Schiphol Airport train station: Airport ↔ Amsterdam City Centre
Train connections to European cities – travel guide
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has its own train station called “Schiphol Airport”. There are direct trains connection to the centre of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal station) but also long-distance trains to many Dutch and European cities.
In this travel guide will find all information about the station, important train connections and our tips for buying tickets.
Where is the station “Amsterdam Schiphol”?
This underground railway station is located directly under the terminal building of Schiphol Airport. The station is operated by the Dutch railway company NS.
Fast to the city centre and long-distance connections
The station offers a direct connection to the city centre of Amsterdam as well as many long-distance connections to Dutch or European cities.
The Schiphol Airport train station is located directly under the airport building. The picture shows a Thalys high-speed train leaving the airport station with destination Paris Nord. (Image: DennisM2, CC 2.0 licence)
The train ride from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal station, which is located directly in the city centre, takes only 16 minutes. (Image: © Hans Westerink)
Airport train station ↔ Amsterdam city centre – Direct train connection
How do I get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre by train?
There is a direct train connection from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam Centraal station, which is located right in the city centre of Amsterdam.
The central station “Amsterdam Centraal”, and thus the city centre of Amsterdam, can be reached from the station “Schiphol Airport” in 16 minutes. (Picture: travelguide.amsterdam)
Ticket price: How much does a train ticket from the airport to the city centre cost?
You can get to the city center of Amsterdam quickly and cheaply by train. An online ticket saves you time and stress in Amsterdam.
Current ticket prices (2024) for the train transfer “Amsterdam Schiphol Airport” ↔ city centre (Amsterdam Centraal station):
Train journey one way, 2nd class: €5.90 (incl. single use OV chip card)
Train journey one way, 1st class: €9.33 (incl. single use OV chip card)
Our tips for buying tickets
1 The train ticket does not entitle you to continue your journey on local transport (metro, tram, bus, …) in Amsterdam. For this you need an extra ticket. In this case, we recommend the Amsterdam Travel Ticket (see below).
2 You can buy the train ticket online via the following website. This will save you time and stress. After a flight, there are better things to do than to deal with the Dutch rail fare system.
Our tip: Easy, cheap and convenient – the Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT)
Amsterdam Travel Ticket: Train ticket for transfer airport → city centre + day ticket for local transport. An easy and cheap way to be mobile in Amsterdam. You can buy the ticket online before you travel. This saves time and stress during your Amsterdam trip.
Many visitors to the city use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket. This combination ticket includes train travel from the airport to the city centre and is also a day ticket for local transport (metro, tram, bus…).
It offers the following advantages:
1 The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is valid for the airport transfer by train AND local transport in Amsterdam. You only need one ticket.
When you travel, you no longer have to deal with the different fare systems of local transport and Dutch Railway.
2 You can buy the ticket online before you travel at no extra cost (→ link to website). This saves time and stress during your trip.
Current prices for the Amsterdam Travel Ticket (2024):
Day ticket: €18
Two-day ticket: €24
Three-day ticket: €30
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is cheaper than buying tickets individually.
Example calculation 2 days:
Amsterdam Travel Ticket: €24
vs.
2 train tickets + two-day local transport ticket Amsterdam: 2 x €5.90 + €15 = €26.80.
Most importantly, you’ll save yourself stress and vacation time because you won’t have to deal with ticket purchases and local transportation fares in Amsterdam.
There are often queues at the ticket machines. Many international passengers are using the Dutch Railways ticket machine for the first time. This means waiting time. An online ticket saves time and stress.
How long does it take to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre by train?
The airport is about 18 km from the centrally located Amsterdam Centraal station. The train takes about 16 -18 minutes to cover this distance. You do not have to change trains.
How often do the trains run from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre?
The frequency of trains depends on the time of day. There is a train from the airport to the city centre (Amsterdam Centraal station) approximately every 10 – 15 minutes.
The train takes 16-18 minutes for the route Schiphol Airport ⇿ Amsterdam city center. Many passengers use the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”. This allows you to use the airport train and local transport. (Picture: P vL, CC 2.0 license)
Access and platforms
The station at the airport has six tracks, with three platforms, each between two tracks.
In addition to escalators and lifts, there are also ramps. The ramps are designed to facilitate access for travelers with wheeled luggage.
The “Schiphol Airport” train station is located below the terminal building.
An escalator or lift takes you directly from the airport to the train station (Image: J. Lonnee, CC 2.0 License)
Platforms at “Schiphol Airport” station
Schiphol Airport station has three platforms. Each platform is located between two tracks. There are 6 tracks in total. The tracks are used flexibly. It is only determined a few minutes in advance which train will arrive on which track. The trains and platforms are clearly displayed on large screens.
The “Airport Amsterdam” station has 3 platforms and 6 tracks.
The tracks on which the trains arrive are displayed on large screens.
Map / Plan: Schiphol Airport & Schiphol Airport Station, Platforms
Although Amsterdam Airport is one of the largest airports in Europe, passengers can easily find their way around. The station has six tracks, which can be reached via three platforms.
Trains to Amsterdam Centraal usually depart from platform 1 or 2. It is usually only a few minutes before the train arrives that it is shown on which side of the platform the train will stop. Therefore, pay attention to the display boards.
Schiphol Airport – Download map
→ Download → Plan of Schiphol Airport Amsterdam incl. station and tracks (*.pdf)
Schiphol airport / train station – interactive map
Here you can find our interactive map. If you zoom in more, you will find all the shops, restaurants, piers and terminals at the airport.
If you zoom out further, you can explore the area around the airport. For example, all stops of the Airport Express Bus 397 (shuttle bus to the city centre) or the central station in the city centre (Amsterdam Centraal) are also marked.
Alternatives to the train for the transfer airport ↔ city centre
Besides the train, there are also alternatives for travelling to the city centre or the surroundings of Amsterdam.
More information in this travel guide:
One station – several names
Until the 2016 timetable change, the station was called “Schiphol”. To avoid confusion, the name was supplemented by an airplane symbol 
in timetables and on signs. Nameplates on the platforms did not display this symbol. This led to questions and confusion among passengers.
The name of the station was therefore changed to “Schiphol Airport”. This is why you will still find the name “Schiphol ” in older travel guides.
Schiphol Airport – pioneer in the connection between rail and air
The train station at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has an interesting history. It was opened in 1978 and was one of the first railroad stations to be directly connected to an airport.
Since then, the station has developed steadily and is now one of the busiest stations in the Netherlands. It offers a convenient connection to the national and international rail network and allows travelers to get to the airport quickly and easily.
The station at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an important transportation hub and plays an important role in the region’s travel traffic.
Frequently asked questions in this guide – FAQ 2024
How long does the train take from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?
The airport is about 18 km from Amsterdam Centraal station, which is in the city centre. The train takes about 16 -18 minutes to cover this distance and you do not have to change trains.
You can find tips on how to save time and money when buying tickets in our travel guide.
How much is a train ticket from Amsterdam Airport to the city center?
Current ticket prices (2024) for the train transfer “Amsterdam Schiphol Airport” ↔ city centre (Amsterdam Centraal station):
Train journey one way, 2nd class: €5.90 (incl. single use OV chip card)
Train journey one way, 1st class: €9.33 (incl. single use OV chip card)
More information (journey time, station …) and tips on how to save time and money when buying tickets can be found in our free online travel guide.
How often does a train go from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre?
The train frequency depends on the time of day. There is a train from the airport to the city centre (Amsterdam Centraal station) approximately every 10 – 15 minutes.
For more information (journey time, station …) and tips on how to save time and money when buying tickets, see our free online travel guide.
Is there a train station at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has its own train station called “Schiphol Airport“. It is located directly under the terminal building of Schiphol Airport.
From this station there are direct train connections to the centre of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal station), but also long-distance connections to many Dutch and European cities.
Where is the train station at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has its own train station called “Schiphol Airport”. It is located directly under the terminal building of Schiphol Airport.
From this station there are direct train connections to the centre of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal station), but also long-distance connections to many Dutch and European cities.
Can I purchase a on-way train ticket from Schiphol Airport to the Amsterdam Centraal station online, in advance?
Hello Penny,
yes, we added the link in the text. Thank you
Where does the larger baggage/luggage get stored on the train?
Hello Al,
We are not aware of any baggage limit on NS trains. The railway company writes: “Ensure that your luggage doesn’t obstruct the aisle and other travelers and doesn’t take up a seat if a fellow traveler claims it”
Enjoy your Amsterdam trip
Hi, I am going to Amsterdam in Feb and staying for 4 days. Are there any travel cards I can purchase that includes transfer to and from the airport (via train) for this length of time. I can only find the 3 day travel card has this option, but no good if I am there for 4 days. Would it be better to order the GVB travel card and then pay separately for the train airport transfer?
Hello Jemma,
I think in your case it is easier if you buy a GVB day ticket with 4 days validity and the train tickets separately. You can buy the train tickets, as well as the day ticket, online.
Have fun in Amsterdam
Good morning. Is Bus 397 included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket? We will be staying at the ibis Budget Schiphol and need a 24hr ATT. Thank you.
Hello Sylva,
yes the bus 397 is included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket.
Enjoy Amsterdam
Hello.
I am travelling to Amsterdam for four nights with with my elderly mother.
We are staying at the CitizenM Amstel hotel.
I wonder if you can advise which is the easiest train/bus route to this hotel?
Thank you.
Hello Jennie,
Your hotel is very centrally located. If you don’t want to walk a long way, you will have to change trains once. I would take the train to Amsterdam Centraal. From there take the metro line 51 to the stop “Weesperplein”. Then walk about 50 meters and you will be at the hotel (Sarphatistraat 47, 1018 EW Amsterdam, Niederlande)
Have fun in Amsterdam
iam useing the train station at amsterdam airport to go to steenwjk which plat form will i laeve from
Hello Stephen,
The platforms are not permanently assigned. They are assigned daily. There are large display boards at the airport station that show the platforms.
Hi, does the Amsterdam travel ticket include travel from schiphol airport train station to zaandam train station in Amsterdam? Thanks.
Hello Sarah,
the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is not valid to Zaandam train station.
An Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is required for this.
Have fun in Amsterdam
Traveling from the US. I have a 22 hr layover so plan to take the train into the city and back. Does the train run 24 hrs a day? I have an 5am flight to Geneva , thanks
Hi James,
The easiest way to check train times is to visit the website of the Dutch railroad company.
Have fun in Amsterdam, even if your stay is only short
is there left luggage facility facilities at Schiphol airport ?
Hello John,
There is a luggage storage facility in the terminal building (Before security). It is open 24/7. The fee for one piece of luggage is between €6 and €12 (24 hours).
Have fun in Amsterdam