Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Amsterdam Centraal: Train vs Bus 397 (2026 Guide)
How to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Amsterdam Centraal. Compare NS Dutch Trains (14 min), Airport Express Bus 397, OVpay, and 2026 fares.
- ✓The NS Dutch Railways Airport Train is the undisputed fastest option: 14–17 minutes direct from Schiphol Station to Amsterdam Centraal for €4.90 (2nd class), departing every 6 to 10 minutes.
- ✓Staying near Leidseplein, the Rijksmuseum, or Museumplein? The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 is better than the train, delivering you directly to the museum quarter in 30 minutes for €6.50.
- ✓OVpay Contactless Payment: No need to buy paper train tickets (which add a €1 surcharge). Simply tap your foreign contactless Visa/Mastercard credit card or Apple Pay at the yellow reader poles upon entering and exiting.
- ✓24/7 Night Service: Direct NS night trains run every hour between 01:00 and 05:00 AM from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht, and Rotterdam.
Touching down at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), one of Europe’s most modern and well-connected aviation hubs?
Located just 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Amsterdam’s historic canal belt, getting into the city center is fast, smooth, and remarkably affordable.
Choosing between the Direct NS Dutch Railways Airport Train (to Amsterdam Centraal) and the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 (to the Museum Quarter & Leidseplein) depends on your hotel’s exact neighborhood.
This verified 2026 transit guide details route travel times, exact fares in Euros (€), OVpay contactless payment rules, and 24-hour night schedules.
Quick Comparison: Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Amsterdam City Routes
| Transport Option | Destination Hub | Travel Time | One-Way Fare (EUR / USD) | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS Dutch Railways Train (Direct) | Amsterdam Centraal Station | 14–17 mins | €4.90 (~$5.30 USD) | Every 6–10 mins | Fastest, zero traffic, canal belt hotels & Red Light District |
| Airport Express Bus 397 (Connexxion) | Leidseplein / Museumplein | 28–35 mins | €6.50 (~$7.00 USD) | Every 8–10 mins | Staying near Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum & Vondelpark |
| NS Night Train (Nachtnet) | Amsterdam Centraal | 15 mins | €4.90 (~$5.30 USD) | Every 60 mins (01:00–05:00) | Late-night & early-morning red-eye flights |
| Official Airport Taxi / Uber | Direct door-to-door | 25–40 mins | €50–€65 (~$55–$70 USD) | 24 Hours on demand | Traveling in a group of 3–4 with heavy luggage |
1. Destination Match: Train vs Bus 397
Before heading down to the platforms, identify which part of Amsterdam your accommodation is located in:
flowchart TD
AMS[Schiphol Airport AMS Plaza] --> Destination{Where is your accommodation?}
Destination -->|Amsterdam Centraal / Jordaan / De Wallen / Canal Ring North| Train[NS Train: 14 mins non-stop to Amsterdam Centraal]
Destination -->|Museumplein / Rijksmuseum / Leidseplein / Vondelpark| Bus397[Bus 397: Direct to Museum Quarter without changing trains]
Destination -->|Amsterdam Zuid / Business District / RAI Convention| TrainZuid[NS Train: 6 mins to Amsterdam Zuid Station]
Destination -->|Late Night 01:00 to 05:00 AM| NightTrain[NS Hourly Night Train to Amsterdam Centraal]2. Option A: NS Dutch Railways Airport Train (Fastest to Centraal)
The NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) Train is the premier transport link into Amsterdam:
- Station Location: Located directly beneath Schiphol Plaza (Main Arrivals Hall).
- Speed & Frequency: Takes only 14 to 17 minutes non-stop, departing 8 to 10 times per hour during daytime peak.
- Double-Decker Views: Most airport trains are modern yellow-and-blue double-decker Sprinter or Intercity trains featuring spacious 2nd-class upper decks overlooking Dutch polder landscapes.
- Fare Breakdown:
- OVpay (Contactless Card / Apple Pay): €4.90
- Yellow Ticket Kiosk (Paper Chip Card): €5.90 (Includes €1 single-use card surcharge)
- 1st Class Upgrade: €8.33 (Generally unnecessary for a 14-minute ride)
3. Option B: Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 (Best for Museum Quarter)
If your hotel is located in the southern cultural district around Museumplein, Vondelpark, or Leidseplein, taking the train to Amsterdam Centraal forces an awkward tram transfer with heavy suitcases.
The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) operated by Connexxion provides a superior direct link:
- Boarding Platform: Bus Platforms B15–B19 directly outside Schiphol Plaza.
- Key Stops: Schiphol ➔ Olympic Stadium ➔ Museumplein (Van Gogh & Rijksmuseum) ➔ Leidseplein (Nightlife core) ➔ Elandsgracht (Jordaan South).
- Travel Time: 30 minutes to Leidseplein.
- Fare: €6.50 one-way (or €11.75 return). Simply tap your contactless bank card upon boarding and exiting the bus.
- Night Bus N97: When Bus 397 finishes at 00:30, Night Bus N97 runs hourly on the exact same route throughout the night.
4. Step-by-Step: Tapping In with OVpay at Schiphol
Boarding the NS Train at Schiphol Airport using OVpay
Exit Customs into Schiphol Plaza Concourse
Schiphol Arrivals HallAfter collecting your luggage, exit through the automatic customs doors into Schiphol Plaza. The train departure boards are prominently displayed overhead.
Tap Contactless Card / Apple Pay on Yellow OVpay Pole
OVpay Reader PoleDo NOT queue at the yellow ticket kiosks! Walk to any yellow reader post, tap your physical contactless Visa/Mastercard or iPhone, and hear the confirmation beep.
Take Escalator Down to Platforms 1–3 and Board
NS Intercity TrainTake the escalator down to the underground platform. Board any train indicating 'Amsterdam Centraal' as a stopping point. Stow luggage in overhead racks or between seat backs.
Recommended Central Accommodations Near Amsterdam Centraal & Canal Ring
Staying within walking distance of Centraal Station makes canal boat tours, museum visits, and day trips to Zaanse Schans effortless:
Top-Rated Amsterdam Centraal Hub Hotels
📍 Steps from Amsterdam Centraal & Dam Square
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Summary Verdict: Which Route Should You Choose?
- Take the NS Train (€4.90 / 14 mins) IF: You are staying near Amsterdam Centraal, Jordaan North, De Wallen, or are taking onward international trains (Eurostar to London / Thalys to Brussels & Paris).
- Take Bus 397 (€6.50 / 30 mins) IF: You are staying in the Museum Quarter (Museumplein), Leidseplein, or Vondelpark, dropping you right in front of the museums without changing to trams.
- Take an Official Taxi (€55–€65) IF: You have 3+ large suitcases per couple, are traveling with elderly companions, or arrive late at night after long transatlantic flights.