Roberta Aguirre
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is a major international hub, and its proximity to the city centre makes it an ideal place to have a layover. The airport is well-connected to the city, with a train ride of around 15-20 minutes, and taxis and buses are also available. The Netherlands is part of the European Union's Schengen Zone, which allows citizens of many countries, including the United States, to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you're connecting to a non-Schengen flight, you will need to go through passport control. So, how much time is enough for a layover in Amsterdam? Opinions vary, with some sources recommending a minimum of 5 hours for a quick city tour, while others suggest 6-7 hours for a more leisurely exploration. Those with less time may still be able to explore, but they might feel rushed and may not see as much.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 4-5 hours |
| Minimum layover time to explore the city | 5-7 hours |
| Transport options to the city centre | Train (15-20 minutes), taxi (25 minutes), bus (30 minutes) |
| Transport frequency | Very frequent |
| Transport cost | A few euros |
| Time to get through the airport | 10-15 minutes |
| Time to get through security | Long lines on peak travel days |
| Time to get through customs | 40 minutes |
| Luggage storage | Schiphol Baggage Storage points around the airport (4 airside, 1 before security) |
| Luggage storage cost | €6 (hand baggage), €9 (hold baggage), €12 (odd sizes) for 24 hours |
| Luggage storage payment methods | Debit or credit card |
| Passport control | Required if arriving from outside the European "Schengen area" or when departing to a country outside Schengen |
| Visa requirements | Citizens of many countries, including the US, can visit for up to 90 days without a visa |
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What You'll Learn
Transport to the city centre
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) is located 17km (11 miles) southwest of the city centre. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, with several transport options available.
Train
The train is the fastest and cheapest way to get to the city centre. Trains depart from the Schiphol Train Station, located underneath the airport terminal, and arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station in approximately 15-20 minutes. Trains run 24 hours a day, with departures every 5-10 minutes between 5:30 am and 1 am and hourly during other times. Tickets cost €4.90 one way or €5.20 for a round trip (same-day return).
Bus
The Amsterdam Airport Express, or Bus 397, is another option for getting to the city centre. The bus departs every 7.5 minutes from 5:30 am to 12:30 am and takes about 30 minutes to arrive in central Amsterdam. While it does not go to Amsterdam Centraal Station, it has stops near Olympic Stadium, Museumplein, and Leidseplein. A single ticket costs €4.90.
Taxi
Taking a taxi from the airport to the city centre is a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The ride typically takes 25 minutes, but traffic can cause delays and increase the cost. Most taxi companies have set fares for popular routes, with the ride costing around €45-55.
Shuttle
An airport shuttle is a more affordable alternative to a taxi if you want door-to-door service. The Connexxion Hotel Shuttle Service connects the airport to more than 170 Amsterdam hotels.
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How much time you need
The time you need for a layover in Amsterdam depends on what you want to do and where you're travelling from and to. If you want to leave the airport, you'll need at least 5 hours, but ideally 6-7 hours to comfortably visit the city. This gives you enough time to get to and from the city centre and see some sights. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a 15-20 minute train ride, a 25-minute taxi ride, or a 30-minute bus ride.
If you're connecting to a non-Schengen country, you'll need to go through passport control, which can take anywhere from 1 to 30 minutes. If you're connecting to another Schengen country, you won't need to go through passport control, but you should still allow some time to get between gates, especially if your flight arrives at the furthest runway, which could add 10-15 minutes to your journey.
If you want to stay in the airport during your layover, there are shops, dining options, and even a mini Rijksmuseum exhibit to keep you entertained. There is also a pod-like room available for rent at the YOTELAIR in the airside Lounge 2 terminal (non-Schengen departures) with a minimum stay of 4 hours.
It's important to consider the time of day and year when planning your layover. Summer is the best time to visit Amsterdam, but be prepared for long lines at security and potential delays due to peak travel times.
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Visa requirements
The visa requirements for leaving the airport during a layover in Amsterdam depend on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. Here are the visa requirements for different scenarios:
- For US citizens: US citizens do not require a visa for a layover in Amsterdam, regardless of whether they remain in the airport or explore the city. This is because the US is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows US citizens to visit the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days. However, they will still need to go through passport control when leaving the airport or travelling to a non-Schengen destination.
- For EU/EEA, Canadian, Japanese, and US passport holders: If you hold a passport from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Canada, Japan, or the United States, you are exempt from the transit visa requirement when changing planes in Amsterdam, even if you don't plan on leaving the airport.
- For Schengen visa holders: If you hold a valid Schengen visa, you are allowed to leave the airport during your layover in Amsterdam. You will need to go through immigration to exit and re-enter the airport. Your boarding pass for your onward flight will be required for re-entry.
- For other nationalities: If you do not hold a passport from the countries mentioned above or a Schengen visa, you may need a transit visa to change planes in Amsterdam, even if you don't plan on leaving the airport. Check with the Netherlands government website or a visa advisor to determine the specific requirements for your nationality.
It is important to note that, regardless of your visa status, time management is crucial when leaving the airport during a layover. Ensure you allow enough time to pass through security and immigration when returning to the airport, especially if your onward flight is international.
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Where to store luggage
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) offers several options for storing luggage, both before and after security checkpoints. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, so leaving your luggage at the airport while you explore Amsterdam is a convenient option.
The Baggage Storage area is located on level -1, between Arrivals 1 and Arrivals 2, and is accessible 24/7. It caters to both hand baggage and hold baggage for a maximum of 30 days. The cost of storing luggage varies depending on the size and type of baggage. Hand baggage costs €6 per piece per day, hold baggage costs €9 per piece per day, and odd-size baggage costs €12 per piece per day. There are also 7-day storage lockers close to the gates where you can store hand luggage such as trolleys, small bags, or handbags. These lockers cost €8 per 24 hours and can be paid for using various debit and credit cards.
If you wish to explore Amsterdam without the burden of heavy luggage, there are several locations near popular tourist spots where you can store your luggage. For example, there is luggage storage available near the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.
Additionally, if you have a long layover, you may consider staying at one of the hotels near the airport, such as YOTELAIR, CitizenM, Sheraton, or Hilton. These hotels offer luggage storage services for guests, allowing you to explore Amsterdam without carrying your bags.
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What to see and do
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Amsterdam, but you should ideally have at least a 5-hour layover to be able to explore the city. If you have 4 hours, you can leave but you will not be able to see as much, and under 4 hours is not recommended.
Amsterdam is compact and easy to explore, with highlights like canals, museums, and historical sites. The city is known for its beautifully preserved 17th-century Golden Age architecture, picturesque canals, and quaint cobblestone streets.
One of the best ways to see the city is by taking a canal cruise or strolling through the intricate network of canals and bridges to see the centuries-old gabled townhouses. You can also visit medieval-era churches and glorious monuments like the Royal Palace.
If you're an art lover, be sure to check out one of the city's world-class art museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, where you can see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Mondrian.
For a more relaxed experience, pop into one of the traditional brown cafes and soak up the atmosphere with a Dutch beer.
To get a feel for the city, you can take a ride on one of the signature blue-and-white trams that wind through the city streets. Line 2, named one of the world's best tram rides by National Geographic Traveler, takes you by many of Amsterdam's major sites, including the Royal Palace, the Canal Ring, the Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, and Vondelpark.
If you're looking for some shopping, head to the floating market, Bloemenmarkt, anchored along the Singel canal. While you won't find fresh flowers there anymore, you can still purchase tulip bulbs and gardening paraphernalia, as well as kitschy souvenirs.
With its compact size, excellent train connections to the city centre (about 15 minutes), and abundance of highlights, Amsterdam is a great city to explore during a layover. Just be sure to keep an eye on the time to make it back to the airport for your connecting flight!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Amsterdam, but you'll need to ensure you have enough time to get back and board your next flight. It's recommended that you have at least a 5-hour layover if you want to leave the airport and explore the city.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to the city centre from the airport by train or 25 minutes by taxi. The train is the recommended mode of transport, with one source suggesting that the train ride is only a few stops.
It is recommended that you catch the train back to the airport around 2 hours before your departure time to ensure that you have enough time to get through security.
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, can visit the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a visa as it is part of the European Union's Schengen Zone. However, you will need to go through passport control if you're leaving the airport or travelling to a non-Schengen destination.
