Ruth Haines
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is a major international hub, with one terminal divided into three halls. The airport is conveniently located close to the city centre, and travellers with a layover of a few hours can easily explore the city. However, there are a few factors to consider when deciding to leave the airport during a layover, such as the time available between flights, the need to collect and re-check luggage, and potential delays at security and passport control. Schiphol Airport offers luggage storage facilities and recommends allowing extra time for luggage-related procedures. Additionally, travellers should be aware of the potential time required for taxiing to and from the gate, which can take up to 15 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time needed to leave the airport | 5-8 hours |
| Time to get through the airport | 10-30 minutes |
| Time to get to the city | 15-30 minutes by train, 25 minutes by taxi, 30 minutes by bus |
| Luggage storage | Available for €6 (hand baggage), €9 (hold baggage) and €12 (odd sizes) for 24 hours |
| Visa requirements | Depends on nationality. Schengen visa required to enter the Netherlands. |
| Passport control | Required if arriving from outside or departing to a country outside the Schengen area. |
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What You'll Learn
The length of your layover
With a 5-hour layover, you can take a quick tour of the city, while 7 to 8 hours is ideal for more relaxed exploration. If you have an overnight layover, you may need to book a hotel, either at the airport or in the city.
If you only have a few hours, you can still enjoy the city's highlights, such as canal cruises, Dam Square, and the Canal Ring. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a travel time of 15 minutes by train, 25 minutes by taxi, or 30 minutes by bus.
Keep in mind that Schiphol is a large airport, and it can take up to 30 minutes to get through security and reach your gate. Additionally, 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 explore Amsterdam or other Schengen area countries during your layover.
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Transport options to the city
If you're looking to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam's city centre, there are a few transport options available to you.
The first option is to take a train. Trains run eight times an hour between Schiphol and Amsterdam Central Station, costing €4.90 for a one-way ticket. The journey takes just 17 minutes, with stops at Sloterdijk, Lelylaan, and Hoofddorp. Starting in 2025, four Intercity Direct trains will also run between Schiphol and Amsterdam Zuid, where you can connect to the metro for other parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased from yellow machines at Schiphol, or you can use a bank card, credit card, or mobile at the yellow card readers located near the escalators and lifts in Schiphol Plaza.
The second option is to take a taxi. A standard taxi ride from Schiphol Airport to the city centre typically costs between €35 and €75, depending on the distance and time of day. Traffic jams, which are not unusual around the airport, may result in higher charges.
The third option is to take a 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.
It is also possible to rent a car at Schiphol Airport, but this is not recommended due to the city's discouragement of car traffic, numerous construction projects, and steep parking fees.
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Exploring Amsterdam
Yes, you can leave Schiphol Airport on a layover and explore Amsterdam. The international transit zone at Schiphol Airport is the area you stay in if you are changing planes during a transfer. If you are in the transit zone, you have not officially entered the Netherlands. If you go through passport control and leave the international transit zone, you enter the Netherlands and the Schengen area. Whether you need a visa during your transit period depends on your nationality. If you are allowed to travel to the Netherlands without a visa, you can go through passport control and leave the transit zone.
Now, onto exploring Amsterdam!
Getting to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport
The fastest and cheapest way to get to the city centre from the airport is by train, which takes approximately 15 minutes. The airport train station is located one level below the main terminal building (Schiphol Plaza) and is clearly marked. Intercity trains, operated by NS (Netherlands Railways), run directly from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station and usually depart from platforms 1 or 2. Trains depart about every 20-30 minutes. Taxis and Ubers take longer and cost more.
The general consensus is that anything below a 5-hour layover would be cutting it fine, and having at least a 6- to 8-hour layover is ideal. A 5-hour layover gives you a little more than 2 hours to explore. This gives you time to get to the city, explore for a couple of hours, and get back to the airport.
What to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is great for a wander; it's less about "things to do" and more about soaking in the atmosphere. The Jordaan area is a great place to start, with its canals and narrow streets. You can also take a canal boat tour. Dam Square is the historic part of the city and one of its most photogenic spots. Here, you can see the Royal Palace and grab a stroopwafel from a street vendor.
If you have a longer layover, head to the world-famous Rijksmuseum to see highlights such as The Night Watch by Rembrandt. Other must-sees include pieces by Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Hals. With a 7-hour layover, you can afford to take a canal cruise along the city's famous waterways. Boat tours depart from Central Station and last 60-75 minutes.
With a 10-hour layover, you can start at the Anne Frank House—remember to book your tickets online in advance. After that, take a walk around the nearby Jordaan District, then head to the Rijksmuseum.
If you're looking for something a little more unusual, De Pozenboot, or "the Cat Boat", is a floating cat sanctuary on the Singel Canal. The Moco Museum showcases modern works by groundbreaking artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dalí. The notorious Sex Museum is also located near Amsterdam Central Station.
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Returning to the airport
When returning to the airport, it is recommended to have your boarding pass issued at the first airport. This will help you get back airside. It is also important to keep in mind that Schiphol is a large airport, and it can take up to 30 minutes to get through security and reach your gate. Therefore, it is advised to leave ample time, especially if you need to collect, store, and re-check your bags.
Schiphol Airport has several baggage storage options, both before and after security, with fees ranging from €6-€12 for 24 hours. Payment is made via debit or credit card, and you will receive a receipt, which should be kept safe.
If you are travelling within the Schengen Area, you may not need to go through security or passport control when returning to the airport. However, if you are travelling to a non-Schengen destination, you will need to go through passport control and possibly security as well.
To ensure a smooth return to the airport, it is advisable to pre-book security time slots, especially during peak travel days. Additionally, consider using the airport's self-service passport eGates if you are eligible. These are available for passengers aged 14 and above with specific types of e-passports.
When planning your return to the airport, it is recommended to allow for potential delays and leave enough time to clear security and reach your gate. The recommended minimum connection time for international flights is 50 minutes, but 60-75 minutes is considered safer.
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Visa requirements
Whether you need a visa during your transit period at Schiphol Airport depends on your nationality and the type of visa you have. If you are allowed to travel to the Netherlands without a visa, you can go through passport control and leave the international transit zone. This means you can visit Amsterdam or other places in the Netherlands during your layover. You can also visit other countries in the Schengen area. Similarly, if you have a Schengen visa, you can go through passport control and leave the international transit zone.
If your final destination is a country within the Schengen area, such as Milan in Italy, you will be free to leave the airport regardless of what passport you hold. The question of nationality would only apply on an international (non-Schengen) transfer. For example, if you are flying from outside the Schengen area to a destination outside the Schengen area, such as from the US to the UK, you will need to go through passport control and may need a visa, depending on your nationality.
If you are leaving the airport during your layover, you will need to allow enough time to get through security and passport control when you return to catch your next flight. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure. You can use the Schiphol website to check for suggested times and even reserve a time slot for security.
If you have checked baggage, you should verify with your airline whether you will need to collect your luggage during your layover or if it will be checked through to your final destination. If you need to collect your luggage, you will need to allow extra time for this when you return to the airport. There are baggage storage points around the airport, both before and after security, where you can store your luggage for a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 15 minutes by train, 25 minutes by taxi, or 30 minutes by bus.
On a good day, security can take around 10 minutes. However, on a bad day, it can take up to three hours. It is recommended that you allow at least 60-75 minutes for your layover, especially if you are changing airlines or terminals.
Amsterdam is compact and easy to explore, with highlights including canals, museums (Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum), historical sites (Royal Palace), and traditional brown cafes.
The minimum connection time for flights within Europe is 40 minutes, and 50 minutes for international flights. However, it is recommended to allow at least 60-75 minutes to avoid having to rush through the airport.
The type of visa you have determines whether you can leave the airport during your layover. If you are allowed to enter the Netherlands without a visa, you can go through passport control and leave the international transit zone. You will need your boarding pass to get back airside. It is also recommended that you allow extra time if you need to collect, store, and re-check your bags.
