Amsterdam (AMS) Stopover Tips

[AFF Editor]

This thread is a place to share tips and recommendations for stopovers at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in Amsterdam, Netherlands. You can discuss things like:

• How to get from the airport to the city
• Things to do (both near the airport and in the city)
• Where to stay/hotel recommendations (both near the airport and in the city)
• Are there any good AMS airport lounges?
• Airport facilities such as luggage storage and showers
• Any other destination-specific tips or "hidden gems" you've discovered that could be useful for someone stopping over

Do you have a great tip that other travellers might find useful when stopping over in Amsterdam? Add your suggestions to this thread, and your advice could make it into an AFF Stopover Guide article!

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

The Netherlands has a strong cash culture and you may find that you cannot use a debit card as commonly as you are used to.

Most train station ticket machines are cash only and may not have English translations. I found this to be a helpful guide: How to Use the Airport Train Ticket Machines | Amsterdam.info

 

[Denali]

Had no problem buying a 1, 2 or 3 day train pass with credit card at the machine:

The Netherlands’ public transport system makes getting around a snap

Discover how the efficient public transport system in the Netherlands will take you anywhere easily, comfortably and sustainably.

www.holland.com

We got a taxi driver in a Tesla at the airport and on drop off, was given a business card to online book a heavily discounted return trip. Yes, I know most take the train but I old, tired and fat and I dont like to scrimp on trips when the flights were reward seats so I enjoyed our Tesla and the drivers were lovely. Also thought the price was very reasonable (cheaper than Sydney airport transfer).

For airport hotel, closest is Sheridan, just walk across the road but disappointed they dont have a spa or pool. Hilton is a bit further away but has these. I would stay at Hilton next time.

 

[Mattg]

Most train station ticket machines are cash only and may not have English translations.

This is actually not my experience at all. Most train ticket machines have an English language option in the bottom left-hand corner, and in fact the ticket machines at AMS Airport are in English by default. The machines do accept credit cards (at least, they do at the airport) and there are even a couple of machines in the baggage claim hall, so you can buy a ticket while waiting for your luggage. Just make sure you check in by tapping your ticket on the readers before entering the platform, otherwise the ticket is not valid.

If you have some time to spare during a layover in Amsterdam, there are regular trains to Amsterdam Centraal. But for something a bit different, my (slightly biased) recommendation is to take a train to Utrecht. There are trains every 15 minutes, and the journey takes half an hour. Just get on a train heading towards Nijmegen or Venlo. Utrecht is a bit like Amsterdam, except smaller, prettier, friendlier and with less tourists. You can take a cruise along the canals or, if you're keen, explore the city like a local by hiring a bicycle.

My other tip for Schiphol Airport is to check out the panorama terrace on the roof. This is free to access and great for plane spotting! There is also an old KLM Fokker aircraft on display there. This is accessible from the land side (not airside).




Unfortunately the lounges - other than the non-Schengen KLM Lounge - are pretty ordinary at AMS. The Aspire lounges are average and often crowded as they're used by many airlines as well as Priority Pass. The BA lounge is OK and the Star Alliance Lounge (in the Schengen area) has at least some decent food and seating options, but no showers.