I'm often asked how to get from the airport to Schiphol to Amsterdam by train.
It's easy enough to fly independently from Schiphol to Amsterdam (and vice versa).
The train will hold no secrets for you.
Train from Schiphol to Amsterdam: article summary
The train from Schiphol to Amsterdam: at a glance
The train is the best way to get from Schiphol airport to the city of Amsterdam. I don't recommend taking cabs, as they have quite a bad reputation in the city for taking advantage of tourists who don't know the prices.
The train from Schiphol airport runs every 10-15 minutes direct to Amsterdam Centraal. The journey from the airport to the heart of Amsterdam takes around 15 minutes.
It's clean and simple. Sometimes the trains can be crowded, but you can wait for the next one if you like!
Gather your luggage and head for Schiphol
After immigration, collect your luggage, if any, and leave the airport to enter the terminal. From here, look for the train signs. There's a large open area with stores, where you'll find train ticket machines!
To get to Amsterdam, you'll need to buy a ticket for Amsterdam Centraal from the ticket machine.
If someone tries to call you to ask if you need a cab, sell you a ticket and/or exchange money, avoid these peopleThese are common scams.
Only buy your ticket from the machine. Similarly, the "cabs" that approach you in this area are very often unlicensed.
Take your one-way ticket to Amsterdam
Once you've arrived at the machine, you'll need to select your destination. By default, Amsterdam Centraal appears. You can select this stop or press the A if you're going to one of Amsterdam's other train stations.
Amsterdam Centraal is just one of Amsterdam's train stations. Many tourists make the mistake of buying a ticket for the wrong station and/or getting off at the wrong station.
Check your GPS app to find the best station for your hotel! Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Amstel may be your destination.
If you arrive at the main station, don't worry. You can always take a bus to these destinations.
Train from Schiphol to Amsterdam: paying for your ticket
Finally, simply pay for your ticket. If you're using a card, press Debit/credit card. You'll need to insert the card into the card reader.
You may have to push it a little further for the machine to recognize your credit card correctly. Then, all you have to do is all you have to do is enter a PIN code.
Afterwards, you can choose whether you want a receipt. Be sure to check the bottom of the machine for your ticket and receipt. Above all, don't leave without your ticket!
Finding the right path
This may change, but for many years now, trains to Amsterdam Centraal from Schiphol airport have run on tracks 1 and 2. However, I advise you to check the signs for up-to-date train information.
If these tracks are no longer allocated to the train to Amsterdam, you could lose precious time.
Don't forget to stamp your ticket
Before entering the train, you must register to activate your ticket! This means briefly pressing your new paper card against a yellow machine before hearing a beep. Just like when you take the train in France, this means you've successfully registered. From there, you down the escalator and wait for your train.
Don't lose your ticket! You'll need to show up with your train ticket, which can be checked by the ticket inspector. I therefore recommend that you put your ticket in a secure pocket!
Arrival at Amsterdam Centraal
After fifteen minutes, you'll arrive at Amsterdam Centraal. Your train can then continue on to other cities. make sure you get off at the right stop!
From here, take the stairs out of the station. The city of Amsterdam is on your right. You'll need to tap your paper ticket against the door to exit the station.
The train from Schiphol to Amsterdam is a quick and easy way to get to Amsterdam city center. During your stay, if you don't have a lot of luggage, I advise you to opt for this means of transport. You'll reach your destination in no time.
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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