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If you want to travel from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by train to take around 27 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 20 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 101 trains per day running on this route, which spans 47 km. There's no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Thalys, NS or SNCB are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport start from $16.60 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
It takes an average of 27m to travel from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by train, over a distance of around 29 miles (47 km). There are normally 101 trains per day traveling from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and tickets for this journey start from $16.60 when you book in advance.
First train | 00:12 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 23:42 | |
Departure station | Rotterdam Centraal | |
Arrival station | Amsterdam Schiphol Airport | |
Journey time | From 20m | |
Distance | 29 miles (47 km) | |
Frequency | 101 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $16.60 | |
Train and bus operators |
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
Standard is the perfect class for you if you’re after great value with no hidden extra costs. On board, you’ll find free WiFi, power outlets, a generous luggage allowance and snacks and drinks available from the Thalys Welcome Bar.
If you’d like to enjoy all of the amenities of Standard Class, as well as wider, more comfortable seating and a welcome from Thalys staff on the platform, then upgrade to Comfort!
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to Premium and you’ll enjoy complimentary food and drinks, as well as access to the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station.
If you're traveling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of baggage storage and power outlets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfortable seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and a generous baggage allowance at an affordable price.
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
There are baggage racks near the entrance doors, or in the spaces between the seat backs, or on the rack above your seat.
Although there’s no weight limit for your luggage, you should be able to carry your bags safely.
Their baggage policy includes 2 items of baggage/suitcases with max size of 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches) and 1 carry-on item.
You may also bring special items of baggage on board like musical instruments. However, they must be under 2 meters (78 inches) long.
Food in Standard and Comfort Class
You can visit the Thalys Welcome Bar – you’ll get to choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savory snacks.
You can also pre-order food and drinks on your smartphone, tablet or laptop and collect from the Welcome Bar.
Food in Premium Class
You’ll enjoy a complimentary meal, which will be served straight to your seat.
Thalys' menu is designed by Belgian chef, Frank Fol. Meals are served for any international journey over 50 minutes.
Once you’ve found your seat and made yourself comfortable, you can connect to the complimentary WiFi and chat to your friends, catch up on work or watch your favorite TV show. To make sure your devices don’t lose power, connect to the power sockets at your seat.
Thalys make it easy to take your little ones on a train journey. Kids under 4 can travel free of charge and without a ticket, provided they sit on your lap. Kids between 4 and 12 can get discounted ticket prices.
In cars 7, 17 and 27 on Thalys trains you’ll also find baby-changing facilities, a sink, and a bottle warmer.
Strollers are allowed on board free of charge, but should be folded before boarding and stored in the baggage racks in the carriage you’re sitting in.
Thalys accept a small number of non-folding bikes on board, however both wheels must be removed and the whole bike must be covered in a non-rigid container with a maximum size of 135 x 85 x 30cm (53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Folding bikes are treated as standard luggage with a max size of 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
Small dogs and other domestic animals that weigh less than 6kg (2.3 lb) can travel free of charge on Thalys trains. They must travel in a cage or container though, with max dimensions of 45 x 30 x 25 cm (17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
If your dog is bigger than this, you’ll need to purchase a specific dog ticket (usually at a fixed price of €30) and the dog must travel on your lap, or on the floor, on a lead and muzzled.
Guide and assistance dogs of any size are also allowed free of charge.
If you need help with boarding or disembarking, you should contact Thalys directly before your trip. Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they do not exceed:
When traveling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of baggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg (66.1 pounds). Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your baggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following baggage on board for free:
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are traveling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children traveling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re traveling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm (11.8 x 21.6 x 11.8 inches), you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
There are no baggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.
There is no onboard catering on NS trains.
The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.
Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.
Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the car. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal baggage.
Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a leash - you must also buy a dog train ticket.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Rotterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is 27 minutes, with around 101 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is 20 minutes.
Train tickets from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can start from as little as $16.60 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport without having to change trains. There are 96 direct trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport leaves at 00:12. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport leaves at 23:42. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport cover a distance of around 29 miles (47 km) during the journey.