10/09/2023
Getting Around Amsterdam: Your Schiphol Transport Options
Arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the bustling gateway to the Netherlands, marks the beginning of your Dutch adventure. With millions of passengers passing through annually, understanding your onward travel options is crucial for a smooth transition into the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Schiphol is exceptionally well-connected, offering a variety of reliable and efficient ways to reach your final destination, whether it's the city centre or beyond. This guide will delve into the primary modes of transport: the train, taxis, and the extensive public transport network, ensuring you can make an informed decision about how to best commence your exploration of this captivating European capital.
The Train: A Direct and Swift Connection
The most recommended and arguably the most efficient way to travel from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the city centre is by train. Schiphol boasts its own integrated train station, conveniently located directly beneath Schiphol Plaza, the airport's main arrival and departure hall. This makes accessing the rail network incredibly straightforward.
Key Information:
- Frequency: During the day, trains depart from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal (the main train station) approximately every 10-15 minutes, with up to 8 trains per hour.
- Journey Time: The average journey time to Amsterdam Centraal is a swift 16 minutes.
- Train Type: Look out for the 'Airport Sprinter' trains, which stop at key stations like Lelylaan and Sloterdijk en route. It's important to ensure you board a train heading towards Amsterdam Centraal and not one directed to destinations like Hoofddorp.
- Ticket Purchase: You can purchase train tickets from the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Dutch Railways) ticket machines located in Schiphol Plaza and also within the baggage reclaim area. Online booking is also available and often recommended to secure your travel and potentially better prices.
Ticket Pricing:
A single journey ticket in second class typically costs around €4.90, and for first class, it's approximately €8.33. These prices are generally consistent whether you buy online or use an OV-chipkaart (the Dutch public transport smart card). Be aware that tickets purchased from ticket machines might incur a small surcharge of €1.00.
The Intercity Direct service, which also serves Schiphol, does not require an additional surcharge for the Amsterdam route, making it a convenient option. However, for other routes, such as Schiphol to Rotterdam, a supplement is mandatory.
Taxis: Door-to-Door Convenience
For those who prefer a direct, door-to-door service, taxis are readily available at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The official taxi rank is located just outside Schiphol Plaza, ensuring easy access for arriving passengers.
Reliability and Booking:
To ensure a safe and reliable taxi experience, it is highly recommended to book your taxi in advance through reputable services like Taxi2Airport. This often guarantees fair pricing and a positive experience, with drivers often waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Advance booking also offers the flexibility of free cancellation.
Estimated Costs:
- To Amsterdam City Centre: A standard taxi journey to the centre of Amsterdam typically costs around €66.
- Minivans: For groups of 5 to 8 people, a minivan can be hired for approximately €85.
- Other Destinations: Taxis to nearby cities are also available, with prices varying based on distance and time:
- Haarlem: €73 (20 km / 20 minutes)
- Leiden: €97 (27 km / 27 minutes)
- The Hague: €154 (45 km / 35 minutes)
- Rotterdam: €204 (60 km / 45 minutes)
- Utrecht: €189 (55 km / 45 minutes)
While the metro is an excellent way to get around within Amsterdam itself, it's important to note that it does not directly serve Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. To utilise the metro system, you will first need to take a train from the airport to a major interchange station, most commonly Amsterdam Centraal.
Metro System Overview:
- Lines and Stations: The Amsterdam Metro comprises 5 lines and serves 39 stations, often named after well-known areas. While it covers a significant portion of the city, some areas might require connections with other transport modes.
- Connection to Central Station: Four out of the five metro lines pass through Amsterdam Centraal Station, making it a vital hub for onward travel within the city after arriving from the airport.
- Ticketing: The GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf) is the public transport company responsible for the metro, trams, buses, and ferries. GVB tickets are integrated and can be used across all these modes. A basic 1-hour ticket costs €3.20, but various multi-day passes and top-up cards are available. For tourists, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket or the I amsterdam City Card are highly recommended, offering unlimited travel and additional benefits like museum discounts.
Buses: An Alternative Route
Another viable option for travelling between Schiphol and the city centre is the bus service. The most prominent is the Connexxion bus 397, also known as the Amsterdam Airport Express.
Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express):
- Frequency: This bus runs frequently, typically every 7.5 to 15 minutes.
- Route: It connects Schiphol (departing from bus stops B17-B19) with Elandsgracht bus station in the city centre. Key stops along the route include the Olympic Stadium, Concertgebouw, and Museumplein.
- Journey Time: The journey to the city centre, specifically to the stop at Leidseplein/Stadhouderskade (in front of the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel), takes approximately 35 minutes.
- Tickets: A single journey ticket costs €6.50, with a return ticket priced at €11.75. Tickets can be purchased online via the Connexxion website, at the bus info & ticket desk, or directly from the driver. Payment can be made via debit card, credit card, or mobile phone. Using an OV-chipkaart is more economical, costing around €4.00 for a single journey.
- Night Bus: The N97 (Niteliner) operates hourly during the night, providing a service between Schiphol and the city centre.
Comparing Your Options
Choosing the right mode of transport depends on your priorities: speed, cost, convenience, and luggage. Here's a quick comparison:
| Transport Mode | Approx. Cost (Single to City Centre) | Approx. Journey Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | €4.90 (2nd Class) | 16 minutes | Fastest, most frequent, direct to Centraal Station. | Requires onward travel from Centraal Station. |
| Taxi | €66 | 25 minutes | Door-to-door convenience, ideal for groups or heavy luggage. | Most expensive option. |
| Bus 397 | €6.50 | 35 minutes | Affordable, stops at key tourist attractions. | Slower than the train, can be affected by traffic. |
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Book in Advance: For trains and taxis, booking online in advance can often secure better prices and guarantee your spot, especially during peak travel times.
- OV-chipkaart: If you plan to use public transport extensively within Amsterdam, consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart or a multi-day GVB pass for convenience and potential savings.
- Check Schedules: Always verify the latest train and bus schedules, especially if travelling late at night or early in the morning.
- Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service might be more comfortable than navigating public transport.
- Amsterdam Digital Pass: For tourists planning to visit multiple attractions and use public transport, the Amsterdam Digital Pass can be a cost-effective and convenient option, often including a train ticket from Schiphol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use my metro ticket on the train from Schiphol?
No, metro tickets (GVB) are not valid for the train service from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. You will need a separate train ticket purchased from NS.
Q2: Is it better to take the train or a taxi to the city centre?
For speed and cost-effectiveness, the train is generally the better option. A taxi is more convenient for door-to-door service, especially with a lot of luggage or if your accommodation is not near a train station.
Q3: How do I buy train tickets at Schiphol?
Train tickets can be purchased from NS ticket machines located in Schiphol Plaza and the baggage reclaim areas, or online via the NS website or app.
Q4: Are there night buses from Schiphol?
Yes, the N97 (Niteliner) operates hourly during the night, providing a connection between Schiphol and the city centre.
Q5: Can I take my bicycle on the metro in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can take your bicycle on the metro outside of peak hours (weekdays 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:30), but you will need to purchase a separate ticket for your bicycle.
Navigating transport from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a straightforward process with these excellent options. Whether you choose the speed of the train, the convenience of a taxi, or the affordability of the bus, you'll be well on your way to experiencing all that Amsterdam has to offer.
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