Trains from Amsterdam Airport

Without a doubt, the Amsterdam airport train is the most popular transit option for passengers landing at Schiphol Airport who want to travel quickly and affordably. Trains do not only connect Amsterdam Airport with the city center; Schiphol Train Station is a major rail hub linking Amsterdam with the entire Netherlands and serving several international destinations as well. Trains are comfortable and reliable, and although there are no designated luggage areas, passengers can store their baggage under or between the seats.

Our Tip: Pickpocketing incidents do occasionally occur on Amsterdam airport train lines. Therefore, you should always keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Train Lines from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Regional trains, intercity services, and international rail lines all depart from the NS Train Station at Schiphol Airport. Routes to Amsterdam Centraal Station are served by both Sprinter trains and Intercity Direct (IC Direct) services. In practice, the Intercity trains are only about three minutes faster, reaching the city center in approximately 14 minutes instead of 17.

In general, a train departs from Schiphol Airport every 4–10 minutes between 05:30 am and midnight. From midnight to 01:00 am, services are less frequent, and from then until early morning, trains usually run once per hour. Even during the night, Schiphol Airport remains connected by rail, although waiting times may be longer.

Where Is the NS Train Station at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

The NS Train Station is located directly underneath the main Amsterdam airport terminal. After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to Schiphol Plaza and use the stairs, escalators, or elevators to reach the train station level. Ramps are also available, making access easier for passengers traveling with heavy luggage. Overall, the three-platform railway station is easy to reach and well signposted throughout the airport.

Schiphol Airport Train Tickets and Fares

Train ticket prices from Schiphol Airport depend on the selected route and destination. However, fares remain the same for both day and night travel. One-way and round-trip tickets are available, but return tickets must be used on the same day.

During off-peak hours (from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm and from 06:30 pm to 06:30 am on weekdays, as well as on weekends and public holidays), NS offers discounts and special deals. Group tickets and reduced prices for bookings made at least four days in advance are also available. Please note that bicycles and dogs require additional fees.

Schiphol Airport Train Tickets: Which Ticket to Choose

You can choose between the following ticket options for your train journey from Amsterdam Airport:

  • The anonymous OV-chipkaart
  • The paper single-use OV-chipkaart
  • The e-ticket
  • The Amsterdam Travel Ticket

The OV-chipkaart

The OV-chipkaart is a rechargeable public transport card valid on trains, buses, trams, and metros. It is valid for five years and is available in personal and anonymous versions. The anonymous OV-chipkaart can be used by more than one passenger, though not simultaneously. It costs 8.50€ (9$) and can be purchased from the yellow machines at Schiphol Plaza. A minimum balance of 20€ (21.30$) is required, making this option suitable mainly for travelers staying in Amsterdam for an extended period.

The Single-Use OV-chipkaart

The disposable single-use OV-chipkaart can be purchased from the yellow NS ticket machines or ticket counters at Schiphol Plaza (one level above the train station). Cash is not accepted at the counters. An additional 1€ (1.07$) surcharge applies. For example, while a Sprinter ticket from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal costs 4.90€ (5.20$), the single-use OV-chipkaart will cost 5.90€ (6.30$).

The e-Ticket

E-tickets can be purchased online and do not include the 1€ surcharge, making them slightly cheaper. After purchase, the ticket can be printed, stored on your phone, or loaded into the NS app. E-tickets are personal, so you must carry a valid ID, passport, or driver’s license. With an e-ticket, you do not need to check in or out; simply scan the barcode at the gates.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is ideal if you plan to use public transport frequently. Available for 1, 2, or 3 days at 18€ (19.20$), 24€ (25.60$), and 30€ (32$) respectively, it allows unlimited travel on trains, buses, trams, and metros within Amsterdam, including the Airport Express Bus 397. The ticket is valid from first use until 04:00 am the following morning and is available from the Holland Tourist Desk at Schiphol Plaza, airport vendors, or Connexxion counters at Bus Platform B9. It is valid for second-class travel only.

Our Tip 1: Contactless payments are now accepted on NS trains.

Our Tip 2: Remember to check in and out using the yellow readers at Schiphol Plaza and your destination station (only scan the barcode if using an e-ticket).

Our Tip 3: Children aged 4–11 pay just 2.50€ (2.67$), while children under 4 travel for free.

Our Tip 4: Your destination is printed on your ticket, allowing uninterrupted travel. However, you may exit and re-enter intermediate stations to use shops or restaurants without invalidating your ticket.

Intercity and International Trains from Amsterdam Airport

Schiphol Train Station is a key Dutch rail hub serving both domestic intercity and international routes. Major international train services such as Thalys, ICE International, Eurostar, and CityNightLine operate from the station. Tickets and detailed information for these services are available at the Nederlandse Spoorwegen Hispeed desks near the Meeting Point at Schiphol Plaza.