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-   -   Amsterdam airport for 2 1/2 hours- what to do? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/amsterdam-airport-for-2-1-2-hours-what-to-do-595652/)

rucrazy Mar 2nd, 2006 06:57 AM

Amsterdam airport for 2 1/2 hours- what to do?
 
We will be in the airport in Amsterdam for over 2 hours. I heard that it is a large airport with alot of shops, casinos, etc. What do you recommend doing with our time- after we find our gate, of course!

Tiff Mar 2nd, 2006 07:02 AM

Hi rucrazy,

This website should help you out:
http://www.airwise.com/airports/europe/AMS/index.html

The Amsterdam airport is an excellent terminal for a layover, ours was about the same amount of time as yours and it flew (no pun intended, hee) by.

The above website has detailed info for you.

Safe journey, Tiff :)

wanderlust5 Mar 2nd, 2006 07:04 AM

Schipol is like a small city. There is puh-lenty to do there. You won't be bored, and even with two hours, you will not see it all, as security in Schipol can take longer than most airports, IMHO.

kybourbon Mar 2nd, 2006 07:14 AM

Visit the champagne bar and try flights of champagne.

martytravels Mar 2nd, 2006 07:19 AM

You can gamble a few euros away. There are at least a couple of casinos in there.

http://www.schiphol.nl/home/Index.js...=1141316291825

Intrepid1 Mar 2nd, 2006 07:24 AM

Avoid the Burger King in the Schiphol Plaza area at all costs IMO.

suze Mar 2nd, 2006 08:57 AM

Isn't there a meditation room?

dovima Mar 2nd, 2006 09:39 AM

Ditto on the security procedures at Schipol - very thorough (meaning lengthy). Don't expect to shop and shop and then breeze on through. There was an interview process which took place in the boarding area right before you actually got on the plane.

rucrazy Mar 2nd, 2006 09:40 AM

So, if you are just changing planes, do you have to go thru an interview process and any screening, or just go to your gate and board?

PalQ Mar 2nd, 2006 09:44 AM

If just changing planes you stay in the transit area so no customs screening and probably no additional screening - there are many shops, pubs, etc. inside the transit area.

KT Mar 2nd, 2006 09:54 AM

PalQ, are you sure? I know that while making Schiphol transfers, I've gone through security right at the outbound gate of the second flight (after staying in the transit area).

martytravels Mar 2nd, 2006 03:59 PM

True KT. There are at-gate security screenings at Schiphol, even for EU flights.

artlover Mar 2nd, 2006 04:45 PM

Read a good book!

LoveItaly Mar 2nd, 2006 06:28 PM

Just my two cents worth..always had security screening when changing planes, and both planes with KLM.

Hi artlover, how are you? I too read a book but also just enjoy people watching. Great airport.

rucrazy, two hours at the airport in Amsterdam will go by so quickly. In fact I would prefer to have a bit more time (I usually have three hours).

kybourbon Mar 2nd, 2006 06:50 PM

I had to go through security screeings in May with KLM/NW as we flew Barcelona/Amsterdam/Detroit.

nukesafe Mar 2nd, 2006 06:59 PM

There is even a branch of the Rijksmuseum in the airport. It is small, but really lovely. When I was there last there were about 20 of the highlights of the museum on display. Well worth the visit!

http://www.codart.com/?page_id=104&i...itution_id=765

yellowrose477 Mar 2nd, 2006 07:07 PM

Hi - Believe me - 2 hours won't seem like nearly enough time at the airport. It is fantastic. It has great shops. We just changed planes and we had to go through the security interview before boarding our plane. That did take quite a while. Good Luck! Patti

h2babe Mar 3rd, 2006 12:24 AM

I think you should just start walking around and window shop and stop at whatever store/bar/restaurant catches your eyes. Schipol is my fave airport for layover because I actually enjoy browsing around.

Suze: Yes - there is a meditation room at the airport! :)


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