Exploring Amsterdam During A Layover: What Are The Options?

If you're wondering whether you can leave the airport during a layover in Amsterdam, the answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the length of your layover will determine how much time you can spend outside the airport. It is recommended to have at least a 6-7 hour layover if you want to comfortably visit the city. Additionally, you'll need to go through passport control and, depending on your nationality and destination, you may need a visa. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located about 17km from the city centre, and you can get there by train or taxi. The train takes around 15-20 minutes and costs €10.40 for a day return ticket, while a taxi will cost a fixed rate but may be more convenient if you're short on time. Keep in mind that you'll also need to account for time going through security when you return to the airport, as this can sometimes take up to three hours.

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Visa requirements for leaving the airport during transit

If you're transiting in Amsterdam and want to leave the airport, the type of visa you have determines whether you can leave the international transit zone. If you are allowed to enter the Netherlands without a visa, you can go through passport control and enter the Schengen area. This means you can leave the airport during your transit period.

If you have a Schengen visa, you can also go through passport control and enter the Schengen area. This means you can leave the airport during your transit period and visit Amsterdam or other places in the Netherlands.

If you have an airport transit visa, you cannot go through passport control. This means you cannot leave the international transit zone. If you want to leave the airport during your transit, for example to visit Amsterdam or other places in the Netherlands, you will need a Schengen visa.

Nationals of certain countries need an airport transit visa to change aircraft at a Dutch airport, even though they do not enter Dutch territory. These include Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Colombia, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria. As of 1 December 2022, most travellers with a Turkish passport also need an airport transit visa when transferring at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

If you are a family member of a national of an EU or EEA member state or Switzerland, you may not need an airport transit visa. In this case, a family member includes a spouse, registered partner, parent or stepparent, grandparent or step-grandparent, child or stepchild, or grandchild or step-grandchild. You can prove your relationship with a birth or marriage certificate.

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Transport options to and from the airport

If you are planning to leave the airport during your layover in Amsterdam, it is important to know that the type of visa you hold will determine whether or not you can leave the international transit zone. If you are allowed to enter the Netherlands without a visa, you can go through passport control and leave the transit zone. This means you can enter Amsterdam or other places in the Netherlands during your layover. If you have a Schengen visa, you can also leave the transit zone and enter the country. However, if you only have an airport transit visa, you cannot go through passport control and will need to remain in the transit zone.

Now, assuming you are allowed to leave the transit zone, here is some information on transport options to and from the airport:

Train

The train is a popular choice for travellers as it is fast, inexpensive, and provides a direct connection to Amsterdam Central Station in just 17 minutes. Trains depart from an underground train station easily accessible from the main arrivals hall and run eight times per hour. A one-way ticket costs €4.90.

Bus

The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 is another option, departing during the day every 7.5 minutes and at night every 30 minutes as the Niteliner N97. The bus ride takes around 27 minutes under normal traffic conditions, and a one-way ticket costs €6.50. The bus station is located at Schiphol Plaza, with the stop for the Airport Express just beyond the overhead walkway connecting the terminal with the parking structure.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is a convenient option, with official taxis available around the clock at the taxi stand outside Schiphol Plaza. The cost of a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre typically ranges from €35 to €55, although prices can rise to around €75 depending on distance and time of day.

Car Rental

While car rental is an option, it is not recommended due to Amsterdam's discouragement of car traffic, numerous construction projects, and steep parking fees.

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Time needed to make the most of a layover

If you're planning to make the most of your layover in Amsterdam, several factors will determine the ideal length of time. Firstly, consider the type of visa you hold. If you have an airport transit visa, you cannot leave the international transit zone and will need to remain in the designated areas within the airport. However, if you have a Schengen visa or are from a country that does not require a visa to enter the Schengen area, you can exit the transit zone and enter the Netherlands by passing through passport control.

Assuming you are able to leave the airport, the next consideration is transportation. The fastest and cheapest way to reach Amsterdam's city centre is by train, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trains are frequent, and the airport train station is located one level below the main terminal. It is recommended to purchase your train tickets from the automated machines or ticket windows before proceeding to the platform.

Once in the city, you can explore Amsterdam's top attractions, such as the Canal Ring, with its picturesque canals, townhouses, and bridges. You can also visit museums such as the Museum Van Loon and the Willet-Holthuysen Museum, or see landmarks like Westerkerk church and the Anne Frank House (tickets for which must be booked online in advance). Remember to keep an eye on the time and plan your return journey to the airport, allowing sufficient time for travel and security checks.

To fully experience Amsterdam during your layover, it is recommended to have at least a 3-hour layover. This will give you enough time to explore the city and return to the airport comfortably. However, a 1-hour layover is the minimum connection time if you are simply changing flights and remaining within the airport. Keep in mind that a 1-hour layover is considered risky due to potential delays and the time required to navigate the airport, especially if you need to collect and re-check baggage.

In summary, to make the most of your layover in Amsterdam, aim for a layover of at least 3 hours if you want to leave the airport and explore the city. This will give you enough time to reach the city centre, visit some attractions, and return to the airport without feeling rushed. If you are only transiting flights, a 1-hour layover is possible but may be challenging, so a longer layover is still preferable if you can arrange it.

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What to do in Amsterdam during a layover

If you're wondering whether you can leave the airport during a layover in Amsterdam, the answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the length of your layover is important. Most sources suggest that you'll need at least a 6-7 hour layover to comfortably visit the city, especially considering that Schiphol airport is huge, and security can sometimes take up to 3 hours. If you have less time than that, you may want to stay at the airport or just visit the town of Hoofddorp, which is only a 5-minute train ride away and has good shopping facilities.

Assuming you have enough time, there are a few ways to get from Schiphol airport to central Amsterdam. The most convenient option is to take the train, which costs €10.40 for a day return ticket in 2025. The train takes 15-20 minutes and runs up to 10 times per hour between 06:00 and 00:30, with an hourly night train service also available. You can also pre-purchase your train tickets online in multiple currencies to save time. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which you can book in advance at a fixed rate.

Once you're in Amsterdam, there are plenty of things to see and do, depending on your interests. If you're short on time, you might want to simply take a walk through the city centre and enjoy the atmosphere. If you're looking for something more specific, Amsterdam has plenty of boutique shops, particularly around the Negen Straatjes (9 streets) and Jordaan areas, as well as down Haarlemmerdijk street. You could also have lunch in De Pijp, or visit Keukenhof, the world-famous tulip and flower garden park, which is open in the springtime.

However, it's important to keep in mind that you may need a visa to leave the airport during your layover. If you need to go through passport control, this means you have officially entered the Netherlands, and you may need a Schengen visa, depending on your nationality and the country you're arriving from. Even if you don't need a visa, you must be mindful of your time and make sure you allow enough time to get back to the airport and through security, as you don't want to miss your connecting flight!

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Where to store luggage during a layover

If you're wondering whether you can leave the airport during a layover in Amsterdam, the answer is yes. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) provides several options for storing your luggage, so you can explore the city without the burden of heavy bags.

Firstly, it's important to note that the type of visa you have determines whether you can leave the international transit zone at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. If you are allowed to enter the Netherlands without a visa, you can go through passport control and leave the transit zone. This means you can visit Amsterdam or other places in the Netherlands during your layover.

Now, let's talk about where to store your luggage during your layover in Amsterdam:

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS):

Amsterdam's main airport offers several locations for storing your luggage, both before and after security checkpoints. They provide options for short-term and extended storage to suit your needs. Pricing for luggage storage at AMS varies, with hand baggage typically costing around €6 per piece per day. It is recommended to plan ahead and research storage locations and prices before your trip.

Nannybag:

Nannybag is a convenient luggage storage service located at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. They offer secure storage for a flat daily price of €4.90 per bag, which includes luggage protection of up to €10,000 in case of breakage, loss, or theft.

Lockerpoint Luggage Storage:

Lockerpoint provides secure lockers for luggage storage at multiple locations in Amsterdam, including Central Station, City Center (Dam Square), Museumplein, and Sloterdijk. They offer competitive prices, with lockers starting at €7 per day, and you pay per locker, not per item.

Near Attractions:

If you plan to visit specific attractions during your layover, there are luggage storage options near some of Amsterdam's popular destinations:

• Van Gogh Museum
• Vondelpark
• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank House
• Rembrandt House Museum

Frequently asked questions