Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by Train
The fastest, cheapest way into the city — step-by-step costs, times & tips for 2026.
Quick Facts
Cost
€5.50–€6.50
one-way
Journey
15–20 min
to Centraal
Frequency
Every 10 min
peak hours
Step-by-Step: Arrivals to Platform
- 1
Clear customs and collect baggage in the Arrivals hall (Aankomst).
- 2
Follow the yellow NS (Dutch Railways) train signs — the station is directly under Schiphol Plaza, one level below arrivals.
- 3
Buy a ticket at the NS ticket machines or use your contactless bank card / OV-chipkaart at the gate.
- 4
Board any Intercity or Sprinter train toward Amsterdam Centraal — check the departure boards for the next service.
- 5
Ride 15–20 minutes and alight at Amsterdam Centraal, the main hub for metro, tram, and bus.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | EUR | USD ~ |
|---|---|---|
| Single (NS ticket machine) | €6.50 | ~$7.00 |
| Single (OV-chipkaart) | €5.50 | ~$5.90 |
| Day pass (GVB) | €9.00 | ~$9.70 |
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket (1-day) | €18.50 | ~$20.00 |
Prices indicative for 2026. USD conversion approximate.
Key City Stops
- Amsterdam Centraal — Main hub — trains, metro, tram & ferry. ~17 min
- Amsterdam Sloterdijk — West Amsterdam business district. ~10 min
- Amsterdam Zuid — Business/Zuidas district, museum quarter access. ~12 min
- Amsterdam Lelylaan — West city residential, tram connections. ~13 min
3 Practical Tips
- ✦Tap in and out with a contactless Mastercard or Visa to avoid queuing at ticket machines — the system charges the OV rate automatically.
- ✦Buy an Amsterdam Travel Ticket if you plan to use trams and metro all day; it covers GVB city transport plus the Schiphol train leg.
- ✦Trains run 24 hours on weekends; on weekday nights (01:00–05:00) use the night bus or a taxi instead.
FAQs
How long is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal?
The journey takes 15–20 minutes depending on the service (Intercity is faster than Sprinter). Trains depart roughly every 5–10 minutes during the day.
Can I use my credit card at Schiphol station?
Yes. Most NS ticket gates accept contactless Mastercard, Visa, and Maestro. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay directly at the gate.
Is there a direct metro from Schiphol to the city centre?
No direct metro — the train (NS) is the link. Once at Amsterdam Centraal you can switch to the GVB metro, tram, or bus network to reach your final destination.
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