Does Amsterdam Travel Ticket Include Airport Express
If you are traveling to Amsterdam and landing at Schiphol Airport, you will probably look for the easiest way to get from the airport to the city center, and one of the most popular options is the Amsterdam Airport Express, also known as Bus 397, which connects Schiphol Airport directly with important areas in Amsterdam such as Museumplein, Leidseplein, and the city center.
A very common question among tourists is whether the Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes the Airport Express bus, because if it does, it can save money and make the airport transfer much easier.
The short answer is:
👉 Yes, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes the Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397), and you can use it without buying an extra ticket, as long as your travel ticket is still valid.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to use the Airport Express with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, when it is useful, and whether you should take the bus or the train from Schiphol.
What Is The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397)?
The Amsterdam Airport Express is a direct bus connection between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam, and it is mainly used by tourists because it stops near many hotels and popular tourist areas, which makes it very convenient if you are not staying near Amsterdam Central Station.
Bus 397 stops at:
- Schiphol Airport
- Amsterdam Zuid
- Museumplein
- Rijksmuseum
- Leidseplein
- Elandsgracht (near Jordaan area)
This makes it a very useful option if your hotel is located in these areas.
Airport Express Is Included In The Amsterdam Travel Ticket
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes:
- Train between Schiphol and Amsterdam
- Trams in Amsterdam
- Buses in Amsterdam
- Metro in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397
This means you can choose how you want to travel from the airport:
- Take the train to Amsterdam Central
- Take Bus 397 to Museumplein or Leidseplein
Both are included in the same ticket.
When The Airport Express Bus Is Better Than The Train
Many tourists automatically take the train, but in some cases, the Airport Express bus is actually more convenient, especially if your hotel is not near Central Station.
The bus is often better if you are staying near:
- Museumplein
- Rijksmuseum
- Leidseplein
- Vondelpark
- Jordaan area
- Amsterdam Zuid
In these cases, the bus can bring you closer to your hotel, which means you may not need an extra tram ride afterward.
How To Use The Amsterdam Travel Ticket On Bus 397
Using your Amsterdam Travel Ticket on the Airport Express bus is very simple.
Step-by-step:
- Go to the bus stops outside Schiphol Airport
- Find Bus 397 (Airport Express)
- Board the bus
- Check in by scanning your ticket
- When you leave the bus → check out
Just like with trams and other buses, you must check in and check out, even though the ticket is unlimited.
Travel Time: Bus vs Train
Here is a simple comparison:
| Transport | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 15–17 minutes | Central Station |
| Bus 397 | 25–35 minutes | Museumplein / Leidseplein |
So the train is faster, but the bus can be more convenient depending on your hotel location.
Can You Use The Bus Multiple Times?
Yes, because the Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes unlimited travel, you can also use Bus 397 multiple times, for example:
- From Schiphol to Amsterdam
- From Amsterdam back to Schiphol
- Between stops on the bus route
As long as your ticket is still valid, the bus is included.
The Bottom Line
Yes, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes the Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397), which means you can use it to travel directly between Schiphol Airport and areas such as Museumplein and Leidseplein without buying an extra ticket.
This gives you a choice between the train and the Airport Express bus, and the best option depends on where your hotel is located, but both are included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, making it a convenient all-in-one transport ticket for tourists visiting Amsterdam.