The Schiphol Airport Bus Lines Connecting Amsterdam Airport

Amsterdam is well known for its efficient public transportation network. Therefore, many travelers landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport choose the bus as a cheap and practical way to reach the city. The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 connects Schiphol Airport with central Amsterdam, while GVB public buses mainly link the airport with Sloterdijk and nearby districts.

The Schiphol Airport Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express)

The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 is the well-known red Connexxion bus operating between Amsterdam International Airport and the city. It runs approximately from 05:00 am to midnight, with departures every 7–8 minutes. Under normal traffic conditions, the journey takes about 40 minutes to its final stop at Elandsgracht Bus Station.

Along the route, Bus 397 makes limited stops at key city locations. If you are heading to Amsterdam’s museum district, you should get off at Museumplein or Rijksmuseum. For nightlife and entertainment areas, Leidseplein is the ideal stop. Please note that Bus 397 does not go to Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Our Tip: Connexxion buses provide free Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, and low-floor access, making them convenient for passengers traveling with luggage.

The Night Bus N97 from Amsterdam Airport

The Niteliner Bus N97 follows almost the same route as Bus 397, connecting Nieuw Vennep with Elandsgracht. However, it operates only at night, from midnight to 05:00 am, with departures every 30 minutes. Thanks to the N97, Schiphol Airport remains connected to the city center by bus around the clock.

The GVB Amsterdam Airport Buses

The GVB public bus network also serves Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, mainly connecting it with areas outside the city center:

  • Bus 369: Runs from Schiphol Airport to Sloterdijk from 05:22 am to 00:20 am (until 00:35 am on weekends), with departures every 15 minutes.
  • Bus 245: Operates early in the morning from Oostzanerdijk to Schiphol Airport only, at 04:34 am, 04:49 am, and 05:19 am.
  • Bus 246: Connects Borneolaan to Schiphol Airport (one direction only) at 04:40 am and 04:54 am.
  • Bus 247: Runs from Bos en Lommerplein to Schiphol Airport only, at 04:45 am, 05:15 am, and 05:45 am.

Where Is the Bus Station at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

The bus stops at Schiphol Airport are located directly outside Schiphol Plaza. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the signs to Schiphol Plaza and exit the terminal building. Connexxion Bus 397, the night bus N97, GVB buses, and hotel shuttles all depart from this area.

Our Tip: The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 usually departs from stops B15 to B19.

Schiphol Airport Bus Tickets

A one-way ticket for Bus 397 costs 6.50€ (6.90$), while a round-trip ticket costs 11.75€ (12.50$). Return tickets do not need to be used on the same day but must be used within 14 days. Children aged 4–11 pay just 1€ (1.07$), and younger children travel for free.

Tickets can be purchased from the blue-grey ticket machines at the Arrivals 3 baggage claim area, near the escalators to Departures 3, online, or directly on the bus (cash is not accepted onboard). The same fares apply to the night bus N97.

GVB bus tickets cost 3.40€ (3.62$) and can be bought online, from ticket machines, or on the bus (no cash payments onboard).

Our Tip: Always validate your ticket or scan your mobile barcode when entering and exiting the bus.

Using the OV-chipkaart for Your Schiphol Bus Ride

The OV-chipkaart is a rechargeable public transport card valid on buses, trams, metros, and trains across the Netherlands for up to five years. There are two types: a personal OV-chipkaart (registered to one person) and an anonymous card that can be shared by multiple users (not simultaneously).

The anonymous OV-chipkaart costs 8.50€ (9$) and can be purchased at the yellow machines in Schiphol Plaza. It must be topped up with at least 10€ (for subscribed users) or 20€ (for others). This option is best suited for travelers staying longer in Amsterdam and using public transport frequently.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket offers unlimited travel on buses, trams, metros, and trains within Amsterdam, including the Airport Express Bus 397. It is available for:

  • 1 day – 18€ (19.20$)
  • 2 days – 24€ (25.60$)
  • 3 days – 30€ (32$)

The ticket is valid from first use until 04:00 am the morning after the final day. It can be purchased online, at Connexxion ticket counters at Bus Platform B9, at Schiphol vendors, or at the Holland Tourist Desk near Arrivals 2.

Our Tip: For trips beyond Amsterdam, consider the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket or the Holland Travel Ticket for nationwide travel.

Intercity Buses from Amsterdam International Airport

Intercity buses, mainly operated by FlixBus, also depart from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, connecting it with other Dutch cities and international destinations such as Brussels and Paris. These buses depart from the same bus area outside Schiphol Plaza.

Additionally, the KLM Bus connects Schiphol Airport with Eindhoven Airport and Maastricht/Aachen Airport before terminating at Maastricht Central Station. It runs daily with two departures and leaves from the touring coach terminal at Koepelstraat.