Top Things to Do Near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe’s busiest and most well-connected airports, located just 17 km (10.5 miles) from the heart of Amsterdam. Whether you’re on a short layover or have extra time before your flight, there are plenty of exciting attractions and cultural experiences nearby. From exploring charming Dutch towns to visiting world-famous museums, Schiphol offers easy access to some fantastic destinations.

Getting Around Schiphol

Schiphol is well connected by public transport, making it easy to explore nearby attractions:

• Train: The NS (Dutch Railways) trains depart directly from Schiphol Plaza and reach Amsterdam Central Station in just 15-20 minutes (€5.90 one-way). Trains also connect to Haarlem, Zandvoort, and The Hague.
• Bus: The 397 bus (Amsterdam Airport Express) takes 25-30 minutes to reach Amsterdam’s Museumplein and Leidseplein (€6.50 one-way).
• Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis are available at Schiphol, but they can be expensive (€40-50 to central Amsterdam). Uber is slightly cheaper.
• Bicycle Rental: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike at Schiphol’s MacBike station and explore nearby areas like Haarlemmermeer.

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1. Explore Amsterdam’s Historic Canals

📍 Distance from Schiphol: 20 minutes by train
💰 Cost: Free to explore; canal cruises from €15
🕰 Best time to visit: Day or evening for picturesque views

Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt is an absolute must-see. You can stroll along the canals, rent a bike, or take a canal cruise for a relaxing experience. Many boat tours depart from Central Station, offering a unique perspective of the city’s 17th-century architecture. If you’re short on time, a one-hour canal cruise is the perfect way to soak in Amsterdam’s beauty.

🚆 How to get there: Take a direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal (15-20 min), then walk or catch a tram to the canals.

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2. Visit the Rijksmuseum

📍 Distance from Schiphol: 30 minutes by bus or train
💰 Cost: €22.50 per adult (under 18 free)
🕰 Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s most famous art museums. Even if you’re on a layover, a quick visit to see The Night Watch and the museum’s stunning architecture is worthwhile.

🚍 How to get there: Take the 397 bus from Schiphol Plaza to Museumplein (30 min).

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3. Wander Through Haarlem’s Old Town

📍 Distance from Schiphol: 15 minutes by train
💰 Cost: Free to explore; museum entry varies
🕰 Best time to visit: Afternoon for shopping & cafes

If you prefer a quieter alternative to Amsterdam, Haarlem is a charming Dutch city with cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and boutique shops. Visit Grote Markt Square, St. Bavo’s Church, and the Frans Hals Museum for a taste of Dutch culture.

🚆 How to get there: Take a direct train from Schiphol to Haarlem (15 min).

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4. Relax at Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest)

📍 Distance from Schiphol: 15 minutes by taxi or bike
💰 Cost: Free
🕰 Best time to visit: Morning or afternoon for outdoor activities

This huge urban forest is perfect for a relaxing escape. You can rent a bike, canoe, or just enjoy a peaceful walk among lush greenery. Families will love the petting zoo and pancake restaurant.

🚴 How to get there: Rent a bike at Schiphol or take a short taxi ride (15 min).

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5. Discover Zaanse Schans Windmills

📍 Distance from Schiphol: 20-30 minutes by train
💰 Cost: Free to visit; some attractions charge a small fee
🕰 Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For a true Dutch countryside experience, visit Zaanse Schans, famous for its historic windmills, wooden shoe workshops, and cheese farms. It’s a fantastic way to experience traditional Holland without traveling far from Schiphol.

🚆 How to get there: Take a train from Schiphol to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans (20-30 min).

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6. Visit Keukenhof (Spring Only – March to May)

📍 Distance from Schiphol: 30 minutes by bus
💰 Cost: €19 per adult (children €9)
🕰 Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Seasonal: Mid-March to Mid-May)

If you’re traveling in spring, don’t miss the Keukenhof Gardens, home to millions of colorful tulips. This world-famous flower park is a dream destination for photography and nature lovers.

🚍 How to get there: Take the Keukenhof Express Bus (858) from Schiphol (30 min).

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7. Experience The Hague’s Museums & Beach

📍 Distance from Schiphol: 30-40 minutes by train
💰 Cost: Free to explore; museum entry varies
🕰 Best time to visit: Daytime for museums, evening for the beach

The Hague offers a mix of politics, culture, and coastline. Visit the Mauritshuis Museum to see Girl with a Pearl Earring, then head to Scheveningen Beach for a seaside escape.

🚆 How to get there: Take a train from Schiphol to Den Haag Centraal (30-40 min).

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8. Try Dutch Food at a Local Market

📍 Distance from Schiphol: Varies by market (20-30 minutes)
💰 Cost: Varies (€5-15 per meal)
🕰 Best time to visit: Lunch or early evening

For a quick but authentic Dutch food experience, visit one of Amsterdam’s famous markets:

• Albert Cuyp Market (stroopwafels & herring)
• Foodhallen (trendy food stalls & Dutch bites)
• De Hallen Amsterdam (great for a casual meal)

🚆 How to get there: Take a train to Amsterdam Centraal, then a tram to the market.

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Bonus: Schiphol’s Hidden Gems (If You Stay at the Airport)

If you’re really short on time, Schiphol Airport itself has some great attractions:
✅ Rijksmuseum Schiphol – A free mini-museum inside the airport
✅ Airport Rooftop Park – Relax and watch planes take off
✅ YotelAir or Mercure Hotel – For a quick nap during long layovers

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Short & Long Layover Options

If you’re pressed for time, here are quick ways to experience Dutch culture without straying too far from the airport:

🌷 Short Layover (Under 4 Hours)

1. Schiphol Mini Rijksmuseum – See Dutch masterpieces for free inside the airport.
2. Airport Lounge & Rooftop Terrace – Relax at Panorama Terrace and watch planes take off.
3. Haarlem Express Trip – Take a 15-minute train ride to Haarlem’s historic center and return quickly.
4. Foodhallen Amsterdam – Try stroopwafels, poffertjes, or Dutch fries in 30 minutes or less.

🚲 Medium Layover (4-7 Hours)

1. Amsterdam Canal Cruise – A 1-hour boat ride covers a lot of the city.
2. Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum – See Dutch art treasures in 2-3 hours.
3. Zaanse Schans Windmills – A 30-minute train ride makes for a perfect Dutch countryside escape.
4. Explore Jordaan or De Pijp Neighborhoods – Great for food and shopping.

🏖 Long Layover (7+ Hours)

1. Keukenhof Gardens (Spring Only) – If it’s tulip season, this is a must.
2. The Hague & Scheveningen Beach – Visit Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and enjoy the Dutch coast.
3. Zandvoort Beach – A quick seaside getaway only 30 minutes from Schiphol.
4. Day Trip to Utrecht – A charming alternative to Amsterdam with scenic canals and medieval architecture.

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🚆 Best Transport Options for Each Destination

Destination	Travel Time	Best Way to Get There
Amsterdam Centraal	15-20 min	Train (€5.90)
Rijksmuseum / Museumplein	25-30 min	Bus 397 (€6.50)
Haarlem	15 min	Train (€5)
Zaanse Schans	20-30 min	Train (€4.30)
Keukenhof Gardens	30 min	Keukenhof Express (€9)
The Hague	30-40 min	Train (€10)
Zandvoort Beach	30 min	Train (€6)