Flights & trains
We would recommend flying into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which has multiple convenient connections to the city of Amsterdam. There are direct flights to Amsterdam from most major cities in Europe, the US, and from Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. Flights to Amsterdam are usually very cheap from the UK, NI and other European cities, especially if you book a few months in advance.
An alternative for those travelling from London is the Eurostar, running three direct trains a day from St. Pancras direct to Amsterdam Centraal Station. The total time from city centre to city centre is 3 hrs 52 mins, and there are no hidden charges for luggage or limits on liquids .
Taxi's from Schiphol to Amsterdam
Taxis are usually readily available at Amsterdam Airport, and can be found just outside the arrivals hall. The journey to central Amsterdam takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately EUR 45. Always follow the signs for taxis so you know you are getting into an approved taxi.
Uber does not have a license for Schiphol, so it's recommended to take a regular taxi from Schiphol to Amsterdam. When leaving you can take an Uber, as they are allowed to drop off passengers outside the departure hall.
Trains from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
The train is the easiest, and cheapest, way to get to Amsterdam city centre. Schiphol Station is located directly below the airport, and the train to Amsterdam Centraal takes approximately 15 minutes. Walk from Arrivals to Schiphol Plaza, from where you can take the stairs, escalator or lift down to the platform. You can buy tickets (EUR 4,50) at the yellow/blue ticket machines located in the baggage reclaim area and station hall.
Ubers or Bolts are easily available in Amsterdam (UberX, Black, Van), and are much cheaper than regular taxis.
Taxis can be easily flagged in the central areas of the city, or find the nearest taxi stand. The drivers have to use the meter, and also accept short rides.
Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam and discover the city. Most hotels will have bikes available for guests.
Metro, bus, tram & boat
Amsterdam hosts a highly efficient network of metro, bus, tram and boat connections that will take you all over the city and the suburbs. Citymapper is a useful app to help you see how to get around on public transport.
Buy a transport chip card ( ‘OV-chipkaart’) at a GVB ticket machine or supermarket, or get a single, disposable paper ticket if you only plan to use the train, bus, tram or metro once.
OVpay is the new way of checking in and out on public transport in the Netherlands. With OVpay, you are no longer tied to an ov-chipcard, because you can choose how you check in and out. You can do this with a contactless debit card, credit card or via your mobile phone and ov-chipcard.
Don't forget to check in and out by holding the card against the card reader once you enter and exit the metro, tram or bus.