Exploring Amsterdam: Can You Leave The Airport?

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with efficient public transport options and services, making it feasible to explore the city during your layover. Amsterdam Centraal is a 15- to 20-minute train ride from the airport, and you can tap in and out with your NFC credit card. If you have carry-on luggage only, you can simply walk out of the airport, as the train station is under and to the side of the arrivals hall. However, it is important to monitor the time and consider the travel time back to the airport, allowing plenty of time for security and passport control.

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How much time do I need?

The time you'll need to leave Amsterdam Airport during a layover depends on several factors, including your nationality, the length of your layover, and your transport options.

Firstly, it's important to check whether you need a visa to enter the Netherlands during your layover. If you're a citizen of a country outside the European "Schengen area", you'll need a suitable Schengen visa to leave the airport and enter the city of Amsterdam. Check whether you need a visa based on your nationality, and make sure you have the necessary documentation before planning to leave the airport.

Assuming you have the correct visa, the next step is to consider the length of your layover. Sources suggest that a layover of less than three hours may not be long enough to leave the airport, enjoy the city, and return in time for your connecting flight. A layover of around six hours would give you approximately four hours to explore, which should be enough time to get a taste of the city. With an eight-hour layover, you may have up to three hours to explore, but this will depend on the efficiency of deplaning, and the time taken to get through the airport and reach the train station.

If you decide to leave the airport, the train is a convenient option for getting into the city. Amsterdam Central Station is around 17km from the airport, and the train journey takes 15-20 minutes. You can buy a day return ticket for around €10, or a 1-day Amsterdam Travel Ticket for €18, which includes unlimited city public transport. The train station is located inside the airport, and trains are frequent. However, it's important to keep an eye on the time, as you'll need to allow for travel back to the airport and time to get through security before your next flight.

In summary, if you have a layover of at least three hours, the correct visa, and you're happy to keep an eye on the time, you should have enough time to leave Amsterdam Airport and explore the city during your layover.

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What transport is available?

Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, is located 22 km from the city of Amsterdam. There are various transportation options available for travellers to choose from to get to the city centre.

The fastest route to the city centre is via taxi or private transfer, which offers door-to-door services. The ride takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the traffic, and costs around €33-€40. There are plenty of taxis available just outside the main entrance to arrivals and the train station level at the airport.

Another fast mode of transportation is the train, which takes around 15 to 25 minutes to reach Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trains depart from platforms 1, 2, or 3, located one floor below the airport terminal, and run every 10 to 15 minutes between 6:00 AM and 12:30 AM. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket desk or from yellow machines using Euro coins or credit/debit cards. The cost of a second-class ticket is €3.80.

Two bus services connect Amsterdam Airport to the city centre: the Conexxions 397 Airport Express during the day and the Niteliner N97 bus overnight. The Airport Express costs €6 and makes three stops at major tourist spots, while the night train costs €4 and makes more stops, resulting in a longer journey of around 45 minutes. The bus is a budget-friendly option, but it terminates at the Elandsgracht Bus Station, not the Central Station, which may be inconvenient for those needing further transportation.

For those seeking a more comfortable experience, Welcome Pickups offers pre-bookable private rides with English-speaking drivers who provide information about the city during the journey. This service is priced similarly to a taxi.

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Where can I store my luggage?

Amsterdam Airport (AMS) provides several options for storing luggage, both before and after security checkpoints. The airport offers luggage storage services for different durations, from a few hours to a month. Pricing for luggage storage at AMS varies based on factors such as the size and type of baggage. Hand baggage costs €6 per piece per day, hold baggage costs €9 per piece per day, and odd-sized baggage costs €12 per piece per day. There are luggage lockers in the airport, found at Kelderplein before security and at Holland Boulevard, Lounge 2, and Lounge 3 after security screening. These airport lockers are priced at €8 per 24 hours.

If you are looking for luggage storage options outside of the airport, there are several alternatives in Amsterdam. LuggageHero offers luggage storage services with hourly and daily rates starting at €4.90 per day and €1.49 per hour. They have storage sites inside shops or other businesses near transportation hubs and top visitor attractions. Nannybag is another platform that connects you with local hotels and stores offering luggage storage. They have received excellent reviews on Trustpilot and Google. Additionally, there are luggage lockers available at Amsterdam Central Station, where pricing is based on the duration of use and the size of your luggage.

If you are interested in exploring museums without the hassle of luggage, there are storage options available near popular museums in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House all have luggage storage facilities nearby. These options allow you to conveniently store your belongings before entering the museums.

Lastly, if you plan to take a train to another city, such as Rotterdam, you can carry your luggage onboard. The trains offer luggage racks for large pieces of baggage and overhead racks for hand luggage. If the designated luggage areas are full, you can place your luggage near your seat.

What can I do in the city?

Amsterdam is a city of canals, cobbles, culture, and more. With its vibrant city life, picturesque canals, and rich history, a layover in Amsterdam can feel like a mini-vacation. The city is easily accessible from the airport, with a 20-minute train ride from the airport to the city centre. The train costs as little as €4.90 one way and will get you straight to Amsterdam Centraal Station in 17 minutes or less. Trains depart every 4-10 minutes between 5:30 am and midnight, with a few services continuing through the early morning. You can also tap your NFC credit card to enter and exit the train, without having to buy a ticket.

If you prefer to take a bus, the Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 stops in the city centre near some tourist areas. Tickets cost €6.50 for a 27-minute ride (traffic permitting) from Schiphol Plaza to Leidseplein. Tickets can be purchased online, on the bus, or at various ticket points throughout the terminal.

Once you arrive in the city, there is plenty to see and do. Art lovers can visit the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which features Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day. You can also pay your respects at Ann Frank House. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, you can take a canal cruise, which offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam's architecture and bustling street life. For a tranquil morning, walk along the canals and take in the peaceful waterways and beautiful architecture. You can also visit the famous Flower Market and wander through the colourful stalls of fresh flowers and unique souvenirs.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore the Joordan neighbourhood or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the city. With efficient public transport and services, you can easily get around the city during your layover. Just remember to monitor the time and allow for travel back to the airport.

How do I get back to the airport?

If you're looking to get back to Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) from the city centre, there are several options available to you. Here's how to get back to the airport using various modes of transportation:

By Train

The train is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient ways to get back to the airport. Trains depart from Amsterdam Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal) to Schiphol Airport every 7.5 to 10 minutes during the day and evening, and once an hour during the night. The trip takes approximately 11 to 18 minutes, and tickets cost €4.90. The train station at the airport is underground, and from there, escalators or elevators will take you up to the central hall.

By Bus

You can also take the Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) to get back to the airport. This bus departs every 7.5 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and takes about 30 minutes to arrive in central Amsterdam. The bus stops near popular areas like Olympic Stadium, Museumplein, and Leidseplein. The ticket price is included in the I amsterdam City Card.

By Taxi

If you prefer a more direct option, you can take a taxi from the city centre to the airport. However, Amsterdam's street taxis are among the most expensive in Europe. A 30-minute ride from the city centre to the airport can cost around €50-€70, and traffic jams can result in higher charges. You can also use ridesharing apps like Uber and Bolt, which may offer more affordable rates, but be aware that prices can increase during peak times.

By Car

If you have access to a car, you can drive to the airport and take advantage of the available parking options, including affordable and valet parking. Car rental services are also available at the airport if needed.

From the Airport to Your Flight

Once you arrive back at the airport, remember to allow enough time to get through security and reach your departure gate. Security lines at Schiphol can vary, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the news and give yourself ample time to avoid missing your flight.

Frequently asked questions