Getting from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the city center couldn't be easier.
Why? Because you don’t need to know a lick of Dutch to navigate your way through Schiphol Airport to the train platform that’ll take you directly to Amsterdam Centraal train station in the city center.
Whether you’re trying to get your holiday in Holland started ASAP, or if you’re on a solid layover and you want to relax at a coffeehouse before your connecting flight, the best way to get from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the city center is by train.
Getting from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to city center
Trains from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Amsterdam city center are super reliable:
✈️ Trains from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to city center: Roughly 171 per day
🚆 Amsterdam central train station name: Amsterdam Centraal station
🗺️ Distance from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center: 8 miles (12km)
⏳ Time from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center: ~ 17 minutes
☀️ First train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center: 00:02 a.m.
🌙 Last train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center: 11:53 p.m.
💲 Train ticket cost from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center: From $6.75
Image Credit: Getty Images, Artie Photography (Artie Ng). Image Location: Amsterdam Centraal Station
Is there anything to do at Amsterdam Centraal station?
Gawk at it. Seriously, it’s one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe and is the perfect introduction to the other Gothic/Renaissance revival architecture you’ll see throughout the city. If you never leave the station, no worries. There are a few cafés, restaurants, and shops inside to keep you busy.
What tourist attractions are near Amsterdam Centraal station?
In less than 20 min by foot, you can walk to popular Amsterdam museums like the Anne Frank House, the Red Light District, NEMO Science Museum, and the Rembrandt House Museum from Amsterdam Centraal station. A tram stop, bus stop, and ferry terminal are also at Amsterdam Centraal so you can go farther, faster.
Why should I take the train between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam city center instead of a cab?
Direct trains, except for a few requiring a transfer in Sloterdijk, mean getting to the city center without getting stuck in the traffic that cabs, rideshares, and bicycles do. We particularly love this rail line’s speed and simplicity because it makes it legitimately possible to see a whole lot of Amsterdam with ease on a surprisingly short layover.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Allard Schager. Image Location: Amsterdam Centraal Station
Wait…if the Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal train is so swift, what’s the deal with the Sloterdijk connection?
Good eye!
You’ll notice that while most train journeys from Amsterdam’s airport to the city center are direct routes, you’ll see that there are a handful throughout the day that involve a transfer at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station located three miles northwest of Amsterdam Centraal.
If one train to Amsterdam Centraal has just departed, you’re faced with one of two scenarios:
- Purchase tickets for the next available Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal train, which will likely arrive within 10 min.
- Purchase tickets for the Schiphol Airport to Sloterdijk to Centraal train that is only 10 min longer in duration.
But you won’t be blindsided by that situation because you downloaded the Trainline app, which lets you see timetables for all trains from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal in advance.
You can’t lose. And don’t go squawking about this on social media, but the Amsterdam Sloterdijk area is prime, especially if you’re not trying to hang out in the heart of downtown. The Holland Casino, AMAZE Amsterdam attraction, and some pretty solid Amsterdam hotels are right there.
And when you want to get back to Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam city center, or even take an impromptu trip to Paris, the train is right there waiting for you.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, VLIET. Image Location: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport