Schiphol Stop Over

Schiphol Stop Over

Is Schiphol your transit airport?

Do you have longer than 4 hours transit and want to go out for a short visit to Amsterdam?

Don't miss a chance to visit Amsterdam city if you do have longer than 4 hours transit time. You can definitely make it on time to your next flight. 

On our previous trip, my husband and i were lucky enough to have total of 5:30 hours transit at Schiphol Airport. 

Our flight landed at 0730 and we walked directly out as soon as passengers are allowed to.
 Don't hesitate to ask any of the desks agents, they are very friendly! The KLM information desks located at almost every departure gates.

Here is what you need to know:

• I will not encourage you to go out of the airport if you have a less than 4 hours transit time.
•  The train to Amsterdam centrum takes 14 minute ride.
• Once you are back to the airport, you will still need to get through security check.
• Security check in Schiphol are the most advance i have been to! They have body scan! Fancy aside, doesn't matter what time of the day, it is always a long queue and quite slow security check.
• After the security check, their immigration check for non EU passport holder are always long queue too. So make sure you have atleast 1:30 hours spares after your short and quick visit to Amsterdam.
• If you don't have the time to go out, Schiphol has a lot to offer too. Don't be sad.
• Do check for the train frequency before you get out of the airport. Just in case.

A quick check list:

• Boarding pass for your next flight.
• Have atleast 4 hours connecting flight. (Schiphol security check is long and quite slow)
• Make sure if you can enter the country. Check with the immigration before hand.
• Best not to have any liquid in your handcarry (shorter time at the security check up).
• Plan. Make a list where you want to visit and check on the map how to get there before your travel day. 
• If you have a hand carry bag with you, do lock them in Baggage Locker Room. Make your walk faster and easy to move around.
• Return train ticket.

Baggage Locker room

There are 5 different lockers available for you to choose from that suit your preferences.

There is a locker room for rent to keep your hand carry safe while you out and about in Amsterdam.

In our case, we rent a Medium (58x34x80cm) locker box for the cost of €7. It is fit for 2 hand carry bags. 

• Lock your luggage close to train station. This is to avoid running around the area and wasting your time.
• Share your locker with your friend(s). It is cheaper.
• Take a picture of your locker. It is faster than your tired brain when it is time to pick it up.
• Do not leave any of your valuable items behind. Obviously.
  
  

  What we visited? 

  
  

  Red Light District! 

  
  

  

  
  

   It takes 10 minutes walk from the train station. Here we spend a good 30 minutes to walk along the canal. It was quiet when we arrived. Since we arrived at around 8:30 am. The cleaning was still in progress (everywhere). The infamous lights were no where to be found.  Nonetheless, it was a great walk and experience. 

  
  

  Sex Museum!

  
  

  From the Red Light District, it took around 5 minutes walk to Sex Museum. 

  Their operating time starts at 9:30am. Entrance fee is €8 per person.

  We had our breakfast at a cosy restaurant next door while waiting for the museum to open.

  From the museum, it takes 5 minutes walk to the station. 

  
  

  If you want to buy some souvenirs, there is tons of souvenirs shops along the way to the train station. 

  
  

  Make sure you catch your train on time!

  
  

  

  
  
  

  By the way, the train ride is 14 minutes and it cost €18,80 return for 2.
   There are few ticket machines at the airport. I'm not so sure if there is a cash payment. But sure have cards payment.