How to get from schiphol to city with amsterdam travel ticket
If you’re landing at Schiphol Airport and already have an Amsterdam Travel Ticket (or are planning to buy one), you might be wondering: how do you actually use it to get from the airport to the city center?
👉 Short answer:
Getting from Schiphol to Amsterdam with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is very easy—you can take the train (fastest) or the Airport Express bus (direct to key areas), and both are fully included in your ticket.
But knowing exactly which option to choose, where to go, and how to use your ticket correctly will make your arrival much smoother.
This is a complete step-by-step guide so you can go from the airport to the city without confusion or delays.
Step 1: Arrive at Schiphol Airport
After landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you will arrive in the main terminal.
Important to know:
- Schiphol is a single-terminal airport
- Everything is well signposted
- Public transport is located directly inside the airport
👉 You don’t need to leave the building to catch a train
Step 2: Choose your transport option
With the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, you have two main ways to reach the city.
🚆 Option 1: Train (fastest and most popular)
This is the best option for most travelers.
Why choose the train:
- Travel time: 15–20 minutes
- Frequent departures (every few minutes)
- Direct to Amsterdam Central Station
How to take the train:
- Follow signs for “Trains” inside Schiphol
- Go down to the platforms (located under the airport)
- Check the departure boards
- Take any train heading to:
- Amsterdam Centraal
- Or other central stations
Using your ticket:
- Check in at the gate or pole
- Board the train
- Check out when you arrive
👉 That’s it—no extra ticket needed
🚌 Option 2: Airport Express bus (Bus 397)
This is a great alternative depending on your hotel location.
Why choose the bus:
- Direct stops near:
- Museumplein
- Leidseplein
- City center areas
- No need to transfer
How to take the bus:
- Exit the airport to the bus platform area
- Look for Bus 397 (Airport Express)
- Board the bus
- Check in with your ticket
When the bus is better:
- Your hotel is not near Central Station
- You want fewer transfers
- You arrive with luggage and prefer a simpler route
🌙 Night option: Bus N97
If you arrive late at night:
- Use Night Bus N97
- Runs when trains are less frequent
👉 Also included in your ticket
Step 3: Continue your journey in Amsterdam
Once you arrive in the city, your Amsterdam Travel Ticket remains valid.
You can immediately use:
- Trams
- Buses
- Metro
- Ferries
👉 No need to buy anything else
This is one of the biggest advantages of the ticket.
Which option should you choose?
Here’s a quick comparison.
Choose the train if:
- You want the fastest option
- You are staying near Central Station
- You want frequent departures
👉 Best for most tourists
Choose the bus if:
- Your hotel is near Museumplein or Leidseplein
- You want fewer transfers
- You prefer a direct route
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Not checking in properly
Always:
- Check in before boarding
- Check out when you arrive
❌ Taking the wrong train direction
Make sure the train is going to:
👉 Amsterdam (not away from it)
❌ Buying an extra ticket unnecessarily
With the Amsterdam Travel Ticket:
👉 Everything is already included
You don’t need to buy separate train or bus tickets.
How long does the journey take?
Typical travel times:
- Train → 15–20 minutes
- Bus → 25–35 minutes (depending on traffic)
👉 The train is faster, but the bus can be more convenient
Why this ticket makes arrival easier
Arriving in a new city can be stressful, especially after a flight.
With the Amsterdam Travel Ticket:
- No ticket machines
- No pricing confusion
- No planning required
👉 You simply follow signs and go
When this method is the best choice
Using the Amsterdam Travel Ticket from Schiphol works best if:
- You plan to use public transport during your stay
- You want a smooth, all-in-one solution
- You don’t want to think about tickets after landing
When you might choose something else
If your situation is:
- Only airport → hotel
- No further transport
👉 A single train ticket may be cheaper
Final takeaway
Getting from Schiphol to the city with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to start your trip.
You have:
- A fast train option
- A direct bus option
- Unlimited travel afterward
All covered in one ticket.
If you want a smooth arrival without figuring things out after landing, this is one of the easiest choices you can make—and it allows you to start exploring Amsterdam immediately without any extra steps.