Layover at Amsterdam Schiphol
Everything you need to decide whether to leave the airport on a layover in Amsterdam.
City centre
17 min away
Direct train from beneath the terminal to Amsterdam Centraal
Min connection
~40 min to change flights
Left luggage
Available — drop your bags and explore.
Round trip
≈ 34 min there and back
Amsterdam Schiphol to central Amsterdam — about 17 min min each way. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Is it worth leaving?
As a rule of thumb, allow your round trip (about 34 minutes here) plus two hours for security and immigration on the way back. With a 6-hour layover or more you can comfortably reach Amsterdam and back. With less, you're better off staying airside.
A single compact terminal and fast trains make Schiphol ideal for a quick city dash.
Before you leave — check you can
Whether you can pass immigration on a layover depends on your nationality and the country's transit rules, not just your time. Always confirm with the official source for your passport before you plan to leave: UK FCDO travel advice and the Netherlands guide.