Netherlands 🇳🇱 · 15km to Amsterdam Centraal
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) — Taxi vs Uber vs Public Transit
Amsterdam is the European airport where the train genuinely wins — €5.90 for a 15-min direct ride to Centraal Station is unbeatable. Every hotel in the city center is 15 minutes' walk or a €3 tram from Centraal.
Prices verified 2026-08-27 — check operator sites before travel.
All options — sorted cheapest first
| Service | Price (USD) | Local price | Time | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS Sprinter / Intercity Train Every 10 min, direct to Amsterdam Centraal | $6.50 | €5.90 | 15-20 min to Centraal | Trains from Schiphol station under Plaza |
| Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express) | $8 | €6.75 | 30 min to Museumplein / Leidseplein | Bus stand outside Plaza |
| Bolt | $38-50 | €33-45 | 20-40 min | Same as Uber |
| Uber | $40-55 | €35-48 | 20-40 min | App only — designated pickup area P30 |
| Taxi (metered, Amsterdam Airport Cabs) Metered — no flat rate | $60-75 | €52-65 | 20-40 min | Taxi rank Plaza outside arrivals |
Which one to pick — the real answer
Amsterdam is the European airport where the train genuinely wins — €5.90 for a 15-min direct ride to Centraal Station is unbeatable. Every hotel in the city center is 15 minutes' walk or a €3 tram from Centraal.
Uber and Bolt undercut taxi meaningfully in Amsterdam — €35-48 vs €52-65. Uber is worth it only if you're going to a location the trains + Metro don't reach easily (Amstelveen, Zaandam industrial estates).
Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 (€6.75) goes to Museumplein + Leidseplein — the smart choice if your hotel is in the museum quarter and you don't want to change at Centraal.
Insider tip
The train from Schiphol also runs direct to Rotterdam (30 min, €18), The Hague (35 min, €12), and Utrecht (35 min, €11) — meaning if your final destination is any of those cities, don't Uber to Amsterdam first.
Prefer a pre-booked private transfer instead?
Skip the taxi rank, no surge pricing, driver waits at arrivals with your name.
Getting out of Amsterdam Schiphol
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Amsterdam Schiphol taxi vs Uber — FAQ
How much is a taxi from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal?
Taxi (metered, Amsterdam Airport Cabs) costs $60-75 (€52-65) — journey time 20-40 min. Metered — no flat rate
Is Uber cheaper than taxi at Amsterdam Schiphol?
Taxi $60-75, Uber $40-55. Amsterdam is the European airport where the train genuinely wins — €5.
What is the cheapest way from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam?
NS Sprinter / Intercity Train at $6.50. Every 10 min, direct to Amsterdam Centraal
Are there taxi scams at Amsterdam Schiphol?
No prominent scam patterns reported at Amsterdam Schiphol. Always use official ranks or app-booked rides.
How long does it take to get from Amsterdam Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal?
15km. Journey times: Taxi (metered, Amsterdam Airport Cabs) 20-40 min, Uber 20-40 min, Bolt 20-40 min.