We're landing at Amsterdam/Schiphol airport in May. We have railpasses and will be spending two days in AMS. How convenient is the train station at the airport? The websites say it is "directly below" the airport. Has anyone ever used the train from the airport? We'll be coming off of a 15 hour journey and figure we'll be very bleary-eyed. Should I just arrange a taxi instead?? We would need to activate the railpasses at the station before we use them. Any suggestions?

The train is convenient, but we chose an inexpensive shuttle that serviced the hotels. It's nice to be taken directly to your hotel after a full day of traveling. They make stops at other hotels along the way, but we've always enjoyed the "tour" aspect of this.

Youn have several options from Schiphol to your hotel. The train platforms are, in fact, one level down from the Schiphol Plaza area of the main terminal which is very easy to find.

On the upper level there are ticket machines and ticket windows. You can easily activate your pass at one of the windows. Trains to Centraal Station run about four times each hour and the journey takes between 15-20 minutes.

There are also taxis available as well as a bus/transfer service.

Go here for more information re the airport: http://www.schiphol.nl

Click on the English version in the upper right hand corner.

The train is very easy to find and use. You can buy you ticket through a machine, but it may be better to purchase them at the window so you can ask to make sure you know which escalator to go down for your train. Once down there you can just ask folks "Centraal?" It's cheap and takes 20 minutes to Centraal. If you have questions there is a VVV tourist info booth at the airport and they will help as well.

I've been on that train scores of times. Actually you must go out into another hall before you see the ticket windows and the escallators down to the tracks. That is Schiphol Plaza which is in the center of the airport but you wouldn't know it is in the center coming from one of the terminals.

Depending on your travel plans it may be better to buy a ticket to Amsterdam rather than validate your rail pass as soon as you arrive. The daily pro-rata for a rail pass can be $30 while a ticket to Amsterdam is a fraction of that.

On the train to A'dam and in the station and on the trams, heck, just about everywhere, watch out for pickpockets and baggage thieves. They hang out where the pickings are ripe.

Tickets to Amsterdam Centraal Station are only about 3.50€ each, so don't waste a day of your pass for that.

You can get a taxi after arrival at Centraal and that will probably cost 9-12€ to get to any fairly central hotel. You could also take a tram, but I wouldn't do it my first time, with bags and jet lag.

The Connexxions bus sits out in front of the arrivals hall - just walk up, get on and buy a ticket - costs about 12€ one way - make sure the driver is going to or near your hotel before you pay. (ask your hotel what the closest drop-off is).

A taxi will cost 30-35€ roughly. Never hurts to splurge when tired/disoriented from the flight...

"Waste a day of your pass"....I suppose it depends on how many days are on your pass in the first place, doesn't it?

Well, duh, "Intrepid"...

Even with moderately heavy baggage - I'm not a light packer by any stretch of the imagination - I use the express train from Schiphol. Even if you take the train then take a taxi from Centraal to your hotel, you'll still save beaucoup bucks. It's so quick and comfortable, and they leave Schiphol every eight minutes. Once you exit the baggage claim area, look for Schiphol Plaza and take the escalator down to the platform. It is literally right beneath the airport.

Thank you all for your replies. Now I have a full picture of what we can do. Haven't made up my mind yet but it's so nice to have all the information. Happy travels!

aggiemom,
I've done both the train and the shuttle. The shuttle dropped me off right in front of my Hotel (the Doelen). Just be warned that there is no such thing as being helped with your luggage - these drivers are on a very tight schedule.

The train was easy enough, but that was on a repeat trip through A'dam. Centraal Station can be a bit discomfitting for a first-timer off a long flight. If you take the train, do not leave your suitcases anywhere near the doors or unattended anywhere for even a moment. All the warnings about luggage grabbers and pickpockets are for real.

The real problem for me in taking the train was that my hotel was indeed within "walking distance" of the station, but it was a long, long six blocks over the world's most cobbly cobblestones.

Take the shuttle if it's your first trip.

I used the Connexxion shuttle bus. It was 10 euro one-way, 18 RT (2 yrs ago) and does a loop thru all the major downtown hotels. I made no arrangements ahead of time, just lined up at the bus stop outside the airport.

Since my hotel was out in Leidseplein, would have been a trek from central train station or need a tram or taxi anyway, and after a LONG flight with luggage, this seemed a very reasonable option.

Thank you dovima and suze for your comments. Suze, I was glad to get a name for at least one shuttle service. This is our first time in AMS so I think I'll leave the driving to the pros.

Dovima: I noticed you stayed at Hotel Doelen. I'm booked there for this May. Please please please tell me you loved it a bunch?!

aggiemom, Just wanted to check in and say I have taken the train many times and it's very easy. Everyone on the train with you will be a traveler with luggage. You'll feel safe and comfortable. From Centraal Station I have taken both taxis and trams. Trams are pretty easy if you only have a rolling bag.

Have a great trip. I love Amsterdam. Be sure to take a canal boat ride and visit Anne Frank's house.

Grasshopper,
Do you mean to say that you've never been bumped by a pickpocket or blindsided by a gang of baggage thieves? Maybe you travel like Marco Polo with your jewels in your patches?

If you arrive early in the morning on a weekday not "everyone on the train" will be a "traveler with luggage like you"...in fact, most of them will be locals going to work.

The train is easy to do but if you feel better taking the bus shuttle or a taxi then by all means do so.

aggiemom,

The Doelen has its pros and cons but is basically a very decent hotel.

The building is very atmospheric and has quite a history - the salon is where Rembrandt displayed his "Night Watch" for its first public viewing. There's a huge central staircase of dark wood which winds its way up to the top floor (and makes for great aerobic mini-workouts!). The location is good and central. Close to the Rembrandtplein and the flower markets on the Singel, also the Seven Bridges area. The red light district is just a few minutes walk away, but don't let that bother you - you really won't notice.

The cons? Well, the Doelen struck me as badly needing a management shake-up. It's such a beautiful, potential-filled property, but right now it's getting kind of shabby and gloomy. I had a small double on one of the top floors, nice enough, but there were things like the dusty curtains and the mildew stain on the bathroom ceiling which indicated that the management just doesn't care.

The Doelen has some luxury rooms which people tell me are really nice in an old fashioned way. The standard rooms are probably a notch or two below. Make sure to get a room with a view of the river - the Doelen is right on the Amstel where it makes its hook-shaped curve, and the water views are wonderful.

Last but not least, go to the Cafe de Jaren a few doors down - good food, atmosphere and great people-watching.

Dovima - thanks for your input about the Hotel Doelen. The way you described it was pretty much how I figured it would be. I did get a better room (maybe a junior suite? I don't remember) so I think we'll be okay. I do enjoy being in an older, historic hotel despite the shabbiness that seems inevitable. Thanks again.

Train station is right below Schiphol. I've taken the train from the airport many times, and was just there on Saturday. It is cheap, so you might want to take the train, especially if you don't have many bags.