Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe’s most important transport hubs, boasting connections to more than 300 destinations with over 100 airlines. It’s located less than 20 km from the city center, making it easy to check out the top attractions during your Amsterdam layover.
Should you opt to stay in the airport, there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam for a layover. In the airport’s expansive terminal building, you’ll find an array of convenient services and amenities available for passengers.
Tips for a Short Layover
- Card payments are widely accepted both in the airport and the city, so you won’t need to exchange currency unless you plan to pay in cash.
- Dutch food and drinks are readily available inside the terminal, meaning you can sample the local fare even if you don’t have time to leave the airport during your Amsterdam layover.
- Use the free WiFi during your Schiphol layover to plan accordingly for the next leg of your journey.
Tips for a Long Layover/Overnight Layover
- Spend your Amsterdam layover sightseeing, so long as you have no less than 6 hours between your flights.
- If you’d prefer to rest up instead, you’ll have lounges, on-site hotels, and sleeping pods to pick from.
- Those traveling with heavy bags can make the most of the storage lockers, which are located in both the landside and airside zones.
Things to Do Near/Around Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam city center is just 20 minutes from Schiphol Airport by train or car, so it’s straightforward to explore the Dutch capital during your stopover. If you’re unsure about what to do in Amsterdam for a layover, you’ll be relieved to know that many of the top sites are within easy reach of each other. While booking a private Amsterdam Airport transfer or hopping into an Amsterdam Airport taxi offers the most convenience and comfort, you can also take advantage of the city’s excellent public transport system.
If you’re keen to swing by some of the museums, catch the 397 bus to Museumplein, where you’ll be a short walk from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Alternatively, you can take the Intercity train to Amsterdam Centraal, and from here you’ll be just a 15-minute walk from the canal-filled De 9 Straatjes district, the Anne Frank House, and the Oude Kerk. Another option is to book an Amsterdam layover tour, which can take the stress out of organizing your transport and itinerary.
Things to Do at the Airport
So you’re planning to stay in the airport during your Amsterdam layover, but what is there to do? Fortunately, there’s no shortage of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and lounges here, so you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your stopover.
If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll have the chance to tuck into some local dishes, though there are also plenty of international-inspired eateries and familiar fast-food joints, including Burger King and McDonald’s. When you’re not enjoying the dining options, you’re free to do some duty-free shopping, kick back in one of the lounges, treat yourself to some spa treatments, or freshen up in the shower areas.
Take a look at our comprehensive Amsterdam Airport Guide if you want to learn more about the available facilities.
Things to Do With Kids
Keeping the little ones entertained during your Amsterdam layover is simple, as the airport has child-friendly food outlets, soft play areas, and complimentary WiFi in various spots throughout the terminal. Anyone traveling with smaller children will also have access to family rooms and lounges, affording you some much-needed privacy and space.
Hotels and Lounges/Transiting Through the Airport
Anyone with an extended Amsterdam layover will likely be eager to get some sleep while waiting for their next flight, and thankfully, the airport is home to airside accommodations, VIP lounges, and sleeping pods. Although free sleeping zones are difficult to come by, there are several seating areas where you can get some rest.
Both YOTELAIR and Mercure Hotel are located inside the terminal, and so are ideal if you wish to stay in the airport during your Amsterdam layover. That said, there’s also a bunch of hotels just minutes from the airport, including the Hilton, CitizenM, and the Sheraton. Another option is to book into one of the lounges, which typically offer passengers comfortable seating, hot and cold buffets, newspapers, and fast WiFi. Aspire lounges are open to the public for a fee, while the Privium and KLM lounges are accessible for select ticket-holders. If you need just a few hours of sleep, it might also be worth heading to the sleeping pods in one of the XpressSpa Wellness centers.
Practical Information
Visa Required: In terms of visas, Amsterdam layover requirements will differ based on your nationality. You may be required to get a Schengen visa if you plan to leave the airport, but it’s generally not necessary if you opt to stay airside.
Average Flight Connection Time: It’s recommended to give yourself at least 40 minutes transfer time for Schengen flights and 50 minutes for non-Schengen trips. However, if your connecting flight is with a different airline and you’re required to check in again, it’s best to leave at least two hours between journeys.
Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 6-7 hours
How to Connect Flights
If you plan to stay airside in the international zone and have booked both legs of your journey on a single ticket, all you need to do is follow the signs guiding you to the connections area and use the display monitors to find your gate. In most cases, you’ll get your boarding pass when you check into your first flight. However, if your connecting flight was booked separately or with a different airline, you’ll likely need to go through immigration, collect your bags, and check in again.
You’ll likely be wondering, ‘Do I need a visa for my Amsterdam layover? ‘, but the answer will depend on your nationality, so it’s essential to check the regulations well in advance of your arrival. Anyone who’s leaving the international transit area or exiting the airport may be required to get a visa, which more often than not will be a Schengen visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need transit visa for an Amsterdam layover? 
So long as you don’t leave the airport during your Schiphol layover, you likely won’t need a transit visa. That said, those who opt to exit the airport will usually need a visa, though this depends on your nationality.
Can I leave the Amsterdam Airport during a layover?
Provided you have at least 6 hours between flights, you can safely leave the airport during your Amsterdam layover. However, it’s important to check if you need an Amsterdam layover visa, based on your nationality.
Is a 7-hour layover enough time to leave the airport in Amsterdam?
7 hours is sufficient time to leave the airport during a stopover in Amsterdam, as the city center is just a 20-minute train ride away. Nevertheless, an Amsterdam layover of 8 hours or more is best if you don’t want to feel rushed.
How much time is needed for a layover in Amsterdam?
6 hours is the minimum Amsterdam layover time if you’re keen to leave the airport. Those staying in the airport should leave no less than 40 minutes between Schengen flights and at least 50 minutes between non-Schengen flights.
What to do with a 4-hour layover in Amsterdam?
The best way to spend an Amsterdam layover of 4 hours is to grab a bite to eat at one of the many food outlets, surf the net using the complimentary WiFi, and browse the on-site shops.
What to do in Schiphol Airport for 5 hours?
An Amsterdam layover of 5 hours is ideal for visits to any of the VIP lounges, which typically provide comfortable seating, food and drink buffets, and free WiFi. Alternatively, you may wish to check out one of the many eateries in the terminal and do some shopping.
Do you have to go through customs on a layover in Amsterdam?
If you’re traveling within the Schengen zone, you won’t need to clear customs during your Amsterdam layover. You also won’t be required to go through customs if you’ve arrived from a non-Schengen country and are continuing to another non-Schengen destination, but in this case, you will need to clear passport control.
