How to Get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal (2026 Guide)
Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes 15 minutes and costs around EUR 5 by train. How to buy a ticket, and when a taxi is worth the extra.
You've just landed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and need to get to the city centre. The train to Amsterdam Centraal (called The Sprinter) takes 15 minutes, costs around €5, and runs every 10 minutes throughout the day. There's the usual taxis and rideshares at Schiphol too, but for almost everybody, the train's the easiest method. Here's exactly how it works, based on my recent journey.
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| My Trip | November 2025, BHD-AMS, transfer to Centraal for nearby hotel |
| Journey time | 15-17 minutes direct |
| Cost | €5.20 single ticket (€10.40 return) |
| Frequency | Every 10 minutes (Sprinter trains) |
| Operating hours | Runs almost 24/7, but with reduced frequency at night. |
| Where to find it | Follow "Trains" signs from arrivals. The station is directly below the terminal |
Watch
🎬 Key Moments from the Video
- [00:33] "The train is by far the easiest way to get from the airport into the city center."
- [02:33] "Typically it takes between 15 and 17 minutes, and the price is just a little over €5."
- [02:56] "The airport express bus costs €6.50 and takes 30 minutes, with stops at Museum Plein."
- [03:22] "Taxi or ride share costs roughly 40 to 70 euro depending on destination and time of day."
Video captured November 2025. Prices and schedules subject to change.
Finding the Train Station at Schiphol
Trains are well signposted within Schiphol Airport
This is easier than most airports. After you clear customs and enter the arrivals hall:
- Look for yellow "Trains" signs (they're everywhere)
- Follow signs downstairs, the platforms are directly beneath Schiphol Plaza
- You'll pass through the main plaza level with shops and food outlets
- Continue down to the platforms
The train station is integrated into the airport. You can't miss it.
Buying Your Ticket
You can just tap on/off with a contactless card or buy a single or return ticket from the machines.
You have two options:
Option 1: Contactless Payment (Easiest)
Simply tap your contactless debit or credit card on the card readers at the platform gates. No need to buy a ticket. The system charges you automatically when you tap out at Amsterdam Centraal.
Cost: €5.20 charged to your card
Critical: Use the same card to tap in AND tap out, or you'll be hit with a penalty fare.
Option 2: Ticket Machines
The bright yellow NS ticket machines are throughout the station area. The interface is available in English.
- Select "Amsterdam Centraal" as destination
- Choose single or return
- Pay by card (contactless accepted)
- Collect printed ticket
Cost: €5.20 single, €10.40 return
I used the ticket machines on my most recent journey and grabbed some photos of the process. It's straightforward even if you've never used Dutch rail before.
Which Train to Take
Look for trains labelled:
- "Sprinter to Amsterdam Centraal" (this is what you want)
- Trains usually depart from platforms 1-2 at Schiphol
Frequency is roughly every 10 minutes during the day, less frequent early morning and late evening.
Some Intercity trains leave from the same platform as the Sprinter. Don't get mixed up and end up in a random corner of the Netherlands!
The Journey: What to Expect
The Train
NS Sprinter trains are comfortable double-decker carriages with space for luggage. Very serviceable for a 15-minute journey.
However: They get extremely crowded during peak hours (7-9am and 4-6pm). If you're arriving at these times with luggage, be prepared to stand or find space in the luggage areas between carriages. The overhead luggage rack is fine for small pieces of luggage, but don't try to put anything heavy or large up there!
First Class Warning
Some carriages have distinctive red seats. These are first class. If you bought a standard ticket, it's for the blue/grey seats only.
Do not sit in first class without a first-class ticket. We were warned that ticket inspectors check frequently on this route, and on-the-spot fines are common and expensive. They don't care that you didn't know.
The Route
Stops between Schiphol and Centraal:
- Amsterdam Lelyaan
- Amsterdam Sloterdijk
- Amsterdam Centraal
Total time: 15-17 minutes depending on how long the train waits at each station.
You'll pass through a mix of suburban Amsterdam, some industrial areas, and glimpses of canals as you approach the city centre. Nothing spectacular, but pleasantly Dutch.
Arriving at Amsterdam Centraal
The rear of Amsterdam Centraal, where Ubers and taxis pick up
The train pulls into one of the many platforms at Centraal. Follow the crowds toward "Uitgang" (Exit) signs.
Amsterdam Centraal is a major hub, so you'll find all the connections you need, such as trams, metro lines, bus services, ferry terminals (the ferry to Amsterdam Noord is free), bike rental, luggage storage and a taxi rank.
If your hotel is in the Canal Ring or near Dam Square, it's usually walkable from Centraal (10-20 minutes depending on exact location). I stayed at the Grand Hotel Amrath and it was under 10 minutes from the station.
When Things Go Wrong: Delays & Alternatives
Most days, this route runs smoothly. But I experienced significant delays on my most recent trip due to signalling problems that backed up Intercity services, which in turn delayed the Sprinter trains. Station staff were on hand and kept us informed, including rerouting us via Amsterdam Zuid to the metro back to the city centre.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Now that you know how to get into the city, here's where to stay depending on your needs:
Near Amsterdam Centraal Station
Amrath Grand Hotel Amsterdam: I stayed at this accessible 5-star hotel near Centraal Station and beside a beautiful canal. The layout is a big higgeldy-piggeldy, but it's a historic building.
Check rates at amrath grand hotel
Near the Canal Belt (Classic Amsterdam)
The area around Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht puts you in the centre of classic Amsterdam. Think canal houses, cosy cafes, and that quintessential Dutch atmosphere. About 15-20 minutes walk from Centraal or a quick tram ride.
Find hotels in the Canal Belt:
Budget Option: Near Amsterdam Zuid
If you're price-conscious, staying near Amsterdam Zuid station (one stop from Schiphol) can save significant money while keeping you well-connected. The Zuid area is more business district than tourist zone, but you're only 10 minutes from the centre by train.
Compare hotels near Amsterdam Zuid:
What to Do in Amsterdam
When you've sorted transport and accommodation, here's how to actually experience the city:
Amsterdam Canal Cruise - Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's worth doing once. The canal network is UNESCO-listed for good reason, and seeing the city from the water gives you a perspective on how Amsterdam actually works. Go for the hour-long version rather than the short hop-on/hop-off style. I took this one.
Anne Frank House (official website) - Trust me: book well in advance. This isn't something you can just show up for. The online timed-entry system means tickets often sell out weeks ahead during peak season. The house itself is genuinely moving and historically significant.
Rijksmuseum Small Group Tour - If you have any interest in art, this is non-negotiable. Rembrandt's Night Watch alone justifies the visit. This is a small group tour that gets you to the top things to see in the museum, in and out in 2 hours with highly-regarded guides. Book it here.
The Return Journey: Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol
The reverse journey works exactly the same way. Look out for "Sprinter to Schiphol Airport" with a little plane emoji (often from platforms 13-15). One word of advice: allow extra time for getting to Schiphol in case of delays. I calculate it as 90 minutes from my Amsterdam centre hotel until I'm through security at Schiphol.
Should You Stay Near Schiphol Instead?
Yes, stay near the airport if you have an early departure or late arrival.
On my first night in Amsterdam, we chose to stay at the airport for two reasons: first, it was getting quite late when our group all arrived, and second, the prices in the centre for that night were astronomical. We checked rates very carefully and went with the Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Yes, I had to take a shuttle there, but it was actually a really nice 4-star hotel with a skybar and a third of the price of a comparable hotel in the centre on that night!
Final Thoughts
The Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal train journey is one of Europe's easiest airport-to-city connections. Fifteen minutes, frequent service, integrated ticketing, and you're deposited right in the centre of Amsterdam.
Just remember: tap in and out with the same card if going contactless, don't sit in the red first-class seats, and build in buffer time if you're catching a flight on your return journey.
Related: I flew KLM from Belfast to Amsterdam on this trip, so if you're looking at flight options from Ireland or the UK to Amsterdam, I'll have that review published soon.