Lois Larson
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, with short- and long-haul flights arriving and departing throughout the day. If you have a long layover, there are plenty of things to do at the airport and in the surrounding area. Here is an introduction to some of the best things to do during a layover at Schiphol Airport.
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What You'll Learn
Take the train to Amsterdam's city centre
If you're looking to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam's city centre, the train is the best option. It's quick, efficient, and affordable, with a journey time of around 14 to 20 minutes. The NS train station is conveniently located directly below the airport terminal, so you won't have to walk far with your luggage. Trains depart from track 3, and you can expect a train to the city centre every 10 to 15 minutes.
When you arrive at the station, you'll find ticket machines where you can purchase your fare. You can use cash or a card, and if you're travelling by train or other public transport just once, you can buy a ticket at Schiphol or pay with your bank card, credit card, or mobile phone. Alternatively, you can use a Mobile Ticket, as one traveller found useful as backup to their paper ticket.
Once you're on the train, sit back and relax. If you want to see some traditional windmills, sit on the right side of the train. You'll be in the city centre in no time, with Amsterdam Centraal Station located in the heart of the city. From there, you can easily walk to the vibrant De Wallen area, a popular starting point for tourists.
With such a quick and efficient train connection, it's easy to explore Amsterdam during a layover. Just be sure to leave enough time to get back to the airport, with most sources recommending being back at the airport 1.5 hours before your flight.
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Visit the branch of the Rijksmuseum at the airport
If you're looking for something to do around Schiphol Airport, consider visiting the branch of the Rijksmuseum located within the airport itself. The Rijksmuseum is one of the world's leading art museums, and the airport branch offers a unique art experience for its passengers. This small outpost of the famous museum features a quiet and intimate setting, showcasing 17th-century Dutch paintings in a proper museum setting. It's a great way to get a taste of Dutch culture and art without even leaving the airport.
The branch features a small exhibit area, but you can expect to find excellent examples of Dutch art, including old Dutch masters' oil paintings. While you won't see the absolute highlights from the main museum, such as Rembrandt's Night Watch, you can still enjoy other notable works. For example, "Winter in the Scheveningen busches" by Anton Mauve, who was a teacher of Vincent van Gogh, is on display. This intimate setting allows you to appreciate the artworks up close and at your own pace.
The Rijksmuseum Schiphol is located in the Non-Schengen departure area between the D and E Gates on the 3rd floor. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it accessible to passengers at any time. Best of all, admission to the exhibition is completely free, so you can explore Dutch art without any cost. The museum also has a shop where you can purchase high-quality souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your visit.
If you have a longer layover and want to explore beyond the airport, the city centre is just a quick train ride away. The train departs and arrives directly under the airport terminal, with a travel time of under 20 minutes. This gives you the option to visit the main Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, located about 2 kilometres south of the city centre. The museum offers online tickets with timed entry to manage visitor traffic, so be sure to book your preferred time slot in advance.
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Try local food and drink
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport offers a wide variety of food and drinks to indulge in. If you're looking for a quick bite, the airport has several restaurants, bars, and cafes that offer a range of cuisines, including traditional Dutch, Chinese, American, Irish, Italian, and Japanese options. You can also find familiar fast-food chains like McDonald's and Starbucks. For a taste of local Dutch cuisine, head to 'Grand Café Het Paleis' for a traditional Dutch pancake, or try the Dutch cheeses and stroopwafels available at various eateries throughout the airport. Don't forget to sample the local brew at the Heineken Bar!
If you have a longer layover and want to explore beyond the airport, downtown Amsterdam is just a short train ride away. The train station is conveniently located under the airport terminal, with trains running every 10 to 15 minutes and taking under 20 minutes to get to the city centre. Once there, you'll find a plethora of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Stroll through the charming streets and canals of the city centre, and stop at a cosy café or restaurant for a more authentic Dutch dining experience.
For a truly unique culinary journey, consider taking a food tour or joining a local cooking class. This will allow you to discover hidden gems and learn about Dutch food culture directly from the locals. Sample traditional dishes like bitterballen, poffertjes, and kroket, and don't forget to pair your meal with a local Dutch beer or a glass of jenever, the national liquor of the Netherlands.
If you're a beer enthusiast, you might want to visit the Heineken Experience, a short distance from the airport. This interactive museum offers an immersive journey into the world of Heineken, one of the country's most famous exports. You can learn about the brewing process, taste different varieties of beer, and even create your own custom blend to take home as a memorable souvenir.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite at the airport or a more immersive culinary experience in the city, Schiphol Airport and its surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in local food and drink. So, whether you're a foodie at heart or simply looking to sample some Dutch delights, make sure to add some tasty treats to your itinerary!
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Go to a spa
If you're looking to unwind and relax during your layover at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, there are several spa and wellness options available to you.
For a quick fix, there are several chair massage options spread throughout the airport, offering automatic massages for just a few euros. If you're looking for a more extensive spa experience, the airport has several spas offering various services, including haircuts, manicures and pedicures, and massage services.
If you have a longer layover and can leave the airport, there are several spa hotels near Schiphol Airport that offer a range of spa services. These hotels often provide free shuttle buses to and from the airport. For example, the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel, and Steigenberger Airport Hotel Amsterdam offer spa services and are preferred hotels for travellers.
If you're looking to explore downtown Amsterdam, you can take the train from the airport to the city centre, which runs every 10-15 minutes and will have you downtown in under 20 minutes. In the city, you can find various spas and wellness centres to relax and recharge.
With a longer layover, you can also explore the city's famous attractions, such as the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the world-famous canals. Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport, with sources recommending returning 1.5-2 hours before your flight.
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Explore the city's attractions, such as the Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is conveniently located just a short train or bus ride from the city centre. If you have a long layover, why not head into the city and explore some of its top attractions?
One must-visit destination is the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh in the world. The permanent collection includes over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters by the artist. The museum also presents exhibitions on various subjects from 19th-century art history. The building itself is quite remarkable, consisting of two parts: the Rietveld building, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, and the Kurokawa wing, designed by Kisho Kurokawa. The museum is located at Museumplein in Amsterdam-Zuid, between the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
If you're a fan of art, you might also want to check out the Rijksmuseum's outpost at the airport, where you can view 17th-century Dutch paintings without leaving the airport. Or, if you head into the city, you can visit the main branch of the Rijksmuseum, as well as other attractions such as the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, and the Red Light District.
For a more relaxed experience, you can stroll along Amsterdam's famous canals, taking in the world-renowned architecture. Or, if you'd prefer to stay closer to the airport, you can simply enjoy the variety of dining options, from local and independent restaurants to familiar chains like McDonald's and Starbucks.
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Frequently asked questions
Schiphol Airport offers a range of activities and amenities to keep you entertained and relaxed during your layover. You can find restaurants, bars, and cafes serving local and international cuisine, including traditional Dutch food and drinks at the Heineken Bar. The airport also has lounges, spas, and fitness centres. If you have at least 4 hours, you can take a quick train or bus to the city centre and explore downtown Amsterdam.
You can visit the Royal Palace, stroll through the Red Light District, explore the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Van Gogh Museum, or stroll along the canals.
You can visit the Holland Boulevard, located post-Security between Lounges 2 and 3, to experience a bit of Dutch culture without leaving the airport. The world-famous Rijksmuseum has an airport outpost featuring 17th-century Dutch paintings.
Yes, Schiphol Airport offers various lounges and spas where you can relax and unwind. Sanctifly is an app that provides access to over 4,000 lounges and wellness facilities at airports worldwide for $11.95 a month. Sheraton, located just a 2-minute walk from the airport, offers fitness equipment and leisure facilities.
You can take the train, bus, or taxi to and from the airport. The train station is conveniently located under the airport terminal, with trains departing every 10-15 minutes and arriving in the city centre in under 20 minutes. Bus Line 397 Amsterdam Express picks up directly in front of the airport.
