amsterdam city tour from airport

Amsterdam Layover Tours

Unforgettable amsterdam adventures: explore, discover, and make every moment count, discover amsterdam's highlights on your layover tour, amsterdam layover/stopover: walking tour, canal cruise & hassle-free transfers, amsterdam layover tour - canal cruise, heineken experience & airport transfer, shore excursion: discover amsterdam highlights with walking tour & canal cruise, amsterdam layover delight: rijksmuseum visit & airport or port transfer, tulip mania tour: half-day keukenhof & tulip farm with amsterdam transfer.

Welcome to Amsterdam Layover Tours! We are dedicated to providing exceptional experiences for travelers during their time in Amsterdam. From Layover tours during a Layover in Amsterdam to Shore Excursions for cruise passengers. Our tours include transit from and back to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for any Layover tour. If you are visiting the city as part of your cruise itinerary we will pick you up at the Port of Amsterdam. 

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+31 620451403, [email protected], contact info, voorhout, 2215 voorhout, netherlands.

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Layovers.Amsterdam offers captivating experiences, showcasing the city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems, ensuring unforgettable adventures for curious explorers. Layovers.Amsterdam is a trade name of Dutch Flower Tours. For a unique Layover Tour or Shore Excursion in Amsterdam.

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You have an Amsterdam layover of 6 hours or more? Spend it exploring Amsterdam like a local !

Your layover tour guide in Amsterdam !

In the past 7 years working as a tour guide in Amsterdam 100’s of travellers came to me with the same problem: “They want to experience Amsterdam like a local, but only have a layover of 6 hours to do it.” Otto – Local guide

The good news? Holland is tiny! Due to Amsterdam city center only being 14-minute train ride from Schiphol airport, if you have a layover of more than 4 hours you have enough time to leave the airport !

You can explore the old city center and highlights like our world-famous UNESCO canals , see the royal palace , have a peak in the infamous red-light district . If you have an Amsterdam layover of 6 hours we can even see some of the best museums in Europe including the Anne Frank house and the van Gogh museum .

But do you want to see the real Amsterdam during your layover?

For travellers that want to get the total Amsterdam experience in a short time, I started Layover with a local . More than a guided layover tour, but offering you the experience of a friend picking you up at the airport and showing you the city the way only a local can.

Instead of other layover tours in Amsterdam that simply drive you to tourist spots like the Heineken brewery or the tulip gardens, I’l give you a walking tour of Amsterdam’s hidden treasures and secret spots only the locals know about. The real Amsterdam experience!

And the best part: to prevent you from stressing and wasting time I will pick you up at the airport and take care of everything. Okay, almost everything 😉

• ? No stress on your layover: including Amsterdam airport pickup, airport dropoff & luggage storage
• ⌛ No time wasted : let a Dutch guide with years of experience show you local hotspots .
• ? No problem : cancelation free of charge within 30 days, short notice 50% refund.
• ?? Including the best expert local guide, cheese tasting, Dutch local snacks and a special souvenir!

An example of our itinerary for a 5 hour layover

• When you arrive at Schiphol airport it’s a few minutes walk to the arrival doors where a tall and handsome Dutchman will be waiting for you (me) ! After a warm welcome it’s time for some Dutch local snacks and refreshments and our Layover Amsterdam adventure takes off.
• Amsterdam Schiphol airport is located 7 meters below sea level, but we go even lower! Right below the airport is the train station where every 15 minutes a train leaves to Amsterdam . We don’t waste time on taxi’s and traffic jams, the train is the most reliable option to get from Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre in only 14 minutes.
• After dropping off your bags at Amsterdam central station baggage service , we can kick off your short stay with a stroll down the Amsterdam UNESCO canals ! The station is already a historic highlight, but I will tell you about the old days, when New York was still named New Amsterdam. Where the station lies today, used to be more than 10.000 ships laying in front of your nose in the 17th century, the Dutch golden age!
• With her 1 million bicycles and 865.000 inhabitants, Amsterdam is quite a small cosy city where we can explore so much in a few hours. When you stand with your back towards the station, on the left is the oldest district in town which also happens to be the Red-light district . This is indeed the 16th century harbor where the oldest profession in the world is still widely practiced. We say a visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a peek in the infamous red light district, or we could visit the really small red light district only the locals know about. Get the insights about our Amsterdam liberal culture of Coffeeshops and how Amsterdam became the hippie capital of the world.
• Holland is flat as a pancake, we joke around that “when you stand on top of a chair, you can see the whole country”! Walk down the old “ Zeedijk ” with me, which is the wall that used to protect us against the water of the sea. Be prepared for a climb, on this street we will find the highest point of Amsterdam, which is 1.3 meters above sea level (where most of Amsterdam is 2 meter below sea level). Here we will find one of the last wooden houses, the oldest gay friendly bar from 1927 “het Mandje” and the Chinatown of Amsterdam.
• Taste our local Dutch food! Let me take you to the local Jordaan area, the best area in town with the cutest little canals and amazing restaurants and street food. Here we can taste 10 different Dutch cow cheeses and I will teach you how to pronounce “Gouda”. Let’s have lunch at one of my favourite restaurants, let me tell you why the best dutch food is actually Indonesian food.
• I will drop you off at the airport to make sure you are safe and sound back on your next flight , hopefully with a big smile on your face and a layover experience to remember for a lifetime!

? Want to see windmills or tulips during your Amsterdam layover? Let me pick you up at schiphol aiport by car!

• You have a layover of 6 hours or more? Perfect! We can see the Windmills and dutch countryside! Let me pick you up with my car or if you have a larger group I can arrange a bus!
• Since I grew up on the Dutch countryside I can tell you all about what it’s like to live between the cowfields, windmills and tulips.
• Did you know that 60% of the Dutch live below see level? See some of the waterworks that keep the Netherlands from flooding and becoming Atlantis!
• Let me pick you up with my car or pickup your group with a bus!

Our layover tour guide has even been featured on American TV!

I can personalize this layover tour experience 100% for you! 

Feel free to send me a message with the requirements of you and your group! Cultural? For example, We can spend a quick hour in the Anne frank house, Van Gogh museum or the Royal Palace , let me know and I will include one of these famous museums to our itinerary. Adventurous? With 1 million bikes we have more bikes than people in Amsterdam, we could very well include a quick layover bike tour .  Feel free to contact me for the possibilities.

Whatsapp: +3161463564 Mail: layoverwithalocal @gmail.com

Book a meeting with me to plan your layover itinerary!

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Layover 4-6 hours Tour, Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• Bottled water
• The famous stroopwaffles (syrup waffles:-)
• The car is a luxury Jaguar S-Class !
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Evert van de Beekstraat 202, 1118 CP Schiphol The Netherlands
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Layover 4-6 hours Tour, Airport Pick Up and Drop Off provided by Holland Discovery

Amsterdam Airport Layover Guide – Get out of Schiphol Airport

This subject has quite a few different aspects to it, and not all of them will apply to everyone. Below you’ll find, in order of appearance, the following topics :

• Is your layover long enough?
• Something to consider in the airport itself
• Tours leaving right from the airport
• How to get into the city quickly
• Get a map and get oriented in Amsterdam
• Canal tours – the best first option

Self-guided walking tours

• Restaurants, bars, and coffeeshops

Let’s begin, shall we? Be realistic with the timing

Once you walk off your plane and into Schiphol you can usually be in the city in around 45 minutes, or even less if things go smoothly for you. And it takes a bit north of 30 minutes from walking back into Centraal Station in Amsterdam until you are in the security line back at Schiphol. So with this in mind, if your layover is six hours or more the sky’s the limit for your city trip. You can pretty much pick any one thing you want (including one of the big museums) and you should still have time to walk around the city a bit. Check out the main travel guide for some of the most popular options.

If your layover is scheduled for 3 hours or less you are probably trapped at the airport, since leaving the terminal means going through Customs on the way out and security on the way back in. The city is close and easy to reach from the airport, but racing into town only to have to race right back to the airport is probably not worth the possible heart attack or the strong possibility of missing your outbound flight.

With a 3-hour layover you might play it by ear. If your flight lands early or the Customs lines look empty, you can actually have a meaningful visit even if you have to be back at the airport exactly two hours later. Obviously you’ll leave your luggage behind, so if you can waltz through Customs into the big shopping area at Schiphol Airport quickly, read on and you can judge the risk/reward for yourself.

If you ARE trapped at the airport

But just inside Passport Control (meaning you don’t need to go through customs or come back through immigration to visit) you’ll find the world’s first in-airport museum. That’s right, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum (the state museum) has a mini branch located at Schiphol featuring ten works by Dutch masters of the Golden Age in their permanent collection, and temporary exhibits that change every few months in addition. The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol is located in the area on the inside passport control between the Piers E and F, which means you won’t have to go out through customs or back in through immigration to visit.

Airport museum hours: daily – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free

If you’ve got even more time to kill

These layovers are so common here that Schiphol Airport has even put together their own Sightseeing at Schiphol page. It’s kind of silly stuff, but if you’ve got some time to kill it’s worth a look.

Prefabricated tours leaving directly from the airport

The tours aren’t cheap, but a company called Holland Tours Schiphol has a variety of planned excursions that load passengers onto luxury minibuses and take them either through Amsterdam or through other nearby areas based on a theme. As long as 4 or more people sign up you can set out on a fixed journey of between 2.5 and 4 hours costing between €40 and €60 per person. They have two booking desks at Schiphol, which close at 4:30 p.m. each day.

They offer three different Amsterdam tours:

• A 2.5-hour basic city tour (€40)
• A 3.5-hour city tour that adds a 60-minute canal tour to the basic tour (€50)
• An “Evening in Amsterdam” 3-hour tour (€50), which includes one drink at a bar

Again, they are kind of pricey, but they look like comprehensive and professional tours and they limit your chance of missing your flight to basically zero as long as you have your details correct on your end.

DIY tours begin here

For a grand total of €6.40 (which is the return/round-trip 2nd class train fare for adults) you can get into Amsterdam quickly and build your own walking tour, adding whatever options you please. Below I’ll describe the transportation information and then a list of options you might consider.

Getting into the city

You’ll be catching the train, which helpfully leaves from a station beneath the airport. It’s fast, cheap, and easy, as long as you know what you are doing. You’ll hear people say “the train into Amsterdam takes 15 minutes,” but there’s a bit more to it than that.

Turn right out of Customs and look for the overhead signs pointing to the train station. In a few minutes you’ll be in a part of the airport that doesn’t really look like a train station, but it is one. You’ll see escalators that descend down to the tracks, and on the right you’ll see a large group of ticket windows.

Get in any line (they are often long, but they move fast) and when you get to the front ask for however many return (round-trip) tickets to Amsterdam Centraal Station you need. You’ll get one ticket for the way into the city and one ticket for the way back. When using a return/round-trip ticket in the Netherlands you have to use both halves on the same day. If you are coming back to the airport another day just ask for a single ticket and buy the ticket coming back at Centraal Station.

• Cost – €6.40 return (for adults) or €3.80 each way if purchased separately (plus a €0.50 fee per ticket if you purchase at the windows instead of the machines)

Train schedule

• 5:30 a.m. through 9 p.m. – 6 or 7 per hour
• 9 p.m. through 1 a.m. – 2 or 3 per hour
• 1 a.m. through 5:30 a.m. – 1 per hour

It can’t hurt to confirm this from the ticket salesperson, but the trains to Amsterdam Centraal have always left from Platforms 1 and 2, down the closest escalator to the ticket windows. Head down the escalator and hop on the train waiting there on either track, or the next one to pull in. These trains are on lines that go in both directions so this isn’t the end of the line, but the trains on Platforms 1 and 2 always go into the city.

Trains leave about 6 or 7 times an hour during the day, so chances are you won’t have to wait more than 10 minutes once down on the platform. Climb in a carriage with a 2 on the side (assuming you bought a 2nd class ticket) and you’ll soon be on your way. The schedule says the trains take between 15 and 19 minutes to get to Centraal because some of them stop twice at suburban stations along the way, while others go nonstop to Centraal. Just take the first train you see, but pay attention to make sure you get off at Amsterdam Centraal. Most people on the train will be getting off there so if you aren’t sure if you are in Centraal Station or not, chances are you are not.

It’s rare that a conductor will even come by to ask to see your ticket on this short journey, but being caught without one is both expensive and humiliating. Once you arrive at Centraal Station head down the stairs or escalators and then make a right turn, assuming you are still facing the same direction the train was traveling in. Welcome in Amsterdam!

Getting back to Schiphol

When you are ready to head back to the airport just enter Centraal Station and look at the big departure board or any one of the many TV screens in the main hall. You should see at least a couple that list Schiphol as their first destination. Assuming you bought a return ticket at Schiphol, you can just head to the appropriate platform entrance, head up the stairs or escalator, and climb on board. Again, trains go back and forth about 6 or 7 times per hour so you should be underway in under 15 minutes from when you enter Centraal Station.

Get a free map (if you like)

Amsterdam has quite a confusing layout, especially your first time in the city. If you can print out a map from a website it’s a good idea. You can download the miniature Amsterdam pdf travel guide from BootsnAll right here, which has some good-but-not-great maps near the end of its 15 pages. There are a couple of places within the airport that offer free maps, and any of them should do nicely. If not, there are two options for getting a free map right in front of the train station.

Carefully cross the tram paths right out front and just to the left you’ll see the VVV (official tourist) office. They have 9 lines inside and it’s often crowded, but they do give away free maps if you need one. Just next door is the GVB ticket office, which sells tram and bus tickets. They have free maps that detail the public transportation in the city.

A quick orientation

Okay, here you are. Now what to do? That all depends on your interests and the amount of time you have at your disposal. If you’ve got 5 or more hours before you’ve got to be back on a train you can pick nearly anything on the Attractions page, or just find a bar or coffeeshop and get wasted, but careful not to lose track of time if you choose this option!

Possible things to do now – the first one is highly recommended

>>more information on Amsterdam canal cruises

Testimonial: If my best friend had a short layover at Schiphol for their first-ever visit to the city I would definitely recommend a one-hour canal tour first, and then after that choose from the rest of the options with the time left over. Not surprisingly, these tours cover a lot of ground in a short time and are the best way to see the city regardless of how long you are staying.

As long as you’ve got a basic map and a non-tragic sense of direction you can set out on foot and wander around to see what interests you. Once you get to the outer ring of canals it’s extremely easy to get lost – even with a map in hand – but if you concentrate on the areas close to Centraal Station you should be fine.

You have three main options and in even as little as an hour you can do all three as long as you keep moving. 1- Red Light District – Yes, this is where the prostitutes flirt with passersby in their red-lit windows, but it’s also the oldest and most historic neighborhood in Amsterdam. The canals in this area are particularly gorgeous and there are a couple of famous churches and frequent outdoor markets here. It’s also an active residential neighborhood so there is no reason to feel embarrassed passing through.

2 – Kalverstraat Shopping – Cross the street in front of Centraal Station and just to your right is an enormous pedestrian-only shopping district, although it’s hidden from view until you actually reach one of its many streets, with Kalverstraat being the central artery. You’ll find mostly trendy and youthful clothing stores, but there is a little bit of everything. Keep walking away from Centraal Station and it goes for about a kilometer before it arrives at Rembrandtplein, which is the fancy nightlife area. It’s pretty dead on Sundays and Monday mornings, but otherwise it’s usually jammed with people, which makes walking quickly nearly impossible.

3 – Dam Square – About a 10-minute walk from Centraal Station is Amsterdam’s official main square. You can get there much faster if you walk on the wide sidewalk along the Damrak, but walking through the Kalverstraat shopping district sends you directly into Dam Square (usually at a slow pace for all the other pedestrians). This all-concrete square is where you’ll find the fairly impressive Royal Palace and lots of dodgy tourist traps as well. Often there is a carnival set up in the square, but it’s not really a must-see place in and of itself.

If you are a determined walker you can start through either the Red Light District or Kalverstraat, get to Dam Square to look around a bit, and then head back the other way in about an hour or so. Obviously you can stretch these walks out as long as you’d like, and this general loop is an excellent (and free) way to see several important parts of the city during a brief layover. If you’ve got a bit more time or if you aren’t much of a walking-tour person then here are some additional possibilities below.

The major attractions such as the Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh Museum , and the Anne Frank House are not quick and easy to visit with only a few hours in Amsterdam. If you are determined to visit any one of those you might be able to pull it off with about 5 hours in the city.

But until the end of 2009 the Stedelijk (it means municipal, but it houses modern art) Museum is temporarily housed in a former postal building just outside Centraal Station and to the left. It costs €9 for adults to see the collection, and there is a bar and nightclub on the 11th floor of the building that has great views of the city. Restaurants

Unfortunately, the area in front of Centraal Station is mostly filled with disappointing culinary destinations. Along the Damrak you’ve got a bunch of tourist-oriented places that are mostly quite mediocre. Since they don’t need too much repeat business to stay busy there is little incentive for them to offer high quality food or serve it cheaply. There are plenty of choices, just not a lot of great choices.

If you’ve got a few hours in Amsterdam and you want to include a nice meal you might want to check out either the Rembrandtplein area or (if you’ve got a bit more time) the Leidseplein area. There are excellent meals served in most of Amsterdam every night, but few of them are served near Centraal Station.

If your main goal is to have one unforgettable meal on your short Amsterdam layover visit you should think about trying out the locally famous Rijsttafel , which is a Dutch combination and interpretation of Indonesian food, served in sort of a personal buffet style. There are Indonesian restaurants throughout Amsterdam, and the easiest to reach from Centraal Station is Sarang Mas . It’s not the best in town, but it can be reached in about 10 minutes on an easy walk straight out the front door of Centraal Station. They are at 84 Rokin, which is what Damrak turns into as it continues south past Dam Square.

Your best bet for a quick bite is in the area just inside the Red Light District (there are no hookers in this part though). From Centraal Station look straight-ahead along Damrak and take a left over the second bridge you see (it’s maybe 150 meters out the front door of the station). Take the first right and then another right and you’ll find yourself with dozens of choices of pizza slices, French fries, Middle Eastern food, and more. None of it is ever going to earn a Michelin star, but these places are cheap and actually a good sampling of what the locals eat, especially the famous Vlaamse frites (French fries). For an unusual and fast meal you might consider FEBO , which is a local chain of automats and has a location in the Red Light District.

Bars and pubs

If you are thirsty or just want to get hammered you are in luck in this neighborhood. There are places all over that are easy to spot because they almost all have a Heineken sign out front. Across from Centraal Station and a bit to the right you’ll find a couple of touristy places that aren’t bad, but you are better off marching straight into the Red Light District. Again, look straight-ahead along Damrak and take a left over the second bridge you see (it’s maybe 150 meters out the front door of the station). Take the first right and another quick right onto Warmoesstraat. The world is now your drinking oyster.

Warmoesstraat is a long pedestrian-only street lined with pubs, clubs, coffeeshops, and fast food places. Most places here are quite small, and there are no hookers along this street so there’s no reason to feel strange here, but if you do want to see a few girls in the windows just head down Warmoesstraat a few blocks and turn left and you’ll see a few windows with the friendly girls behind them.

Coffeeshops

Okay, I put this at the end, but I know this is really what you were looking for the whole time. You can be sparking up some weed in less than 10 minutes from walking out of Centraal Station if this is your primary goal. You can shop or see churches everywhere, but where else can you get baked legally while on a 3-hour airport layover? Welcome in Amsterdam!

You can get coffee at these places, but if that’s all you want just look around for a café and you’ll be set. The main attraction at Amsterdam “coffeeshops” is the marijuana or hash you can safely and cheaply buy from someone behind the counter, and then smoke it right there. For the specifics on exactly how this all works so you can visit a coffeeshop without feeling really weird about it check out the advice on the main Amsterdam Coffeeshop page .

Since this is such a popular topic among people with, say, a 4-hour layover, I’ve written specific instructions and information about the closest coffee shop to Amsterdam airport . It might not be the best choice for many people, but those in a rush might want to check it out since it’s right across (a very wide roadway) from the train station, and it’s easy to find.

Standing in front of Centraal Station there are about 40 coffeeshops within a 10-minute walk, and the closest 4 of those can be reached in just a few minutes. But don’t race off to the closest place unless you’ve got to be back on the train in 30 minutes.

Every coffeeshop in Amsterdam is a little different and you are going to be hanging out inside for at least 30 minutes or so. Walk past a few and then go inside one that feels like it has a nice vibe inside. Many of them have small rooms on the ground floor and then addition seating upstairs, so it’s not always easy to judge from the street, but you’ll find a place you like quickly even if you take a few minutes to choose. If you have not yet visited one of these places you might be interested in the Amsterdam coffee shops FAQ , which should answer every question about this whole phenomenon.

Your best bet to find a cool coffeshop fast is to follow the same instructions above regarding fast food or bars. You’ll soon be on Warmoesstraat (you’ll be walking directly away from Centraal Station) and there are about 8 coffeeshops mixed in with the various bars and other things of little interest to potheads before they get properly stoned.

My favorite places along here are Hill Street Blues (dumb name, but a cool place) a few blocks up on the right, and Baba (which plays trance music 16 hours a day every day), and is half a block past Hill Street Blues.

You probably know this part already, but REALLY make sure you are keeping track of time if you hit a coffeeshop on an airport layover. I don’t personally know anyone who’s had this problem, but I’m sure hundreds of stoners each year miss their flights because they lose track of time while chilling out in paradise. Some of them might even do it on purpose and I couldn’t blame them actually.

Don’t forget that you can print this article in a printer-friendly format by clicking on the Print button just below.

Amsterdam Layover Tour: Private City Tour With Return Airport Transfer - With Reviews & Ratings

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Amsterdam Layover Tour: Private City Tour With Return Airport Transfer

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Printed Voucher Required
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 5 Hrs
• Language: English
• Departure Time : Flexible
• Departure Details : Schiphol Meetingpoint, Vertrekpassage 129, 1118 AS Schiphol, Netherlands
• Return Details : Returns to original departure point
• If you cancel at least 3 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Avoid boredom during a layover in Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport and take a private 3- or 5-hour sightseeing tour, including round-trip airport transfers. After landing, a knowledgeable guide will pick you up in a private vehicle and whiz you into the center of Amsterdam . Admire the citys emblematic canals, visit a museum, pick up Dutch snacks, or take a whistle-stop tour of top sights before being dropped back at the airport. This private tour has a flexible itinerary and can be tailored to your private group.

• Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
• Private guide for a more personalized experience
• Comprehensive tour of the city
• Airport transfer

Know More about this tour

After you arrive in Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, youll be picked up in a private vehicle at a designated meeting point and driven into the city for a 3-hour tour. If there are three or less in your group, youll travel by car. If there are four or more, transport will be by minibus. As you travel, let your driver-guide fill you in on Amsterdams turbulent history, rich architecture and liberal culture. Admire views of the attractive canals, bridges, harbors and distinctive canal houses. Perhaps head to the citys central hub, Dam square , to check out the prestigious Royal palace and Nieuwe kerk , both of which are frequented by the Dutch royals. Or go to picturesque Jordaan district, then continue on to the large Westerkerk church, where Dutch painter Rembrandt was buried in an unmarked grave. See Anne frank house (Anne Frankhuis), where the young Jewish girl hid along with her family, or catch sight of the citys tallest windmill, a true symbol of the Netherlands. You might also want to stop for some typical Dutch snacks such as poffertjes (mini buckwheat pancakes) or bitterballen (meatballs covered in breadcrumbs). As your tour draws to a close, ride back to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport in time to catch your next flight.

Round-trip private airport transfer

Private driver-guide

Transport by private vehicle

Private Amsterdam sightseeing tour

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability

The brand of vehicle used will vary

The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 carry-on bag. All other luggage may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable

Drop off at Amsterdam Ports is also available

Price is per person, based on 1-3 adults per private car/vehicle or 4-8 adults per private minivan/vehicle

Tour will be given in English; further languages available on request. Please specify in Special Requirements at time of checkout.

• Layover Tours
• Culture & Theme Based Tours
• Food & Nightlife Tours
• Outdoor & Nature Tours
• Adventure & Sports
• Tickets & Passes
• Private Transfer
• Family Friendly Tours
• Holiday & Seasonal Tours
• Luxury & Special Occasions Tours
• Shore Excursions
• Weddings & Honeymoons Tours
• Water Sports
• Multi Day & Extended Tours
• Private & Custom Tours
• Shopping & Fashion
• Walking & Biking Tours
• What to do in Amsterdam
• Best time of year to visit Amsterdam
• How to reach Amsterdam
• Restaurants in Amsterdam
• City Map of Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Itineraries
• Amsterdam Hotels
• Itinerary Planner

Traveler Reviews

We prepaid for this tour. After arriving and going thru customs, which took 1 hour, we went to the designated meeting spot. There was no one from the tour company to meet us. Upon calling the tour company, I was informed that they only wait 45 minutes from the time the plane landed. They said that they would not take us on our $321.00 tour and will not refund our money. But, if I pay more money they will be willing to pick us up. Beware, as this in not a reputable company.

My daughter and I had a 7 hour layover in Amsterdam and signed up for this tour. We were picked up on time from the airport in a Mercedes SUV and returned in time for our flight. We saw a lot in three flight. Younes was our driver . He is the best

After touring the western coast of Italy our flight home was from Amsterdam, so we decided to spend some extra time there. We only had one full day so opted to have a 3 hour private tour. Our driver was very informative and knew the answers to most of our questions. He drove us through the city and explained the different neighborhoods and some of the history surrounding them. He also showed us many places to see when we were on our own and gave us very good directions for finding our way back to the hotel since we had him drop us off at the local market. When he could he stopped for us to take pictures. He has an extensive knowledge of the city and we were so impressed with his ability to maneuver the busy and confusing streets. After our visit I would definitely like to return to Amsterdam and spend more time visiting the many galleries and museums.

There was an initial bit of confusion as to the time of pickup, but it was sorted out quickly and the driver picked us up when the new time was specified. Our carry on luggage was loaded into the van and we all fit very comfortably. Our driver gave us each a bottle of water, which was a nice bonus! He drove us to see the main sights in Amsterdam, explained about the city, drove us to a cheese making farm, we saw how the wooden clogs are made. We had opportunities to stop and take photos, quickly, along the route. We were taken back to the airport in plenty of time, to catch our flight. Will highly recommend to anyone to use this service!

It was very informal and we saw a lot during our 3 hour tour.

Tour was informative, good overview.

We had a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam to kick off our honeymoon and are so glad we chose to do a private city sightseeing tour with Viator. It was quick, exciting and educational, and just enough to make us want to come back for more. Highly recommended.

For a layover trip, we got a great tour of Amsterdam within a few hours. As we arrived rather early in the day, it was not possible to take a boat trip on the canal or a museum trip, but Nicolette our tour guide was able to take us around the city and give us a good feel for the city in the few hours we had there. Definitely makes me want to do a regular visit to Amsterdam and the Netherlands and visit their beautiful country. Highly recommended for a layover trip.

Great way to get a view of the city when you have a long layover. Driver was great and offered us good options of what to see

It was everything we had hoped for. The guide was terrific and we had a wonderful time. I would recommend to anyone with a long layover

Layover at Amsterdam Airport

Amsterdam Airport (AMS) › Guide › Layover at the Airport

What to Do During a Layover at Amsterdam Airport

If you are up for a short or long layover at Amsterdam Airport and are dreading how to spend your spare time there, you are about to receive good news! Amsterdam Schiphol Airport isn’t an ordinary airport. Its pre-security Schiphol Plaza is considered a city’s shopping mall, while its various services and amenities and its easy layout make it one of the most passenger-friendly airports worldwide.

Things to Do at Amsterdam Airport

During short layovers, it is strongly advised to stay in the airport. Although being a single-terminal aviation hub, Schiphol Airport is vast, meaning that you’ll have to leave plenty of time to get from one pier to another. Still, with so many things to do at Amsterdam Airport, staying there is going to be a blessing in disguise! So, how are you going to spend your layover at the airport? Check out the top things to do!

Shopping Therapy at Amsterdam Airport

With more than 200 shops lying around the airport, nothing can stop you from going on a shopping spree during your layover. From local stores to international chains, you’ll find a wide variety of products, no matter what you may be looking for. On the other hand, at duty-free shops, you can buy cosmetics, alcohol, perfumes, and much more at tax-free prices. Are you traveling on a tight budget? Window shopping never did anyone any harm!

Drink & Dine at Amsterdam Airport

You’ll find more than 80 restaurants and bars scattered over the Amsterdam Schiphol airport’s premises. However, if there’s one thing the Netherlands isn’t known for, it’s its cuisine. Still, you’ll find plenty of eating options, serving local and international cuisine. Whether you relish a snack, a fast food option, or a fine-dining dish, you’ll spot something to suit your taste buds. On the other hand, AMS drinking choices are equally diverse.

Use the Airport’s Wi-Fi

Amsterdam International Airport offers free Wi-Fi to its passengers. You can use the airport’s network for a 4-hour period of time. Still, after that time limit, all you have to do is rejoin the network for another 4 hours. 

Amsterdam Airport is Kids-Friendly

In fact, all airport lounges have designated children’s areas. In those play zones, your children will have the time of their life, while you’ll get to relax and unwind before your onward flight.

Meditate or Perform your Religious Duties During your Layover at Amsterdam Airport

The AMS Meditation Center is an interfaith zone, open around the clock. It is located in the non-Schengen area of the airport (at Lounge 2) and is accessible to all passengers. The center offers a range of facilities, including meditation sessions and a library where you can read books on spirituality. What’s more, regular services take place here as well. 

Play the Piano or Read a Book

Believe it or not, Amsterdam International Airport has a library where you can read a book, leave any unwanted books of your own, or even take one book with you. In the airport’s library, you’ll also find a grand piano. Don’t overthink it! You can use it to practice or just play for fun. I-pads are also on tap. 

Enjoy the Scenery

Take a rest between your flights observing the AMS plane traffic. You can head to Panorama Terrace, open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, and enjoy the vistas. Watch the planes landing and taking off and empty your mind of any negative thoughts. Adjacent to the Panorama Terrace lies the Panorama Restaurant, operating during the same hours and providing quality eating and drinking options with a view!

Are you a Nature-Lover?

You can enjoy a “natural experience” without exiting the airport’s doors! If it sounds unreal to you, all you have to do is head to the Airport Park, the AMS zone where you can find real trees, recorded birds singing, and even exercise bikes. Located at Lounge 1, the Airport Park is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm and is the ideal place to relax, read your book, or “sweat” during your layover at Amsterdam Airport.

Our Tip: Your phone runs out of battery? You can stay in form and charge it at the same time! Verily, you can charge the phone while riding the bike!

Get to know the “Future Case”

Head to Lounge 3 and have an interactive “journey” to the past, getting to know the airport’s history and observing its evolution over the years. The Future Case allows you to delve deep into the Schiphol airport’s past while giving you the option of taking things in hand by playing the Airport Creator game and creating an airport of your own!

Have a Glance at the Famous Rijksmuseum’s Exhibits without Leaving the Airport

Lying on Holland Boulevard (in the center of the airport), the Rijksmuseum Schiphol operates 24/7 and is accessible to all travelers without an extra fee. It displays paintings of Dutch artists. In fact, its exhibits change from time to time. Thus, every time you get to visit Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you’ll find a different selection of the main Rijksmuseum paintings. In that way, even during short layovers at Amsterdam Airport -when visiting the centrally-located-in-Amsterdam Rijksmuseum is out of the question-, you can still get a good taste of its collection.

Opt for a Bus Tour (Inside the Airport!)

During your Amsterdam airport layover, you can discover the “Schiphol Besides the Scenes”, the one-hour bus tour that gives you a good insight into the airport’s layout, operation, and hidden gems. The Schiphol Experience’s prices start from 16€/17.10$.

Play During your Amsterdam Airport Layover

Are you ready to become a detective during your layover at Schiphol Airport? Download the Schiphol Discovery Trail questionnaire and try to answer all the questions by visiting the right airport place. After finding your way through all the questions and finishing the Schiphol Discovery Trail, you can brag about your expertise on the main Dutch Airport!

For Workaholic Travelers…

Schiphol Airport has all the necessary amenities for finishing your work task or organizing a business meeting. Verily, workstations are to be found at all lounges (including Piers C and D). Moreover, the Spaces Lounge, situated on the third floor of Departure hall 1 (right next to the Panorama Terrace), is equipped with workplaces and meeting rooms, providing the perfect working environment, as it combines high-tech features with a pleasant setting thanks to its amazing view.

Pamper yourself at Schiphol Airport

You’ll find several spa and wellness facilities at Schiphol Airport. Thus, why not exploit your layover time to refreshen yourself before your next flight? From  massage sessions to facials and other beauty treatments, Amsterdam Airport has everything you need to spoil yourself.

Have a Shower

Besides the airline lounges’ facilities and the airport hotels’ amenities, the passengers of Amsterdam International Airport can also use the free airport shower facilities. They are to be found in Lounge 2.

Relax during your Layover

At a 2€/2.14$ cost, you can use the airport massage chairs. They are to be found everywhere inside the terminal and offer shiatsu massages to the passengers paying the relevant fee. Additionally, the airport has five resting zones, kitted with comfortable chairs, allowing passengers to enjoy a relaxing time at the airport. Last but not least, opting for one of the lavish airport lounges is always a good idea. Some of them are accessible only to members, whereas others can be accessed for a fee.

Check-in to the Airport Hotels

Two hotels lie inside the AMS terminal. The 3-star Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal is located at Lounge 3, and the one-of-a-kind YOTELAIR at Lounge 2, near Piers D and E. Besides the airport hotels , Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, CitizenM Schiphol Airport, and Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center are within a 7-minute walking distance from the terminal (yet landside).

Our Tip: Amsterdam Airport is planning to become an overall non-smoking aviation hub. For the moment, smoking is allowed only outside Schiphol Plaza in Jan Dellaertplein.

Things to Do near Amsterdam Airport

A long layover at Amsterdam Airport is the ideal opportunity to leave Schiphol and head to the amazing city of Amsterdam. If opting for a  taxi ride  or a comfortable  Amsterdam airport transfer , you can expect to reach Amsterdam downtown in about 22 minutes. On the other hand, the fast, effective, and affordable  trains  need only 14-17 minutes to get to the Centraal Station, located in the heart of the city, whereas the ride with the Amsterdam Airport Express  Bus  397 lasts as much as 27 minutes, under normal traffic conditions. In any case, you should plan your schedule wisely so as to return to Amsterdam Airport at least two hours before your onward flight.

Hence, what is there to do in Amsterdam? Take a glimpse at some of the top options!

Our Tip: Are you wondering what to do with your luggage during your layover? Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has designated baggage storage locations and lockers, on Holland Boulevard, at Lounges 2 and 3, and at Kelderplein (landside). 

Do it the Dutch Way: Cycle

You can’t find a more suitable way to explore Amsterdam than with a bike. Rent one bike from the countless spots around the city and start cycling your way around the city, discovering Amsterdam on two wheels. Several bike rental companies offer guided tours as well that showcase the city’s main attractions. In that way, you won’t just wander around, but you’ll pedal through the most charming neighborhoods and the most popular sightseeing. In any case, Vondelpark, the picturesque urban park, is one of the must-do rides in Amsterdam city. 

Opt for a Boat Tour

If you aren’t the “cycling type” and you prefer comfortable and hassle-free rides, you should definitely opt for a boat tour. Numerous tours around Amsterdam’s famous canals allow travelers to take a good look at the city in just one hour. Departure points are scattered around the capital. Thus, you won’t face any difficulties in reaching one, and you’ll have plenty of options for your cruise tour: from cruises with a cheese and wine option to luxury tours or boat trips with an open bar.

The Dam Square is a City’s Must-See

Find your way to Dam Square, and you’ll come upon so many and so interesting city attractions. Verily, “The Dam” as locals call it, is perhaps the most tourist place in Amsterdam. Here, you’ll find the National Monument (the famous Obelisk), the Royal Palace, and the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) -not so “new” as it is dated back to the 15th century!- while the well-known Kalverstraat, one of the city’s main shopping streets, lies nearby.

Visit the Red Light District

The Red Light District is to be found near the Dam and is totally worthy of your time, though not for the reasons that may come to mind! To begin with, the buildings lying around are simply beautiful, being perhaps the most excellent sample of the Dutch architectural style. In fact, here lies the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which is the city’s oldest building. 

Shop-Shop-Shop

You may not be in Paris. Still, Amsterdam has everything needed to offer you an unforgettable shopping experience. In fact, if shopping is your passion, forget about all the “mainstream” options and head to De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets), one of the most captivating neighborhoods. In the trendy Nine Streets, you’ll take some of the best pics of your journey, and ferret out appealing boutique stores, and vintage shops, but also plenty of pleasant coffee shops that will definitely capture your attention.

The Anne Frank House

Nothing can be more overwhelming than visiting the Anne Frank House. The house where the young girl and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II is a constant reminder of how devastating war can be. Your visit will surely bring chills down your spine, but you’ll be somewhat wiser at the end of the tour. 

The Heineken Experience

The unique museum won’t just introduce you to the brewing procedure but will offer you a one-of-a-kind interactive experience during your layover in Amsterdam. From the old brewery facilities to the beer tasting and the interactive multimedia displays, the Heineken Experience will thrill you if you are a beer lover yet totally engage you even if you are not.

Cultivate yourself During your Layover in Amsterdam

In other words, go visit one of the plenty and various city museums. From the old-time-classic Rijksmuseum to the modern Stedelijk, you can pick one or more of the top city options as most of them lie close to each either at the homonymous “Museumplein”:

• The Rijksmuseum:  located at Museumplein, the well-known Rijksmuseum hosts a large collection of paintings, proving the contribution of Dutch art history to the world’s culture. Verily, it even houses masterpieces of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Jan Stein, as well as a wide variety of Asian art. It is considered one of the most important museums in the world. 
• The Van Gogh Museum: dedicated to the incomparable Dutch artist, the Van Gogh Museum displays a wide collection of his works of art. As it is a one-artist museum, it allows you to witness his art process through the years and get to know his personality. It is situated in Museumplein as well.
• The Stedelijk Museum:  this option mainly addresses lovers of contemporary art. You’ll find it at Museumplein too. A visit to Stedelijk Museum will allow you to observe more than 90.000 works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries, besides the periodical exhibitions housed from time to time. It is one of the largest modern art museums in Europe.
• Moco Museum:  you may have visited its sibling in Barcelona. Still, Amsterdam’s Moco Museum is totally worth your time, showcasing modern art at its best edition. You’ll find Moco Museum in the Museumplein area. 
• Nxt Museum:  if you want to get in touch with something different than art in its classical form, Ntx Museum should be on your to-do list during your layover in Amsterdam. It is a museum concerning media art and is one of the most futuristic experiences in the city.
• The Madame Tussauds Museum:  located in the Dam, little need to be said about the Madame Tussauds Museum. If you are in for a “waxy” experience, go for it!
• The Upside Down Amsterdam:  the must option if you want to have fun during your stay in Amsterdam. The Upside Down Amsterdam is a totally in sync with today’s reality social media museum, providing an all-the-way interactive experience that will turn your world…upside down!

Our Tip: Whatever you may choose to do, you should at least try some traditional Dutch dishes such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring, and grab a quick coffee or a drink. In fact, if you want to enjoy a completely different from the ordinary drinking experience, you should head to the Icebar, the bar where everything -from walls to glasses- is made of…ice!

Discover Amsterdam: The Ultimate City Tour Guide from the Airport

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Welcome to the beautiful city of Amsterdam! If you’re arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and you’re eager to explore the city right away, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your Amsterdam city tour from the airport.

1. Choosing Your Transportation

There are several options to consider when it comes to transportation from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the city center.

Taking a taxi is a convenient option if you prefer a direct route. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, but note that they can be quite expensive, especially during peak hours.

The train is a popular and affordable option for getting from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes, and trains depart frequently. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

If you’re on a budget, taking a bus is a cost-effective option. The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus line 397) runs 24/7 and takes you directly to several major points in the city.

Shuttle Service

Lastly, you can also consider booking a shuttle service in advance. Many companies offer door-to-door service, which can be a convenient option, especially if you have multiple people traveling together or lots of luggage.

2. Exploring Amsterdam’s Must-See Attractions

Amsterdam is known for its charming canals, historic buildings, and vibrant culture. Here are some must-see attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your city tour:

Amsterdam Canal Belt

Take a stroll along Amsterdam’s famous Canal Belt, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the stunning canal houses, bridges, and houseboats that line the waterways. Don’t forget to snap some Instagram-worthy photos!

Anne Frank House

Visit the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and Anne Frank’s diary as you explore the hidden rooms and learn about their gripping story.

Van Gogh Museum

Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Van Gogh Museum. Discover the life and works of the iconic Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh. Marvel at his famous masterpieces, including “The Sunflowers” and “Starry Night.”

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is another must-visit for art and history lovers. Explore a vast collection of Dutch art and culture, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Be sure to set aside enough time to fully appreciate this renowned museum.

3. Getting Around Amsterdam

Once you’ve arrived in the city center, it’s time to explore Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and attractions. Here are some tips on getting around:

Amsterdam is famous for its cycling culture, and renting a bike is one of the best ways to get around. There are numerous rental shops throughout the city where you can easily hire a bike for a few hours or the entire day.

Amsterdam’s tram system is an excellent way to travel longer distances within the city. Trams are frequent, efficient, and cover most of the main tourist areas. Purchase an OV-chipkaart for easy and convenient access.

Amsterdam’s compact city center is perfect for exploring on foot. Lace up your comfortable shoes and take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, picturesque canals, and hidden alleys. You’ll stumble upon hidden gems and experience the city’s unique atmosphere.

4. Embracing Local Customs

Understanding and respecting local customs can enhance your experience in Amsterdam:

Coffee Shops vs. Cafés

In Amsterdam, “coffee shops” refer to establishments where cannabis can be purchased and consumed legally, while “cafés” are more traditional places where you can enjoy coffee and food. Be mindful of the differences and choose accordingly based on your preferences.

Biking Etiquette

When cycling in Amsterdam, remember to stay in the designated bike lanes, signal when turning or stopping, and be aware of pedestrians. Familiarize yourself with local biking etiquette to ensure a smooth and safe ride.

Respecting the Red Light District

The famous Red Light District is a unique part of Amsterdam’s culture, but it’s important to approach it with respect. Avoid taking photos of the sex workers or engaging in any disrespectful behavior. Keep in mind that photography is prohibited in certain areas.

5. Trying Local Cuisine

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without indulging in some local delicacies:

Stroopwafels

Try stroopwafels, a traditional Dutch treat. These sweet, caramel-filled waffle cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Look for street vendors selling fresh stroopwafels.

Brave the herring, a popular Dutch snack. Served raw, cured, or pickled, herring is traditionally eaten by holding it by the tail and taking a bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try!

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are deep-fried, crispy meatballs with a creamy filling. They are often served as a tasty appetizer with mustard for dipping. Pair them with a local beer for the perfect combination.

With this guide, you’re ready to embark on your Amsterdam city tour from the airport. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the city, Amsterdam has something to offer for everyone. Have a fantastic trip!

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Amsterdam Airport Layover Sightseeing

This article includes links to our travel partners at Tripadvisor, where you can read traveller reviews, book tours and plan your visit to Amsterdam.

Airport Overview

You’re in luck if you find yourself with a layover of less than five hours – or have too little energy to venture out into the city! AMS stands out as a favourite European airport for transit passengers. One of the definitive highlights is the airport extension of the world-famous Rijksmuseum; the casino and panorama terrace are also strong competitors. Otherwise, delightful sleep cubes, a well-endowed spa and excellent gym facilities help with restoration and rejuvenation. Check out our Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Guide for more information on the airport.

Amsterdam Sightseeing Attractions

Below are a few of the top things to do in Amsterdam:

Hop On – Hop Off Canal Tour

If you are on a quick layover and are keen to see all of Amsterdam’s major sights, the Hop On – Hop Off Canal tour will likely be the easiest way to get from place to place. The tour has four lines that cruise through the canals, providing 19 strategic drop-off locations throughout the city. Some of the most notable sights include the Rijksmuseum , the Van Gogh Museum , Rembrandt House and the Anne Frank House . Every boat also has commentary in multiple languages, providing interesting information about the city and sights. When purchasing your ticket online, it is also possible to upgrade to include skip-the-line access to the Van Gogh and Rijks Museums or Heineken Experience, making your layover a little bit more efficient.

• Time Required: From start to finish, the entire cruise takes roughly an hour if you choose not to get off the boat. But be sure to factor in additional time for any sights you wish to explore further. Tickets can be purchased for either 12, 24 or 48-hour windows.
• How to Get There: While the tour can be joined at any of the stops throughout the city, it is easiest to take the train from the airport to the Central Station, where the Red, Yellow and Green lines depart.
• Plan Your Visit : Visit Tripadvisor for more information about Amsterdam bus tours, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most influential and historically significant destinations. It is located in the very home where Anne Frank took refuge as a teenage Jewish girl during the Second World War. The house has been converted into an exhibit that profiles Anne’s remarkable story and the plight of the Jewish population during this period. Her actual journal is also on display here. Chilling, thoughtful and profoundly moving, a trip to Amsterdam is likely incomplete without paying a visit here.

• Time Required: At the time of this update, tickets can only be purchased online. 80% of tickets are made available two months in advance, with the remaining 20% released at 9:00 a.m. the same day. The same planning (and luck) is required to obtain tickets.
• How to Get There: Check out this Google Map for details on public and private transit options and the required time.
• Plan Your Visit : Visit Tripadvisor for more information about visiting the Anne Frank Museum, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

Rijksmuseum

A visit to the country’s largest and most impressive art gallery is worth some time on an extended layover in Amsterdam. While there is a micro version of the museum within AMS, it is incomparable to the original. This 120-year-old museum has a collection of over a million artifacts dating back to the 13th century. A rotating group of roughly 8,000 pieces is on display at any given time, proudly featuring some of the country’s most remarkable and coveted art. Perhaps the most famous piece permanently on display is Rembrandt’s Night Watch. The Rijksmuseum was recently reopened in 2013 after renovations and restorations, making it more remarkable than ever!

• Time Required: To fully explore the Rijksmuseum, you would likely need several visits spanning several days. For a preliminary taste, we recommend a minimum of an hour – more, if possible. You might also consider incorporating a visit to the neighbouring Van Gough Museum into this tour. Transport to and from the airport is not included in this time estimate.
• How to Get There: Check out this  Google Map for details on public and private transit options and the required time.
• Plan Your Visit : Visit Tripadvisor for more information about visiting Rijksmuseum, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

Canal Bike Tour

There are few ways more authentic to experience the beauty of Amsterdam than on a bicycle tour. Rental companies are established throughout the city; most offer guided and self-guided options. The flexibility makes this an idyllic way to explore the city with the time you have available! Swing by classic sights, including the canals, the “I Amsterdam” sculpture, the Red Light District and the windmill-stippled tulip fields surrounding the city. Take a rest from your bike as you stroll through an organic or floating market before finishing your tour with a pint of Heineken at a canal-facing pub. Best of all – bike rentals come at a very affordable price in Amsterdam, and there are several sights you can see for free!

• Time Required: Bikes can be rented by the hour or by the day – it entirely depends on the time you have available. We might recommend a minimum of two hours to truly get a taste of the city. Transport to and from the airport is not included in this time estimate.
• How to Get There: Bike rental companies are widespread throughout the city center. Check out this Google Map for details on the public and private transport options available for reaching the city center and the required time.
• Plan Your Visit : Visit Tripadvisor for more information about Amsterdam bike tours, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

Red Light District Walking Tour (Self-Guided)

Of course, one of Amsterdam’s most famous destinations is the Red Light District. For those visiting the city to see something surreal and unique, a self-guided walking tour may be exactly what you’re looking for. This self-guided tour takes you to six of the district’s most famous sights, including the city’s oldest church and its sex-worker tribute statue, the ‘condomerie,’ the sex and erotic museums, and the hash and hemp museum. It also allows for ample detours to other points of interest since it is entirely self-guided. Embark on the tour at your own pace and revel in all that makes up this progressive city.

• Time Required: This tour can be completed in an hour, but we recommend more time if you can manage it. This will give you more chances to explore the various sights and enter the museums that interest you most.
• How to Get There: Check out this Google Map for details on public and private transit options to the tour’s first stop, the Oude Church. Of course, you can realistically begin the tour at any of the six points noted.
• Plan Your Visit : Visit Tripadvisor for more information about visiting the Red Light District, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

Airport Transportation

AMS is conveniently located close to the city center (approximately 15 kilometres), making access on a quick layover straightforward and efficient. Several public and private transit options are available for both price and time.

Public transit options include:

• Bus (Departs Schiphol Plaza): All bus lines depart directly in front of the Arrival and Departure Halls and connect travellers to the city center and several surrounding regions. Bus 397 (the Airport Express) is the most direct connection to central Amsterdam. For fares and schedules: Bus 397 Airport Express Website .
• Train (Schiphol Station): With departures occurring just beyond the Schiphol Plaza, this is another quick and cost-efficient way to reach the city center, the surrounding regions or a series of international destinations. For fares and schedules: Netherlands Railways .

Private transit options include:

• Taxi: AMS organizes private, shared and business taxis for passengers. Reservations can all be made online in advance through the airport transport website.
• Car Rentals (Schiphol Plaza): All car rental companies are based out of Schiphol Plaza, directly across from the Arrivals and Departures Halls

Before You Go: Layover Tips

Now that you are motivated and excited about your mini layover vacation, check a few final logistical concerns off your list before you fully commit.

• Entry Requirements? Do you need to organize a visa to leave the airport? Requirements change frequently and for each nationality, so be sure to seek out current details on the availability, cost, and procedures of obtaining a transit visa.
• Flight Details? When is your next flight’s check-in time? Double-check with your airline exactly when you need to be at the airport – and plan your layover accordingly.
• Airport Security? What are security wait times like at the airport? Some airports are notorious for extended security wait times, so research in advance and factor that into your overall time budget.
• Luggage Storage? What’s happening with your luggage? When you check in to your first flight, confirm whether your luggage is checked through or needs to be picked up between your connecting flights. Check out our Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Guide for information about luggage storage.

Other Useful Resources

Finally, here are a few handy resources to help you plan your layover even more thoroughly:

• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transport Information
• Short Stay Visas in the Netherlands
• Tripadvisor – Need more sightseeing ideas? Visit Things to Do in Amsterdam to plan a tour or the Amsterdam Travel Forum to check out past threads to see what other travellers have shared about sightseeing during long layovers at Schiphol Airport and post your questions.
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Guide
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Lounges
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Reviews
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Sleep Guide
• Things to do at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Layover Sightseeing
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Photos
• Airport Guides
• Airport Hotels
• Airport Reviews
• Things to do on a Layover
• Airport Layover Sightseeing
• Airport Lounges
• Buy a Lounge Pass
• Airport Lounge Pass FAQ
• Write an Airport Review
• Sleeping in Airports FAQ
• About Sleeping in Airports
• Press & Media
• Privacy Policy
• 2024 Airport Survey
• Write a Review

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Schiphol Experience

Schiphol Experience with bus

Learn all about the day-to-day business at the biggest airport of the Netherlands during the Schiphol Experience tour.

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Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in the Netherlands

Getting Around the Netherlands

Cities to Visit

Complete Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Public Transportation

Essential Dutch Phrases

One Week in the Netherlands

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Getaways From Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in the Netherlands

Castles to Visit in the Netherlands

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Top Markets

Live Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums

Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens

Must-Try Food in the Netherlands

Craft Beer in the Netherlands

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Amsterdam

How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to City Center by Train, Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

Daniel Hernanz Ramos / Getty Images

It's not the most thrilling part of planning a trip, but deciding on how best to get from the airport to your accommodations (and back again) is usually a detail worth researching. Thankfully, transportation to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is relatively easy, quick, and can be inexpensive.

Figure out beforehand if it makes the most sense for you take a bus, train, or car, as each method of transportation has its own pros and cons based on your individual trip. The train is the cheapest and fastest way to get to the city center, shuttling passengers to Amsterdam Centraal Station in 15 minutes. Even though the bus takes longer, it has more stops throughout the city, so depending on where your hotel is it could be a more convenient option. Taxis are the most expensive option, and the airport shuttle can also take you to your hotel door at a much lower price.

How to Get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center

• Train: 15 minutes, from $5
• Bus: 30 minutes, from $7
• Taxi: 20 minutes, from $50
• Hotel Shuttle: 30 minutes, from $20 (for single rider)

Skip Nall / Getty Images

The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station is the fastest and cheapest way to the city center. The train runs 24 hours a day, with departures scheduled for every 10–15 minutes between the hours of 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. (they depart every hour during other times). The trip takes only 15 minutes, leaving passengers in one of Amsterdam's most central and best-connected locations.

Tickets are only 4.60 euros, or about $5, and you can buy them at the ticket desk on the arrivals level or at the yellow machines using euro coins or a credit card. To catch the train, walk down one level to the floor below the ticket machines.

The train is one of the best ways to get into the city, and avoids any risk of getting stuck in busy Amsterdam traffic. However, you'll need to continue your trip from the train station after arriving, either by foot, tram, bus, or taxi, which can be a hassle, especially if you're carrying lots of luggage.

Tip: Especially if you plan to arrive after 12 a.m. or on the weekend, check the NS (Dutch Railways) website to see if any maintenance works will interrupt your journey.

Anestiev / Pixabay  

The Amsterdam Airport Express, or Bus 397, departs from the airport several times an hour between the hours of 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. You can catch this big red bus right outside the main airport hall, and the trip takes about 30 minutes to arrive in central Amsterdam.

The bus does not go to Amsterdam Centraal Station, but it does have stops near Olympic Stadium, Museumplein, and Leidseplein, so it may be an even more convenient option for travelers with accommodations near these popular areas. Check the address of your lodging or ask before arrival to see if the bus is the best option for you.

 RUBEN RAMOS / Getty Images

You'll find plenty of private taxis for hire in the taxi line just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level at  Schiphol Airport . Be sure to choose a taxi from this line and not from individuals walking around soliciting their services. Note that taxis run on a strict meter basis and there is no set flat airport rate.

Uber is also available from the airport in Amsterdam, and you can choose the standard UberX, a luxury Uber Black, or a van for a larger group of people. UberX is sometimes a little cheaper than standard taxis, but you'll need internet on your phone to call the Uber.

Although getting a car directly to your hotel is much more convenient, traffic can cause serious delays and run up the meter. If you want door-to-door service, the airport shuttle may be a more affordable option.

By Schiphol Hotel Shuttle

The Schiphol Hotel Shuttle, run by Connexxion, offers service to more than 100 Amsterdam hotels. Shuttles run every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. from platform A7, just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level. The shuttle is a shared vehicle that holds up to eight passengers, so the total journey time varies based on the number of stops. If you are the last one dropped off, then the total travel time can be significantly higher.

The price of the shuttle starts at about $20 per person, but if you're traveling with a family or group, then there are discounts for each additional traveler. For example, a large family will save money by using the shuttle instead of hiring two separate taxis. Buy tickets at the Connexxion service desk at Arrivals 4 (opposite Starbucks), or online.

Be sure to ask your hotel first if they offer a complimentary airport shuttle before reserving the Connexxion shuttle.

What to See in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is easily one of Europe's most charming cities, especially if you visit in the warm summer months when the sun is shining and the tulips are in bloom. A cruise through the canals is one of the best ways to get a tour of the city, or hop on a bicycle and make your own tour in this über-bike-friendly capital. The infamous red-light district and the deceivingly-named coffeeshops are an exciting part of Amsterdam culture to experience for foreigners, but remember they are geared toward tourists. For a more authentic cultural experience, try one of the city's prestigious museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Anne Frank House.

Guide to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

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Reliable Private Taxi, Tour and Airport Transfer Services

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• Additional Services

Amsterdam City Tour and Windmills

Amsterdam canals.

Explore the capital of The Netherlands with the private Amsterdam city tour.

Wandering around in Amsterdam is like visiting an open air museum. Walk along the canals in the canal district and enjoy the beautiful old historic canal houses. Take a 1 hour during canal boat ride and enjoy Amsterdam from the water. Many of the canal houses were build in the 17th century and still in very good condition.

The capital of The Netherlands has more than 100 km of canals, connected with 1500 bridges. The canal district is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s More?

Besides the Canals, Amsterdam is full of culture. The Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum expose the rich history of Amsterdam. The Royal Palace and the National Monument (remembrance of the 2nd World War), the traditional flower market and Albert Cuyp market are places visiting worth. Further; Museum square, The Diamond Factory, Skinny Bridge, Vondel Park, The Old and New Church, the old Olympic Stadium build in 1928 and more…

By private Minivan

Our driver picks you up from your hotel or any other location and takes you to the most popular spots of Amsterdam. After a 1 hour tour by car in the city you will visit the Zaanse Schans windmills and the driver brings you back again. The driver provides you with basic information and stops at the locations to allow you to take pictures. This way you will see the most popular spots of Amsterdam and the windmills within a couple of hours.

Of course it’s not possible to see all locations of Amsterdam in 3 hours. So the driver can also recommend a route or attraction according to your wishes.

Private Tour Guide

Do you like to have an unforgettable visit to Amsterdam? Then we advise to book a private certified tour guide as well. Our tour guide provides assistance and information on cultural and historical subjects.

It’s also possible to book our guide without driver and vehicle for a walking tour. Please inform current rates for a private guide.

Cost of the tour

Duration includes transport time.

Would you like to get more information or do you like to customize your tour? Contact us here.

Sightseeing tours in and around Amsterdam

Here are some tours available for your stay in Amsterdam and the surroundings.