Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Good news—it’s one of the easiest European capitals to reach and get around. Whether you’re flying in, hopping on a train, or road-tripping through Europe, this guide will help you make your arrival smooth and your stay effortless.
Arriving in Amsterdam by Plane
You’ll likely land at Schiphol Airport (AMS), which is about 20 minutes from the city center. It’s huge but well signposted, with everything from cafés to a small library—so even layovers can be surprisingly pleasant.
Flights from hubs such as London, Paris, Berlin, or Brussels often go on sale, especially with low-cost carriers. I still rely on Skyscanner to compare prices—just don’t leave it until the last minute.
Into the City: Your Options
By Train
Loads of visitors skip airport taxis and go straight to the train. You’ll find the Schiphol train station below arrivals. From there, it’s a quick direct ride to Amsterdam Centraal, or any other station depending on your stay. Use the NS Journey Planner or the NS app to check connections and prices.
If you’ll be using public transit throughout your stay, consider the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. It covers the airport train and gives you unlimited access to trams, buses, and metros in the city and nearby areas. Tickets are available for 1–3-day durations.
By Bus
If you’d rather take the bus, or want a cheaper option, bus 397 (Airport Express) drops you at Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, or Leidseplein in around 30 minutes. Buses run every 7–10 minutes. You can buy tickets onboard, through the GVB app, or use the same Amsterdam Travel Ticket if you have one.
By Taxi or Ride-Hail
When comfort matters more than cost, taxis are available right outside arrivals. Spot the official ones by their blue plates and roof light. Alternatively, Uber and Bolt work across the city and often sit right alongside taxis in terms of price.
Arriving by Train
Amsterdam is well-connected by rail. Routes like Eurostar from London take just over 4 hours, and there are easy connections to and from Paris, Berlin, and Brussels. Trains pull into Centraal, Sloterdijk, or Amstel—pick the closest to your accommodation. Booking early saves money, and flexible tickets are a great fallback if plans shift.
Booking early via Trainline or NS usually gets you the best deal, especially if you’re arriving from another country.
Arriving by Coach
Travelling on a budget? Coach can be the cheapest option. Several services run to Amsterdam from across Europe, with drop-offs at Sloterdijk, Amstel, or Centraal stations. From there, it’s just a tram or metro ticket to your final destination.
Major coach operators include Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus, and still-operational parts of Eurolines.
Arriving by Car
Driving in Amsterdam has its perks—but narrow streets, cyclists, and expensive parking can be a hassle. If you choose to drive, use one of the Park & Ride (P+R) spots on the A10 ring road.
P+R parking costs €6 per day off-peak or €13 peak, with a max stay of four days. You must ride public transport into the city center to qualify for the discount.
Arriving by Boat
Yep, the city’s famous for its waterways—and that includes arrivals. Whether you’re on a river cruise or docking privately, you’ll land near the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, just a tram or walk to the center.
Getting Around in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Travel Ticket
If you’re staying for more than a day or two, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is worth a look. It covers return travel between the airport and the city, and gives you unlimited use of trams, buses and the metro. Just double-check it includes the areas you’re planning to visit — it’s great for city-centre exploring, but might not be valid for trips further out. - OV-chipkaart or contactless travel
You don’t need to fuss with paper tickets — just tap your contactless card, phone, or a local OV-chipkaart on any tram, bus or train. It’s easy, quick, and works across most of the city’s public transport network. - Metro, buses, trams and ferries
Amsterdam’s public transport is straightforward and surprisingly reliable. Whether you’re heading to a museum, a party, or just wandering a new neighbourhood, the network connects all corners of the city — and even runs into the early hours on weekends. - P+R public transport tickets
If you’re driving into Amsterdam, park at one of the official P+R locations on the edge of the city. You can buy a special P+R ticket that gives you a big discount on public transport into town — ideal if you’re leaving the car behind and planning to explore on foot or by tram.
Final Thoughts
However you choose to arrive, Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to get around. The public transport system is reliable, the bike network is world-class, and walking around the canals never gets old. Once you’re here, everything flows.
3 thoughts on “How to Travel to Amsterdam (Updated 2025)”
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