Can You Use Amsterdam Travel Ticket From Schiphol To Centraal Station
If you are arriving at Schiphol Airport and traveling to Amsterdam Centraal Station, one of the most important questions is whether you can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket for this journey, because the airport transfer is often the first transport you will use in the Netherlands, and many tourists want to know if they need to buy a separate train ticket or if the airport transfer is already included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket.
In this very detailed guide, we explain whether you can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal Station, which trains you can use, how to check in, and what to watch out for.
Short Answer – Can You Use The Ticket From Schiphol To Amsterdam Centraal?
Yes, you can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket for the train between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal Station.
This is actually one of the main reasons why many tourists buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, because the airport transfer is included in the ticket.
So you do not need to buy a separate train ticket if you have a valid Amsterdam Travel Ticket.
Which Transport Is Included From Schiphol?
From Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes:
| Transport | Included |
|---|---|
| NS Train Schiphol → Amsterdam | Yes |
| Airport Express Bus 397 | Yes |
| Tram in Amsterdam | Yes |
| Metro in Amsterdam | Yes |
| Bus in Amsterdam | Yes |
| Night buses | Yes |
So you have multiple options to travel from Schiphol to the city.
Which Train Should You Take?
From Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal, you should take a regular NS train.
These trains:
- Run every 10–15 minutes
- Take about 15–20 minutes
- Depart from Schiphol railway station (below airport)
You should not take:
- Thalys
- Eurostar
- Intercity Direct (supplement required)
Just take a normal NS train.
Step-By-Step – How To Use The Ticket At Schiphol
Here is exactly what to do when you arrive at Schiphol:
- Follow signs “Trains”
- Go to train station below airport
- Go to the gates
- Hold your Amsterdam Travel Ticket on the scanner
- Gate opens → You checked in
- Take train to Amsterdam Centraal
- At Amsterdam Centraal → Scan ticket again to check out
This first check-in activates your ticket.
How Long Is The Train Ride?
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Schiphol → Amsterdam Centraal | 15–20 minutes |
| Schiphol → Amsterdam Zuid | 7–10 minutes |
| Schiphol → Sloterdijk | 10–12 minutes |
So the train is very fast.
Alternative – Airport Express Bus
You can also take Bus 397 (Airport Express):
- Goes to Museumplein
- Goes to Leidseplein
- Goes to city center
- Included in the Amsterdam Travel Ticket
So if your hotel is near Museumplein, this bus may be easier than the train.
Common Mistakes At Schiphol
Many tourists make these mistakes:
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| Taking Thalys | Not included |
| Taking Eurostar | Not included |
| Not checking in | Risk of fine |
| Forgetting to check out | Problems later |
| Buying extra train ticket | Not needed |
So always use regular NS trains and check in/out.
Can You Also Use The Ticket From Centraal To Schiphol?
Yes, the ticket also includes the return train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport.
So the airport transfer is included both ways.
This is important because a return train ticket normally costs about €11–€12, so this is a big part of the value of the Amsterdam Travel Ticket.
When The Ticket Is Valid For Airport Train
Remember:
- The airport train is only included during the validity period
- If your ticket expires before your return flight, you need a separate train ticket
So activation time is important.
Final Answer
Yes, you can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket to travel by regular NS train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station and also for the return journey, and this airport transfer is included in the ticket together with unlimited travel on tram, bus, and metro in Amsterdam, which is why many tourists choose the Amsterdam Travel Ticket when they arrive at Schiphol Airport.