Schiphol Airport

How to Get to Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Schiphol Airport is located directly under the terminal building, making transfers to central Amsterdam seamless.

From Airport to City Center

• NS Train: The fastest way to Amsterdam Centraal. Follow the "Trains" signs in Schiphol Plaza to the platforms downstairs.
  • Frequency: Every 10 minutes (Sprinter trains).
  • Journey Time: 16–17 minutes.
  • Price: €5.50 (single).
• Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397): Ideal if your hotel is near Museumplein or Leidseplein.
  • Frequency: Every 8 minutes from stop B17.
  • Journey Time: 30 minutes.
  • Price: €6.50 (single).
• Payment: Use your contactless bank card, credit card, or mobile phone to "tap in" at the platform gates/bus doors and "tap out" when exiting. Crucial: Always use the same card/device for both to avoid penalty fares. Alternatively, purchase tickets at the yellow NS machines (English option available, accepts cards).

From City Center to Airport

• NS Train: Take a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal to "Schiphol Airport."
• Bus 397: Reliable connection from various city stops (e.g., Museumplein).
• Note: Neither the train nor the bus requires zone tickets; simply tap in/out with your payment method.

By Taxi

• Cost: Approximately €40–€70.
• Time: 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Tip: Use official taxi ranks at the airport or established ride-hailing apps like Uber/Bolt to avoid overcharging.

Visitor Tip: If you plan on doing significant sightseeing, consider the "Amsterdam Travel Ticket" (€20–€34), which covers your airport transfers plus unlimited city public transport.

Platform Guide & Layout

Schiphol Airport’s railway station is designed for efficiency, located directly beneath the terminal building. It features a straightforward layout with 6 tracks served by 3 island platforms, meaning each platform has a track on either side. Think of the station as a compact, underground transit hub where all platforms are accessed from the same central concourse, Schiphol Plaza. Because the station is quite small, you won’t face long treks between platforms; once you descend from the plaza, you can reach any platform within a couple of minutes.

The station operates as a through station, handling a mix of local Sprinter trains, Intercity services, and international high-speed trains. There is no specific level separation for different routes; instead, train assignments are flexible. The platform your train departs from can change based on real-time traffic, so do not rely on a "usual" platform number. Always check the large yellow departure boards or the digital screens in Schiphol Plaza immediately upon arrival to confirm your specific platform.

Navigation is very accessible for first-time visitors. From the main concourse, you will see clearly marked escalators, stairs, and glass elevators that lead directly down to the platforms. Because the entire station is a single, integrated area, the primary point of confusion for travelers is often simply waiting for the departure screens to update. It is common for the platform number for your specific train to be displayed only 10–15 minutes before departure.

If you are traveling with heavy luggage, the glass elevators are your best choice for a smooth transition from the shopping and ticket area of Schiphol Plaza down to the tracks. Since there are only 6 tracks, the station is intentionally easy to navigate, allowing you to move from the terminal exit to your train platform in under 5 minutes. Simply follow the "Trains" signage from the arrivals hall, verify your platform on the overhead monitors, and head down to the corresponding track. With this compact design, you can confidently navigate the station even if you are in a rush to catch your connection.

Navigating Schiphol Airport’s train station can feel overwhelming, but it is actually one of the most efficient transit hubs in Europe. I wish someone had told me these specifics before my first trip; it would have saved me so much stress. Don't worry—just follow these tips.

Before You Arrive

• Download the NS app: This is the official app for Dutch Railways. It is essential for checking real-time platform updates and train schedules. Do not rely on generic European travel apps; the NS app is the most accurate for the Netherlands.
• Skip the queues: You do not need to buy paper tickets at a desk. You can use OVpay—simply tap your contactless debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) on the yellow poles at the station entrance to check in, and tap again to check out at your destination.
• Station layout: The station is located directly beneath the airport. Follow the signs for "Trains/Treinen" from the arrivals hall to reach Schiphol Plaza. It is a large, busy space, so give yourself extra time if you are arriving during peak hours.

At the Station

• Platforms: Trains do not always have a fixed platform. They often alternate between two tracks based on arrival order. Check the overhead screens 20–30 minutes before your train, not hours in advance.
• Facilities: Toilets are available in the station area for a fee of €1 (coins/card). There are plenty of convenience stores like Albert Heijn at Schiphol Plaza; buy your snacks here rather than at expensive platform kiosks.
• Luggage: Use the elevators located near the escalators if you have heavy bags. There are also luggage carts available at the station to help you move your gear from the terminal to the platform.

Common Mistakes

• The "Check-in" trap: The biggest mistake tourists make is forgetting to check in. You must tap your card or ticket on the yellow poles before you board. If you don't, you risk a significant fine during ticket inspections.
• Payment errors: While contactless is easy, ensure your card is not an American Express; many Dutch transit systems do not accept them. Use a Visa or Mastercard.
• Train destination: Not every train leaving from Schiphol goes to Amsterdam Centraal. Always look at the electronic display on the side of the train carriage to confirm it is going to your specific destination.

Through station serving Amsterdam, Netherlands. Opened in 1978 and rebuilt in 1995, Schiphol Airport station is a critical multimodal hub located directly beneath the terminal complex. As the primary railway connection for the nation’s busiest airport—which handled 68.8 million passengers in 2025—the station is exceptionally well-integrated into the Dutch rail network. It serves a diverse range of train types, including high-speed international services to destinations like Paris and Brussels, as well as frequent regional and local trains connecting to Amsterdam Centraal and beyond.

For first-time international visitors, the station may initially appear large, but it is designed with a straightforward, user-friendly layout. The facility features six tracks accessed via three platforms, all clearly marked with English-language signage and digital displays. To navigate with confidence, follow the signs for "Trains" from the main arrival hall, Schiphol Plaza. Because the station serves such a high volume of traffic, platform assignments can change; check the large electronic information boards in the Plaza before heading downstairs. It is advisable to allow extra time for your transfer, especially if you are unfamiliar with local ticketing procedures. The station is fully accessible, making it a reliable and efficient entry point for your journey.