StayAreasSchiphol airport to central Amsterdam: every option compared
Schiphol is one of the easiest airports in Europe to leave: the train station is right under the arrivals hall and Amsterdam Centraal is about 15 minutes away.
The train suits most hotels, the 397 bus is best for the Museum Quarter, and a taxi rarely beats either. Below are journey times to each area we cover.
The options
Train to Amsterdam Centraal
Direct trains every few minutes, about 15 minutes to Centraal, at the edge of the old centre. Trains run through the night, about once an hour after midnight.
Tip: Tap in and out with a contactless card or phone at the gates; no ticket needed. Check you're on a train to Amsterdam, not Leiden or The Hague.
Stay nearby: Old Centre · ~$255/nightTrain to Amsterdam Zuid
About 8 minutes to Zuid, then the North-South metro line (M52) to De Pijp, Vijzelgracht and the Rokin in the centre.
Stay nearby: De Pijp · ~$235/night397 Airport Express bus
From outside arrivals to Museumplein and Leidseplein in about 25 to 30 minutes, every 10 to 15 minutes.
Tip: The easiest way to the Museum Quarter and the southern canal ring, with no change.
Stay nearby: Museum Quarter · ~$295/nightTaxi
Official taxis queue outside the arrivals hall; about 25 to 30 minutes to the centre and expensive. Ride-hailing apps pick up from a separate zone.
Before you go
Hotels often advertise 'Amsterdam' locations near Schiphol or in other towns. If you want to walk to the canals, check the address is in one of the areas below.
For Noord, take the train to Centraal and the free ferry across the IJ from behind the station.
Journey times from Schiphol by area
| Area | From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport | Fastest route |
|---|---|---|
| Old Centre | ~20 min | train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal, every few minutes |
| Museum Quarter | ~25 min | the 397 Airport Express bus to Museumplein |
| De Pijp | ~25 min | train to Amsterdam Zuid, then the North-South metro to De Pijp |
| Canal Ring | ~30 min | train to Centraal, then a tram, or the 397 bus to Leidseplein |
| Jordaan | ~30 min | train to Centraal, then a 15-minute walk or a tram to Westermarkt |
| Amsterdam Noord | ~35 min | train to Centraal, then the free ferry across the IJ |
Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides