How to Spend a Long Layover in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport

Got a long layover in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport coming up? I’ve got the best tip for you. Are you ready? Okay, here you go… just leave.

Seriously. Schiphol is grand and all, but why waste five hours sitting in an airport when one of Europe’s most stunning cities is practically next door?

@irishtraveladdict

Got a long layover in Amsterdam? Just leave. Seriously. Schiphol is nice and all, but why sit in an airport when one of the most beautiful cities in Europe is right there? Jump on a train to Amsterdam Centraal – it’s a ~15-minute ride, costs a few quid, and suddenly, you’re not just killing time… you’re sipping a perfect coffee by the canals. Grab a pastry, have a wee dander, soak up the vibes. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, it beats staring at overpriced duty-free Toblerones. Shoutout to @KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ‘s lovely staff for sorting us out – they checked our hand luggage through to Mexico City, so we weren’t lugging bags around while exploring. Absolute dream. By the time we got back to the airport, we were caffeinated, refreshed, and mentally prepared for the 12-hour flight ahead. Schiphol layover? Sorted. Would you do this or are you someone who never risks leaving the airport? Let me know! ✈️☕ #creatorsearchinsights #AmsterdamAirportLayover #AmsterdamLayover #SchipholAirport #LayoverHacks #TravelHacks @Amsterdam @I amsterdam @Amsterdam @Visit Netherlands

♬ apple x supercut – jevan

What To Do with Your Long Layover in Amsterdam Schipol Airport?

Get on the Train

As soon as you clear security, head straight for the train station underneath the airport. Trains to Amsterdam Centraal run every few minutes, cost just a few quid, and take around 15 minutes. Easy. No stress. Before you know it, you’re stepping into one of the most postcard-perfect cities in the world, wondering why you even considered staying in the terminal.

Coffee, Pastries, and a Quick Wander

Amsterdam is a city best experienced on foot (or bike, if you’re feeling brave). Grab a coffee from a local spot – no offence to your airport generic brands, but it’s not the same. Pick up a fresh stroopwafel or a buttery croissant and take a slow wander along the canals. Even if you’ve only got an hour, that’s an hour spent soaking up historic streets, quirky bridges, and golden reflections on the water. Infinitely better than browsing overpriced duty-free perfumes, right?

Maximise Your Time

With limited time, stick to the area around Centraal Station. You’re steps away from some of the best Amsterdam has to offer – Damrak’s colourful buildings, the bustling Jordaan district, or if you’re quick, a cheeky peek at Dam Square. Fancy squeezing in a museum? The Our Lord in the Attic Museum is a hidden gem, and it’s right in the city centre. We did not chance our luck with a museum!

Head Back with Time to Spare

Give yourself at least a solid 90 minutes to get back through security (longer if flying transatlantic). Schiphol is efficient, but don’t push your luck. If your airline lets you check your hand luggage through (shoutout to KLM for sorting us out), even better – you’ll be gliding through security stress-free.

Worth It? Absolutely.

By the time we got back to the airport, we were caffeinated, refreshed, and mentally prepared for a long-haul flight to Mexico City. Five-hour layover? More like a bonus micro-city break.

Would you risk leaving the airport on a layover, or are you the type to stay put? Let me know!

Updated: 10 October 2025