I'm going to Egypt in Sept 2015. One option flying from the US involves an 11 hour layover in Amsterdam. The plane gets in on a Thursday around 9:45 am and the connecting flight leaves at around 9 pm. I was wondering if there was enough time to see the Rijksmuseum. Also, could you squeeze in the Van Gogh museum also. I'm mainly interested in the Rijksmuseum though. I have never been to Amsterdam, but am ok with managing public transport systems (been to Europe about 6 times now). Thanks.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
You can probably see both museums if you hustle a bit. Go down to the lower level, Immigration, through immigration, turn right and go to the ticket counters. Tell them you want to go to Sud Station. At Sud Station get a tram ticket for tram 5 or whatever tram goes to Museumplatz. Return the same way. Ask if you need help.
You will probably be able to get through the Van Gogh museum faster than the Rijks so try that one first. The way down to the lower level is at the center of the airport. There is also a Tourist Information desk there too, as well as other tourist amenities.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
Absolutely. When you check in for the flight to Amsterdam, be sure that your luggage is routed through to Egypt (it should be automatic) and that you have TWO boarding passes, one for each flight.
I'm pretty sure (someone will chime in) that you depart from the same terminal that you arrive, so you can leave your hand luggage in a locker in the terminal (you will probably need coins, but that's easy, just buy something and ask for change in coins). You won't have to schlep it around and security will be faster on your return to the airport.
The train station is in the airport. It's a short train ride to the city, then take a tram to the Rijksmuseum. The Van Gogh is just across the plaza (with food kiosks). How much time you have for the Van Gogh museum depends on closing times. Allow close to an hour for your return to the airport (waiting times for trams and train) and plan to be back at least 30 minutes before boarding begins.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
I'm pretty sure (someone will chime in) that you depart from the same
terminal that you arrive, so you can leave your hand luggage in a
locker in the terminal (you will probably need coins, but that's easy,
just buy something and ask for change in coins). You won't have to
schlep it around and security will be faster on your return to the
airport.
There are lockers in both the gate areas and the public area of the airport. It's best to use the lockers in the public area past immigration/baggage claim/customs. The airport is undergoing a major renovation and they are rearranging the terminal and the locations of the security screening (no longer at the gates) so you may not be in the same part of the terminal when reenter the gate area.
The lockers only accept credit or debit cards. Unless there's been a recent change, magnetic strip cards are accepted.
Posted by
OP
Walnut Creek
233 posts
Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I think that I may give it a shot. I have left over euro money and coins from prior France trips, so money wise should be fine. Thanks again.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
I think this is a bad idea.
You have, in practice, at most 7 free hours (you need to arrive well before departure to go through security, you need to travel to/from the airport etc).
Enjoy one museum with time, take whatever is left to walk a bit, instead of rushing through a second museum in an airport break.
The Van Gogh Museum is under renovation/reconstruction as well...