jay

We have a 4 1/2 hr layover in amsterdam coming up. Is that enough time to take the train into the city for an hour or two? Also, how much is the train? Thank you for your help.

jay

ttt

wanderlust5

I wouldn't do it. Schipol is rather large, and there is a TON of things to do there. I think you would be risking missing your flight. The security at Schipol is extremely intense, even before 9/11 and now after as well. Just my opinion. I'd wait it out at the airport and not try and hit the city. I've been to Amsterdam many times, and flown through Schipol a dozen or more times enroute to other places, so I don't form this opinion based on one time through the airport.

Anyone one else have an alternate view?

111op

I might try it myself, actually.

I don't know how much the train is exactly, but it's very frequent and fast. It won't take more than 30 minutes.

Spygirl

Agreed. You don't really have enough time, but the good thing is, you've got everything you could possibly want right there in Schiphol-including a casino, if you want to go play there! Enjoy Schiphol, it's one of the very best airports in the world for shopping/amusements/amenities and the like.

Tulips

If you have 4 1/2 hours after coming through customs, and your luggage is labeled through, and you are going on to another European country, then maybe.

By the way, there's a branch of the Rijksmuseum at Schiphol too.

Spygirl

Really? Is that new, Tulips? All the more reason to stick around!

yk

Like Tulips said, the Rijksmuseum has a branch at the airport. The current exhibition is on Piet Mondrian and De Stijl.
http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/tentoonste...estijl?lang=en

I'll be in Amsterdam in May and I'm actually planning going to the airport EARLY in order to see the exhibit!

jay

Thanks for the replies. Looks like its a combo of the club, museum and shopping.

rkkwan

The train is 6 euros roundtrip. Takes about 20 minutes, and during the day you won't have to wait more than about 10 minutes for one.

But I would stay at the airport also.

LoveItaly

One more vote for staying at Schipol! And I too have been there many times.

I wouldn't even think of leaving and going on the train into the city with the layover time you have. The airport is wonderful IMO. I think you will find the hours go quickly.

Grasshopper

Jay, Why not go prepared with the information you need and decide when you see how much time you really have. The train is easy and quick. If your plane is ontime or early and you breeze through customs and your bag is already checked through to your next destination, you can go ahead and pop into the City for an hour or two.

If you feel pressured for time, there will be plenty of things to keep you interested at Schipol. Although I have to say, as nice as the airport is, it wouldn't be a place I would voluntarily hang out.

richardsonsnm

Though you are cutting it tight, if you're up for it, go into town. The airports restaurants are horrible, the bars generic, don't get me wrong, it's clean and nice, but not very stimulating to say the least.

kansas59

I'm pretty familiar with Schipol, Baggage Locker locations, the train and Amsterdam in general and actually did head into town once but I had a 6 hour layover and even then found myself moving at a good clip (train into center, Jordaan, Leidesplein and a then straight back to the train). With a 4 1/2 hr layover I think it might be tight - it also depends on how quickly you get off the plane and what your comfort factor is.