Cheapest Way To Travel From Schiphol To Amsterdam City Center Ticket
If you arrive at Schiphol Airport and want to travel to Amsterdam city center, one of the first things you need to decide is which ticket is the cheapest, because there are multiple transport options such as train, bus, taxi, and travel passes, and the price difference between these options can be very large. Some tourists pay €50 for a taxi, while others pay less than €6 for the same route, so choosing the right ticket can save a lot of money.
In this very detailed guide, we explain the cheapest way to travel from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center, which ticket is cheapest, and when each option is the best choice.
Cheapest Transport Options From Schiphol To Amsterdam
Here is a simple overview of transport options and prices (2026):
| Transport | Price | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Train | €5–€6 | 15–17 min |
| Bus 397 | €6.50 | 30–40 min |
| Taxi | €40–€70 | 25–40 min |
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket | €20+ | Unlimited |
The train is usually the cheapest and fastest option for most tourists. (AmsterdamTips.com)
Option 1 – Train (Cheapest And Fastest)
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal is usually the cheapest way to travel to the city center.
- Price: about €5–€6
- Time: about 15–17 minutes
- Trains: every 10 minutes
- Station is directly under the airport
This is why most travelers take the train. (I amsterdam)
Cheapest Train Ticket Options
You can use:
- OVpay (contactless bank card)
- NS train ticket
- Amsterdam Travel Ticket (if using more transport later)
Buying online in advance can sometimes be slightly cheaper than buying at the airport. (Trainline)
Option 2 – Bus 397 (Airport Express Bus)
Another option is the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397.
- Price: about €6.50
- Time: about 30–40 minutes
- Stops at:
- Museumplein
- Leidseplein
- City center
This bus is useful if your hotel is near Museumplein or Leidseplein. (Amsterdam Travel Guide)
However, the bus is slower and slightly more expensive than the train.
Option 3 – Taxi (Most Expensive)
Taxi from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center costs about:
- €40–€70
- Travel time: 25–40 minutes
Taxi is the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. (Amsterdam Travel Guide)
Option 4 – Amsterdam Travel Ticket (Cheapest If You Travel More)
If you are staying in Amsterdam for 1–3 days and using public transport a lot, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket can actually be the cheapest overall option.
Prices (2026):
- 1 day: €20
- 2 days: €27
- 3 days: €34
This includes:
- Train Schiphol → Amsterdam
- Tram
- Bus
- Metro
- Night bus
- Ferry
So if you also use tram and metro, this ticket can be cheaper than buying separate tickets. (Schiphol)
Cheapest Option Per Situation
| Situation | Cheapest Option |
|---|---|
| Only airport → city | Train |
| Hotel near Museumplein | Bus 397 |
| Staying 1–3 days + transport | Amsterdam Travel Ticket |
| Group 3–4 people | Taxi sometimes |
| Very low budget | Train + walking |
Example Cost Comparison (3 Day Trip)
| Option | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Train return | ~€12 |
| Train + tram tickets | ~€25–€35 |
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket | €34 |
| Taxi return | €80–€120 |
So for many tourists, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket becomes cheaper if you use public transport often.
Cheapest Way From Schiphol To Amsterdam City Center
The cheapest way to travel from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center is usually the train, which costs around €5–€6 and takes about 15–17 minutes, but if you are staying in Amsterdam for several days and plan to use tram, metro, and bus frequently, then the Amsterdam Travel Ticket can be the cheapest overall option because it includes the airport train and unlimited public transport in Amsterdam.