8 hours in Amsterdam
 

Is Schiphol remotely close to anything to allow us to get out and walk around/sightsee during an 8 hour layover? Is it even worth it considering customs, transportation, hassle, etc.? Any advice would be appreciated.

We missed a flight out of Amsterdam last year. So, having about right hours to wait, we took a train into Amsterdam (available at the airport on a regular schedule - 15 minute trip as I recall), walked the streets, saw Ann Frank's home, took a tour of the canals on one of the tour boats, had lunch, and got back to the airport in plenty of time. If you haven't seen Amsterdam, use those eight hours in the city, not the airport.

I agree with Don 100%

There is a train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station every 15 minutes between 6 AM and midnight, every hour between midnight and 6 AM. Trip takes 20 minutes and costs around 6 guilders (less than 3 US$) one-way. <BR>If you prefer a taxi, this will cost you something like 60 guilders. <BR>Central Amsterdam is quite small so you can actually walk from Central Station to all major sights within 30 minutes. (or you can take a tram) get a map from the VVV (tourist info) on platform 1 or from the VVV opposite Central Station. <BR>If you like museums/art, try Rijksmuseum (old art), Stedelijk Museum (modern art) or Van Gogh Museum. <BR>The Anne Frank House probably doesn't need an introduction. Many tourists like a canal boat trip. Takes an hour more or less. <BR>Even 4 hours would be sufficient to go into Amsterdam; so 8 hours is plenty. <BR>Enjoy! <BR>There is very little serious crime in Amsterdam, but there are pickpockets: so keep your valuables in a safe place. <BR>

most of the time you are faster by train than by cab.(to central A'dam) <BR> You'll have plenty of time.