Exploring Amsterdam Between Flights: Is It Possible?

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a relatively compact airport with a single terminal, making it easy to navigate. If you have a long layover in Amsterdam, you may be wondering if you can leave the airport and explore the city. The answer is yes, you can! However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, check the time you have between flights. It is recommended to have at least a 6-7 hour layover to comfortably visit the city and allow for any potential delays. Keep in mind that you will need to go through passport control and security checks, which can take up to an hour. If you are travelling internationally, you may also need to go through customs. Make sure you have any necessary visas or documentation, as requirements vary depending on your nationality and the countries you are travelling to and from. Amsterdam has excellent train connections, making it easy to get to the city centre and explore popular attractions.

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Schengen visas and passport control

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is divided into Schengen and non-Schengen zones. If you are connecting to a non-Schengen flight, you will have to go through passport control.

The Schengen area is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the unrestricted movement of people. The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you have a valid visa or residence permit in one of these countries, you can also visit the other Schengen countries. You must show your passport when entering and leaving the Schengen area. If you have a single-entry visa, you cannot re-enter the Schengen area without a new visa.

Third-country nationals can obtain a Schengen visa, which allows them to travel to the Schengen area and move freely within it for up to three months within a six-month period. This visa is issued by Schengen States and is subject to entry and exit checks. These checks are carried out at the external border and rely on systems like the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS).

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa for a layover in Amsterdam if you are staying in the airport or in the city for less than 90 days, as the US is part of the Visa Waiver Program.

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How much time is needed to leave the airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a relatively compact airport with a single terminal divided into three departure halls. The airport is well-connected to the city centre by train (15 minutes), taxi (25 minutes), or bus (30 minutes). Depending on your arrival gate, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to around 20 minutes to walk to your connecting flight gate, plus additional time to get through passport control and security checks if travelling internationally.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Schiphol’s largest carrier, recommends a minimum connection time of 40 minutes for flights within Europe and 50 minutes for international flights. However, some sources suggest that 60-75 minutes is a safer minimum connection time, especially if you are changing from one carrier to another outside of the same air alliance. If you are travelling internationally, you will need to factor in additional time to get through security and passport control.

If you want to leave the airport during your layover, most sources suggest that a minimum of 5 hours is required to give you time to explore the city and return to the airport. However, one source recommends allowing 6-7 hours for a comfortable visit to central Amsterdam. Keep in mind that you will need to go through passport control and security checks upon your return to the airport, so it is recommended to catch the train back from the city centre around 2 hours before your departure time.

To make the most of your time during a layover in Amsterdam, it is recommended to have your luggage checked through to your next destination. If you need to collect, store, and re-check your bags, allow for additional time. Schiphol Airport has baggage storage areas and secure lockers for a fee.

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Transport between the airport and the city

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is a relatively compact airport, with a single terminal divided into three departure halls. The airport is separated into Schengen and non-Schengen zones, with most international flights arriving in Hall 2.

If you are looking to get from the airport to the city during a layover, there are several transport options available. The best option depends on your budget and time constraints.

Train

Trains run eight times an hour between Schiphol and Amsterdam Central Station, reaching the city in just 11 to 17 minutes with stops at Sloterdijk, Lelylaan, and Hoofddorp. A one-way ticket costs €4.90 and can be purchased from the yellow machines at Schiphol. Starting in 2025, four Intercity Direct trains will run between Schiphol and Amsterdam Zuid, connecting to the metro for other parts of the city.

Bus

The Amsterdam Airport Express (line 397 and the Niteliner N97) is a direct bus service that takes you to key locations like Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. The bus departs from bus stop B17, which can be found by exiting Schiphol Plaza and walking to the right. Bus 397 runs every 10 minutes during the day, while the Niteliner N97 operates hourly at night. The bus ride takes around 41 minutes.

Taxi

A standard taxi ride from Schiphol Airport to the city centre typically costs between €35 and €75, depending on distance and time of day. Traffic jams are not unusual around the airport, which may result in higher charges.

Shuttle Bus and Pickup Services

Some hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport.

Luggage storage

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers several luggage storage options, both before and after security checkpoints. These include:

Lockers

Lockers are available at various locations in the terminal, including Holland Boulevard and Lounges 1, 2, and 3. Prices start from €6 per piece per day for hand baggage and €8 per 24 hours for larger items. Lockers can be paid for with PIN, credit card, or cash, and you can access them after passing through security control.

Left luggage

The left luggage office is located in the basement between Arrivals 1 and 2. It is open daily from 06:00 to 22:45 and offers storage for up to 30 days. Outside of these hours, you can request assistance via the intercom system. Prices start from €6 for hand luggage and €9-€12 for large suitcases.

LuggageHero

LuggageHero offers an alternative to traditional luggage lockers, with a network of local shops and businesses in Amsterdam that provide luggage storage. Prices start from €3.48 per bag, with hourly and daily rates available.

In addition to these options, luggage storage is also available at Amsterdam Centraal Station, with small lockers costing €7 for the first 24 hours.

Things to do in the city

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a relatively compact airport, with a single terminal divided into three departure halls, numbered 1, 2, and 3. The airport is separated into Schengen and non-Schengen zones, with most international flights arriving in Hall 2. The single-terminal design allows passengers to walk between gates, and there are also moving walkways to help with transit. Depending on your arrival gate, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to around 20 minutes to walk to your connecting flight gate, plus additional time for security checks and passport control.

If you have a layover of around five hours or more, you can consider leaving the airport to explore Amsterdam. The city centre is just a 20-minute train ride away, with trains running frequently throughout the day. Be sure to allow enough time to pass through customs and immigration, as wait times can vary.

Amsterdam is a very walkable city, with many major sites within walking distance of Centraal Station. You can stroll along the UNESCO World Heritage canals, explore the historic city centre, or visit one of the city's many museums, such as the Sex Museum or the Heineken Museum. If you're looking for a more relaxing layover, you can take a canal boat cruise or enjoy a meal and a drink at one of the cafes and restaurants along Damrak Avenue or near Centraal Station.

For those who want a more unique Amsterdam experience, you can take a red-light tour to learn about the city's connection to the world's oldest profession. Or, if you're looking to relax and unwind between flights, you can visit XpresSpa at the airport, which offers massages and manicures.

Frequently asked questions