Schiphol is about 17 km from Amsterdam city centre. The range of transport costs is wide because the direct train link makes this one of Europe's cheapest airport-to-city routes if you are willing to use public transport.
Train: EUR 5-6
A single ticket to Amsterdam Centraal costs about EUR 5.40. You can buy this from the yellow NS machines in Schiphol Plaza or simply tap in with a contactless debit or credit card. The journey takes 15-20 minutes. Trains run every 10-15 minutes during the day.
Note: If you buy a ticket from the manned counter, a surcharge of EUR 1 applies. The machines and contactless gates have no surcharge.
Bus 397 (Airport Express): EUR 6-7
Bus 397 runs to Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. The fare is around EUR 6-7 one way. The journey takes 30-40 minutes. This is useful if your hotel is in the museum district, as it saves a tram connection from Centraal Station.
Taxi: EUR 40-55
Schiphol taxis use a fixed-zone pricing system. The fare to central Amsterdam (most zones) is EUR 40-55. There are no meters and no night surcharges. The price depends on which zone your destination falls in.
The regulated system means you will not be overcharged, which is unusual for airport taxis.
Rideshare (Uber): EUR 35-55
Uber prices to central Amsterdam are similar to regulated taxis, sometimes slightly cheaper. During surge pricing periods (late night weekends, major events), Uber can exceed taxi prices. The pickup area is outside Schiphol Plaza.
Pre-booked transfer: EUR 45-70
A sedan transfer to Amsterdam centre runs EUR 45-70. Minivans for larger groups cost EUR 70-100. The price is fixed at booking. This includes meeting service, flight tracking, and a set waiting period.
Costs to other Dutch cities
| Destination | Train | Taxi/Transfer | |------------|-------|---------------| | Amsterdam Centraal | EUR 5-6 | EUR 40-70 | | The Hague | EUR 10-12 | EUR 60-90 | | Rotterdam | EUR 15-17 | EUR 80-130 | | Utrecht | EUR 10-12 | EUR 70-110 | | Leiden | EUR 5-7 | EUR 35-55 | | Haarlem | EUR 5-6 | EUR 30-50 | | Delft | EUR 12-14 | EUR 65-100 |
What affects the price
Transport type is the obvious factor. The train is dramatically cheaper than any car-based option.
Destination zone determines taxi fares. Central Amsterdam zones are cheaper. Outer areas or suburbs cost more.
Group size affects the per-person calculation. A taxi at EUR 50 split four ways is EUR 12.50 each, making it nearly comparable to the train.
Time of day has no effect on Schiphol taxis (fixed prices) or trains. Rideshares may surge during peak demand periods.
Vehicle type for transfers: sedan, minivan, luxury, or bus all have different price points.
Common money traps
- Currency exchange at Schiphol: Rates are poor. Use an ATM or pay by card. The Netherlands is almost entirely cashless.
- Ticket counter surcharge: Buying a train ticket from a person rather than a machine costs EUR 1 extra.
- Tram connection: If your hotel is not near Amsterdam Centraal, you may need a tram ride (EUR 3.50 or included with GVB day pass). This adds to the real cost of taking the train.
The honest recommendation
The train is the clear winner for solo travellers and couples heading to Amsterdam. At EUR 5-6, it is hard to justify EUR 50 for a taxi unless you have heavy luggage, small children, or are arriving during the train gap (1-5:30 AM). For groups of 3-4, a taxi or transfer becomes competitive per person and offers door-to-door convenience.