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Airport guide

Amsterdam Airport Transfer: Train and Bus Guide

How to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city by train or bus. Times, tips and payment info for a smooth transfer.

Quick answer

The fastest way from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city is by train, taking 14 to 17 minutes to Amsterdam Central Station. Trains run 8 times per hour from track 3, located directly below the airport. Alternatively, the Amsterdam Express bus (line 397 or N97) stops outside Schiphol Plaza.

HowTimePriceNotes
train14-17 minutesTrain from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station; 8x per hour, departs from track 3
train17 minutesTrain between Amsterdam CS and Schiphol, 8 times per hour
busAmsterdam Express bus (line 397 or Niteliner N97) from Schiphol to every train station in Amsterdam, included in Amsterdam Travel Ticket
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Train from Schiphol to Amsterdam

Trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station take 14 to 17 minutes and run 8 times per hour. The railway station is directly below the airport, and trains depart from track 3. This is usually the fastest option. You can pay with your contactless bank card or phone; no ticket or travel card is needed for most journeys. Just tap at the start and end of your trip.

Bus from Schiphol to Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Express bus (line 397 or Niteliner N97) goes from Schiphol to every train station in Amsterdam. The bus station is directly outside in front of Schiphol Plaza. The bus is included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket. As with the train, you can pay using your contactless bank card or phone by tapping at the start and end of your trip.

Practical tips for your transfer

The railway station is directly below the airport, and the bus station is directly outside in front of Schiphol Plaza. You can pay with your contactless bank card or phone; no ticket or travel card is needed for most journeys. Tap at the start and end of your trip. Trains are usually the fastest option. For data working on landing, consider an eSIM before you travel.

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Questions

How long does the train take from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station?

The train takes 14 to 17 minutes. Trains run 8 times per hour from track 3, which is directly below the airport.

Where is the train station at Schiphol Airport?

The railway station is directly below the airport. Follow the signs to the trains from the arrivals hall.

How do I pay for the train or bus from Schiphol to Amsterdam?

You can pay with your contactless bank card or phone. No ticket or travel card is needed for most journeys. Just tap at the start and end of your trip.

Is there a bus from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?

Yes, the Amsterdam Express bus (line 397 or Niteliner N97) goes from Schiphol to every train station in Amsterdam. The bus station is directly outside in front of Schiphol Plaza. It is included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket.

What is the fastest way from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre?

The train is usually the fastest option, taking 14 to 17 minutes to Amsterdam Central Station. It runs 8 times per hour from track 3.

Sources. Checked against the official pages on 28 September 2026: schiphol.nl · schiphol.nl

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