How to Get From Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal by Train
When I travelled to Amsterdam for my birthday last year, I remember looking up any information I could online about how to get to Centraal Station. Looking back, I did not need to do this as both buying tickets and finding the correct train really was so simple and straightforward.
If you do not believe me when I say how easy it was to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station by train, then here are the photos I took to show you…
After arriving at Schiphol Airport and leaving baggage reclaim and customs, simply follow the signs for “Trains” which will lead you through to Schiphol Plaza which is located above the railway station. Here is where you will find the yellow machines to buy train tickets as well as a ticket desk.
You can use the ticket machines in both Dutch and English and remember when I said that it could not be any easier to buy tickets? All you need to do to select the option on the screen that says “I want to go to Amsterdam”.
You then need to select 1st or 2nd Class
Then select “Valid today”
Then select how many tickets you would like to purchase
The total to pay is then displayed on the right hand side of the screen. There is a €0.50 surcharge to pay by credit card and there is also a €1 charge for each paper ticket issued if you do not have an OV-chipkaart public transportation card.
As of March 2018, the 2nd class fare from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal is €5.30 including the €1 surcharge for a paper ticket. The machines accept coins, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and V Pay. If you only have Euro notes, you will need to buy your tickets at the desk.
Once you have your tickets, simply check the information screens as they list all the next trains departing to Amsterdam Centraal / Amsterdam CS – you will see both names displayed. During the day, there are up to nine trains an hour and during the night (from 1:00am to 6:00am) there is usually only one train an hour. You can check train timetables online in advance here. Most trains to Amsterdam Centraal depart from platforms 1 and 2.
Before making your way down to the platform, you will need to activate your ticket by tapping it against one of the card readers at the top of the escalator. The screen above the platform will display the information about the next train – again just make it sure it says Amsterdam Centraal or Amsterdam CS.
The journey time from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station takes between fifteen and twenty minutes. Make sure to keep your ticket handy as you will need to tap it again at the ticket barriers when leaving Centraal Station.
If you need to access mobile data whilst visiting The Netherlands, you can purchase a travel E-Sim through Airalo. If you would like to use my referral code NIKKI8866 when signing up, you will receive £2.50 / US$3 off your first purchase.
When leaving Centraal Station to go back to Schiphol Airport, the process to buy tickets is just as simple as there is an option on the screen that says “I want to go to Schiphol Airport”.
There are also information signs to show which platforms each of the trains to Schiphol depart from. The screens above the platforms will also display Schiphol Airport.
So as you can see, it really is that simple – there really is nothing to worry or even think about. Enjoy yourselves and have a great time in Amsterdam!
Since this blog post was written back in 2018, some of the information may no longer be accurate or up to date. Be sure to do your own research and check official websites for the latest details before making any of your own travel plans.
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18 thoughts on “How to Get From Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal by Train”
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Hi Nikki, I’ve been through Schiphol dozens of time, but I’m finally going to be able to spend a few days in Amsterdam this summer. Your explanation about the train is great and easy to follow, especially with the photos. We’re going to Malmo from Copenhagen on the same trip, so I also appreciated that post. Thanks so much!
Thank you Ellen and I’m glad that I could help you with both your trip to Amsterdam but also your trip to Malmo. Enjoy your summer travelling 🙂
love this blog, thanks so much for the pics. its so much easier to understand then just describing with words. I sent this to my son since he’s flying solo and has a layover of 7 hours in amsterdam. if you have any advice how to enjoy the city in that little time, i’ll appreciate an input.
Thank you for your comment Rosa and I know what you mean about pictures making everything easier to understand. As for seeing the city, my recommendation would be to simply walk around the city centre as everything is so close (including Centraal Station) – your son should be able to see a lot that way 🙂
You have helped this 70 year old traveling to Amsterdam for the first time!!! Thank you
You’re welcome Jessica. I hope you have a wonderful time 🙂
Thank you for the explanations, very clear. I’m not sure if things changed but I never activated my ticket at the top of the stairs, I never saw one but was still able to exit the station in Amsterdam. Thank you
Thank you for the information Luca. I wrote this blog when I last visited Amsterdam in 2017 so I’m sure many things have changed.
Thanks pictures really help. We were going to pre buy tickets online to save time as I wondered if big queues at the machines?
Also to buy online we have to specify a time to board train but we won’t know that for sure depending on flight delays /baggage reclaim etc . Is a pre booked train for that time only do you know? Also if we pre book does that mean we have to get the €1 disposable ticket at a machine anyway? Thanks so much
Hi Laura. Don’t worry about buying tickets ahead of time – just buy them when you get there as then you will not have to worry about any delays 🙂
What are the hours for the train? We arrive 6:00 am on a Sunday. I know it will take a little bit to get our luggage and get through customs but I want to make sure everything is open by 7am or so.
Hi Billie you can check all train times on the NS Website. Enjoy Amsterdam 🙂
This is the best and appreciate your precise information.
Thank you Barbara 🙂
Hi Nikki.
I need to take a Sprinter train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schipol and then on to Brussels, can I take my 2 small dogs on the sprinter train?
Thanks
Hi Sandra as someone who does not have any pets, it is not something that I would know however check out this website for information about travelling with dogs in the Netherlands.
Absolutely fantastic step by step
Thank you saving a lot of money on taxis
Thank you Mary and you are very welcome 🙂