How to Get to Amsterdam. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol AMS

AMS serves as the main international gateway to Haarlem. Located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Haarlem, it offers convenient direct transport links.

Airlines & Routes

AMS is a key center for KLM and global airlines like Delta, British Airways, Lufthansa.
Low-cost carriers like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Transavia offer European connections.
Direct flights connect AMS to major global hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Schiphol Airport offers extensive facilities and services for convenience.

Services & Transfers

Shopping, dining, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations are available.
Train is the most efficient transfer to Haarlem (15-20 min). Tickets from yellow machines or Contactless payment.
Taxis and Uber are available, but more expensive (typically €50-€70+). Dollar Flight Club can help with flight deals.

Flight Availability

High season (April-August) means increased frequency and higher prices. Shoulder and low seasons often offer reduced prices.

Booking Advice

Booking 3-6 months in advance is recommended for best prices, especially for high season. Flexibility with dates can offer savings.

Cost Savings

Shoulder and low seasons often present lower fares. Consider indirect routes for potential budget savings.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific departure or exit fees for tourists from Dutch airports or ports.
For Schengen flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
For Non-Schengen flights, arrive 3-4 hours before departure, especially during peak times.
For train/bus departures, arrive 15-30 minutes before departure for platform access.

Airport/Station Facilities

Schiphol The airport has extensive shopping, dining, lounges, and relaxation areas after security.
Haarlem Central Station provides shops, cafes, and waiting areas for travelers.
Comfortable waiting areas are available at major transport hubs.
Check for real-time departure information on screens.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Netherlands Railways (NS) operates an extensive network. Haarlem Central Terminal offers frequent links to Amsterdam (20 min), Leiden (30 min), The Hague (45 min), Rotterdam (1 hr), and Utrecht (50 min).

Self-Driving

Drive on the right. Non-EU citizens Need an IDP with their national license. Roads are excellent. Parking in Haarlem is in short supply and expensive; consider P+R facilities.

Road Safety

Be aware of cyclists; they often have right-of-way in dedicated lanes. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Overall road quality is high.

Sea & River Arrivals

International Ferry Services

Haarlem is not a direct port for international passenger ferries. Nearby coastal towns serve as entry points from the UK.

Ferry Routes

DFDS Seaways operates from Newcastle (UK) to IJmuiden, very close to Haarlem.
Stena Line works from Harwich (UK) to Hook of Holland, further south.
Amsterdam is a major cruise port for larger vessels.

Connections from Seaports

Upon arrival at seaports, mass transit links are available to reach Haarlem.

Getting to Haarlem

From IJmuiden Ferry Terminal: Buses connect directly to Haarlem (20-30 minutes).
From Hook of Holland: Take a metro or train connection to Rotterdam, then transfer to a train to Haarlem.
River transportation in Haarlem means canal cruises for sightseeing, not point-to-point travel.

Ferry Destinations

Ferries from the UK arrive at adjacent ports like IJmuiden and Hook of Holland.

Port Connections

Direct bus routes from IJmuiden. Train connections from Hook of Holland via Rotterdam.

Coastal Influence

Haarlem's nearness to the coast means maritime influence in its weather and historical ties.

Alternative Transport

Long-Distance Bus Options

International bus services like FlixBus link major Dutch cities (including Amsterdam) to destinations across Europe.

Regional Travel

Less relevant for direct travel into Haarlem from within the Netherlands.
The train network is more comprehensive and faster for intercity travel within the Netherlands.
Look into for international journeys to or from other European cities via Amsterdam.

Border Crossing Information

As part of the Schengen Area, routine passport checks are generally absent when traveling by land from another Schengen country.

Schengen Travel

You will cross open borders from countries like Belgium or Germany.
Still carry your passport or valid ID, as random checks can occur.
Simplified entry across most of Europe's internal borders.

Train Platform

Efficient Travel

Dutch trains are comfortable, clean, and run on time.

Extensive Network

The NS network links Haarlem to major cities efficiently.

Haarlem Central Station

A major hub and a beautiful historic building.

How to Get to Amsterdam