ComeToGuide
17.4 km • ~23 mins

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

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport lies about 17.4 km southwest of the Rijksmuseum, in Amsterdam's Museumkwartier. Depending on traffic and connections, the journey takes about 23–45 minutes by car, taxi, bus or train plus tram.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 17.4 km road distance

Bus 397 Amsterdam Airport Express

Cheapest
35 mins •Every 7-15 Mins Daytime / Hourly N97 Nights
€6.50 / Person
Luggage: Luggage Space On Board
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Schiphol Plaza and follow signs to the bus station, which is being rebuilt; some stops are temporarily moved.
  2. Buy a bus 397 e-ticket for €6.50 online, at the ticket office outside Schiphol Plaza, or by bank card from the driver.
  3. Board bus 397 towards Leidseplein / Busstation Elandsgracht.
  4. Get off at the Rijksmuseum stop on Museumplein.
  5. Walk about 2 minutes to the museum entrance.

Official Airport Taxi

Fastest
25 mins •On Demand (24/7)
€70 - €80 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2-4 Bags Depending on Car
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow Taxi signs to the official taxi rank outside the Arrivals exits of Schiphol Plaza.
  2. Ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal; only use the official rank or app pickup point.
  3. Confirm the price or meter and destination Rijksmuseum before departing.
  4. Travel directly to the museum, usually 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
  5. Ask for drop-off at the museum side entrance on Jan Luijkenstraat if preferred.

NS Train to Centraal + Tram 2/24

All-Weather
40 mins •8 Trains/Hour Day; Tram Every 5-10 Mins
€8.90 / Person
Luggage: Limited at Rush Hour
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Schiphol Plaza take the escalator or lift down to the NS railway station below the arrivals hall.
  2. Take an NS train to Amsterdam Centraal; the journey is 14–17 minutes and runs 24/7.
  3. Exit Amsterdam Centraal and follow signs to the tram platforms.
  4. Board tram 2 or 24 towards Leidseplein.
  5. Get off at the Rijksmuseum stop on Museumplein and walk 2 minutes to the entrance.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Deals

Compare all terminal car rental desks with free 48h cancellation.

Compare Terminal Car Prices
Landing in Netherlands?
Skip expensive airport SIM kiosks. Activate a 5G eSIM on your phone in 2 minutes before takeoff.
Get Netherlands eSIM

Tours & activities: Rijksmuseum

See all tours & tickets
Was your flight delayed or cancelled?
In some cases passengers are entitled to compensation. AirHelp checks your flight for free and only charges a fee if they win your claim.
Check my rights for free

⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals; ignore drivers offering rides inside the terminal.
  • Licensed taxis have blue number plates and a visible driver card; confirm the meter or fixed price before departing.
  • Schiphol public transport is cashless; do not hand cash to drivers or board without tapping in with your card or phone.
  • Always tap out with the same card or phone; forgetting to tap out on NS trains triggers a €33.30 check-out charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quickest way from Schiphol Airport to the Rijksmuseum?

A taxi or pre-booked private transfer is the quickest door-to-door option, taking about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. The direct bus 397 is only slightly slower and much cheaper.

Is there a direct bus from Schiphol to the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, the Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 stops directly at the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein. It takes about 30–35 minutes and costs €6.50 per person.

How much does a taxi cost from Schiphol to the Rijksmuseum?

Expect roughly €70–80 per vehicle at the official taxi rank, depending on traffic and company. Always confirm the price or meter before starting the ride.

Can I pay by card on buses and trains from Schiphol?

Yes, contactless bank cards and phones (OVpay) work on NS trains, bus 397 and GVB trams. Public transport is cashless, and you must tap in and out with the same card.

What is the cheapest way to get from Schiphol to the Rijksmuseum?

The cheapest standard fare is bus 397 at €6.50 per person. Tapping in with a bank card or OV-chipkaart may be slightly cheaper, but the exact amount is not guaranteed.

How do I get from Schiphol to the Rijksmuseum at night?

Night bus N97 runs roughly hourly along the same route as bus 397 and stops at the Rijksmuseum. NS trains also run 24/7 to Amsterdam Centraal, but you would then need a taxi or walk from there.

Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and can change.