General
Overview
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is located 17 kilometers southwest of the city center and operates as a single-terminal hub.
Schiphol is a large hub. Gates in the E, F, and G piers can take up to 20 minutes to reach once you have cleared passport control.
Transfer Options
The following transport options are available from/to Schiphol Airport:
NS railway workers staged several strikes in 2025, at times halting all trains between Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal. Check the NS service status before you travel. If trains are suspended, take an Uber/Bolt or the Airport Taxi.
Luggage Storage
Located at Level -1 (basement) between Arrivals 1 and 2. Staffed depot and self-service lockers available 24/7.
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best layover cities — the train takes 15–20 min to Centraal (€5.60 each way, every 10 min).
- Under 4h — stay airside. Too tight once you factor check-in back in.
- 4–6h — Walk the canal ring and the Jordaan neighbourhood. Free, flat, and walkable from Centraal.
- 7h+ — Add the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum (advance booking required). Anne Frank House sells out weeks ahead — skip unless already booked.
Visitor Cards & Passes
For visitors staying several days, these all-in-one passes offer convenience and savings.
You can purchase them at the I amsterdam Store (Schiphol Arrivals 2) or NS Service Desks (Schiphol Plaza).
I amsterdam City Card
Includes entry to 70+ museums (like the Rijksmuseum), a canal cruise, and unlimited GVB city transit. Note: Trains between Schiphol and the city are not included.
Source: I amsterdam Official| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 24h | €60 |
| 48h | €85 |
| 72h | €100 |
| 96h | €115 |
| 120h | €125 |
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT)
Covers all regional transit, including trains from Schiphol to the city and travel to Keukenhof or Zaanse Schans. Prices: €21 (1 day), €31.50 (2 days), €40.50 (3 days).
Source: I amsterdam OfficialAmsterdam Travel Ticket
Includes a return train journey between Schiphol and any station in Amsterdam, plus all GVB trams, buses, and metros. Prices: €18 (1 day), €24 (2 days), €30 (3 days).
Source: NS OfficialGVB Day Tickets (24h–168h)
Best for those already in the city. Unlimited travel on all GVB trams, buses, and metros. Prices range from €9.00 (24h) up to €41.00 (7 days).
Source: GVB Multi-day ticketsContactless (OVpay)
Amsterdam uses OVpay, allowing you to tap in and out of all trains, trams, and buses using your contactless debit/credit card or phone. There is no longer a need to buy separate paper tickets for most visitors.
Source: OVpay OfficialYou must tap your card or phone against the readers both when entering and leaving the vehicle or station. Failure to tap out will result in a higher default fare being charged.
Paper Tickets
If you prefer paper tickets, use the yellow-and-blue automated kiosks. Note that paper tickets carry a €1.00 surcharge. You must still tap these against the yellow/white readers for every journey.
Children’s Fares
Under 4 travel free on all NS trains and GVB trams, buses, and metros — no ticket needed.
Ages 4-11 on NS trains (e.g. Schiphol↔Centraal): Buy a Railrunner for €2.50 per day at station machines or online. Up to 3 children per accompanying adult.
Ages 4-11 on GVB (trams, metro, buses): The GVB Day ticket child costs €5.00 per 24 hours. Buy it at GVB Service & Tickets desks (IJ-hal or Stationsplein at Centraal) — it is not sold at tram stops or ticket vending machines.
Public Transit
NS Train
This is the most efficient link between Schiphol Airport and the city center, costing €4.90 for a 14–17 minute ride from/to Amsterdam Centraal.
Source: NS Journey PlannerBoarding the Train (Arrival): The station is located directly underneath Schiphol Airport. Check the overhead digital boards in the Plaza for “Intercity” or “Sprinter” trains heading to Amsterdam Centraal.
Source: Schiphol Train StationConfirm the platform number (e.g., Platform 1 or 2). Ensure you validate your ticket or tap your card at the yellow posts before descending the escalator to the platform.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Every platform at Schiphol is accessible via elevators (lifts). Look for “Lift” signs near escalators to reach the train platforms on Level -1.
Schiphol Airport AssistanceBoarding: Newer Sprinter and ICNG trains offer level boarding. For older Intercity or international trains with steps, visitors with limited mobility should book NS Travel Assistance at least one hour in advance via the NS app or website.
Safety
Both hubs are generally safe, but remain vigilant:
- Pickpockets: Centraal Station is a primary target for professional pickpockets. Watch your belongings in crowded tunnels and while boarding.
- Fake ‘Official’ Staff: Only accept travel advice from staff in official yellow and blue NS uniforms or GVB uniforms.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found office is located in Schiphol Plaza, near Arrivals 1. You can also report or search for lost items online.
Source: Schiphol Lost & FoundFirst Aid & Pharmacies
A First Aid Post is located in Schiphol Plaza near Arrivals 1. There are also several pharmacies located within the Plaza for non-emergency medical supplies.
Source: Schiphol Medical ServicesArrival
Official Taxi
Locations and Rates
Follow “Taxi” signs to the queue outside the Plaza. Costs €50–€75 and takes 25–45 minutes.
Source: Schiphol Airport TaxiIdentification
Official taxis are legally identified by light blue license plates and a “TAXI” sign on the roof.
Source: City of Amsterdam Taxi InfoIgnore anyone inside the airport or station halls offering “cheap” transportation. These are unlicensed and often overcharge. Only use the official designated taxi ranks.
Rideshare
A 5-minute walk to the 'App Pickup' point at Koepelstraat (behind Café Rembrandt).
ATMs and Currency
Local Currency
The official currency is the Euro (€). Amsterdam is highly cashless; most establishments prefer contactless payments.
ATMs
Use the yellow machines branded as Geldmaat located in Schiphol Plaza for the best rates.
Source: Geldmaat ATM LocatorStay away from blue and yellow EuroNet machines. They charge high fees and aggressive exchange markups. Always choose “Continue without conversion” if any ATM offers to handle the exchange for you.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
Arrival Time
For long-haul international flights, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Schiphol often experiences long queues at security and passport control during peak morning and afternoon hours.
Source: Schiphol AirportCheck-in and Bag Drop
Check-in desks at Schiphol are located on the upper level (Departures 1, 2, and 3). Most major airlines provide self-service bag drop kiosks; follow the digital signs for your specific flight number to find the correct area.
Source: Schiphol Airport - Check-inSecurity Controls
Schiphol allows you to book a free 15-minute time slot for the security check in advance via the Schiphol website or app. This can significantly reduce your waiting time.
Security Screening
You typically do not need to remove liquids or electronics from your bag due to advanced 3D scanners, but follow the specific instructions provided by the security staff at your lane.
Source: Schiphol Airport - Packing your hand baggagePassport Control
After security, you must pass through passport control to reach non-Schengen zones. Holders of EU passports can use the automated E-gates; non-EU citizens (including US, UK, and Canadian) usually require a manual check for an exit stamp.
Source: Schiphol Airport - PassportsVAT Refunds
If you have made tax-free purchases, the Global Blue and Customs desks are located in Schiphol Departures 3. You must have your receipts and unused goods ready for inspection before you check your luggage.
Source: Schiphol Airport - Tax refund