LayoverAMS layover guide
Amsterdam Schiphol. City centre is roughly 17 minutes away each way.
What to do by layover length
Under 4 hours: stay in the airport
- Schiphol is a single terminal, which makes connections easy to walk.
- Shops and restaurants in the Holland Boulevard area sit between the piers airside.
4 to 8 hours
A short city visit can work if your passport allows entry. Allow about 34 minutes round trip, plus immigration both ways and at least 2 hours before departure to get back through security.
8 hours or more: leave the airport
Train from the station under the terminal to Amsterdam Centraal, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Transit and visa basics
Leaving the airport means entering the Schengen Area. Some passports need an airport transit visa. Official source. Also check your airline's connection rules and the official Amsterdam Schiphol website.
Lounges
Lounge access depends on your airline, ticket class, or a membership. Search Priority Pass lounges at AMS, or check lounge listings on the airport's website.
Get Priority Pass lounge accessAffiliate linkStore your bags
Heading into Amsterdam for a few hours? Drop your bags at a luggage storage spot.
Find luggage storage with Radical StorageAffiliate linkAirport transfer
Short on time? A pre-booked ride takes the guesswork out of getting to the city and back.
Book a transfer with KiwitaxiWelcome PickupsGetTransferAffiliate linkTours near Amsterdam
Long layover? Short tours that fit your time:
GetYourGuide tours in AmsterdamViator tours in AmsterdamAffiliate linkAirport hotels
citizenM Schiphol Airport is a short walk from the terminal. For an overnight or a day room:
Hotels near AMS on Booking.comAffiliate linkDelayed or missed your connection?
Under EU and UK rules (EU261/UK261), delayed or cancelled flights can qualify for compensation.
Check your claim with AirHelpCompensairAffiliate linkStay connected
Airport Wi-Fi can be slow or time-limited. An eSIM gives you data the moment you land.
Get an eSIM from AiraloAffiliate linkLast checked: October 16, 2026. Times are typical and can change with traffic, construction and timetables. Confirm before you leave the airport. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.