I flew into Amsterdam airport about ten years ago. Busses were convenient and easy, but I was going into a smaller town outside of Amsterdam rather than into the city. I would imagine that busses would be even easier getting into Amsterdam. Check a "Let's Go" or "Lonely Planet" guide and they'll tell you the frequency and which busses to take.

If you're going to be in Holland for awhile....you might consider bringing your bike, buying/renting a bike while you're there. Bicycles are a great way to get around.
Have a great trip!

I was in Amsterdam in 2005 and a friend of mine went just a few months ago. Don't even worry about this issue. There's a train stop right at Schiphol airport that takes you straight to Centraal Station. It's something like a 15-20 minute ride. The only problem you might encounter is not having small change in euros to buy a ticket with. You should either get some small change before your trip or be prepared to buy a coffee or something to get change.

Overall, it's incredibly easy to figure this out once you arrive. Don't worry. There are big signs in English pointing the way. I've been to around 10 international airports, and Schiphol probably has the best/easiest public transit into town.

it's exactly 14 minutes. go and return for 6.20 (euro) check www.ns.nl for actual times.
'reisplanner' is the application you need
cheers
sander

Walk out of the "Airport" area into the shopping center...pass thru. You will find yourself in the Railstation hall- you can purchase tickets for the train to Centraal Station from a window or a machine...you may need euros to buy at window...Check the track the next train to Centraal Station leaves, take the escalator down to the track, wait patiently, get on train, make sure you get off at the CENTRAAL Station not one of the other stations in Amsterdam, keep your head down and walk right past those junkies and hustlers...buy a tram ticket from the folks outside and get on a tram and get out of downtown... So, very simple!

Hey, it's cold there!