Amsterdam Airport Bus
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main international airport in the Netherlands, situated only 9 kilometres from the capital city, in Haarlemmermeer. If we talk about the number of passengers, it is the third busiest airport in Europe. The airport has one terminal, but three large departure halls. The busiest routes from Amsterdam Airport are to London, Barcelona, Paris and Rome.
How to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
Airport shuttle bus
Shuttle bus to the centre of Amsterdam is operated by Amsterdam Airport Express and currently two of their bus lines run to and from the airport:
Bus line 397 – the bus departs from platforms B15-19 every 7,5 mins and the last stop is the bus station Elandsgracht in Amsterdam, but it also makes stops at Museumplein, Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein. NOTE: This bus used to be nr.197!
- The price of a one-way ticket is €6.50 and the price of a return ticket is €11.25.
- Tickets can be bought either online or directly from the bus driver.
Bus line N97 – this line is basically the same as the previous, except it runs only during the night and the last stop is the Amsterdam Centraal
Local bus
Another option for reaching the city is taking a local bus line 69 operated by GVB instead of a shuttle (which is more economical) and it will take you to the main bus station.
- The price of a 40-minute ticket is €3.20 and it can be bought at vending machines, online or directly from the driver. NOTE: It is not possible to buy tickets on board on night lines.
- We recommend purchasing a daily ticket which is very useful since you can drive for unlimited number of times during the day, and it will save you money. The price of a daily ticket is €8.
- The bus departs every 10 mins from Schiphol Airport Plaza
Train
The airport has its own railway station as well, and it is located directly below the terminal of Schiphol Airport and is operated by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen.
- The trains depart every 10 mins and reach the Amsterdam Centraal railway station in 14-17 mins (depending on whether it is Intercity Direct or Sprinter)
- The price of a one-way ticket is €4.50 (2nd class)
Taxi services
In case you carry a lot of luggage or you just want to avoid public transportation, then maybe opt for one of official taxis as a solution. Taxis are located in front of Schiphol Plaza. All of them have taximeters so watch out for those who don’t, so you don’t get overcharged.
Transfer
Transfers are great alternative to taxis if you are afraid of overcharging and you want to feel more secure. Book your door-to-door transfer in advance and reach your destination in no time.
Renting a car at Schiphol Airport
If you want to drive around and enjoy every part of the city, or visit nearby cities, then why bother with public transportation? Car rental companies like Avis, Hertz and Thrifty are located right at the airport, but to avoid the queue, better book your car online.
Renting a bus at Schiphol Airport
A coach or a minibus is probably the most convenient option if you’re visiting Amsterdam in a larger group of people. Book your bus in advance so the bus rental company can organize the meeting, and pick-up point.
From AMS to the Hague: The best way to reach ‘the capital of international courts’ is by taking a train directly from the railway station at the airport.
- Trains are very frequent, every 10-15 minutes and the journey takes either 29 mins with Intercity or 53 mins with Sprinter.
- The price of a single ticket is 8.30€ (2nd class)
Accommodation near Schiphol Airport
Schiphol airport FAQs
Absolutely not, the airport is connected with the centre of Amsterdam in more than one way. You can choose between shuttles, local buses or trains, which are frequent during the day, and during the night you can take N97 bus line. So no worries of getting stuck at the airport!
Sure thing, you can stay overnight in several nearby hotels:
Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal (3*) – located 900m from the airport; provides free Wi-Fi connection
CitizenM Hotel Schiphol Airport (4*) – located right across the Schiphol Boulevard; free Wi-Fi
Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (4*) – 750m from the airport; free Wi-Fi and parking, offers laundry service
Of course it is possible, because the city centre is only 9 km from the airport. No one likes to drag around suitcases while exploring the city, so leave them at luggage storage at the airport for €6 a day.
Well, since the airport is very well connected you can get on a train to visit other Dutch cities, like Rotterdam or Groningen or you can check some of our most popular routes: Amsterdam – Antwerp, Amsterdam – Aachen or Amsterdam – Frankfurt and many other available at getbybus.com.
There are no offices, but there is ABN Amro bank where you can convert your money to euros. And there are also several ATMs of this bank at the airport. But we suggest exchanging the money before your trip and having some euros until getting to the city centre.
I need to know the schedule for the Airport Bus from Elandsgracht to Schiphol Airport for Sunday, 26 August around 7:30.
Dear Thomas,
Bus line 397 runs every 10 minutes and it directly connects Elandsgracht to Schiphol Airport so it should be no problem catching it.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Does the shuttle bus 197 go to Museum Square please?
Dear Ann,
The bus line 397 connects directly Schiphol Airport with Museumplein and bus stops in front of the airport terminal.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi
What is the nearest bus from the airport to the appolo museum hotel City centre?
Many thanks
Trent
Dear Trent,
The best option is to take bus line 397 from Schiphol Airport and exit at Rijksmuseum bus stop.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi
Can I take up bus 245 to Zuiderzeeweg from Schiphol Airport ?
And can I carry 3 bags with me in the bus ?
Thanks.
Dear Pankaj,
Yes, bus line 245 operates from Schiphol Airport to Zuiderzeeweg. As for the bags, it is a public bus and it depends on driver’s good will if he will let You in with that much luggage but I think it should be no problem.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
First time traveller, where do I buy train ticket to travel to city centre from Schiphol airport. On Line or in airport? Can you tell me which is the nearest hotel to walk to after exiting the train in city centre. Does Uber taxis work from Schiphol airport? Thank you
Dear Elaine,
Train tickets can be purchased from counters at train stations, ticket vending machines (with coins or ATM/Credit cards) and online.¸There are numerous hotels in the city centre, you should check them online via Google Maps. I assume Uber taxis work from Schiphol Airport, but it is always better to take private transfer with fixed price.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
HI
I have an early flight on 10.4.19
Wich bus number should I take from Huygensstrate station to the airport?
Thanks
Adi
Dear Adi,
You can catch bus line 397 from Leidseplein Amsterdam (5 min walk from Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat bus stop) and it will take you directly to Schiphol Airport.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hi
If I buy a return ticket for the 397, can the return journey be taken on a different day than when purchased?
Thanks
Dear Kev,
That is correct, return journey doesn’t have to be on the same day when the ticket is purchased.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi,
The 397 bus from museumplein goes to the airport were do we get off the bus when we are at the airport thank you
Dear Phyllis,
The bus will stop directly in front of the terminal entrance/exit, it is the last stop of the bus line 397.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi, I need to get to NH Amsterdam Zuid Hotel.
How do I get to this hotel from the airport using an Amsterdam Public Transport Ticket please?
Dear Sian,
You have to take Sprinter 4333, exit at Amsterdam RAI and change to a bus number 62.
Best Regards,
Gabriela GBB Team
Is there a discount for a 14 year old on the bus from the airport?
Dear Tracy,
There is a uniform price for all customers for one-way or return tickets, no matter the age.
Best regards,
Gabriela GBB Team
Hi, I need to travel schiphol airport to Amsterdam central by bus.
Please suggest me the bus number and where I can get the tickets.
Thanks.
Dear Manindra,
Details on how to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central are thoroughly explained in the blog post.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
When first bus from Het Amsterdamse bos camp to airport is going in the morning? what is the station called? thank you,
Marko
Dear Marko,
The easiest way to reach the airport is to catch bus 186 from Amstelveen, Nieuwe Meerlaan bus stop. The bus runs directly to Schiphol Airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team