Like most of Europe, the best way to get out of the airport and into the city is via public transportation. Amsterdam’s public transportation system is quick and relatively cheap. By far the most popular way to get to central Amsterdam is by train. The railway system has a direct line that connects Amsterdam’s Schiphol International ( AMS )Airport to Central Station.
There are 6-7 trains per hour. The trip takes 15-20 minutes. It will either be direct or make a couple of stops before Central Station. The single fare is 3.80 Euro (correct, Apr 08). Some machines will accept euro coins, for others you must have a Dutch debit card. Alone amongst railway stations in the Netherlands there are a few machines that also accept VISA and Mastercard. You can also buy tickets at the ticket office. If you choose to do this you may well have to queue, you will also have to pay a surcharge of 50 cents per ticket.
If you’re travelling with lots of luggage there is ample room to stand in the entrance/door area of the carriage rather than try to struggle with your bags up or down the steep and narrow stairs to the seats. Most people are able to continue their journey from Centraal Station to their hotels by either walking or catching a tram from immediately outside the station.
When returning from Central Station to Schiphol your train will almost certainly leave from platform 13, 14 or 15. These are the ones furthest from the main station entrance. As you enter the station you will see two screens. One shows all departures, the other just those that are going to Schiphol.
Times and prices for all train travel in the Netherlands can be found on the NS website.
In July 2008, the Dutch national railways (NS) and the public transport company of Amsterdam (GVB) started to sell a new ticket at the airport Schiphol. The Amsterdam All in one ticket is specially developed for people visiting Amsterdam and arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This ticket consists of a return trip from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam together with a 24-, 48-, 72- or 96 hours ticket for unlimited travel on the GVB network in Amsterdam. Prices for the Amsterdam All in one tickets are for the 24 hours € 12.95 48 hours € 17.00, 72 hours € 19.70 and for the 96 hours € 22.40. The Ticket is only sold at the Airport at the Holland Tourist Information desk. for more info on the ticket visit this link: Amsterdam All in 1 Travel Ticket
An alternative for those arriving with a lot of luggage is the Connexxion hotel shuttle. This costs 13.50 euro single, 21 return (correct Apr 08) and drops off/picks up at most of the city´s hotels. Also for the Leidsepleinarea you can take the direct Connexxionbus 197 or 370.
A taxi rank is also immediately outside Centraal Station. Some taxi drivers will ask you where you are going and quote the fare in advance, which is usually a rip-off. Metered taxis are also available and are almost always the better option. Fare to the city center is around 45 euros.
