Schiphol airport to Haarlem

A taxi or arranged pickup is probably the easiest, not the cheapest.

The train is somewhat easy, ticket machines in the main entry of the airport, the tracks down a level. For Haarlem you usually need to change trains at Sloterdijk station. The Hotel is basically across from the station in Haarlem...so that makes the train easy (The buses also arrive at the station though)

As for planning ahead, relax, this is simple commuting, show up, grab a ticket, wait for the next train or bus.

It sounds like a great tour ahead for you! It is quite easy to catch the bus from the airport. I have put a link to the airport’s transportation info page below.

https://www.schiphol.nl/en/transportation-from-schiphol/

As the previous poster said the bus is quite easy… it is right by the exit at Schipol where the big I ❤️ Amsterdam sign is . I have also taken a taxi near where you catch the bus. It was easy too but cost us 65 euros.
You will love Haarlem and your tour. We keep going back to Haarlem and plan to stay there for a few days in April before a Rhine River cruise followed by Rick Steves Venice, Florence and Rome tour.
Happy travels!

I'm more familiar with taking a taxi from the official taxi stand at the Paris airport in to Paris but I looked at Schiphol and it looks like a taxi from there to Haarlem is around 50E or maybe less. Frankly after an overnight flight and in a new location, I prefer a taxi. I also travel solo and am not 100% confident with my public transport skills, lol!!

I'll also add that the time I (along with other RS Best of Belgium and Holland tour members) took the tram from Delft in to The Hague the people on the tram were SO nice...helped us tag in correctly and were very kind. Most spoke some English but even the ones that didn't were helpful! I suspect you will find helpers along the way if you take the 300 bus!

IF you go with a taxi, have the full name and address of the hotel written out to hand to the driver. I usually tape the address to an index card so they can hold it easier to put into their GPS.

Now, as to this tour. It's WONDERFUL! What a terrific time you will have! I hope you will plan to arrive at least one day ahead if not 2. This is a strenuous tour and starts off with a bang with a full day in Amsterdam. DO plan to work on fitness levels this summer. Work on an increase in walking distance and add in stairs (Rome!!). You'll have a better time if you are fit! A RS guide for another country told me he went on this tour as an assistant and he was blown away because there were blockbuster sights every day!

I'd say the bus is probably the easiest as well. Just exit the airport and the bus station is right in front of you, follow the signs to the stop for bus 300 to Haarlem. Wait for the next bus (they run as often as every 6 minutes), buy a ticket (from a machine, the app or from the driver) and have a seat. The train is also an option, but unless it has changed the train will require a change along the way. I understand that public transportation can seem strange to Americans, but it is very easy. And if you are unsure, don't be afraid to ask someone.

I took that route (Schiphol airport to Haarlem) during my Best of Europe in 21 days. Taking the bus was incredibly simple and efficient. Additionally, you may receive instructions in your tour package email which outlines in detail several options which may also include this one.

Thanks for asking this question. I’m spending a week in Haarlem after time in France and we fly home from Amsterdam. The bus sounds like it’s easier than the train. Is there luggage storage on the bus?

I can't attach photos, so I am attaching the advice to google this phrase, "bus 300 haarlem photos". This will bring up a page full of pictures that may answer your question about the bus set up.

I took the 300 bus from the airport to Haarlem in 2019. It's as easy as everyone says. Be sure to look at the pictures linked in another response. There was plenty of room for my carry-on and I loved the route.

It stops at the Stationsplein right on the square where the Lion D'Or is. This Location link via the hotel shows both and much more.

I wasn't on that tour, but I stayed at that lovely hotel. Breakfast is great. I also had a couple of other very nice simple meals there. This link to the hotel provides more info in case you haven't looked it up already.

The easiest way to store luggage in the #300 bus is to use the open space in the middle of the bus that’s dedicated for prams and for people in a wheelchair. However you should make room if someone with a pram or in a wheelchair wants to use that space. Depending on how much luggage you have and on what time of day you’ll be wanting to travel, the bus may be less ideal.

My flight is at 14:50 and I assume we should be at the airport 3 hours early. Is that correct? I’m not sure how long the bus takes, but I’m guessing we would leave Haarlem around 11:00.

Going through Schiphol is about as fast as it gets. I'm pretty sure I could pay for lunch in Haarlem and be at the gate inside of an hour without rushing. Do you have to check bags?

We will check at least one bag.

Thanks everyone for your input. Very useful information. If anyone else is on the B of E 21 day tour starting 9/25....speak up !

You can easily take the train from Schiphol to Haarlem. Trains go often and it is so easy. I would think the tour office would’ve mentioned that when you asked?