Is airport bus included in amsterdam travel ticket

Posted on Posted in Amsterdam Travel Ticket

If you’re arriving in Amsterdam and looking at transport options, one very common question is: is the airport bus included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, or do you need to buy a separate ticket?

👉 Short answer:
Yes, the airport bus is included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket—specifically the Airport Express bus (397) and the night bus (N97)—so you do NOT need to buy an extra ticket for these routes.

But there are some important details, limitations, and smart usage tips you should understand before relying on it.

Which airport buses are included?

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes the main airport bus connections between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the city.

Included buses:

  • Bus 397 (Airport Express)
  • Night Bus N97 (Niteliner)

👉 These are the official and most commonly used airport bus routes.

According to official transport info, the ticket allows unlimited use of the airport bus and other public transport between Schiphol and the city (Schiphol)

What does Bus 397 actually do?

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Bus 397 is one of the most popular ways to reach the city.

Key benefits:

  • Direct connection from Schiphol to central areas
  • Stops near:
    • Museumplein
    • Leidseplein
    • Major hotels
  • No need to transfer

👉 This makes it a great alternative to the train depending on your location.

What about the night bus (N97)?

If your flight arrives late:

  • The N97 night bus runs when trains are less frequent
  • It is also included in the ticket

👉 This is especially useful for late arrivals or early departures

Do you need a separate ticket for the airport bus?

👉 No—you do NOT need a separate ticket

With the Amsterdam Travel Ticket:

  • You can board Bus 397 directly
  • Check in with your ticket
  • Travel without extra cost

This is one of the biggest advantages of the ticket.

Is the bus included in both directions?

Yes.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket covers:

  • Schiphol → Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam → Schiphol

👉 You can use the airport bus for both arrival and departure

How to use the airport bus with your ticket

Using the bus is very simple.

Step-by-step:

  1. Exit Schiphol and go to the bus platforms
  2. Find Bus 397 or N97
  3. Check in with your ticket when boarding
  4. Check out when you exit

👉 No additional purchase required

When the airport bus is the best option

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Even though the train is faster, the bus can be better in certain situations.

🏙️ Your hotel is not near Central Station

If you’re staying near:

  • Museumplein
  • Leidseplein

👉 The bus takes you closer than the train

🧳 You want fewer transfers

  • Train often requires a tram or metro afterward
  • Bus can be direct

👉 Easier with luggage

🌙 You arrive late at night

  • Night bus is included
  • Trains run less frequently

👉 Bus becomes more convenient

When the train is still better

Even though the bus is included, the train is often:

  • Faster (15–20 minutes)
  • More frequent
  • Less affected by traffic

👉 For most travelers, the train is still the default choice

Important limitation (most people miss this)

Not all buses are included.

👉 The ticket only includes:

  • Bus 397
  • Bus N97

It does NOT include:

Why this inclusion matters

The inclusion of the airport bus adds real value because:

  • A single bus ticket costs ~€6.50
  • A return costs ~€13

👉 This is already a significant part of the ticket price

Biggest mistake tourists make

A common misunderstanding:

👉 Thinking the ticket only includes trains

But in reality:

👉 It includes both train AND airport bus options

This flexibility is one of its biggest advantages.

Simple decision rule

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Ask yourself:

👉 “Do I want a direct route or the fastest route?”

  • Fastest → train
  • Direct to hotel → bus 397

👉 Both are included, so you can choose freely

Final answer

So, is the airport bus included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

👉 Yes—Bus 397 and Night Bus N97 are fully included, and you can use them without buying any extra ticket.

What this means for your trip

The inclusion of the airport bus makes the Amsterdam Travel Ticket:

  • More flexible
  • Easier to use
  • Better suited for different hotel locations

You can choose between:

  • Fast train
  • Direct bus
  • Night transport

All within one ticket.

And that flexibility is exactly what makes it such a popular option for tourists arriving in Amsterdam.