What can I do during a layover at Schiphol Airport?

With 2-3 hours: explore shops, grab Dutch food, visit the Schiphol Library. With 4-6 hours: visit an airport lounge or take the train to Amsterdam (20 min). With 8+ hours: explore Amsterdam city center and return for your flight.

Can I leave Schiphol Airport during a long layover?

Yes, if you have 5+ hours and a valid visa (if required). Take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal (15-20 min, 5-6 EUR). US, Canadian, UK, and Australian citizens do not need a visa for short visits.

How much time do I need to visit Amsterdam from Schiphol?

You need at least 5-6 hours total layover time. Budget 30 min for immigration, 40 min for round-trip train, 60 min for returning through security, leaving 2-3 hours in the city center.

Schiphol Layover Guide

Got time between flights? Here's what to do with your layover at Amsterdam Schiphol — from a quick 2-hour stop to a full-day city visit.

How long is your layover?

2-3 Hours

Stay in the Terminal

With a short layover, stay airside. You have enough time to eat, shop, and relax without rushing.

Eat Dutch Food

Try a kroket at Smullers (3-5 EUR)
Fresh stroopwafel at Holland Boulevard
Cheese tasting at Dutch souvenir shops
Budget option: AH to go sandwiches (3-8 EUR)

Things to Do

Visit the Schiphol Library (free, quiet)
Browse Holland Boulevard for Dutch souvenirs
Duty-free shopping at See Buy Buy
Relax at a charging station and catch up on WiFi

4-6 Hours

Lounge or Quick City Visit

You have options: relax in an airport lounge, or if you have 5+ hours and don't need a visa, take a quick trip into Amsterdam.

Option A: Airport Lounge

Aspire Lounge from 37 EUR per person
Free with Priority Pass (check your credit card)
Hot food, drinks, WiFi, quiet seating
Showers available in some lounges

Compare lounges →

Option B: Quick Amsterdam Visit

Train to Amsterdam Centraal: 20 min, 5-6 EUR
Walk the canals, grab lunch, see Dam Square
Budget 30 min for immigration + 60 min for return security
Minimum 5 hours total layover needed

Important: If arriving from a non-Schengen flight, you must go through immigration to leave the airport. Check if you need a Schengen visa before planning a city visit. US, Canadian, UK, and Australian citizens do not need a visa.

8+ Hours

Explore Amsterdam

With 8+ hours, you have time for a proper Amsterdam experience. Store your bags and enjoy the city.

Suggested Itinerary

Hour 1

Transit

Immigration + train to Amsterdam Centraal (total ~45 min). Store bags at the airport (6-12 EUR) or at luggage lockers at Centraal Station.

Hours 2-3

Explore

Walk the canals from Centraal Station through the Nine Streets to Dam Square. Stop for a Dutch pancake or apple pie at a canal-side cafe.

Hours 3-5

Visit

Anne Frank House (book ahead), Rijksmuseum, or Vondelpark. For food: try Indonesian rijsttafel, Dutch bitterballen, or herring from a street stall.

Hour 6

Return

Train back to Schiphol (20 min). Allow 60 min for security + gate walk. Be at the airport 2 hours before your flight.

5-6 EUR

Train to city center

15-20 min

Travel time each way

Every 10-15 min

Train frequency

Overnight

Sleep at the Airport

If your connection is overnight, you have several options for resting.

Airport Hotels

Walking distance hotels from 100 EUR/night. Sheraton and citizenM are 3-5 min walk to the terminal.

Compare hotels →

Park Sleep Fly

If you drove to the airport, hotel + parking bundles start from 65 EUR.

Compare packages →

Sleeping in the Terminal

Schiphol is open 24/7. Some travelers sleep on benches, though it's not very comfortable. The best spots are near the E and F gates where seating is wider. Bring earplugs and an eye mask. For a more comfortable option, check if a lounge offers sleeping facilities.

Layover Tips

1. Download the Schiphol app — real-time gate changes, security wait times, and terminal maps.
2. Store luggage at Schiphol Plaza — 6-12 EUR per bag. Essential if visiting Amsterdam.
3. Buy an OV-chipkaart for public transport if visiting Amsterdam. Available at yellow machines in the station.
4. Check re-entry requirements — if you leave the airport, you'll need to go through security again. Budget 30-60 minutes.