Layover guides

Amsterdam layover guide

If you have a few hours you can easily leave Schiphol and glimpse Amsterdam’s canals, historic centre and a museum. In a short layover you can see the iconic canals, a quick museum visit and a taste of Dutch street food.

AMS · Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 11 km to the centre Fastest way into the city: about 15 min Leave the airport with at least 5 hours

How long is your layover?

About 4 hours in the city

Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
NS Intercity to Amsterdam Centraal → Amsterdam Centraal · about 15 min
1
about 1 hour
Dam Square

Historic square with royal palace, monuments and bustling crowds
0.4 km
2
about 1 hour
Begijnhof

Quiet medieval courtyard surrounded by historic houses
0.3 km
3
about 1 hour
Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)

Floating market of flowers, bulbs and souvenirs along the canals
Back to the airport · about 15 min
Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight

Open this layover as a plan

Times are estimates. Visa rules depend on your nationality: check official sources and your airline before you leave the airport.

Getting into the city

NS Intercity to Amsterdam Centraal

→ Amsterdam Centraal · about 15 min

Runs every 10‑15 min; buy a ticket on the NS machines or use an OV‑chipkaart

Bus 197 to Amsterdam City Centre

→ Amsterdam Centraal (outside) · about 30 min

Every 15‑20 min; pay with OV‑chipkaart or cash

Airport taxi

→ City centre · about 20 min

Available 24 h; pay by card or cash, about €45‑50

Good to know

Leaving the airport

You will pass passport control when leaving the airport; visa requirements depend on your nationality and must be checked with official sources before travel.

Left luggage

Schiphol offers left‑luggage lockers and a staffed baggage office in the public area.

If you stay at the airport

Inside the terminal you can relax in lounges, browse the Dutch design shop, or visit the Rijksmuseum‑themed exhibition and the airport’s quiet garden.