How to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Anne Frank House

How to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to the Anne Frank House (Westermarkt 20) with 4 practical routes.

At A Glance (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Anne Frank House)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Train + Walk/Tram (Schiphol → Amsterdam Centraal → Anne Frank House)	~30–50 min total (train ~15–25 min + last mile)	Most travelers, reliable & frequent
🏷️ Cost: Train from ~€5.50 one-way » NS route info
🚌 Bus 397 + Walk/Tram (Schiphol → Leidseplein/Museumplein → Anne Frank House)	~45–70 min total (bus ~30–40 min + last mile)	Budget travelers, simple city-center drop-offs
🏷️ Cost: ~€6.50 one-way » buy e-ticket
🚕 Taxi / Uber / Private Transfer (Door-to-door)	~30–60 min (traffic-dependent)	Families, lots of luggage, late-night arrivals
🏷️ Cost: Taxi typically ~€35–€60 (metered, traffic-dependent) | Private pickup from ~€39 » compare transfers
🚗 Car Rental (AMS → City Center)	~35–70 min (traffic + parking time)	Continuing beyond Amsterdam, multi-stop itineraries
🏷️ Cost: Varies by date/car class » see AMS car rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Reliable: Choose Option 1 (Train + Walk/Tram)—frequent trains right under the terminal.
• Cheapest/Most Economical: Choose Option 2 (Bus 397 + Walk/Tram)—good value if you’re staying near Leidseplein/Museumplein.
• Most Convenient (door-to-door): Choose Option 3 (Taxi / Uber / Private Transfer)—especially with kids, heavy bags, or a late arrival.
• Most Flexible for onward travel: Choose Option 4 (Car Rental)—handy if you’re leaving Amsterdam after the museum.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book Anne Frank House tickets early: Tickets are sold online only via the museum website; new tickets are typically released weekly (check the museum’s tickets page).
• Plan around the Westermarkt tram disruption: The Anne Frank House notes no tram service to Westermarkt from 15 Feb 2025 to Feb 2028; you may need to walk from Dam Square or nearby stops depending on your route.
• Use a journey planner for real-time changes: Check routes and disruptions on the NS journey planner or 9292.
• Paying for local transit: In Amsterdam, you can often tap in/out with contactless payment (OVpay) on trams/metros/buses; see GVB payment options.
• Bring only what you can carry: The Anne Frank House has limited space; consider storing bags near the museum with luggage storage near Anne Frank House.
• Build in a buffer: Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes before your timed entry (queues/security can still happen).

🚆 Option 1 — Train + Walk/Tram (Fastest, Most Reliable)

Frequent service Weather-proof Last-mile planning needed

• Overview: Take the NS train from Schiphol Airport (station under Schiphol Plaza) to Amsterdam Centraal, then walk (~20 min) or connect by tram/bus and finish with a short walk to the Anne Frank House entrance at Westermarkt 20.
• Typical time: Train is often ~14–17 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal, then ~20 minutes on foot (or quicker with a short transit hop + walk).
• How to book (with price): Buy an NS ticket/e-ticket (from ~€5.50 one-way) on the official Schiphol–Amsterdam route page (or use the NS journey planner for live departures).
• Pros: Fast and consistent; trains run frequently. Cons: You still have a last-mile walk; tram changes near Westermarkt may apply.

Step-by-step: Train + Walk/Tram

1. At Schiphol arrivals, follow signs for Schiphol Plaza and then Trains; the train station is directly below the terminal (use escalator/lift down).
2. Buy a ticket in the NS app/website or at the station, then board a train to Amsterdam Centraal.
3. From Amsterdam Centraal, choose:
   1. Walk: follow a map route through the canal belt (about 20 minutes).
   2. Short transit + walk: use 9292 to pick the best tram/bus combination on the day, then walk the final stretch to Westermarkt 20.
4. Arrive at the museum entrance at Westermarkt 20 and have your timed ticket ready (tickets are online-only via Choose your ticket).

Getting to the main embarking points (Schiphol train station & Amsterdam Centraal)

• Schiphol train station: Located directly under Schiphol Plaza; follow the airport’s official guidance for reaching the platforms via escalator/lift.
• Amsterdam Centraal: Main station in central Amsterdam; follow station signage for exits toward the city center/canals.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option 2 — Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 + Walk/Tram (Most Budget-Friendly)

Low cost City-center stops Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Take Connexxion bus 397 from Schiphol to Amsterdam (popular stops include Museumplein/Rijksmuseum/Leidseplein), then connect by tram/bus or walk to the Anne Frank House.
• Typical time: Bus 397 often runs every ~10 minutes and takes roughly ~30 minutes to the center, then ~10–25 minutes for the final leg.
• How to book (with price): Buy the official e-ticket (valid on lines 397 and night line N97) on Amsterdam Airport Express single ticket (commonly ~€6.50 one-way).
• Pros: Simple, good value, easy luggage storage under-seat/overhead. Cons: Slower in peak traffic; last-mile can include a walk due to Westermarkt tram works.

Step-by-step: Bus 397 + last mile

1. Go to the bus stops in front of Schiphol Plaza and find stand B17 for the Amsterdam Airport Express (line 397).
2. Ride the bus to a stop that best matches your onward route (Leidseplein is a common choice for central connections).
3. Use 9292 to pick the best tram/bus for the day, then walk the final 5–15 minutes to the museum entrance at Westermarkt 20.
4. If you’re going at night, check whether the N97 night line fits your arrival time (also covered by the same ticket type).

Getting to the main embarking points (Bus stop B17 at Schiphol)

• Find the stop: Exit the terminal to Schiphol Plaza, then follow signage to the bus area and locate B17 (Connexxion notes this as the departure stop for 397).
• Ticket tip: If you prefer to pre-book, use the Connexxion e-ticket above; otherwise, confirm payment options on the day.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option 3 — Taxi / Uber / Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)

Most convenient Great with luggage Higher cost

• Overview: Go straight from Schiphol to the Anne Frank House area by official taxi rank, ride-hailing, or a pre-booked private transfer.
• Typical time: ~30–60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
• How to book (with price):
  • Official taxi rank: Follow the airport’s Taxi to and from Schiphol guidance to the official stand at Schiphol Plaza (metered; expect a typical ~€35–€60 range to central areas depending on traffic).
  • Pre-booked pickup: Compare flat-fee style airport pickups via Welcome Pickups airport shuttle or request offers on GetTransfer (AMS transfers).
  • Activity-style transfers: If you like booking via tours/experiences, check Schiphol Airport private transfer listings (options vary by vehicle size).
  • Ride-hailing alternative: Uber pickup at AMS can be convenient, but availability and pickup rules can vary—follow in-app instructions at the airport.
• Pros: No transfers; best for tight schedules and heavy bags. Cons: Traffic and higher cost; drop-off may still require a short walk due to canal-belt restrictions.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Uber / Private Transfer

1. Taxi: Follow signs/floor stickers to the official taxi stand at Schiphol Plaza; avoid unsolicited offers inside the terminal.
2. Private transfer: Confirm your pickup instructions (meeting point, driver contact) in advance; many services monitor flight delays.
3. Destination tip: Use “Anne Frank House, Westermarkt 20” (museum entrance) as your drop-off reference, then walk the final few minutes if the road access is limited.
4. If you have luggage: Store bags near the museum using luggage storage near Anne Frank House so you can enter comfortably.

Getting to the main embarking points (Schiphol official taxi stand / pickup area)

• Official taxi stand: In front of Schiphol Plaza—follow airport taxi signs to ensure you get an approved taxi.
• Pickup apps: Use the app’s airport pickup guidance and be ready to walk to the designated meeting zone.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option 4 — Car Rental (Best if You’re Continuing Onward)

Flexible itinerary Good for road trips Parking can be painful

• Overview: Pick up a rental car at Schiphol, drive into Amsterdam, then park and walk to the Anne Frank House area. This option is usually not the easiest for a quick museum visit, but it’s useful if you’re heading out of town afterward.
• Typical time: ~35–70 minutes to reach the area, plus time to find parking and walk.
• How to book (with price): Compare rentals at Schiphol on Car rental at Schiphol Airport (AMS). Schiphol notes that rental desks are located at the Car Rental and Service Desk in Schiphol Plaza (follow “Car Rental” signs).
• Pros: Total flexibility for multi-stop days and onward travel. Cons: Central Amsterdam has tight streets/limited parking; you’ll likely still walk the final stretch.
• Where to stay nearby: If you’re turning this into an overnight, browse hotels near Anne Frank House and plan to arrive early for your museum slot.

Step-by-step: Car rental + drive

1. Follow airport signage to Schiphol Plaza and the Car Rental desks.
2. Set your navigation to “Anne Frank House, Westermarkt 20” but be prepared that the closest parking may be a short walk away.
3. Park, then walk to the museum entrance. Keep your museum ticket time handy.
4. If you have bags, consider storing them before visiting using nearby luggage storage.

Getting to the main embarking points (Schiphol car rental desks)

• Pickup location: Schiphol’s official guidance points you to the Car Rental and Service Desk in Schiphol Plaza—follow “Car Rental” signs.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Anne Frank House)

Do I need to book Anne Frank House tickets in advance?
Yes—tickets are sold online only through the Anne Frank House website, and you enter with a timed start time.

What’s the easiest route if I have luggage?
If you have heavy bags, Option 3 (Taxi / private transfer) is simplest. If you’re using public transport, store bags near the museum with luggage storage near Anne Frank House.

How long should I allow from Schiphol to the museum?
A safe plan is 60–90 minutes door-to-door (including ticketing, walking, and possible delays). The train route is often the quickest, but always check live disruptions.

Can I take a tram straight to Westermarkt?
Not always. The Anne Frank House notes that there is no tram running up to the Westermarkt stop during works from 15 Feb 2025 to Feb 2028, so you may need to walk from nearby areas (e.g., Dam Square) depending on your connection.

Is there a good way to plan the last-mile connection?
Yes—use 9292 for door-to-door public transport routing and live updates.