How long of a layover in Amsterdam to explore?

A 5-hour layover means a little more than 2 hours to explore; a layover of 7-8 hours gives you more time to enjoy the city without rushing.



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Once you clear customs, you're free to leave the airport. Amsterdam is about 25 miles from Schiphol. If your layover is four or more hours, you can take the train, taxi, or private car into the city. I'd stick to the canal belt area (Grachtengordel) and see the sights in that area.

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Thanks to the proximity of the airport to the city center, even a short layover allows you to take in many of Amsterdam's highlights.

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While 4 hours can allow you some time to see the city, we recommend at least a 6-hour layover in Amsterdam. A 6-7 hour layover will allow you to comfortably see Amsterdam without having to snap a quick picture of the nearest canal before rushing back to the airport.

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During domestic layovers, you are free to leave the airport. If your domestic layover is longer than one hour, you should expect to receive two boarding permits. If you want to check out local points of interest, make sure you get your second boarding pass and print it out before you leave.

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Yes, you can leave the airport during domestic layovers. For instance, if you're a US citizen and have a layover within the country, it is legal and safe to leave the airport. Be aware that you'll probably be getting two boarding passes if the domestic layover is more than an hour.

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If your layover in Amsterdam is less than 5 Hours
  1. Relax with a good book in the Airport Library.
  2. Enjoy a 5-minute massage for just €2 in the futuristic Massage-O-Matic chairs. ...
  3. See the planes up close by stepping out onto the Panorama Terrace.
  4. Find some tranquility amongst the travel chaos at the Meditation Centre.


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If you only have about 7-8 hours in Amsterdam, that should be enough time to get lunch, take a canal cruise, wander a bit around the center, get a drink, and head back. (The Red Light District is fairly close to Centraal if you're curious about it.)

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During these 4 to 6 hours in Amsterdam, we suggest you go to the red light district, as it's less than 5 minute walking from the central station. It's the most famous (or infamous?) part of Amsterdam, and it's home to the oldest building in town – Oude Kerk (yes, a church, the old church).

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Do I have to get tested again at Schiphol to transfer? If you stay at Schiphol during your transfer, you do not need a new negative COVID-19 test result. The test result you had upon arrival at Schiphol remains valid during your transfer, including any potential delays.

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It makes sense, because the practice saps revenue from them on two fronts: Not only do passengers underpay — potentially by hundreds of dollars per ticket — but the seat on the tossed leg also could have been sold to someone else. Most contracts of carriage from major airlines expressly forbid skiplagging as a result.

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The recommended layover time for domestic flights is normally one hour. However, as previously stated, you may require longer if your flights are booked with two different airlines, if you are traveling to a very busy airport or if you require special assistance.

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Yes, I've done it before, usually in Amsterdam. I've intentionally taken flights with 6–8 hour layovers so I can pop into the city, take a stroll about and sightsee, and then head back to the airport. Even better are the flights that get arrive in the late afternoon and then depart early the next morning.

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How long does a layover need to be to leave the airport? Because layovers are your choice, you can leave whenever you like, but seasoned travelers, including McGee, seldom leave airports for less than six hours.

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Leaving the airport during a layover without a visa is a violation of airport policy. Nevertheless, if you just want to get through customs and onto the next flight, you won't need a visa. In short, if you have a valid visa for the nation you are visiting, it is safe to leave the airport upon arrival.

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Depending on your risk tolerance, even three hours might be insufficient for international connection. Risk averse passengers booking two separate itineraries might budget at least a day between flights. That's because — even if you land on time — there are many steps (and lines) along the way that might hold you up.

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