BarbaraandLeszek

We are returning from Spain July 24 with a 5 hour layover (8am to 1 pm) in Amsterdam. Am I right in assuming that's too little time to leave the airport?
We've never been to this airport. Is there anything interesting to do to pass the time?

Holly_uncasdewar

Yes, you are right, that's too little time to leave the airport. However, it's a very nice airport, with a shopping mall underneath it. Just follow the signs for the exit to buses and taxis - you'll walk right into it. There are some places to eat/drink in there.

raelond

We had an eight hour layover at the Amsterdam airport on our way home from Tanzania in March. We found an area upstairs at one end of the airport that has nice lounge chairs where we rested. The shopping is great at the airport and one store had samples of cheese.

Joanel

the rijksmuseum has a small exhibit area in the airport. very worthwhile. some great paintings.

amp322

I've had layovers of that length there, and decided not to venture out. I did go to the museum which Joanel mentioned. Nice place, with a good gift shop, as well. There are many places to eat & shop, and you can check out the planes from the rooftop area. The airport has its own website, so you can check out the amenities.

BarbaraandLeszek

Thank you all for your advice. I've just recently found this forum and it's so helpful. I appreciate your tips!

chevre

You can do a lot at the Amsterdam airport. Besides the museum there is a casino a day spa and extensive shopping...extensive! Lot's of food and drink and if you get tired you can find a lounge areas where you can literally sleep away the time!

julies

We had around a 5 hour layover and left. Took the train into central Amsterdam. Walked around for an hour and a half or so, not stopping anywhere. Took the train back to the airport. It was a nice way to break up a long day of flights, get a glimpse of Amsterdam, and have a nice walk between long periods of sitting. We've also stayeda t the airport for a layover of about the sam elength. It's a nice airport, but it's an airport, nothing more. But, if you are a shopper it might interst you.

Sinagua

julies wrote "We had around a 5 hour layover and left. Took the train into central Amsterdam."

Can you tell me how much the train ride was and how long?

Thanks! Hoping to see more than just the airport during the 5 hr layover there as well.

hetismij

It will take between 15 and 20 minutes and cost you €6.40 return.
The ticket machines do not accept credit cards, but will accept a Maestro debit card with a 4 number pin, or you can buy the tickets at a window for a bit extra.

Is your 5 hour layover from touch down to take off? If so it may be a bit tight for getting into the city and seeing anything - although the trains run frequently you cannot be sure to get one immediately, plus you will have to go through passport control twice plus security. 8 am is also in the middle of rush hour and the trains will be busy.

tcreath

We had a 4.5 hour layover and chose to leave as well. The train took about 20 minutes and we had enough time to walk around a bit, take some pictures and grab a quick bite to eat. Not a lot of time, but in my opinion much better than waiting around at the airport.

Tracy

Sinagua

Got back last week from my trip and I did check my carry on in one of the luggage lockers for 6 Euros and bought my round trip ticket to central station (made sure I had enough coins) and was able to walk around Amsterdam for a couple of hours. Plenty of time to get back to the airport, retrieve my bag, get to my gate, and breeze through security and sit waiting at my gate for 1.5hr. Wish I stayed downtown a little longer versus twiddling my thumbs waiting at the gate.

cindyj

I was just going to post a message with this topic. Our direct Athens to Newark flight was canceled by Continental and the only option is to leave Athens at 4:50 a.m. and stop in Amsterdam. We arrive at 7:20 and our departing flight doesn't leave until 3:20. Have been to Amsterdam once before, in 98 with small kids. It seems reasonable to go into the city, but can someone suggest things to do within walking distance of the train station? Have done the Anne Frank house, rijksmuseum, floating flower market. A pancake house (can't spell it the Dutch way!) would be delicious!

danon

take a boat tour!

suze

Besides basic logistics, I think it also depends on your "travel personality". For me, I would be too nervous about getting back to the airport and making the next flight to be able to enjoy my couple hours squeezed out in Amsterdam. I'm much happier hanging around at the airport.

Joanel

van gogh museum. not exactly walking distance. quick tram ride.

Sinagua

If I had the time, I would have done a canal boat tour. As I walked around I noticed that most didn't start till 10am and usually lasted 1 to 1.5 hr. Since your flight doesn't take off till 3:20 you should have plenty of time to take the train to central station, find a good breakfast spot and then by the time you are done eating you'll be ready for a canal tour. There were several canal tour right near the central station. There's some construction going on by the station, it wasn't an issue. Just be mindful of the bikers wizzing by. Have fun!

cindyj

We have done the boat tour in 98 on our only other trip to Amsterdam. Did not do the Van Gogh museum so that's an option depending on weather. If the weather is good we may just stroll and people watch. We love gourmet shops and other crafts, also farmer's markets. Any suggestions for that type of area and also a great breakfast place near the train station? Is it too early for pancakken? We remember those fondly along with the Indonesian food. Since this will be the last day of our trip we are likely to be more in need of relaxing rather than hurrying around.