Amsterdam flight
 

I'm flying from Amsterdam to Copenhagen - flight is at 9 AM on Sterling Air. I'm aiming to get there at around 6:45, but the trains don't start running every 15 minutes until 6:30. Before that, it's every hour, apparently. Is anyone familiar with this? Would it be a better idea to take a taxi, and will it be possible to find taxis at that hour of the morning? I'm staying at the Hotel Nebo, if that helps. Thanks!

Sorry, please discount the hotel bit - that's in Copenhagen :) Don't know my Amsterdam hotel yet.

I'm sure if you arrange with your Amsterdam hotel the night before, they can have a taxi for you early in the morning.

But even as overly careful as I am, I think the 6:30 train to Schipol airport should give you sufficient time.

Trains usually take about 15 minutes from Centraal to Schiphol; if there is a stop at Sloterdijk that usually lengthens the time by a couple of minutes.

At around 0500 the frequency increases to about once every 25 minutes.

IMO if you left around 0630 that would get you out there in plenty of time.

Sterling check-in is usually in Terminal 3.

Ask if the Connexxion airport/hotel shuttle bus has a stop at or near your hotel, and if it runs that early. It's more $ than the train, less $ than the taxi, and very convenient if it proves a viable option.

My experience with Connexxion this past April was that they'll deliver/pick up to or from any hotel, and they start running at 5:30 a.m. They are not a shuttle bus, they're a van that picks up at the airport and on reservation from any hotel. I think it was 12 E. one-way, 19 r/t. Great service.

Sorry if "shuttle bus" was the wrong term, but I used the service, and yes it is as Holly describes. I caught it outside the airport among other street public transportation options. And the return, my hotel called and arranged my pick-up.

Thanks very much for the help, everyone.

The one time we took the train from the airport into Amsterdam's main depot, we were delayed big-time. An obstruction on the track, they said, caused us all to stand and wait at least 45 minutes before the train moved forward again. The locals said it happens all the time. So I'd hesitate to trust the train if you're cutting it close to catch a flight. Especially if the train is one that stops all along the way. Better to take the shuttle recommended above, I'd think.
:)>-

How long does the shuttle usually take? I'm thinking of the Hotel Kap, and the pickup is at 6:30. Will I get there with enough time?

With Connexxion I believe it depends on how many hotel stops you have on any particular route. I did exactly that, from Hotel Kap to the airport, but hestiate to say exactly the time it took (maybe 30-40 mins the best I can recall?).

I'm thinking I'll do a taxi - that seems like a bit too long a time for me. Or maybe I'll just go to the airport the night before and stay there ;) Thanks!

My ride from the Estherea was about 25 minutes.

I think springing for a taxi at that time of the morning is an excellent idea. I often do.

If you take the 6.30 train you will be there well in advance. It's a European flight; one hour in advance is enough, 1 1/2 to be safe.

Actually, check-in for Sterling starts 2 hours before the flight, and if you've ever taken a budget flight, you know how insane it gets. Check-in closes 40 minutes before the flight, so there's a chance you won't get on the flight if you're too far back in the line.

IMO the number of people taking any flight, budget level or otherwise, can vary from day to day. The efficiency with which the agent(s) check people in could also affect whether or not you get to the front of the line in time.

I'm sorry but I would tend to minimize the report, earlier, that things block Dutch railways "all the time" but then again, I don't live there and have never had that unfortunate experience in the many times I have ridden the rails in that country.

If you leave at 6:30 even with the one possible interventing stop (no, the trains from Centraal to Schiphol do not "stop everywhere along the way" )you would be in the terminal building before 7:00 AM.

I assume the shuttle would be less of a hassle but do you have any guarantee that the shuttle will pick you up and then go directly to the airport? Will it stop at some other hotel on the way?

If you are truly concerned about making the flight then I agree a more expensive taxi would be the answer and unless there is a traffic tie up (which would also affect the shuttle) you could pretty much dictate the exact time you want to arrive at the airport.

Yes the hotel bus will likely pick you up on time, but WILL also stop at other hotels along the way. Hence my recommendation of a taxi for someone traveling solo and so early in the AM.