Amsterdam Airport Schiphol connects to Amsterdam Centraal Station via one of Europe's most efficient airport rail links. The 17 km journey takes just 15-18 minutes by direct train, making it one of the fastest and most convenient airport-to-city transfers in the world.

About Amsterdam Centraal Station

Amsterdam Centraal Station is the grand gateway to the Dutch capital, a magnificent neo-Renaissance building from 1889 that sits on three artificial islands in the IJ waterway. The station is both a transportation hub and an architectural landmark, with its ornate facade rivaling the Rijksmuseum — built by the same architect, Pierre Cuypers.

From Centraal Station, Amsterdam\'s iconic canal ring (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) radiates outward in concentric semicircles. The Damrak leads straight to Dam Square and the Royal Palace, while the Jordaan neighborhood with its brown cafés and independent galleries lies to the west. The Red Light District (De Wallen) is immediately east of the station.

Amsterdam is compact and best explored by foot, bicycle, or canal boat. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House are within easy reach. The city\'s café culture — from traditional brown cafés to specialty coffee roasters — is central to daily life, as is cycling: there are more bicycles than people in Amsterdam.

Nearby Landmarks

Amsterdam Centraal Dam Square Rijksmuseum Anne Frank House Vondelpark

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €40-50 (~$44-55 USD) fixed rate
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (NS Intercity (multiple lines))

Cost €6
Time 15-17 minutes
Frequency Every 10 minutes during day, every 15-30 minutes at night

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs from arrivals at Schiphol to the train station below the terminal (Schiphol Plaza).
2. Buy an NS ticket at the yellow machines or tap in with OV-chipkaart (EUR 5.50, no reservation needed).
3. Take any Intercity or Sprinter train toward Amsterdam Centraal (runs every 10-15 min).
4. The journey takes 15-18 minutes with no stops on most services.
5. Arrive at Amsterdam Centraal — trams, metros, buses, and ferries connect from here to all neighborhoods.
6. For hotels in the canal ring, trams 2, 11, 12 depart from Centraal Station square.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €40-50 (~$44-55 USD) fixed rate 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train €6 15-17 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Night buses (N97) run between Schiphol and Amsterdam city center hourly from midnight to 6:00 AM (EUR 5). Taxis are available 24/7 at Schiphol Plaza (EUR 40-50 to center). Uber operates at Schiphol with a designated pickup point. The first morning train departs around 6:00 AM. Schiphol itself is open 24 hours for transit passengers.

Luggage Tips

NS trains have luggage racks and open spaces near doors, but peak-hour trains are standing-room-only. For heavy luggage, use the elevator (not escalator) at Schiphol station. Amsterdam Centraal has luggage storage lockers (EUR 7-11/24hrs). Cobblestones in Amsterdam make rolling suitcases bumpy — consider a backpack for exploring.

Accessibility

Schiphol is one of the world's most accessible airports. NS trains have level boarding from platform to train with wheelchair spaces in every carriage. Amsterdam Centraal has elevators to all platforms. Amsterdam itself is challenging for wheelchairs due to cobblestones, canal bridges, and narrow sidewalks, but most museums and major attractions are accessible.