Airport transfers
 

When I land in Amsterdam, what should I expect as far as public transportation to get to the city center? I've heard it's about a 30-minute taxi ride which will cost approximately 60 Euros. Are there any cheaper options?

train

http://www.schiphol.nl/

That taxi fare sounds higher than what I've ever paid by nearly a third, but I agree with Kay2 that a really cost-effective approach is the train, which leaves right out of lower level of AMS airport. There are vending machines for tickets and looking at the stub from this past March, I see it was 3.10 Euros. Pay attention to your belongings because it is rather notorious as a place to "lose" things, but really, it isn't too scary at all.

18 minutes by train. Up to 5 trains per hour during the day, and one per hour between 1 AM and 6 AM. Taxi should be no more than 35 euro max.

Thanks for the very helpful info!

I'll be staying at the Radison SAS hotel which is supposed to be in the heart of Amsterdam. Will I just take the train at the airport to the downtown area? (Any idea what destination will be listed that I should look for at the vending machine?)

When I arrive downtown, I suppose I'll then just hail a taxi from there to get to my hotel?

Thx for any help you can offer. I like to have details figured out before arriving when it's possible.

The Radisson SAS in not very far from Central Station, so you will need a train from Schiphol Airport to Central Station. (Amsterdam Centraal Station in Dutch) With little luggage and a good map you could walk (10-15 minutes), otherwise take a taxi which should be around 10 euro from Central Station.
The vending machines for train tickets only work with euro coins or Dutch debit cards or electronic purses. (electronic money on a chip) There are also ticket windows at Schiphol Airport to buy your ticket.

There is also an airport minibus just outside the terminal. We staayed in a hotel on Dam Square and were dropped off at the door.