🚌 Bus Services at Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol)

Heading to Amsterdam city center, Haarlem, or the south of the country? Schiphol Airport offers multiple city and regional bus lines connecting to all key points. The stops are right in front of Schiphol Plaza, just steps from the arrivals hall.

❓ Quick Questions about Buses at Schiphol

🚏 Where are the stops? → In front of Schiphol Plaza, follow the "Busstation" signs.
📲 Can I pay by card? → Yes, they accept contactless cards or Apple/Google Pay directly when boarding.
🎟️ Where to buy tickets? → At machines in the terminal, online, or with the NS app.
💳 Is the OV-chipkaart worth it? → Yes, if you'll be using various forms of transport during your stay.
🕐 Are there night buses? → Yes, with the Niteliner N97 line and other night services (N prefix).

Image from YouTube

🚍 Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397)

This is the bus most used by tourists. It departs every 15 minutes from stop B12 between 5:00 AM and midnight (0:00) and connects directly to:

🖼️ Museumplein
🏛️ Rijksmuseum
🎭 Leidseplein
🛍️ Elandsgracht Station (near the city center)

Price: €6.50 one-way / €11.75 round trip. The journey takes about 30-35 minutes. From midnight until 5:00 AM, the Niteliner N97 operates with more stops and less frequency.

🗺️ Other Bus Lines from Schiphol

These lines connect Schiphol with Amsterdam Zuid, Haarlem, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer, and more:

300 Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena - Haarlem
341 Schiphol - Amsterdam Zuid
342 Schiphol-Rijk - Uithoorn
199 Schiphol Oost - Amstelveen
N30 / N42 / N90 / N95 → Night services to various urban and suburban areas

There are also specific services to cargo centers, industrial, and judicial areas such as the 185 (Justitieel Complex) or the 194 (Amsterdam Matterhorn).

🎫 Ticket Types and Where to Buy Them

🎟️ Single Ticket (paper or digital)

You can purchase it at:

Automatic machines in Schiphol Plaza
Next to the baggage carousels (halls 1, 2, and 3)
From your mobile (to download or use with the NS app)

💳 OV-chipkaart

Rechargeable smart card used throughout the Dutch public transport system.

💰 Cost: €7.50
🗓️ Validity: 5 years
📲 Works on buses, trains, trams, and metro

Ideal if you'll be staying for several days and using multiple forms of transport. You can top it up by card or at automatic machines.

🎫 Amsterdam Travel Ticket

Tourist ticket ideal if you arrive via Schiphol and will be traveling around Amsterdam:

Includes airport↔city transfer (train or bus)
Unlimited travel on GVB (metro, tram, night bus)

*Prices:

1 day → €21.00
2 days → €31.00
3 days → €40.00

Fares updated as of March 2025. They may be subject to change at any time.

🧭 Tips Based on Real Experiences

🕐 Buses are usually punctual, but during peak hours, they can be delayed at intermediate stops.
📍 Avoid confusion: double-check stop B12 or the area for your line. There are dozens of platforms.
📡 Use apps like 9292.nl or Google Maps for real-time information and connections between lines.
💼 Some regional buses allow large luggage, others do not. Check beforehand if you have suitcases.

Final tip: If you just want to get between Schiphol and your centrally located hotel, bus 397 is comfortable, economical, and offers panoramic views. If your flight arrives in the early hours of the morning, the N97 is your best option.