I have a layover in Amsterdam for 5 1/2 hours. Am I stuck at the airport during this time or is this enough time to go out into the city and roam? I've never been there before and don't expect to have time to do much, but would like to see even a part of it. Anyone know if it's feasible? Not sure what airport security is like.

We have been in the same situation in Amsterdam a number of times. It is very easy to go into the city from the airport. There is a train that runs between the airport and Central Station. It was around 7 euros in June (I think this was round trip). Takes about 15 minutes. Central Station is right in the city. From there, you can easily see the highlights of Amsterdam. Getting back through airport security has never been a problem for us either.

Do you know how many hours prior to my flight I need to be at the airport? I'm flying KLM to Riga from London with a stop in Amderstam.

It is a good idea to be at the airport a good 1 hour - 1 hr 30 mins before your plane is to departure. Make sure you have enough time for sercurity and metal detectors. Some airports may do a random check of your luggage and go threw it. Good Luck!

You should be back at Schiphol Airport approximately one hour before scheduled departure of your flight.
You will have approximately 3 hours in downtown Amsterdam.

Trains go every 20 minutes from Schiphol to Central station, taking about 30 mins - so you have time to get out of the airport, into a coffeeshop and float back on the train to the plane!

Take train to Centraal, and with your 3 hours, go here:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~patto1ro/amspubs3.htm

http://www.amsterdamhotspots.nl/sights.html#Jordaan
(then use 'drink' nav on left)

The Jordaan is a 10-minute wander from CS. Don't go down the Dam -- go to the Jordaan. Enjoy!

Tip! If going by train ask for a Daag Retour (day return) ticket - in Holland such tickets can be much cheaper than buying two one ways. Remember to validate the ticket in trackside machines before boarding. Also the VVV (Tourist Office) in Schiphol Airport I believe offers folks like you quick sightseeing tours from the airport. If you have carry-on luggage stow them in the basement lockers just outside of customs. And come back a bit early - trains can be late or be cancelled. Amsterdam is its own main sight - one of the most physically gorgeous cities in Europe - mainly beacuse of the canals. When exiting the centraal train station, the nice part of town is to the left and the naughty part of town (redlight district) is to the right. the most picturesque canals are within a short stroll of the train station, so even a one-hour look will be most memorable. Tot Ziens!

PalQ -

I believe you must be suffering from a little case of dyslexiea today. The Red Light district would be to the left off of Damrak, when exiting Centraal Station, and the lovely rings of canals is to the right. Peace. >-

Robyn

PalQ: no need to validate train tickets except when you have specifically asked for a non-dated ticket.
And indeed the Red Light District is to the left when you exit Central Station and the Jordaan Area to the right.

I am in the same situation going and returning to Rome over Christmas.

Does the airport have showers or cots? That would seem to me to be a better use of my time than trying to max out on Amsterdam especially very early in the morning (going to Italy).

Thanks.