Sachin Walls
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is a major international airport hub that handles many transfer passengers. The airport is conveniently located just 17km (11 miles) from the city centre, which is easily accessible by train, taxi, or bus. Amsterdam's compact size means that even a short layover can allow travellers to take in many of the city's highlights, such as its picturesque canals, museums, and historical sites. The minimum connection time for international flights is 50 minutes, but 60-75 minutes is recommended. For those with longer layovers who wish to venture into the city, it is recommended to allow at least 6-7 hours for a comfortable visit, and to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before the connecting flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time | 3 hours |
| Ideal layover time | 6-8 hours |
| Transport options to the city | Train, taxi, or bus |
| Time taken to reach the city | 15-20 minutes by train, 25 minutes by taxi, 30 minutes by bus |
| Transport hub in the city | Amsterdam Centraal Station |
| Transport costs | A few euros for the train |
| Luggage storage | Available at the airport |
| Visa requirements | US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days |
| Passport control | Required if arriving from outside the Schengen area or departing to a non-Schengen country |
| Security | Allow 2 hours before your flight |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How much time do you need for a layover in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is conveniently located close to the city centre, which means that even a short layover can allow you to take in many of Amsterdam's highlights. A layover of at least 5 hours will allow you to take a quick city tour, but a 7-8 hour layover is ideal for more leisurely exploration.
If you are flying within the Schengen area, you won't have to go through customs, but you will need to go through passport control if you're leaving the airport or travelling to a non-Schengen destination. If you are transferring from an international flight to another international flight in separate terminals or airlines, you will have to go through security again.
To make the most of your time, you can take a train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 minutes, for a few euros. From there, you can stroll through the city's intricate network of canals and bridges, visit medieval-era churches, and explore world-class museums. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance of the station.
However, it's important to keep an eye on the time as you can easily lose track in a city like Amsterdam. Aim to be back at the airport 2-4 hours before your departure time to account for any potential delays and to ensure a comfortable connection.
While a shorter layover of around 3 hours may be possible, it may not provide a truly enjoyable experience, as you will need to constantly watch the clock to ensure you don't miss your connection.
AirPrint and AirPort Express: A Perfect Match?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport options from the airport to the city centre
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is conveniently located just 15 kilometres (10 miles) from the city centre. Various transport options are available to get you from the airport to the city centre, depending on your budget and preferences.
Train
The train is the fastest way to reach the city centre, taking around 14 to 17 minutes to arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trains depart every 4 to 10 minutes from 5:30 am to midnight and are less frequent from midnight to 1:00 am. The train station is located underneath the airport terminal, and you can buy your ticket online or at the station. A one-way second-class ticket costs €5.90, while a first-class ticket costs €8.33.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside Schiphol Plaza and offer a comfortable and private option to reach the city centre in around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is typically between €45 and €55, and you can pay by cash or card.
Bus
The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 is a direct service to the city centre, taking around 30 minutes. It runs 24/7, with the N97 Niteliner taking over during the early morning hours. Tickets cost €15 for a round trip, including a free Amsterdam Audio Guide App.
Hotel Shuttle
If you are staying in one of the 170 hotels served by Connexxion's hotel shuttle service, this could be a convenient option.
Tram
Amsterdam's iconic trams offer a unique way to explore the city. However, they are not the fastest option, and you may need to combine this with another mode of transport to reach your final destination.
Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport and go through security, especially if you have an international flight. A minimum connection time of 50 to 75 minutes is recommended for international flights.
Clear Airport Security Faster with Your Children
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![BTS V - Layover album Ver. 3 + [BTS Photocards Set]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KkEcc4O5L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What to do during your layover in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with efficient public transport options and services, making it easy to explore the city during your layover. However, it is important to monitor the time and consider the travel time back to the airport. Here is a list of things you can do during your layover in Amsterdam:
Explore the City's Canals
Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, which are conveniently packed into just three square miles. You can hop aboard a canal cruise or stroll through the intricate network of canals and bridges to see the city's centuries-old gabled townhouses.
Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of Amsterdam's highlights, located in the heart of the city. It is a beautifully preserved 17th-century Golden Age architectural masterpiece.
Take a Tram Ride
Ride on one of the signature clanging 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 the Royal Palace, the Canal Ring, the Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, and Vondelpark.
Visit World-Class Museums
Amsterdam is home to several world-class museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. These museums feature masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Mondrian, as well as Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Indulge in Dutch Cuisine and Beer
Be sure to relax with a Dutch beer and soak up the history and culture in one of the city's traditional brown cafes. You can also indulge in Dutch cuisine at restaurants like Hannekes Boom and De Sluyswacht, which offer hip and artsy dining experiences alongside the canals.
When leaving the airport during your layover, it is recommended to return at least 2 hours before your connecting flight to allow enough time to get through security and passport control, if required. Additionally, consider using luggage storage services at the airport to make your layover more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Airport X-Rays: Are Your Devices at Risk?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![V 'Layover'[3]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BL1ehPbmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![The Layover [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51p+Sh2GFkL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Where to store your luggage at the airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) provides several options for storing your luggage, both before and after security checkpoints, if you have a layover and want to explore the city without the burden of heavy luggage.
The airport has luggage lockers at various locations in the terminal, including Lounges 1, 2, and 3, where you can store your luggage for up to 168 hours (7 days). The price for these lockers varies depending on the size of your luggage and the duration of storage. For example, hand baggage is €6 per piece per day, while odd-size baggage is €12 per piece per day.
If you prefer a manned service, the left luggage office at Schiphol is open daily from 06:00 to 22:45 hours and is located in the basement between Arrivals 1 and 2. Here, you can store your luggage for up to one month.
Additionally, there are luggage storage services located near popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, and the Anne Frank House. These services often offer more flexible pricing, such as hourly or daily rates, and can be found through services like LuggageHero, which has over 1000 locations in Amsterdam.
When storing your luggage, it is important to plan ahead, pack wisely by keeping essential items with you, label your bags, and note the location of your storage for easy retrieval.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport: Getting a VAT Refund
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![V 'Layover'[1]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LDLGfc3ML._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![V - [Layover] (WEVERSE ALBUMS Ver.) Out Box + Photobook + Lyric Book + Photocards + QR Card + 2 Extra Photocards](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Yj3gT-9eL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Visa requirements for a layover in Amsterdam
The visa requirements for a layover in Amsterdam depend on your nationality, destination country, and whether you plan to leave the airport. If you are simply transiting through Amsterdam and will not be leaving the airport, you may still need an airport transit visa, depending on your nationality.
Nationals of certain countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Syria, require an airport transit visa to change aircraft at a Dutch airport, even if they do not enter Dutch territory. However, there are exceptions to this requirement for those holding valid visas for specific countries, such as the US, Canada, or Japan.
On the other hand, citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, and those in the European Union do not need a visa for a layover in Amsterdam, even if they leave the airport, as long as they do not stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days. The Netherlands is part of the European Union's Schengen Zone, which allows citizens of many countries to visit for short periods without a visa.
It is important to note that even if you do not require a visa, you may still need to go through passport control and security checks when leaving and re-entering the airport, especially if you are travelling to or from a non-Schengen destination.
When planning a layover in Amsterdam, it is recommended to have at least a 5-hour layover to explore the city comfortably. The Schiphol Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a 15-minute train ride, a 25-minute taxi ride, or a 30-minute bus ride.
Heathrow Airport: Buying Euros On-Site
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Amsterdam. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with efficient public transport options and services. However, it is recommended that you leave enough time to get through security and make it back to the airport.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. If you are flying within the Schengen area, you will not have to go through customs, but you will need to go through passport control if you are travelling to a non-Schengen destination.
The city centre is approximately 17km (11 miles) from Schiphol airport, and can be reached in 15-20 minutes by train, 25 minutes by taxi, or 30 minutes by bus.
A 5-hour layover allows time for a quick city tour, but a 7-8 hour layover is ideal for more leisurely exploration. It is recommended that you plan to be back at the airport by 12:00 at the latest.
Amsterdam is compact and easy to explore, with highlights such as canals, museums (Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum), and historical sites (Royal Palace). You can also take a canal cruise, stroll through the city's network of canals and bridges, or relax with a Dutch beer in one of the city's traditional brown cafes.
