Bus Service at Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol)

Heading to downtown Amsterdam, Haarlem, or exploring the surrounding areas? Schiphol Airport is a key ground transportation hub, with multiple city and regional bus lines connecting you to all major points of interest. The bus stops are conveniently located right in front of Schiphol Plaza, just steps from the arrivals hall, making it an efficient and often more scenic alternative to the train.

Quick Questions about Buses at Schiphol

🚏 Where are the bus stops? → Right outside Schiphol Plaza. Follow the signs for "Buses" and look for your line number at the designated platforms (e.g., B17 for the Airport Express).
📲 How do I pay for my ticket? → The easiest way is with your contactless credit/debit card or your phone (Apple/Google Pay) directly on the bus reader when you get on and off (OVpay system).
🎟️ Where can I buy tickets if I don't have contactless? → At the red and grey ticket machines in Schiphol Plaza or at the information and ticket counters.
💳 Is the OV-chipkaart worth it for me? → Only if you're planning a long stay (more than 4 days) and will be using public transport from different companies across the country. For a short visit to Amsterdam, it's not cost-effective.
🕐 Are there night services? → Yes, the Niteliner network (with an "N" prefix) operates throughout the night, ensuring your connection to the city at any hour.

Image from Youtube

Critical Points: Strategies for a Hassle-Free Journey

1. Ticket Confusion: Which One to Buy?

User Experience: Many travelers waste time and money trying to decide between a single ticket, an Amsterdam Travel Ticket, or an OV-chipkaart at the machines. The variety of options can be overwhelming.

Strategy: Simplify your choice with this quick guide:

For a single trip to the city center: Pay directly on the bus with your contactless card (OVpay system). It's the fastest and cheapest option.
Short stay (1-3 days) in Amsterdam: Buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket. It includes the trip to/from the airport and unlimited transport within the city.
Long stay (+4 days) in the Netherlands: Only in this case, consider buying an anonymous OV-chipkaart for €7.50 and topping it up with credit.

2. Platforms and Crowds with Luggage

User Experience: Schiphol's bus station is large, with multiple platforms. Finding the right one (like B17 for Bus 397) can be confusing. Also, during peak hours, buses fill up quickly, and traveling with large suitcases can be uncomfortable.

Strategy: Don't rely on memory; always check the platform number on the information screens. If you're traveling with a lot of luggage, try to be at the front of the line to access the designated luggage area on the bus.

Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397)

This is the most popular and direct option to reach Amsterdam's tourist heart. It runs frequently (less than every 10 minutes during the day) from platform B17 and connects you without transfers to key spots like:

Museumplein
Rijksmuseum
Leidseplein
Elandsgracht Bus Station (near the Jordaan district)

Price: A single ticket costs €6.50, and a return ticket is €11.75. The journey takes about 30-35 minutes. During the night (between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM), this line is replaced by the Niteliner N97 night bus, which follows a similar route.

Other Regional Lines (R-net)

The R-net network, identifiable by its red buses, efficiently connects the airport with nearby cities and neighborhoods. They are an excellent option if your destination is not downtown Amsterdam.

Line 300: Your direct connection to Haarlem in one direction, and to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station in the other.
Line 341: Takes you to Amsterdam Zuid station, a major business and transport hub.
Line 342: Connects to the town of Uithoorn.
Night Services (Niteliner): Lines with the "N" prefix (like N30, N42, N97) ensure mobility throughout the night to various urban and suburban areas.

Ticket Types and Where to Buy Them

Single Ticket (OVpay or Paper)

Strategy: The easiest and most modern way is to pay directly on the bus with your contactless card (OVpay). If you prefer a physical ticket, you can purchase one at:

Automatic ticket machines in Schiphol Plaza.
"Public Transport Tickets" counters next to the baggage belts.
From your mobile via the GVB or NS app.

OV-chipkaart

This is the rechargeable smart card for all public transport in the Netherlands. However, for tourists, it has become less appealing compared to simpler options.

💰 Cost: €7.50 (for the card itself, no credit included).
🗓️ Validity: 5 years.
📲 Works on: buses, trains, trams, and metros throughout the country.

It is only recommended if you are planning a long stay and intensive use of different transport companies across the Netherlands.

Amsterdam Travel Ticket

This is the ultimate tourist ticket, designed to simplify your visit to Amsterdam:

Includes unlimited travel between the airport and the city (by both train and Bus 397).
Offers unlimited travel on the entire GVB transport network in Amsterdam (metro, tram, day and night bus).

Updated prices for 2026:

1 day → €20.00
2 days → €27.00
3 days → €34.00

These fares are subject to change. Always confirm the final price before purchasing.

Tips Based on Real Experiences

🕐 While buses are generally punctual, Amsterdam's rush hour traffic can cause delays. Add a 15-minute buffer to your plan if traveling between 8-10 AM or 4-6 PM.
📡 Use the Google Maps or 9292 app for real-time routes and schedules. They are more reliable than the static signs at the stops.
💼 Bus 397 is designed for travelers with luggage, but if you take a regional line during peak hours, be prepared for a crowded journey.

Final tip: If your only goal is to travel to and from the airport to the museum area, the Bus 397 return ticket (€11.75) is cheaper than the 1-day Amsterdam Travel Ticket. If your flight arrives in the middle of the night, the N97 is your lifesaver.