Landed InFrom the airport to the city center
FastestNS train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal
€5 to €6 ($5 to $7)
15 to 20 min
NS train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal
€5 to €6 ($5 to $7)
15 to 20 min
- 1After baggage claim, follow the signs for Trains in Arrivals Hall 2.
- 2Take the escalator down to the station below the terminal.
- 3Buy a ticket at a yellow NS machine or tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gates.
- 4Take any train toward Amsterdam Centraal. Check the board for the platform.
- 5Tap out at Centraal, then walk, or take a tram or the metro into the city center.
Frequent service for most of the day, with reduced service overnight
Open in Google MapsCheapestGVB or Connexxion bus to the city center
€5 to €7 ($5 to $8)
30 to 45 min
GVB or Connexxion bus to the city center
€5 to €7 ($5 to $8)
30 to 45 min
- 1From arrivals, follow the signs for Bus at the Schiphol Plaza bus station.
- 2Check the signs for a bus line that serves your part of the city center.
- 3Pay by tapping a contactless bank card or phone on the reader when boarding.
- 4Tap out when you leave if the reader asks.
- 5Get off near your stop and walk the rest.
Varies by line, check the bus signs
Open in Google MapsEasiestOfficial Schiphol taxi from the taxi rank
€40 to €60 ($43 to $65)
20 to 40 min
Official Schiphol taxi from the taxi rank
€40 to €60 ($43 to $65)
20 to 40 min
- 1Exit arrivals and follow the signs for Taxi.
- 2Join the official taxi queue outside the terminal.
- 3Take the next car in line and don't accept offers from people inside the terminal.
- 4Tell the driver you're going to the city center and ask for a rough price first.
- 5Pay by card or cash at the end.
24 hours
Open in Google MapsBest late at nightUber from the Schiphol pickup point
€35 to €55 ($38 to $60)
20 to 40 min
Uber from the Schiphol pickup point
€35 to €55 ($38 to $60)
20 to 40 min
- 1Connect to the airport Wi-Fi after baggage claim and open Uber.
- 2Set your drop-off to your city center stay.
- 3Follow the in-app signs to the Uber pickup area.
- 4Check the plate and driver name before getting in.
- 5Pay through the app.
24 hours
Open in Google MapsWant a driver waiting for you?
Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.
- Welcome PickupsA driver waiting in arrivals with your name
- KiwitaxiFixed-price airport transfers worldwide
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Money
Euro
EUR
$1 is about €0.92
Cards
Cards are used nearly everywhere, and contactless is the norm. Some places take only debit cards (Maestro or V Pay), and a few don't accept foreign credit cards, so carry a little cash as backup.
Tipping
Not required. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good table service is common.
Cash
- Carry a small amount of euros for tiny cafes, markets, and public toilets.
- Many shops and some bars are card-only, so you may not need much cash.
- Check that your card works abroad before you leave.
ATMs
- Use ATMs at banks such as ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank.
- Skip Euronet machines, which charge poor rates and high fees.
- If asked, choose to be charged in euros, not your home currency.
Apps to download
9292
Must haveDoor-to-door public transport planning for trains, trams, buses, and metro
Stay connected
Coverage is excellent and Wi-Fi is common. An eSIM is the easiest way to get data the moment you land.
- Install an eSIM such as Airalo or Holafly before you fly and switch it on after landing.
- Buy a prepaid SIM at the shops in Schiphol Plaza, such as the Lebara or Vodafone outlets.
- If you're in the EU, your home plan may roam at no extra cost. Check with your carrier.
Get your eSIM before you fly
Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.
- AiraloCheap data packs for 200+ countries
- HolaflyUnlimited data plans
- SailySimple plans from the makers of NordVPN
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Good to know
- Bike lanes are often red paths beside the sidewalk. Never stand or walk in them, and look both ways before crossing.
- Watch for pickpockets around Centraal Station, Dam Square, and on crowded trams.
- Don't buy drugs on the street. Dealers often sell fake products, and it can be unsafe.
- Ask before photographing people in the Red Light District. Photos of workers are not allowed.
- Tap your card or phone on the reader when boarding and leaving trams, buses, and metro. Forgetting to tap out can charge you extra.
- Tap water is safe to drink and tastes fine.
- Be careful with rental bikes. Lock them to a fixed object, as theft is common.
Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.