Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the way to the canals
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) has a railway station directly under the terminal. For most arrivals, the train is the simplest way to reach the canal ring. A bus runs to the museum area, taxis wait in front of Schiphol Plaza, and a car is possible if you know the rules for driving into the city. If you would rather be met on arrival, read about a private tour of the canals with boat and transfer options.
Once you are in the city, the canals are a good way to get your bearings. See Amsterdam canal cruises for a first trip on the water, and where to stay if you have not chosen a base yet.
Schiphol to Amsterdam: train and bus
The two public options compared, with 2026 fares.
| Train | Bus 397 and N97 | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it leaves | Station below the terminal | Stop B17 |
| Where it goes | Amsterdam Centraal | Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein |
| Frequency | 8 trains an hour | About every 10 minutes by day, hourly at night |
| Time | 14 to 17 minutes | Depends on traffic |
| Fare | €5.50 single, €11 return | From €6.50 single, from €11.75 return |
| Payment | E-ticket | Card on board, no cash |
The train fares are for second class by e-ticket in 2026, and children aged 4 to 11 can travel with a Railrunner ticket at €2.50. Check the current fare with NS before you travel. For most visitors heading to the canal ring or the station area, the train is the simplest choice. If your hotel is near the Rijksmuseum or Leidseplein, the bus drops you closer. The N97 replaces bus 397 at night.
Our pick: a train ticket from Schiphol
The train is the quickest way into the city, and this ticket includes the booking fee.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Canal cruises and tours from Amsterdam
Canal cruises, walking and bike tours and day trips from Amsterdam, with live prices and availability.
Taxi and transfer from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
How taxis and pick-ups work at the airport.
The taxi rank
The designated taxi stand is in front of Schiphol Plaza, and you do not need a reservation. Follow the signs, check that the meter is running and pay the amount it shows at the end. Do not accept offers from people who approach you in the terminal.
No fixed price
Taxis charge by the meter, so there is no guaranteed transfer price for the trip to the canals. The fare depends on your destination and the traffic.
App pick-up
Rides ordered by app have their own signed pick-up zone. Follow the signs to the zone.
Book a private transfer from Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Amsterdam at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Popular hotels in Amsterdam
Car rental and parking
If you rent a car, know the rules before you drive into the city. The canal ring is a place to explore on foot, by boat and by public transport.
Within the A10 ring road, a diesel car must meet emission class 5 or higher. Petrol, LPG and CNG cars are allowed. For rental cars, the vehicle type and emission class apply, and you should ask the rental desk about it. There is no general electric-car rule for visitors.
Street parking in the centre costs €5.37 to €8.05 an hour in 2026. Check the zone and the payment times on the city map, because there is no single daily price for the whole centre.
From the airport to your first day
What to do once you have landed.
Pay by card on the bus
Bus 397 and the night bus N97 take cards, not cash. Have a card ready before you board at stop B17.
Late arrivals
After the last day buses, the N97 runs once an hour. If you arrive late, plan for the hourly service or a taxi from the rank in front of Schiphol Plaza.
Go straight to the water
Amsterdam Centraal sits on the water. From there you can walk to the canals or book a trip on a canal cruise.
Canal cruises →A first day out of town
Zaanse Schans is about 17 minutes from Centraal by Sprinter train. It works as a first excursion once you have settled in.
Day trips →Plan the rest of your trip
Pages to read next.
Amsterdam airport: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Schiphol to Amsterdam?
By train, from the station below the terminal to Amsterdam Centraal in 14 to 17 minutes. Bus 397 runs to Museumplein, the Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein, and taxis wait in front of Schiphol Plaza.
How much is the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam?
A second-class single by e-ticket is €5.50 in 2026 and a return is €11. Children aged 4 to 11 can use a Railrunner ticket at €2.50. Check the current fare before you travel.
Does bus 397 run at night?
The night bus N97 replaces it, with an hourly service. The bus leaves from stop B17. A single fare starts at €6.50 and you pay by card, not cash.
How much is a taxi from Schiphol to the canals?
Taxis charge by the meter, so there is no fixed price. Pay the total that the meter shows and do not accept offers from people who approach you in the terminal.
Can I drive a rental car into Amsterdam?
Yes, but within the A10 a diesel car needs emission class 5 or higher. Street parking in the centre costs €5.37 to €8.05 an hour, so check the zone and the payment times before you park.