🚌 Bus Service at Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol)

Heading to Amsterdam city centre, Haarlem or the south of the country? Schiphol Airport offers multiple urban and regional bus lines connecting to all key areas. The stops are located 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 signs for "Busstation".
📲 Can I pay by card? → Yes, contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay are accepted directly when boarding.
🎟️ Where to buy tickets? → At machines in the terminal, online, or via the NS app.
💳 Is the OV-chipkaart worth it? → Yes, if you will be using several types of transport during your stay.
🕐 Are there night buses? → Yes, the Niteliner N97 and other night services (prefix N).

Image from YouTube

🚍 Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397)

This is the most direct option to reach the tourist centre. It departs frequently from platform B17 (always check the screens) and connects directly with:

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

Price: €6.50 one way / €11.75 return. The journey takes around 30–35 minutes. At night (around 0:30–5:00), it is replaced by the Niteliner N97.

🗺️ Other Regional Lines (R-net)

The R-net network connects the airport with surrounding areas and nearby cities. The buses are red and very frequent.

Line 300: Connects to Haarlem and Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA.
Line 341: Towards Amsterdam Station Zuid.
Line 342: To Uithoorn.
Line 199: To Amstelveen.
Night Services (Niteliner): Lines with the prefix "N" (e.g., N30, N42, N90, N95, N97) cover different urban and suburban areas throughout the night.

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

🎫 Types of Tickets and Where to Buy Them

🎟️ Single Ticket (paper or digital)

You can purchase it at:

Ticket machines at Schiphol Plaza
Next to the baggage belts (halls 1, 2, and 3)
On your mobile (to download or use with the NS app)

💳 OV-chipkaart

A rechargeable smart card used across all Dutch public transport.

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

Ideal if you will be staying several days and using various types of transport. You can top it up by card or at machines.

🎫 Amsterdam Travel Ticket

A tourist ticket ideal if you arrive via Schiphol and plan to move around Amsterdam:

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

*Prices:

1 day → €18.00
2 days → €24.00
3 days → €30.00

Fares updated to November 2025. They may change at any time.

🧭 Tips Based on Real Experiences

🕐 Buses are usually punctual, but during rush hour they may be delayed at intermediate stops.
📍 Avoid confusion: double-check platform B17 or your line’s area. There are dozens of bays.
📡 Use the 9292 app or Google Maps to plan your route in real time.
💼 Bus 397 is adapted for travellers with luggage, but regular lines can be uncomfortable at peak times if you carry lots of bags.

Final tip: If you only need to move between Schiphol and your central hotel, Bus 397 is comfortable, affordable and offers panoramic views. If your flight arrives at dawn, the N97 is your best option.