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Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 – Fast, Cheap Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center

Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 – Fast, Cheap Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center

Ethan Reed
door 
Ethan Reed
15 minutes read
Blog
Oktober 14, 2025

Go with Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 for a fast, cheap transfer from Schiphol to Amsterdam City Center. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes from the arrivals hall to Central Station, and such a straightforward option comes with a price around €5.50 per person. These transfers run throughout the day, with clear signage at the bus plaza and easy boarding for travelers with children or luggage. If you book in advance, you speed up the process and secure a seat, reducing the wait at the stop. The service also scales well for meer travelers in a single booking.

How to ride and what to expect At Schiphol, follow the signs to the Amsterdam Airport Express bus stops. Tickets are flexible: you can pay on board with contactless cards, or use the booking link to reserve a seat. The service runs a multi-route pattern that is designed to be direct to the city center, minimizing extra hops. Open signage helps you find the right stop, and staff are ready to assist with any questions on arrival. If you need extra help, the drivers will guide you to the right door and help load luggage into the hold.

Price vs taxis and alternatives The bus line offers a clear advantage in price over taxis, and it avoids surge pricing at night. For families with children, this is a sensible alternative that keeps the trip calm and predictable. You can combine a ride with a short walk into town, or swap to a tram for further destinations; group bookings can cover meer people at a better rate, and you can collect a single ticket for the entire group. If your group needs privacy or special arrangements, consider a private transfer, though the price rises and you lose the shared ride speed. There is no force to choose this option every time; it remains a practical choice for most days.

Tips for a smooth arrival Keep valuables like jewellery and small items close to you, not in checked luggage. Have your booking reference ready to speed boarding. If travelling with children, carry a small bag with snacks and a toy to ease boarding and transitions. Stay aware of the arrival area and the exact stop for your next leg, and watch your bags in crowded spaces to prevent pickpockets. The bus accepts a range of payment methods, including contactless cards, so you can collect your ticket quickly and move on.

Arrival into Amsterdam and onward After arrival at Central Station, you can continue with trams or metro lines to reach neighbourhoods or sights. The 397 line embeds map views and QR codes to assist with navigation, ensuring you feel confident as you step onto the street. Booking a ticket once more for your return or for future trips keeps your plans flexible, and the open timetable means you can adjust if your plans shift. If you ever feel uncertain, friendly drivers en support staff stand by to help with rebooking or alternative routes, so you stay on track regardless of delays.

Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397: Fast, Cheap Transfer from Schiphol to Amsterdam City Center; Is the airport transfer included in the I Amsterdam City Card?

Recommendation: Use Bus 397 for a fast, inexpensive transfer from Schiphol to the city center; the airport transfer is not included in the I Amsterdam City Card. Refusing this option can impact your schedule and add euros in taxis or longer rides, so choose smartly and plan ahead.

The service provides a straightforward link from the arrivals hall to central districts. Signs point to the Amsterdam Airport Express lanes, guiding you to board with your luggage in the designated area. Following boarding, you arrive near key areas such as museumplein and elandsgracht, with a direct route to Amsterdam Central. A short, informative Vimeo guide is available, and the operator publishes a timetable with data you can review before you travel.

Key facts about Bus 397

Stops include Schiphol Airport, Leidseplein, museumplein, and Amsterdam Central. The ride to central districts takes about 15-20 minutes, vary­ing with traffic. During the day the bus runs every seven to eight minutes; late at night the interval is roughly every twenty-five minutes. Fare is around euros seven to eight for a single ride; confirm the current price on the official page or at the stop. Pay on board by card or cash, or use the operator’s app for a faster start. Luggage space is available in the indicated areas, and a bolt-sized package can be accommodated in the luggage bay. For updates, call the operator or check the timetable data on the official site.

Aspect Details
Stops Schiphol Airport → Leidseplein → museumplein → Amsterdam Central
Travel time About 15–20 minutes to central districts
Frequentie Daytime: every 7–8 minutes; late night: about every 20–25 minutes
Fare (euros) Single ticket around 7–8 euros; check current price
Payment On-board by card or cash; app available
City Card compatibility Airport transfer not covered; in-city transport may be included

City Card compatibility and cost considerations

The I Amsterdam City Card includes unlimited in-city travel on GVB within Amsterdam for the card duration, but it does not cover the Schiphol airport transfer by Bus 397. Visitors who plan to visit several areas, including museumplein and elandsgracht, should compare the card’s museum discounts and in-city transport value against the separate airport fare. If you arrive early or depart late, Bus 397 offers reliable timing and a convenient boarding experience with straightforward luggage handling. For value optimization, review the data on the official page, consider a private shuttle for a group, and take advantage of a clear link to the timetable. If you want a quick overview, a video guide on Vimeo and a direct call to the operator provide practical support to help you choose the best option for your trip. This approach helps visitors start their Amsterdam stay smoothly and minimizes hassle with luggage and connections.

Where to catch Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 at Schiphol: signs, terminals, and bus stop numbers

Head to Schiphol’s Bus Station just outside the arrivals area and follow the Amsterdam Airport Express 397 signs above the bus stops. The signs and the digital boards clearly mark the route to Centraal Station, with the separate express area visible from the main forecourt. If you have booked a ticket, show it at the scanners on the bus for a prompt check, which keeps you moving and respects privacy. The setup is designed for faster transfer, so you’ll avoid detours and long waits in busy days30 travel periods.

  • Signs and banners: Look for the blue/orange Amsterdam Airport Express boards with the 397 designation. Signs sit above each curb in the Bus & Taxi Center and on the canopy, making the correct stop easy to spot even during crowds.
  • Terminals and setting: The stop is separate from the tram or metro zones and sits along the forecourt near the terminal buildings. If you’re walking from emmastraat, bolt to the bus area and follow the most direct pedestrian route to the express stops.
  • Bus stop numbers and check-ins: Use the live boards to note the current stop numbers; changes can happen with terminal updates. When in doubt, check the operator page or ask staff at the information desk. Scanners on the bus will verify your ticket, so having a printed or digital ticket ready helps the flow.
  • Which to choose and what to expect: This service is a faster, long-distance transfer option to Amsterdam centaal areas, avoiding expensive city-center hops. If you travel after a flight, the fixed route minimizes wandering and makes the setting straightforward for travelers with luggage.
  • Practical tips on the spot: Before you leave the arrivals hall, check the page for the latest platform and any changes to stop numbers. If you are traveling with a privacy-conscious approach, avoid sharing unnecessary personal data and rely on official screens and the operator app for updates.

What to do if signs are unclear or a change occurs

  • Follow the prompt directions on the boards and consult the information desks for the latest changes; the operator updates signage quickly to keep you on the fastest path to centraal.
  • Plan the next leg along the tram or metro lines if needed, since these connections sit in the same general area and can simplify travel to nearby areas.
  • Leave extra time for arrivals and check the privacy settings on any travel apps you use; having the ticket ready and the correct page open minimizes delays after travel.

Bus 397 fares, ticket options, and where to buy or load tickets

Ticket options

Ticket options

Get an OV-chipkaart pay-as-you-go or a return ticket before boarding Bus 397; the on-board one-way fare is €7.50, a return ticket is €13.50. This saves time and gives flexibility for three destinations including Leidseplein, the Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum. If you plan to stay longer, a day pass or multi-day Amsterdam Travel Ticket may be more economical.

There are three main ticket options: 1) One-way onboard ticket; 2) Return ticket; 3) Pay-as-you-go via OV-chipkaart (personal or anonymous). The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is an additional option for unlimited travel across the city network for a set period; check current prices at the airport machines or service desks. Pricing is listed below and varies by duration and zones.

Using a pay-as-you-go card mainly saves time and keeps your options flexible. For privacy, choose an anonymous OV-chipkaart to minimize data traces. The frequency of Bus 397 is high during the day, roughly every 10–15 minutes, with the ride from Schiphol to Leidseplein taking about 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. Board at the front and ride comfortably; you may be asked to show your ticket by staff. If you want to plan ahead, queuing at the stops is usually quick, and staff can help if you start a conversation about options again later. The data on fares and options are listed below for reference.

Where to buy or load tickets

Schiphol Airport offers ticket machines and an Information Desk where you can buy a single-ride ticket or load credit on an OV-chipkaart. You can choose anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart, and loading can be done with cash or card on the machines. The displays show options in several languages and provide receipts. If you prefer, you can also pay onboard with a contactless card, though loading in advance speeds up the process. The Schiphol options are convenient for a smooth start to your journey to Leidseplein and other destinations.

In Amsterdam, you can top up at major rail and metro stations, at GVB service desks, and at many convenience stores. At bus stops, the reader accepts contactless payments, and you board at the front door. Tickets and balance appear on the reader, and you can show the driver if requested. For privacy concerns, consider an anonymous OV-chipkaart to keep your travel data separate. If you’re planning multiple days in the city, options like days30 passes may be listed as possible choices, so specify what fits your plans below or at the desk. This approach is especially useful for users visiting museums around Leidseplein, Amsterdam Central, and other listed destinations.

Travel time and schedule: typical duration, frequency, and first/last departures

For a comfortable, fast transfer from Schiphol to the city center, take Bus 397. The typical travel time is 20-25 minutes, making it faster than most alternatives and super convenient for visitors who want a smooth start. Buses stop at the terminal area and offer alighting near central hotels or the rijksmuseum area.

Typische duur

Under normal traffic, the ride from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 20-25 minutes. In intermediate peak periods, allow up to 30 minutes if you catch a bus after a long queue or during queuing at gates. The same duration applies to most central stops, while some intermediate stops can add a minute or two. A quick ride is often possible if you board early or late, avoiding crowds.

Frequency and first/last departures

During daytime, buses run roughly every 7-12 minutes. In the early morning and late evening, intervals extend to about 15-20 minutes. First departures from Schiphol are typically around 05:20-05:40, with last departures around 00:15-00:45, depending on planned changes. Always check the timetable on the official website to confirm today’s plan, and use the link to view the full options. The service would be one of the most convenient options for both travelers and visitors.

Note for privacy-minded travelers: the website uses cookies to improve your experience; kindly check the privacy settings if needed. This option is not expensive and would save you time and money compared with a taxi, making it easier to reach your hotel or terminal. If you plan to alight near the rijksmuseum, the route offers a short walk or a quick tram ride from the alighting point.

When boarding, keep an eye on the queuing area to avoid missing a bus; buses are clearly marked and are usually full during peak times. For those traveling with heavy luggage or who need flexibility, one-way tickets and other options allow a comfortable ride without prebooking all the way. The website kindly provides a map link to the terminal and nearby stops; this helps both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers plan their route efficiently.

Is the airport transfer included with the I Amsterdam City Card: coverage, limits, and redemption steps

No–the airport transfer from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center is not included in the I amsterdam City Card. The card covers your rides on the GVB network within Amsterdam, but it does not cover the Schiphol airport express or other private airport shuttles. If you want a direct airport-to-city transfer, you’ll need a separate ticket and you can choose among several options to fit your schedule, whether you aim for speed or savings.

Coverage: The City Card grants unlimited travel on metro, tram, and bus services operated by GVB within Amsterdam during your card’s active period (24, 48, or 72 hours). It does not extend to the airport area or to services outside the Amsterdam municipality, such as the Connexxion airport routes or the Niteliner, which you would typically use for airport connections. For the fastest, most reliable ride from Schiphol, plan directly to your hotel or destination and be ready to open a separate fare when needed.

Limits: The transport benefit is limited to the Amsterdam public transport network. Airport-related routes like the Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) or direct rail connections are outside the City Card’s coverage. If your plans include getting to Haarlemmermeerstation or Schiphol itself, expect to pay separately. The City Card remains highly useful for your hotel hops and sightseeing within the city, while airport legs require a separate license to board the private services.

Redemption steps: There are no steps to redeem airport transfers, since they aren’t included. To use the City Card for intra-city travel, activate the transport option for your chosen days and simply tap the card on the reader when you board a GVB tram, bus, or metro. For airport transfers, book online or buy a ticket at Schiphol and ride directly to your destination. Always check the latest english guidance on the official site for any offers or updates, and you can watch a quick tutorial on Vimeo to see how the process works. If you want to compare options, several private operators offer direct connections from Schiphol to hotels, including connexxion and niteliner, so you can choose the best fit for your schedule and data needs.

Tips for saving time and money: peak hours, crowd considerations, and alternatives to Bus 397

Disclosure: traffic patterns shift with events and weather. Plan with real-time data from the operator and use the app to track delays. If you want extra context, you can also check youtube clips showing current boardings along the route. If you’re near emmastraat or haarlemmermeerstation, a short block walk to a less crowded stop can shave minutes off your transfer. When you book online, enable alerts and look for promo codes to reduce fare. Ensure you have language options in the app so you can follow along easily, then proceed with the best route for your day.

Peak hours and crowd considerations

Best strategy is to travel outside 07:00–09:30 and 16:00–19:00. If you must ride during peak, choose seats away from doors, wear a lightweight layer for comfort, and keep luggage compact to speed boarding. Most crowded moments happen at Schiphol departures and near the city center blocks, so plan to board earlier or later to avoid that pressure. If you’re nearby emmastraat or haarlemmermeerstation, a short block walk to a less crowded stop can reduce time along the corridor. Use the track feature in the operator app to time your arrival with a train transfer along the same route, then you’ll minimize wait time for the next leg. If you interact with the driver, keep it brief to avoid delays. Language options in the app help you follow updates in your preferred language.

Alternatives to Bus 397 and money-saving tricks

Alternatives include NS Intercity services from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Zuid; in many cases a train plus a short tram portion ends up faster and cheaper in a day. Compare time vs price, then choose the option with the least walking and the best time balance. If you prefer online booking, specify your origin as Schiphol and destination as Amsterdam Central and look for a promo code; both options–train plus tram or direct Bus 397–can offer extra savings when available. The operator’s domain host schedules and fares, and YouTube can offer quick, real-world context on crowd levels and on-board experience. For mid-day travel, taking the train often provides more speed alongside cost efficiency. Here you’ll find the route that matches your pace, then you can ride with more confidence.

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