Getting to and from Amsterdam
Amsterdam is very easy to reach by plane, train, car or even boat. The award-winning Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is centrally located and flies to 323 destinations. From Amsterdam, high-speed rail services connect Amsterdam to Paris, London, Berlin and Brussels, and the Port of Amsterdam ranks fourth in Europe. Here’s a selection of up-to-date information and useful tips to make your journey as easy as possible, no matter which mode of transportation you choose.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the primary international airport in the Netherlands, is located about 20 kilometres from Amsterdam. Ninety airlines fly to and from Schiphol and have offices at the airport or in Amsterdam. You can reach the city from Schiphol in just half an hour by train, taxi or hotel shuttle.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is situated approximately 20 km south-west of Amsterdam. Schiphol is a national and international airport and handles over 48 million passengers a year traveling to 260 destinations worldwide. Schiphol is Europe’s fifth largest passenger airport.
One-stop shopping Schiphol is also a well-organised airport. The arrival and departure halls are located under the same roof as the shopping centre, Schiphol Plaza. Clear signage guides you easily to your destination. After passing customs, you will reach the shops and bars of Schiphol Plaza. From here you are offered a selection of transportation methods into Amsterdam.
From Schiphol into Amsterdam
By bus
Connexxion Amsterdam Round Trip Ticket The Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express costs €10 for a return journey. Departing from bus stop B9 every 15 minutes, the Amsterdam Airport Express (bus number 397) will take you directly to the city centre in about 30 minutes. The Amsterdam Round Trip Ticket allows two trips on the Amsterdam Airport Express (the trips don’t have to be on the same day). One-way tickets are also available for €5. E-tickets can be purchased in advance for this service. Visit the Connexxion website for more information and the bus schedule.
Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle A hotel shuttle service enables you to travel to a number of large hotels that are situated in the airport area. The Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle connects Schiphol to over 170 hotels in Amsterdam.
By taxi
The taxi rank is located at the airport’s exit. Depending on traffic, a taxi can take you to the city centre in about half an hour. One ride will cost you approximately €40 – €60, depending on the destination. It is strongly advised not to take rides from drivers soliciting within the airport. These are not officially approved taxi drivers. Find information on authorized taxis or compare transport options on Airport Transfer Amsterdam.
By rail
Schiphol train station is located directly underneath the airport. From here, intercities and slower trains from the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways – NS) can take you to Amsterdam Central Station (city centre), Amsterdam Zuid (World Trade Center) and Amsterdam RAI (conference centre). Learn more about travelling by train in and around Amsterdam.
Train ticket sales Train tickets are available at the ticket office in the airport’s main hall and from the yellow ticket machines. The latter are located near the baggage claims, shopping centre Schiphol Plaza and near the platforms. These machines accept international credit cards (€0.50 surcharge); Dutch cash cards and some also accept coins. At the ticket office, you can also purchase the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, which includes return train travel between Schiphol and Amsterdam, plus free public public transport in the city itself.
Disabled travellers There is an elevator at Schiphol train station which can take you from the platform to the airport and vice versa. Call the Nederlandse Spoorwegen for help at the train station of your departure and arrival, telephone number +31 (0)30 230 5566. By doing so, it is possible to gain wheelchair access to trains.
The train timetable is detailed on the NS website or see the Schiphol website for information on the airport.
Cruise Ship Terminal
The Dave Koz and Friends Cruise on the RCCL Brilliance of the Seas departing from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
It is easy to travel from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA). PTA is where most seafaring cruise ships dock.
The terminal is located at Piet Heinkade 27, Amsterdam, just east of Central Station.
From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
By Train to Central Station
Simple, fast, and inexpensive.
By Taxi, Uber, or Private Transfer directly to the PTA
From Amsterdam Central Station
Your options to reach the cruise terminal:
Walk
Walk to the cruise pier (about 10 minutes, one-third of the way at a gentle incline)
Tram 26
The tram stop is at the city side of the train station, at the far-eastern end. A tram arrives every 4-6 minutes. You need to obtain tickets from the driver (no cash!), or purchase day tickets ahead of time. That is a good idea especially if you plan to venture into the city after dropping off your luggage.
You travel just one stop (The stop is called ‘Muziekgebouw Bimhuis’)
Taxi
If a 10-minute walk with luggage is not your thing (or you just don’t want to do it during a rain shower), take a taxi. The taxi rank is located at the IJ-side — the station entrance across from the River IJ — at the far-west exit.
This short, 5 minute ride, can cost between €7,50 and €12,50.
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