Schiphol Airport is located 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. The air terminal consists of one large terminal, which greatly simplifies orientation for tourists. The building is divided into three spacious halls, connected by convenient walkways. Schiphol offers travelers comfortable conditions for an entertaining time while waiting for their flight or public transport. Passing through passport control and receiving luggage is carried out in a separate lobby, the location of which is indicated by information boards.
Since the transport infrastructure of Holland is developed at the highest level, there are several ways how to get from Amsterdam airport to the city center. You can get there by train, bus, taxi, or a rented car. The main thing is to carefully follow the signs informing about the location of transport stops.
Train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
Domestic and international trains running through Schiphol to Amsterdam around the clock are fast, economical, convenient and congestion-free travel options. The railway station is located under the airport. During the daytime, trains leave every 15 minutes, and night service runs once an hour. The duration of the route is about 20 minutes. Train cars are divided into first and second classes. They differ in the comfort of the seats and the distance between them. The spacious lounges are equipped with large luggage spaces.
High-speed trains run silently without unnecessary intermediate stops. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with a detailed and accurate flight schedule in advance on the website of the Dutch railways.
The fare to Amsterdam Central Station is 4.20 euros (2nd class) and 7.10 euros (1st class). Children under three years old travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased directly on the territory of the terminal in special yellow-blue machines or through ticket offices.
It is important to remember that the machines only accept bank cards or coins for payment. A ticket purchased for cash at the box office will cost 50 percent more. Those wishing to risk traveling without a ticket face a fine of 40 euros.
Bus Schiphol Airport - Amsterdam
For young people traveling without children and well-versed in the terrain, the budget, but less comfortable mode of transport, which will take you to the center of Amsterdam, is ideal. These are bus routes. Passengers boarding is located opposite the terminal of the main air harbor of Holland. The ticket price is 5 euros. A city trip takes about 30 minutes, but there is a chance of getting into traffic congestion.
You can purchase travel passes from the driver or at the counter of the tourist center located at Schiphol Airport. A popular route is bus number 197, which runs every 15 minutes every day from 5 am to midnight. Night flights are also organized, departing once an hour. Low-floor bus cabins with ample baggage space are equipped with air conditioning, handrails and an electronic board showing the names of stops.
Taxi to Amsterdam from the airport
Despite the convenience and affordability of public transport in the Netherlands, many tourists prefer to use the private transfer service (taxi). This is one of the most expensive and comfortable transit options from the airport to the city center. This option is relevant for family travelers, large companies, elderly people, as well as for those who want not to burden themselves with exploring the area and the transport system of Amsterdam.
Taxi cars are on duty at the central exit of the Schiphol Terminal. For a trip to Amsterdam, passengers will pay more than 50 euros. Often there are cases of deceiving tourists by taxi drivers. The cost of the trip can be significantly exceeded. It is recommended to keep track of the included meter and at the end of the route be sure to ask the taxi driver for a receipt.
A real salvation for tourists trying to avoid misunderstandings is the popular international service KiwiTaxi. Using this service, travelers can pre-order a car of the class and capacity they like, a few days before arrival in Schiphol. At any specified time, customers will be met by a Russian-speaking driver who will take passengers to a specific address. Customers are guaranteed good service, convenience and safety.
A quick trip of 25 minutes, without transfers to public transport, will cost 39 euros for an economy class car, 50 euros for a Comfort class and 59 euros for a business class car. You can pay for KiwiTaxi services via the Internet when booking a car or in cash to the driver. The price is indicated in fixed terms without additional charges for luggage and travel distances. It is possible to book a seat in the tourist bus to the hotel for only 21 euros. The maximum waiting time for departure is 60 minutes.
Car rental at Schiphol Airport
Tourists who prefer independent travel can easily rent a car and go to the center of Amsterdam without being tied to the public transport schedule. This way of travel allows you to get to the hotel comfortably, as well as calmly explore the local attractions without the fuss and noisy tourist group. The city of tulips, mills, museums, canals and quaint architectural structures is worth a close look.
All major car rental companies are located at Schiphol Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance through well-known online services that generate all the best deals at affordable prices. To draw up a lease agreement, the client must present personal documents, have a bank card, and also carefully study the terms of the agreement, especially regarding insurance risks. The car will be waiting for travelers at the airport immediately after their arrival. The cost of renting a budget A-class car (small car) starts from 17 euros per day.
A solid highway connects Schiphol Airport with Amsterdam. There is no toll in the Netherlands - all motorways are free, except for a few toll tunnels. The journey takes 20-30 minutes. When mastering the Dutch routes, it is imperative to follow the traffic rules that correspond to generally accepted European laws. The main thing is not to violate the permissible speed limit, to wear seat belts and not to talk on the phone while driving. It is important to understand that there are many cyclists in the country who are full-fledged participants in the movement.
Finding a parking space in the center of Amsterdam will be difficult. There are separate parking areas for a limited period of time with a parking ticket available from tobacco and newsstands. There is a well-developed "park and ride" system, where drivers leave their car in a parking lot far from the center and then get there by public transport.
