Which Amsterdam Transport Pass Includes Airport Transfer
If you are flying to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the most important things to know is which Amsterdam transport pass includes airport transfer, because not all public transport tickets include the train or bus between Schiphol and Amsterdam city center. Many tourists buy the wrong ticket and then still have to pay extra for the airport train, which makes the trip more expensive than expected.
In this guide, we explain which Amsterdam transport passes include airport transfer, which ones do not, and which one is best for tourists.
Short Answer – Which Pass Includes Airport Transfer?
Here is the quick answer:
| Transport Pass | Airport Transfer Included |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Yes |
| Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket | Yes |
| GVB Day Pass | No |
| OVpay (bank card) | No |
| OV-chipkaart | No (pay separately) |
| I amsterdam City Card | No |
So only two main transport passes include airport transfer.
1. Amsterdam Travel Ticket (Includes Airport Transfer)
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is the main tourist pass that includes airport transfer. It includes:
- Train Schiphol ↔ Amsterdam
- Airport Express Bus 397
- Tram
- Bus
- Metro
- Night buses
- Ferries
This means you can travel from the airport to the city and use all public transport in Amsterdam with one ticket. (Discover Holland)
The ticket is valid for 1, 2, or 3 days and allows unlimited travel during that period, including the airport transfer by train or bus. (Holland Explorer)
👉 This is the most popular airport + city transport pass for tourists.
2. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (Also Includes Airport Transfer)
The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket also includes airport transfer and is valid on:
- Trams
- Buses
- Metro
- Trains
- Regional buses
- Transport in the Amsterdam region
This ticket is designed for tourists who want to travel outside Amsterdam as well, for example to:
- Zaanse Schans
- Volendam
- Haarlem
- Keukenhof
It includes public transport in the entire Amsterdam area and regional transport networks. (I amsterdam)
👉 This is best if you want airport transfer and day trips outside Amsterdam.
Transport Passes That Do NOT Include Airport Transfer
Many tourists buy one of these tickets and then discover the airport train is not included.
| Ticket | Airport Included |
|---|---|
| GVB Day Pass | No |
| OVpay | No |
| OV-chipkaart | No |
| I amsterdam City Card | No |
The GVB Day Pass only works on trams, buses, and metro in Amsterdam and does not include the train to Schiphol. (Public Transport Holland Shop)
So if you buy a GVB ticket, you still need to buy a separate train ticket to the airport.
Train Or Bus From Schiphol – What Is Included?
If you buy a transport pass that includes airport transfer, it usually includes:
| Transport | Included |
|---|---|
| Train Schiphol → Amsterdam | Yes |
| Airport Express Bus 397 | Yes |
| Night bus N97 | Yes |
| Tram | Yes |
| Metro | Yes |
For example, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes the train between Schiphol and all Amsterdam stations plus the Airport Express bus and all city transport. (Discover Holland)
Which Airport Transfer Pass Is Best?
This depends on your trip:
| Situation | Best Pass |
|---|---|
| 1–3 days in Amsterdam | Amsterdam Travel Ticket |
| Amsterdam + day trips | Amsterdam & Region Ticket |
| City center only | GVB + separate train |
| Budget travel | OVpay + train ticket |
But for most tourists arriving at Schiphol and staying a few days:
👉 Amsterdam Travel Ticket is the best and easiest option.
Common Tourist Mistake
A very common mistake is:
- Buying a GVB Day Pass
- Then paying extra for Schiphol train
- Total cost becomes higher than Amsterdam Travel Ticket
So always check if the airport transfer is included.
What You Should Know
If you want a transport pass that includes airport transfer in Amsterdam, the main options are the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, which includes the train or airport bus plus unlimited public transport in Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, which includes airport transfer plus transport in the wider Amsterdam region, while tickets like the GVB Day Pass, OVpay, and the I amsterdam City Card do not include airport transfer and require a separate train or bus ticket to travel between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam.