Flight times to Amsterdam vary depending on your departure location, but from most UK cities, flights to Amsterdam are pleasantly short. From London, a flight to Amsterdam takes just 1-1.5 hours. From Manchester, expect a flight time of approximately 1.5 hours to Amsterdam. Other UK cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast have similar flight times ranging from 1.5-2 hours to reach Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
Flight Times to Amsterdam: Quick Reference Table
| Departure City | Flight Time | Distance | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 1-1.5 hours | 230 miles | KLM, British Airways, easyJet |
| Manchester | 1.5 hours | 310 miles | KLM, easyJet, Ryanair |
| Edinburgh | 1.5-2 hours | 410 miles | KLM, easyJet |
| Glasgow | 1.5-2 hours | 450 miles | KLM, easyJet |
| Birmingham | 1.5 hours | 290 miles | KLM, easyJet |
| Bristol | 1.5-1.75 hours | 320 miles | KLM, easyJet |
| Belfast | 1.5-2 hours | 470 miles | KLM, easyJet |
| Liverpool | 1.5-1.75 hours | 320 miles | easyJet |
| Newcastle | 1.5-1.75 hours | 350 miles | KLM |
| Luton | 1-1.5 hours | 240 miles | easyJet |
Flights from London to Amsterdam
How Long is a Flight from London to Amsterdam?
A flight from London to Amsterdam takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. This short hop across the North Sea covers about 230 miles and is one of Europe’s busiest air routes. Multiple airlines operate this route, including KLM , British Airways , and easyJet , with dozens of daily flights from London’s various airports.
London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY), London Stansted (STN), and London Luton (LTN) all offer direct flights to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). The exact flight time can vary slightly depending on which London airport you depart from, with London City often offering the quickest total journey due to its smaller size and faster boarding processes.
The short flight time makes Amsterdam an ideal weekend destination from London, with morning departures allowing you to be exploring the Dutch capital’s canals by lunchtime.
Flights from Northern England to Amsterdam
How Long is a Flight from Manchester to Amsterdam?
A flight from Manchester to Amsterdam takes approximately 1.5 hours. The distance between Manchester Airport (MAN) and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is about 310 miles. KLM, easyJet, and Ryanair operate regular direct services on this route.
Manchester to Amsterdam is a popular route with multiple daily flights, making it convenient for both business travelers and tourists. The short flight time means you can leave Manchester in the morning and be enjoying Amsterdam’s attractions by lunchtime.
How Long is a Flight from Liverpool to Amsterdam?
Flights from Liverpool to Amsterdam take approximately 1.5-1.75 hours. The distance between Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 320 miles. easyJet is the primary carrier operating this route with regular direct services.
The flight time is similar to that from Manchester, reflecting Liverpool’s proximity to its neighboring city. The route is particularly popular for weekend breaks and business travel.
How Long is a Flight from Newcastle to Amsterdam?
A flight from Newcastle to Amsterdam takes approximately 1.5-1.75 hours. The distance between Newcastle International Airport (NCL) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 350 miles. KLM operates regular direct services on this route, offering convenient connections to their global network through their Amsterdam hub.
Newcastle’s direct connection to Amsterdam makes it easy for travelers from the Northeast of England to access not just the Netherlands but also connect to worldwide destinations through KLM’s extensive route network.
Flights from the Midlands to Amsterdam
How Long is a Flight from Birmingham to Amsterdam?
Flights from Birmingham to Amsterdam take approximately 1.5 hours. The distance between Birmingham Airport (BHX) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 290 miles. KLM and easyJet operate regular direct services on this route.
Birmingham’s central location in England makes it a convenient departure point for Amsterdam, with flight times similar to those from Manchester. Multiple daily flights offer good flexibility for scheduling your trip.
Flights from Southern England to Amsterdam
How Long is a Flight from Bristol to Amsterdam?
A flight from Bristol to Amsterdam takes approximately 1.5-1.75 hours. The distance between Bristol Airport (BRS) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 320 miles. KLM and easyJet operate regular direct services on this route.
Bristol’s location in Southwest England makes it an ideal departure point for travelers from this region, with flight times comparable to those from other major UK cities.
How Long is a Flight from Luton to Amsterdam?
Flights from London Luton to Amsterdam take approximately 1-1.5 hours. The distance between Luton Airport (LTN) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 240 miles. easyJet is the primary carrier operating this route with multiple daily departures.
Luton’s focus on low-cost carriers makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers heading to Amsterdam, with flight times similar to those from other London airports.
Flights from Scotland to Amsterdam
How Long is a Flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam?
A flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. The distance between Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 410 miles. KLM and easyJet operate regular direct services on this route.
Edinburgh’s position in eastern Scotland makes it well-placed for flights to continental Europe, with Amsterdam being one of its most popular direct destinations.
How Long is a Flight from Glasgow to Amsterdam?
Flights from Glasgow to Amsterdam take approximately 1.5-2 hours. The distance between Glasgow Airport (GLA) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 450 miles. KLM and easyJet operate regular direct services on this route.
Glasgow’s slightly more western location compared to Edinburgh results in a marginally longer flight time, but the difference is minimal and both Scottish cities enjoy excellent connectivity to Amsterdam.
Flights from Northern Ireland to Amsterdam
How Long is a Flight from Belfast to Amsterdam?
A flight from Belfast to Amsterdam takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. The distance between Belfast International Airport (BFS) and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 470 miles. KLM and easyJet operate regular direct services on this route.
Belfast’s location in Northern Ireland makes it the furthest UK departure point for Amsterdam in our list, but the flight time remains relatively short at under two hours.
Factors Affecting Flight Times to Amsterdam
Several factors can influence how long your flight to Amsterdam will take:
Weather Conditions
The North Sea region is known for variable weather patterns. Strong headwinds can add 15-30 minutes to flight times, while favorable tailwinds might reduce journey times slightly. Winter months may see more weather-related delays.
Aircraft Type
Different aircraft operate at different cruising speeds. Most flights to Amsterdam from the UK use narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 family or Boeing 737 series, which have similar performance characteristics.
Airport Procedures
Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe’s busiest airports, and congestion can sometimes lead to holding patterns before landing, potentially adding 10-20 minutes to your flight time. Similarly, busy periods at UK departure airports might result in longer taxi times.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer months typically see more stable weather but busier skies, which can occasionally lead to air traffic control delays. Winter can bring more challenging weather conditions but often less congested airspace.
Tips for Short-Haul Flights to Amsterdam
Even though flights to Amsterdam from the UK are relatively short, these tips can help make your journey smoother:
Arrive at the Airport Early
Despite the short flight time, international travel still requires earlier arrival at the airport than domestic journeys. Aim to arrive 2 hours before departure for a stress-free experience.
Consider Hand Luggage Only
For short trips to Amsterdam, traveling with hand luggage only can save significant time at both ends of your journey. You’ll avoid check-in queues and waiting at baggage claim.
If you need to store luggage while exploring Amsterdam, Radical Storage offers convenient locations throughout the city for just €5 per day per bag.
Choose Your Amsterdam Airport Transport Wisely
Amsterdam Schiphol has excellent transport links to the city center. The train takes just 15-20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal and runs frequently. Taxis are available but more expensive, while buses provide budget-friendly alternatives.
Remember Time Zone Difference
The Netherlands is one hour ahead of the UK (GMT+1 or BST+1). Remember to adjust your watch when you land, though this small difference rarely causes significant jet lag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flight Times to Amsterdam
What is the shortest flight to Amsterdam from the UK?
The shortest flight to Amsterdam from the UK is from London, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours. London City Airport often offers the quickest total journey time due to its smaller size and efficient processes.
How long is the flight from Gatwick to Amsterdam?
A flight from London Gatwick to Amsterdam takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, the same as from other London airports. British Airways and easyJet operate this route with multiple daily departures.
Is Amsterdam expensive to visit?
Amsterdam can be moderately expensive compared to some European destinations, but there are plenty of ways to visit on a budget. For a detailed breakdown of costs, check out our guide on Is Amsterdam Expensive?
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
While you can see Amsterdam’s highlights in 2-3 days, 4-5 days allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to take day trips to nearby attractions like Keukenhof Gardens (in spring), Zaanse Schans, or Rotterdam.
What is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam?
April to May (spring) and September to November (fall) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spring is particularly beautiful with tulip season, while summer (June-August) is peak tourist season with higher prices but lively atmosphere.
Can I take a train from the UK to Amsterdam instead of flying?
Yes, Eurostar offers direct train services from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal, taking approximately 4 hours. While longer than flying, the train offers city-center to city-center convenience and can be more environmentally friendly.
Conclusion: The Best Way to Get to Amsterdam from the UK
With flight times of just 1-2 hours from all major UK airports, Amsterdam is one of the most accessible European destinations for UK travelers. The short journey time makes it perfect for weekend breaks, while the frequency of flights offers excellent flexibility for scheduling.
For most travelers from the UK, flying remains the quickest and often most cost-effective way to reach Amsterdam. The city’s excellent Schiphol Airport offers smooth arrivals and departures, with efficient transport links to the city center.
Whether you’re planning a cultural city break, a business trip, or using Amsterdam as a gateway to explore more of the Netherlands and Europe, the short flight times from the UK make it an attractive and convenient destination.
Remember to book your luggage storage in Amsterdam with Radical Storage if you need to store bags before check-in or after check-out, allowing you to make the most of your time in this beautiful canal city.