Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, and it’s a great place to spend a layover. Whether you’re passing through for a few hours on your way to another destination or if you have an extended layover in Amsterdam of anywhere from 6-24 hours, there are plenty of activities for travelers of all varieties.
I have you covered if you are looking for ways to spend a short layover or a long layover in Amsterdam with all the details covered. Travel can be stressful but it can also be enjoyable. Don’t spend your layover just sitting around, enjoy it to the max.
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Can I Leave the Airport During a Layover in Amsterdam?
For layovers in Amsterdam, you may be wondering if it is possible to leave the airport and explore the city. The answer is yes! Depending on how long your layover is, you can enjoy a range of activities during your time in Amsterdam. For layovers under five hours, it’s generally best to stay within the airport. This does not leave you enough time to get through passport control, take the train, sightsee, return and go back through security without being overly rushed and stressed.
However, for layovers that are five hours or longer, leaving the airport can allow you to experience some of what Amsterdam has to offer. From sightseeing around town to visiting local attractions and enjoying delicious Dutch cuisine, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your layover in Amsterdam.
Make sure you leave plenty of time after sightseeing in Amsterdam to get back through security in time for your next flight. Leaving the airport is not worth missing your flight for. Security took us less than 30 minutes to get through at about four in the afternoon. We had a 9-hour layover and did not feel rushed at all. You’ll want to make sure you have at least a couple hours to explore.
Visa Information for the Netherlands
Visiting the Netherlands is a great way to experience Dutch culture and history. It is important to know the visa requirements of any country you are visiting, even if it is just a layover. For US citizens, certain visa requirements must be met to enter the country. Generally, US citizens do not need a visa for vacations (including layovers) of up to 90 days in Amsterdam as long as they have valid passports or travel documents with them.
If your vacation is longer than 90 days you may need to apply for a Schengen Visa from the Dutch Embassy or Consulate before your departure. It’s important to check the latest information on visa requirements before planning any trip abroad and make sure that you have all the necessary documents on hand when traveling.
How to Spend a Short(er) Layover at Schiphol Airport
Explore the Airport
The airport itself has plenty of activities for travelers to explore while waiting for their next flight. Amsterdam Schiphol has its own playground, where kids can burn off excess energy while parents relax and keep an eye on them from nearby benches.
There’s also a 24-hour movie theater with films shown in both Dutch and English. Plus a museum outpost in the airport where you can see beautiful, famous works of art. If art isn’t up your alley then perhaps a visit to the library can strike your fancy.
The ultimate way to explore the airport though is by taking the bus tour called Schiphol Behind the Scenes. This one hour tour takes guests to see airport hangars, the fire station, and more.
Visit a Lounge
If you have a layover at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the best ways to make the most out of your layover is to visit one of the airport’s lounges. These exclusive spaces offer amenities like comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi access, charging stations for electronic devices, and even showers. Lounges are great places for families with kids to relax before their next flight. Plus, they provide an ideal spot for business travelers looking to get some work done or catch up on emails before their departure.
Honestly no matter the length of your layover in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, visiting a lounge can help make your time there more enjoyable and hassle-free. We gain access to lounges through Priority Pass as a credit card perk. You can also purchase a Priority Pass membership separately although I highly recommend finding a credit card that gives you lounge access.
Eat
There are seemingly endless options to try and eat at the Schiphol Airport. There are large chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks of course, but if you are looking for more local foods during your Amsterdam layover try Tastes of the Lowlands for authentic dutch snacks. Beyond that, you can find cuisines to try from all across the globe.
Storing Luggage at the Schiphol Airport
Just because you have a long layover doesn’t mean you have to sit around and wait for your next flight—you can make the most of your layover and explore some of what Amsterdam has to offer! The only problem is, what do you do with your luggage while you’re out exploring? The answer is simple: luggage storage.
If you couldn’t check your luggage through to your final destination or if you have carry-on luggage then you can take advantage of the many luggage storage options available at the Schiphol Airport. Here you can store anything from personal items like backpacks to large suitcases for as little as 6-9 euros per day per item.
There are luggage storage options both before and after security, just make sure that you can get back to the storage lockers you used before your next flight. Check the Schiphol Airport website for exact details on locations, hours, and payments.
Getting From the Airport to Amsterdam City Center
Car
Driving from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center is one way to explore the Dutch capital. With plenty of available car rental options, you can easily get into the city to experience all that Amsterdam has to offer. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, and it’s easy to find your way with clear directions and signs in English.
However, I would recommend going with another option, especially if you are on a budget. Renting a car plus dealing with the hassle of finding and paying for parking is just not worth the headache.
Public Transportation
Like most European cities Amsterdam has a robust public transportation system. The train can get you into downtown Amsterdam within 15-20 minutes making it the fastest way and most affordable option. The train station is conveniently located inside the airport, just past border control. You simply use one of the kiosks and then select a one-way or round-trip ticket from the menu. At the time of our visit at the end of 2022, the round-trip train ticket cost less than 11 euros per person.
The train drops you off at Amsterdam Central Station which is just minutes walk from many notable sights in Amsterdam which is perfect when you have limited time like during a layover. A one day pass may also be a good option for you if you plan on using public transportation throughout the day.
How to Spend a Long Layover in Amsterdam
If your layover in Amsterdam is over five hours and you decide to leave the airport then here is everything you need to know for an enjoyable day. From things to do, foods to try, and even the infamous red light district, you can make the most of your travels by enjoying a layover outside the airport.
General Info for Visiting Amsterdam, Holland
Currency
The currency used in Amsterdam, Holland is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments such as hotels and department stores so a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is my preferred method of payment. You can exchange your money for euros at any bank or money exchange kiosk located in airports and major sights around Amsterdam if you want to use cash. Additionally, if needed ATMs are also widely available throughout Holland if you need cash quickly.
Weather
Amsterdam is a beautiful city that experiences all four seasons throughout the year. From summer’s warm and sunny days to winter’s snow-filled streets, Amsterdam has something to offer in every season. Here’s what you can expect from the weather during each of the four seasons in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city with an abundance of winter activities to keep visitors entertained. During the winter season, temperatures in Amsterdam can dip below freezing, and rain or snowfall is common. Despite the cold weather, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your layover in this vibrant Dutch capital. From ice skating on frozen canals to exploring the unique holiday markets, you won’t be short on things to do in Amsterdam during the winter months.
The summer months in Amsterdam are a great time to visit the Dutch capital. From June to August, temperatures hover around 18-20°C (64-68°F) during the day, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The sun usually shines for most of the day which makes exploring the city even more enjoyable. During this time of year, you can find many locals and visitors alike enjoying picnics in parks or relaxing by one of Amsterdam’s beautiful canals. Evenings are slightly cooler with temperatures dropping down to around 12-14°C (55-58°F). With its mild climate and sunny days, summertime in Amsterdam is definitely something special!
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Things to do in Amsterdam During a Layover
Visit the Tulip Fields (Spring and Summer Only)
A visit to the Netherlands tulip fields is a bucket-list worthy destination that can only be visited in the spring and summer because that is when the flowers bloom! This colorful spectacle draws in huge crowds but if all you have is a layover in Amsterdam then you can still see them. Some tours and buses will bring you straight from the airport to the tulip fields so you can make the most of the time you have.
If you visit outside of tulip season you can still find tulip bulbs for sale if you want to take home a unique souvenir to enjoy. The Bloemenmarkt, a floating market on the canals downtown, is a great place to look.
Explore the Canals
When you make it to Amsterdam’s city center make sure you take some time to explore the famous canals and gingerbread-esque houses that line the streets. I recommend starting at Damrak for some of the most iconic houses in Amsterdam, it is located only a short walk from the train station and is a great place to get on a canal tour if you choose to.
If you would prefer a more structured option as opposed to just exploring alone, a walking tour or a bike tour can be great options to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Take a Canal Cruise
Taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam during a layover is an ideal way to make the most of your limited time. The city’s canals are one of its greatest attractions and provide a unique perspective on the city. A boat trip along the canals allows you to admire some of Amsterdam’s iconic architecture, such as its many bridges and gabled houses, while also providing insight into its fascinating history. Cruises typically last around 1 hour and offer audio commentary so you can learn more about the sights you pass by. It’s a wonderfully affordable way to explore this beautiful Dutch capital!
See the Anne Frank House during a Layover in Amsterdam
The Anne Frank House offers an unforgettable glimpse into one family’s story during World War II. The history and emotional story told here in this museum are worth hearing and seeing in person. Tickets sell out well in advance though so be sure to book yours as early as possible. Ticket sales open up a few weeks in advance with only a few tickets being sold the day of. I looked about a week and a half in advance and there were only evening slots available.
Eat Some Delicious Local Foods
Foods like stroopwafels, gouda, and bitterballen are local classics that are worth trying on your next visit to Amsterdam whether you have just a layover or an entire vacation. Stroopwafels are thin waffles with a layer of caramel in between and this sweet treat is my favorite.
Explore a Museum
Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s most fascinating museums. During a layover in Amsterdam, visitors can explore the city’s rich history and culture through its many unique galleries and exhibitions. From artworks by renowned Dutch artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, to interactive displays that bring history to life, there are plenty of amazing museums for layover travelers to explore in Amsterdam. Two notable attraction include the Rijksmuseum with its iconic works of art and the Van Gogh Museum. Both are conveniently located next to each other on “museum square”. Whether you have just a few hours or more time on your layover, visiting one (or more) of Amsterdam’s incredible museums is sure to be a memorable experience!
Getting Around Amsterdam
Walking or biking are the ideal ways to get around Amsterdam and explore its charming streets, neighborhoods, and iconic canals. It is a very walkable city and you’ll want to walk at least a little bit to enjoy the canals to the fullest. Most major sights are within walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal Station. Biking on the other hand will save your energy and time as well as your feet if your layover is longer than a couple of hours. You can rent bikes at shops as well as at stations located around the city.
Getting Back to the Schiphol Airport
Getting back to the airport from Amsterdam is just as simple as getting there, especially if you purchased a round-trip ticket the first time. Simply return to the central train station, hop on the train to the airport and you’ll be there in about 20 minutes. From there you can simply walk from the airport train station to the check-in counters and security by following the posted signs.
Practical Information for Amsterdam
Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Amsterdam Travel Guide.
How to Spend a Layover in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam during a layover is a great way for travelers and families to break up their long journey and make the most out of their travel time. From exploring the airport itself or heading into town for some sightseeing or shopping, there are plenty of activities available in Amsterdam that will make your layover enjoyable and stress-free! So if you’re ever traveling through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with your family, make sure you take advantage of all this city has to offer with a quick visit!
