Welcome to the Netherlands! Whether you land at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) or Eindhoven Airport (EIN), your journey to your new home is just beginning.
The Dutch public transport system is excellent, but navigating it with heavy suitcases can be a challenge. Here is a breakdown of how to get from the airport to the major student hubs.
1. Landing at Schiphol (AMS)
Schiphol is one of the best-connected airports in the world. The train station is located directly underneath the main airport terminal (Schiphol Plaza).
| Destination City | Travel Time (Train) | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Central | 15 - 20 mins | €4.90 |
| Utrecht Central | 30 - 35 mins | €10.00 |
| Leiden Central | 15 - 20 mins | €7.00 |
| Rotterdam Central | 25 - 50 mins | €14.50 (Intercity Direct) |
| Delft | 40 - 45 mins | €11.50 |
| Groningen | 2h 10 mins | €29.40 |
If you are heading to Rotterdam or Breda, look for the Intercity Direct. It's faster but requires a small "supplement" (toeslag) of ~€2.90 which you pay at the pole on the platform.
2. Landing at Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
Eindhoven is popular for budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air). Unlike Schiphol, it does not have its own train station. You must take a bus first.
- Step 1: Take Bus 400 or 401 from the airport to Eindhoven Central Station (approx. 20 mins).
- Step 2: Take a train to your destination.
| Destination City | Total Travel Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tilburg | 45 mins | €9.00 |
| Nijmegen | 1h 15 mins | €15.00 |
| Maastricht | 1h 30 mins | €21.00 |
| Amsterdam | 1h 45 mins | €24.00 |
3. How to Pay for Your Journey
You do not need to buy a paper ticket!
- OVpay: Simply tap your contactless debit/credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or phone (Apple/Google Pay) at the yellow gates or poles. It works for both buses and trains.
- NS App: You can buy a digital ticket in the official "NS" (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) app to avoid the €1.00 surcharge on paper tickets.
4. Helpful Apps for Your Arrival
- 9292: The best app for door-to-door transit (bus, tram, metro, and train).
- NS App: For real-time train schedules, platform changes, and ticket buying.
- Google Maps: Generally reliable for walking directions once you reach your city.
Worried about the first trip?
Our arrival guide includes a video walkthrough of Schiphol station and how to find your specific platform.
5. Handling Luggage
- Trains: Most trains have overhead racks and space between seats, but there are no dedicated "luggage cars." If you have 3+ suitcases, try to travel during off-peak hours (09:00 - 16:00).
- Taxis/Uber: A taxi from Schiphol to Amsterdam center costs €50 - €70. Use Uber for slightly better rates, but public transport is almost always faster and cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my flight lands late at night?
The "Nachtnet" (night trains) runs every hour between Schiphol, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague. For other cities, you may need to wait until 05:30 for the first regular train.
Is there Wi-Fi on the trains?
Most Intercity trains have free "WiFi in de Trein," though it can be slow. Sprinter trains usually do not have Wi-Fi.
Where can I get a Dutch SIM card at the airport?
There are several kiosks in Schiphol Plaza (like Lebara or Lyca). However, wait until you are in the city for better deals at stores like KPN or Vodafone.