When planning a trip to Europe, one of the smartest things you can do is choose an airport that’s easy to navigate and has good public transportation options. After a long flight, the last thing you want is to struggle with confusing layouts or expensive taxi rides. That’s why we highly recommend flying into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport if you’re heading to northern or western Europe.
Schiphol is a breeze to get around, and unlike some other European airports, you’ll have no trouble finding information and assistance in English. But to make your arrival even smoother, we’ve put together a detailed guide for getting from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station, the city’s main train hub. We’ve even included a video tutorial for using the NS Rail ticket kiosks.
Step-by-Step Guide
From the Plane to the Train
- After landing, gather your carry-on bags and disembark the plane. Make your way through the border control and passport checkpoint.
- If you have checked luggage, head to the baggage claim area to collect your bags. Then, proceed to the customs area. If you’re arriving from the US, you probably won’t have anything to declare, so look for the green door marked “Nothing to Declare” and exit through there.
- Once you’re through customs, you’ll find yourself in the Arrivals Hall (also known as the Meet and Greet Area). At this point, start following the signs for the trains.
Buying Your Train Ticket
- The signs will lead you to the NS ticket kiosks – these are the blue and yellow machines where you can purchase your train tickets. If you’d rather buy your tickets from a person, look for the NS Tickets & Services Desk (keep in mind there’s an extra fee for counter purchases).
- To use the ticket kiosks, follow the on-screen instructions. When your credit or debit card pops out, that means you’re done – the Dutch phrase “pas uitnemen” means “remove card.” Don’t forget to grab your tickets and receipt from the dispenser.
Finding Your Train
- With tickets in hand, check the departures board to find out which platform your train to Amsterdam Centraal (or Amsterdam C) will be leaving from.
- Before heading down to the platform, you’ll need to check in by swiping your ticket at the gates. Then, take the escalator down to the platform level.
- Double-check the information boards on the platform to make sure you’re in the right place for the Amsterdam Centraal train.
On the Train
- When the train pulls in, let any passengers who are exiting do so before you board. There’s usually not much luggage storage space on NS trains – just some overhead racks – so be prepared to keep your bags with you.
- Find a seat and settle in for the short ride. The journey from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal only takes about 15 minutes.
Arriving at Centraal Station
- Listen for the announcement of your stop and get ready to disembark. Keep in mind that Centraal Station may not always be the end of the line, so pay attention and don’t miss your stop.
- Exit the train and welcome to Amsterdam! From here, you can easily connect to other trains, buses, trams, or the metro to get to your final destination.
A Few Key Things to Remember
- Be punctual – Trains in the Netherlands are known for running on time, and they often only stop for a few minutes at each station. Make sure you know your train’s arrival and departure times, and give yourself plenty of buffer, especially if you’re wrestling with heavy bags.
- Have coins or a card ready – The NS ticket kiosks accept coins and major credit/debit cards, but not bills. If you’re paying with coins, have plenty on hand as the machines don’t give change.
- Don’t forget to check in and out – Before boarding the train, you’ll need to check in by swiping your ticket at the gates. When you arrive at your destination, swipe again to check out. If you forget, you could be fined.
- Know your final destination – Amsterdam Centraal is the main station, but there are several others in the city (like Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Zuid). Make sure you know which one is closest to where you’re staying.
Why the Train is the Way to Go
Taking the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal is not only easy, it’s also incredibly affordable. A one-way ticket costs just €4.50 (as of 2021), making it a fraction of what you’d pay for a taxi or even an airport shuttle.
Plus, the trains run very frequently – usually every 10-15 minutes – so you never have to wait long. And with a travel time of just 15-20 minutes, it’s hands-down the fastest way to get from the airport to the city center.
Compare that to fighting traffic in a taxi or trying to navigate unfamiliar roads in a rental car, and the train starts to look even more appealing. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as you’re whisked into the heart of one of Europe’s most charming capitals.
More Than Just a Train Ride
But convenience and affordability aren’t the only reasons to choose the train. There’s something almost magical about embarking on a European adventure by rail. As you watch the Dutch countryside whiz by outside your window, it’s easy to feel a sense of excitement and possibility.
In a way, that short train ride from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal is a symbolic journey. You’re leaving behind the stresses and hassles of air travel and embarking on a new chapter in your journey. And what better way to begin than by enjoying the daily rhythm of life in the Netherlands?
On the train, you’ll rub shoulders with locals going about their day – commuting to work, heading to school, or perhaps setting off on adventures of their own. You might overhear snippets of Dutch conversation or catch a smile from a friendly face. It’s a small but meaningful way to feel connected to the place you’re visiting, right from the very start.
Your Gateway to Adventure
Of course, Amsterdam Centraal is more than just the end of your train ride. It’s the gateway to all the wonders that Amsterdam and the Netherlands have to offer. From the station, you can hop on a tram to explore the city’s charming canals and world-class museums. Or catch a train to other Dutch destinations like the tulip fields of Keukenhof, the windmills of Zaanse Schans, or the medieval streets of Utrecht.
But before you set off on those adventures, take a moment to appreciate the ease and simplicity of your journey from the airport. In a world where travel can often feel stressful and complicated, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the ones that are easy, affordable, and accessible to everyone.
So next time you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, remember: flying into Schiphol and taking the train to Centraal Station isn’t just a practical choice. It’s the first step in an unforgettable journey, and a welcome invitation to embrace the joys of exploring a new place. All aboard!
