Van Buuren was fascinated by music at a very early age. This was largely due to his father, who had an eclectic taste in music. Besides his love for music, Van Buuren slowly gained more interest in technology and computers. At the age of 14, he bought his first sampler, took his father's synthesizer and started to make music.

During his adolescence, he always rode his bicycle to school while listening to music from Jean Michel Jarre and Ben Liebrand's minimixes through his headphones. Having a great deal of respect for Ben Liebrand, Armin sent him a demo that was received enthusiastically. Liebrand taught Van Buuren a great deal about producing and mixing the following year.

Van Buuren's passion for mixing progressed. He started working as a DJ in a local club called Nexus, finished high school in 1995 and went on to university to study law. Meanwhile, he moved his studio equipment from his bedroom to a 'real' studio. The first tracks he produced in his new studio were, among others, hits like "Touch Me" and "Communication". Not liking to be confined to a particular style by labelling his music, the tracks that followed had varied feeling. Van Buuren has been quoted as saying, "Don't be a prisoner of your own style." He has described his musical style as euphoric, uplifting, melodic and energetic.

Van Buuren's ambition has driven him to have many undertakings at the same time: studying, producing, and working as a DJ. He says that the only way to be able to do so is by enjoying the work that you do. He claims that his ultimate dream is to do what he loves most and have as much fun as possible doing it.

He hosts the hugely popular trance show A State of Trance. The show has completed its 250th episode in 2006, running successfully for 5 years.

In October 2002, Van Buuren was voted Number 5 in the DJ Magazine 100 top DJs. The following year, he jumped up to the #3 spot, and held it strong for 3 years straight. His hard work has finally paid off, leaving him with the #2 spot, just below Paul van Dyk in the 2006 polls. He is very active, and means to stay that way. If he does, he may be crowned with the #1 spot in 2007.