Amsterdam, Netherlands, welcomes you with golden canals, crooked houses, world-class museums, and the Dutch spirit of gezelligheid, that warm mix of comfort, creativity, and cozy charm that defines the city.
Whether you’re here for tulip fields, café culture, or a canal-side escape, finding cheap flights to Amsterdam is simple. With flexible dates, fare alerts, and comparison tools on CheapOair, you can secure our best deals for your European getaway.
How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Amsterdam?
Looking for low fares from U.S. airports to AMS? These flight-booking tips can help you save on your Dutch getaway:
| Tip |
Why It Works |
For U.S. Travelers |
| Fly midweek |
Airfare dips Tuesday-Wednesday |
Often 15% cheaper from NYC, Chicago and Boston |
| Pick shoulder seasons |
Less demand = better prices |
Mid-spring and early autumn flights are often our best deals |
| Mix airlines |
Combine one-way bookings |
Budget and legacy carriers can offer cheaper alternatives |
| Set fare alerts |
Real-time tracking of rate changes |
Be in the loop when prices drop |
| Use flexible dates |
Search 3-day or weekend windows |
Adjusting by a day can save over $100 on average |
| Choose alternate routes |
Consider connecting in Iceland, Paris or Dublin |
May find lower Euro-bound rates with stopovers |
- Pro tip: Based on CheapOair flight data, airfares to Amsterdam are cheaper when booked 6–9 weeks before your trip, especially during spring and fall.
When Is Our Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is beautiful year-round, but each season brings different airfare patterns, weather, and signature Dutch experiences.
Winter off-season (Nov–Feb)
Great for budget-conscious travelers. Fewer crowds and twinkling holiday lights make this a cozy time to explore. Average round-trip prices from New York range from $490 to $580.
Shoulder seasons (Mar–May & Sep–Oct)
Tulips bloom in spring and crisp fall air returns in autumn. A sweet spot for affordable fares, mild temps, and fewer tourists.
High season (Jun–Aug)
Summer months are sunny with packed outdoor terraces, but that popularity means higher prices. Book 2–3 months ahead and search flights midweek to save.
What You Need to Know Before Flying to Amsterdam
- Flight time: About 7 hours from the East Coast; 10–11 hours from the West Coast.
- Main airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), one of Europe’s busiest and well-connected hubs.
- Entry requirements: U.S. citizens do NOT need a visa for stays of less than 90 days. Just bring a valid passport.
- Local transport: The direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes just 15–20 minutes.
- Adapters: Bring a Type C or Type F plug adapter (Euro-style with 230V).
- Money matters: Euros (€) are the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Mobile use: U.S. carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer international plans supporting Amsterdam.
Quick Travel Tips to Save More
- Compare flights to AMS and nearby cities
- Consider hand baggage
- Avoid flying on weekends when airfare typically increases
- Track short-term sales before major holidays or festivals
- Bundle flights with hotels on CheapOair for great deals
Why Travelers Fall in Love with Amsterdam
Amsterdam feels different from other European capitals—intimate, artistic, and effortlessly cool.
The Canal-City Magic
With more than 160 canals and 1,200 bridges, exploring Amsterdam often feels like stepping through a living museum. Evening canal cruises offer some of the best views of 17th-century gabled houses.
Art That Stays With You
- The Van Gogh Museum Anime, manga, arcades, collectibles
- The Rijksmuseum Digital art museums, futuristic waterfront
- The Stedelijk Museum Otome Road, Pokémon Center, Ghibli vibes
- The Anne Frank House, a profoundly moving historical site
Neighborhoods with Personality
Tokyo holds more Michelin-star restaurants than any city in the world, yet some of its best meals come from tiny noodle counters or convenience stores. Try:
- Jordaan: Charming lanes, indie shops, hidden courtyards
- De Pijp: Trendy cafés, street markets, young creative energy
- Noord: Street art, modern architecture, cool waterfront hangouts
- Oud-West: Boutique stores, concept restaurants, local vibes
Only-in-Amsterdam Experiences
- Fresh stroopwafels, poffertjes, and Dutch cheese markets
- Floating flower stalls at Bloemenmarkt
- Open-air picnics in Vondelpark
- Day trips to Haarlem, The Hague, Zaanse Schans, or the tulip fields
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is our cheapest time to fly to Amsterdam from the U.S.?
A. January and February usually offer our lowest fares, mainly from East Coast airports. These months have fewer tourists, colder weather, and excellent winter promotions. If you’re flexible, flying midweek during winter can drop prices significantly, making it the ideal season for budget-conscious travelers.
2. How far in advance should I book my flight to Amsterdam?
A. Most travelers find our best value when booking
6–9 weeks ahead of departure. During high season (June–August), it’s wise to book 2–3 months early, especially for nonstop flights. For winter and fall, spontaneous bookings often still offer good deals due to lower seasonal demand.
3. How do I get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?
A. The NS train is a quick and cheap option—running every few minutes, 24/7, and costing under €5. The journey to Amsterdam Centraal takes only around 15–20 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are available but cost significantly more. For late-night arrivals, night trains and airport buses operate reliably.
4. Which airlines offer direct flights to Amsterdam?
A. KLM, Delta, United, and JetBlue offer nonstop flights from major U.S. hubs, including New York (JFK/EWR), Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Many airlines also offer one-stop connections through European hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Reykjavik if you want more flexibility or lower fares.
5. Is Amsterdam easy to explore without a car?
A. Absolutely. Amsterdam is one of the most walkable and bike-friendly cities in Europe. With efficient public transport, well-marked bike lanes, and compact neighborhoods, you won’t need a car at all. In fact, driving in the city center is often discouraged due to narrow streets and cycling priority
6. What’s a good price for a flight to Amsterdam?
A. A “good price” varies by season and departure city, but East Coast travelers often find round-trip deals between $450–$650. From the West Coast, competitive fares range from $680 to $850. Shoulder-season flights (spring/fall) frequently offer a balance of affordability and great weather.
Find Our Best Deals on Flights to Amsterdam
At CheapOair, we help travelers find cheap flights to Amsterdam from the U.S. and explore the Netherlands comfortably, backed by flexible search tools, real-time alerts, and great travel deals.
Compare fares and start planning your Amsterdam adventure today!