How to Maximize a Layover in Amsterdam

Written By: Carli

Carli

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Have a long layover in Amsterdam?  Don’t waste your time in the airport, you can quickly leave and explore for the day with plenty of time to return for your flight. 

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Passport control during your layover in Amsterdam

Passport control will vary based on where you are arriving from, and where you are going. 

*Note* just because a country is in the EU does not mean it is in the Schengen Zone.  For example, Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen Zone. However Iceland is in the zone, despite not being a member of the EU.  Review which countries are part of the Schengen Zone here. 

Arriving from outside the Schengen Zone

You will need to pass through customs/passport control after you arrive and before you exit to the baggage area. 

Arriving from inside the Schengen Zone

For flights originating within the Schengen Zone, this is the equivalent of taking a domestic flight.  You do not need to pass through customs as you did that upon your initial arrival into the EU. 

Departures within the Schengen Zone

If arrived internationally, you’ve already gone through customs when you first arrived earlier in the day. You do not need to do customs again.  You do however still need to pass through airport security.  As there is security for each terminal, this moves pretty quickly so you should not need to be at the airport hours prior to your arrival.  In fact, many times, the gates are not even assigned until 30-60 minutes from departure. 

Departures outside the Schengen Zone

If you are leaving the Schengen Zone on a truly international flight, you will need to pass through customs, then security, prior to getting to your gate.  Be sure to plan extra time, especially in the busier travel seasons, for lines. 

What to do with your baggage during a layover in Amsterdam

If you are going to check bags, those will continue to your final destination, so long as they are on the same airline, or partner airlines (ex: Delta/KLM).  Be sure to ask when you check your bag that they are being checked through to your final destination. 

If you are planning to only carry on, take any baggage you don’t want with you on your layover in Amsterdam to the luggage storage.  Depending on where you exit the terminal, you may have to walk awhile.  Amsterdam Schiphol is a massive airport and train station all in one.  Look for and follow signs for “baggage storage”.  The actual storage facility is located one level down, but there will be both stairs and an elevator to the facility. Pricing is per hour, and can be held up to 24 hours. 

Once you drop your bag(s) they will give you a ticket (do not lose this or you will be charged extra). You will not pay for your bags until you return to pick up and head back into the terminal. 

How to explore outside Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Leaving Amsterdam airport during layover is easiest to do by train. Not only is it quick and reliable, it is a low cost way to travel.  A round trip ticket, in second class, can cost anywhere from €11 to Amsterdam and up to €35 for Gouda.  

One thing to note if you are unfamiliar with traveling by train in Europe.  When you are just traveling within the same country, you typically do not need a timed ticket.  Usually, you can just purchase a one way or round trip ticket for the same day.  It provides flexibility to take the train that works best with your schedule without fear of missing your specific train. 

Inside the Amsterdam airport is also a central train station.  You can find route schedules and information stands, as well as ticket booths on the main floor.  However, if you purchase your tickets online through the NS website, you may be able to get a discounted rate for your tickets.  

Where to go during a stopover in Amsterdam

The benefit of the Schiphol airport is it is so easily accessible to different cities within the Netherlands. There are a handful of popular cities that you can reach in one hour or less on the train. 

Layover in Amsterdam

In only 20 minutes you can be from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal station.  Since this is the easiest city to get to, this is the best location for a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam at a minimum. 

Of course there is so much to see and do in Amsterdam.  From the cafes along the canals, to walking the historic red light district and the world class museums, you can easily spend days or weeks visiting. The challenge visiting during an Amsterdam layover will be making sure you don’t get too caught up in sightseeing and miss your flight. 

On a short layover, you can get the most out of your visit with a canal cruise through the city.  This is a fun, and fast way to learn about the history of the city, experience the canals and see the beautiful 17th century houses. 

Alternatively, you can pick one of their multitude of museums and get lost for a few hours.  I would personally recommend the Rijksmuseum which showcases eight centuries of the history and art of the Netherlands.  If you feel like museum hopping, the Iamsterdam card might be worth checking out. 

Travel Guide: How to Visit the Best Museums in Amsterdam

Layover in Haarlem

Just outside of Amsterdam is the capital of North Holland, the charming city of Haarlem.  Experience the canals and historic houses like you would find in Amsterdam, but without the mass of crowds.  Haarlem is 30 minutes by train, or 40 minutes by bus. Here you can experience paintings from Dutch masters, or visit the oldest museum in the Netherlands. 

Layover in Rotterdam

Rotterdam has a different feel to the other historic cities near the airport.  Because it was heavily destroyed during WW2, it is the most modern city in the Netherlands. Explore the art galleries and trendy bars and restaurants in the Witte de Withstraat or connect with nature at the Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum. 

You can take the fast train to Rotterdam and arrive in just 30 minutes from the airport. 

Layover in Utrecht 

Despite being the 4th largest city in the country, Utrecht is often overlooked for its neighboring cities. This is also named “the most cycle-friendly city in the world” by CNN.  The city is much smaller than Amsterdam, but also feels more local and a little quirkier, while still maintaining the Dutch history and charm. 

The train ride is about 35 minutes from Schiphol airport. 

Layover in Gouda

Further from the airport, taking an hour on 2 trains, is the quaint town of Gouda.  Best known as the birthplace of Gouda cheese, you can even learn about the history and cheesemaking process at the Gouda Cheese Experience.  

Due to the travel time, I would only recommend visiting Gouda if you have at least an 8 hour layover in Amsterdam airport. 

Layover in Amsterdam FAQs

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