Airport to downtown?

Train to AMS Centraal. Train station is in the airport. You can buy tickets and take an escalator down to the platform.
Then:
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Amsterdam-Centraal-Station/Linden-Hotel-Amsterdam

Bus 397, practically in front of Schiphol exit , takes you to Museum plein ( behind Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam ) . This bus has a large area for suitcases and an easy step-in .Several stops at different hotels of course . The trip itself is kind of a sightseeing tour also .

I always found the easiest way from the airport to Central Amsterdam was as mentioned above, just take the train to Centraal Station, where everything is either a short walk or tram stop away, You also never know what you may find of interest at or by Central Station btw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8jbFHQTC5I

Orv

My recent trips to Amsterdam have just been long one day layovers. I used the train to Station Centraal, but I found it a hassle that the tram doesn't take cash. If you are going to be there a few days and want transport, then it is worth figuring out the card and system for buses and trams.

When you arrive at Schipol, find a kiosk that you can purchase an OV chip card. There is one just outside the terminal. They are yellow kiosks. You will need a PIN number for your VISA or MASTERCARD in order to get a chip card loaded. As you walk from the terminal look right and go across one or two lanes (can't exactly remember how many lanes) to the red bus (397) its goes to the museum area of Amsterdam. When you get on the bus you can use the door by the driver or the one further back. Scan your card. You must also scan your card when you get off the bus. You use the same procedure for Trams. This is your cheapest option and its pretty easy to find and navigate.

Margaret