All You Need to Know about a Return Trip to Amsterdam City Center from the Airport
Amsterdam Airport (AMS), also known as Schiphol Airport, is located just 9 km (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam Central Station. There are several methods of getting to and from the airport, including express buses, trains, shuttles, taxis, and car rentals. Among these, the Amsterdam Airport Express is one of the best ways to reach Amsterdam city centre from Schiphol Airport. Here’s everything you need to know about the Amsterdam Airport Express.
What is the Amsterdam Airport Express?
The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) is an express bus service which connects Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam city centre in about 40 minutes. The bus stops at Duivendrecht, Amstelstation, Zuid, Rai, and Amsterdam Leidseplein, providing direct access to many key locations along the way. It operates between 5am and 12.30am every day except for Christmas Day.
How Much Does it Cost?
The express bus is available for €5.50 one way or €11.00 round trip. You can buy tickets using cash or card on the bus or in advance at the Tickets and Info counter inside Schiphol Airport or online.
What Are the Advantages of the Amsterdam Airport Express?
- It’s cheaper than a taxi or car rental.
- It’s convenient and runs throughout the day.
- It’s fast and efficient.
- It has frequent stops near the city centre.
- The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable.
The express bus service is an excellent way to get from the airport to Amsterdam City Centre quickly and affordably. It offers direct access to some of the city’s main attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Heineken Experience. Additionally, the door-to-door service is much more convenient than taxis or car rentals as you don’t have to worry about traffic or transfers.
Where Does The Bus Stop in Amsterdam City Centre?
The bus stops in central Amsterdam at five key locations: Duivendrecht Station, Amstelstation, Zuid Station, Rai Station, and Amsterdam Leidseplein. Each station provides access to multiple attractions such as shopping malls, theatres, and tourist hotspots.
| Station | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Duivendrecht Station |
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| Amstelstation |
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| Zuid Station |
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| RAI station |
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| Leidseplein Station |
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Planning your Return Journey From Amsterdam City Centre to Schiphol Airport
Planning your return journey from Amsterdam city centre to Schiphol Airport is just as easy as planning your trip from Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre. All you have to do is purchase a round trip ticket before leaving Schiphol Airport or an express ticket at one of the stations along the route. You can also buy tickets with cash or card directly on the bus itself depending on availability. It’s important to take into account traffic conditions when planning your journey to ensure you make it to the airport in time for your flight—especially during peak hours or holiday periods. Additionally, if you happen to miss your bus, there’s another bus every 15 minutes throughout the day so you won’t have to wait too long for the next one. Whenever you plan a trip to Amsterdam, taking the express bus service is a great way to get to Amsterdam City Centre quickly and affordably. If you’d like to experience more of what Amsterdam has to offer on your travels, you can always book a tour with Get Your Guide here. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran visitor, there’s something for everyone!
The Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, it’s easy to stick to the touristy attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and the Red Light District. But to really experience this beautiful city, you need to venture off the beaten path. Here are some insider tips on the local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.
Local Attractions
Amsterdam has a lot to offer beyond the mainstream attractions. One hidden gem is Hortus Botanicus, a peaceful botanical garden dating back to 1638. It’s a perfect spot to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Another hidden gem is the Wondr Experience – a museum dedicated to bizarre and fantastical exhibits that’s guaranteed to spark your imagination. Nature loving travelers can also explore the Amsterdamse Bos, a large park made for hiking, cycling, and horse riding.
Dining Spots
The Dutch have a rich food culture, which is a mix of traditional Dutch, Indonesian, and Surinamese cuisine. Try a ‘broodje haring’, a raw herring sandwich with pickles and onions, sold at the street stalls. Cafe Loetje is famous for its steak and offers some of the best sticky toffee pudding you can find around. Fan of cheese? Head to Alphen aan den Rijn to experience a one-hour cheese making demonstration, followed by a cheese tasting at Kinderdijk Cheese Factory.
Cultural Experiences
Amsterdam’s cultural scene is alive and well. Check out the modern and contemporary art scene at the Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum (which also happens to be home to one of the most important art collections in the world). Visit the NDSM-wharf, one of Europe’s largest and lively cultural spots that’s packed with creative studios, urban art, cafes, restaurants, workshops, street festivals, and flea markets. Don’t forget to check out the Bimhuis, a leading venue for avant-garde jazz and improvised music in Europe.
Local History
As the cultural capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is steeped in history. While the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum are ubiquitous destinations, don’t forget to visit the Museum Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic), a clandestine Catholic church inside a 17th-century canal house. You can also explore the Dutch Resistance Museum to get a taste of the city’s role during World War II. Another tiny, quirky museum worth discovering is the Houseboat Museum, which offers insight into life on a houseboat that’s still in use!
Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions
For a unique experience, head to Vondelbunker, a former bomb shelter converted into an underground cultural hotspot that features everything from film screenings and live music to theater performances. Escape the city altogether on a bike trip to Waterland, a picturesque rural area that’s home to quaint villages and farms where you can try cheese and other local treats.
Amsterdam is a city that’s full of surprises if you know where to look. With these insider tips, you’ll have a much deeper and meaningful experience of this unique city.
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