering rides inside the terminal; use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals and licensed blue-plate taxis.
  • There is no taxi airport surcharge or night tariff in the 2026 national maximum tariff; confirm the meter or fixed price before departing.
  • Public transport in Amsterdam is cashless and you must tap out with the same bank card. Forgetting to tap out triggers a check-out charge.
  • Not every NS train from Schiphol stops at Amsterdam RAI; check the departure board to avoid riding past to Centraal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Schiphol to RAI Amsterdam?

The direct NS train to Amsterdam RAI is usually cheapest. Check ns.nl or the NS app for the exact fare and tap in/out with a contactless bank card to avoid the single-use ticket surcharge.

How long does it take to get from Schiphol to RAI Amsterdam?

By taxi or private transfer it takes about 20 minutes in light traffic. The direct train takes around 25 minutes including the walk from the station.

Is there a direct bus from Schiphol to RAI Amsterdam?

No verified direct airport bus stops at RAI Amsterdam. The best public transport option is the direct NS train to Amsterdam RAI, or a train to Amsterdam Zuid plus Metro 52 one stop to Europaplein.

Can I pay by card on trains and taxis?

Yes, NS trains and the metro accept contactless tap in/out with the same bank card or phone. Taxi drivers widely accept card, but confirm before starting the ride.

What is the best option for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer gives door-to-door service and fixed pricing. An official taxi is also good; the train has luggage space but it can be crowded at rush hour.

Do trains run from Schiphol at night?

NS trains run 24/7 between Schiphol and Amsterdam, with fewer trains at night. Check the NS planner for the night timetable to Amsterdam RAI or Amsterdam Zuid.

Nearby places

More transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Amsterdam Zuid · 12.2 km De Pijp · 17.5 km Rijksmuseum · 17.4 km Leidseplein · 15.7 km Dam Square · 23.8 km Anne Frank House · 16.4 km Jordaan · 16.7 km Amsterdam Centraal · 20.7 km Passenger Terminal Amsterdam · 26.2 km Johan Cruijff ArenA · 19.1 km

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