How to get from Amsterdam airport to city center – 4 ways
Schiphol Airport is located 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. The airport terminal consists of one large terminal, which greatly simplifies orientation for tourists. The building is divided into three spacious halls, interconnected by convenient passages. Schiphol offers travelers comfortable conditions for entertaining while waiting for their flight or public transport. Passport control and baggage claim is carried out in a separate hall, the location of which is indicated by information boards.
Train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
A fast, economical, convenient and congestion-free travel option are domestic and international trains running via Schiphol to Amsterdam around the clock. The railway station is located under the airport. During the daytime, trains depart every 15 minutes, nightly flights are carried out once an hour. The duration of the route is about 20 minutes. Train cars are divided into first and second classes. They differ among themselves in the comfort of the seats and the distance between them. Spacious salons are equipped with large places for luggage.
High-speed trains run silently without unnecessary intermediate stops. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the detailed and accurate flight schedule in advance on the website of the Dutch Railways.
The fare to Amsterdam Central Station is 4.20 euros (2nd class) and 7.10 euros (1st class). Children under three travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased directly on the territory of the terminal in special yellow-blue machines or at the box office.
It is important to remember that the machines only accept bank cards or coins for payment. Purchased for cash, a ticket at the box office will cost 50 percent more. Those wishing to risk driving without a ticket face a fine of 40 euros.
Bus Schiphol Airport–Amsterdam
For young people traveling without children and well versed in the area, a budget, but less comfortable form of transport is ideal, which will take you to the center of Amsterdam. These are bus routes. Passenger boarding is located opposite the terminal of the main air harbor of Holland. The ticket price is 5 euros. The trip, which corresponds to the traffic regime in the city, takes about 30 minutes, but there is a possibility of getting into traffic jams.
You can buy travel cards from the driver or at the counter of the tourist center located at Schiphol Airport. A popular route is bus number 197, running daily every 15 minutes from 5 am to midnight. Night flights are also organized, departing once an hour. The interiors of low-floor buses with ample luggage space are equipped with air conditioning, railings and an electronic display showing the name of the stops.
Taxi to Amsterdam from the airport
Despite the convenience and affordability of public transport in the Netherlands, many tourists prefer to use the services of an individual transfer (taxi). This is one of the most expensive and comfortable ways of transit from the airport to the city center. This option is relevant for family travelers, large companies, the elderly, as well as for those who do not burden themselves with studying the area and the transport system of Amsterdam.
Taxi cars are on duty at the main exit of the Schiphol terminal. Passengers will pay more than 50 euros for a trip to Amsterdam. Often there are cases of deception of tourists by taxi drivers. The cost of the trip can be significantly exceeded. It is recommended to keep the meter on and at the end of the route be sure to ask the taxi driver for a check.
A real salvation for tourists, striving to avoid misunderstandings, is the popular international service – KiwiTaxi. Using this service, travelers can pre-order a car of the class and capacity they like a few days before their arrival in Schiphol. At any specified time, customers will be met by a Russian-speaking driver who will take passengers to a specific address. Customers are guaranteed good service, convenience and safety.
A fast 25-minute trip with direct transfers to public transport will cost 39 euros for an economy class car, 50 euros for a Comfort car and 59 euros for a business class car. You can pay for KiwiTaxi services via the Internet when booking a car or in cash to the driver. The price is indicated in fixed terms without additional surcharges for luggage and travel distances. It is possible to book a seat on the tourist bus to the hotel for only 21 euros. The maximum waiting time for a departure is 60 minutes.
Car rental at Schiphol Airport
Tourists who prefer independent travel can easily rent a car and go to the center of Amsterdam without being tied to the public transport schedule. This way of travel allows you to comfortably get to the hotel, as well as quietly explore local attractions without the fuss and noisy tourist group. The city of tulips, mills, museums, canals and quaint architectural structures is worthy of a close look.
All major car rental companies are located at Schiphol Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance through well-known online services that form all the best offers at affordable prices. To draw up a lease agreement, the client must present personal documents, have a bank card, and carefully study the terms of the agreement, especially those relating to insurance risks. The car will be waiting for travelers at the airport immediately after their arrival. The cost of renting a budget A-class car (compact car) starts from 17 euros per day.
A good highway connects Schiphol Airport with Amsterdam. There is no toll in the Netherlands – all motorways are free, except for a few toll tunnels. The duration of the journey is 20-30 minutes. Mastering the Dutch routes, be sure to follow the rules of the road, which correspond to generally accepted European laws. The main thing is not to violate the permissible speed limit, fasten your seat belts and do not talk on the phone while driving. It is important to understand that there are many cyclists in the country who are full-fledged participants in the movement.
Finding a parking space in the center of Amsterdam will be difficult. There are separate parking areas for a limited period of time with a parking ticket, which can be purchased at tobacconists and newsstands. The “park and ride” system is well developed, where drivers leave the car in a parking lot away from the center and get further by public transport.