Cheap Flights from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

When you leave the capital of the United States for Amsterdam, you are going from a city that exists to create laws to one that is somewhat relaxed about many things Americans would find illegal. You will do better if you speak Dutch, but it is not absolutely required. Shops close at 6 p.m., and the residents can seem a bit direct. However, there is definitely a live and let live attitude in Amsterdam.

Your Route Options and Flight Information You Can Use

You can fly to Amsterdam on Aer Lingus, KLM, Lufthansa, Iceland Air, Austrian Airlines, Swiss Air, United, and Alitalia. Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner’s flight search page. If you have some time before you plan to fly, set price alerts so you will know when the price of your flight goes up or down.

Your Departure Airport: Washington Dulles Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport offers many food choices, including &Pizza, Au Bon Pain, Auntie Anne’s, Bistro Atelier, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill. You can shop at America!, Bluwire Electronics, Burberry, and Coach. The airport offers an arts program that includes exhibits, performances, and sculptures.

Construction around the airport may slow traffic or cause lane closures, so be prepared for delays. The airport is located at 1 Saarinen Circle, Dulles, VA 20166.

It is highly recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your departure to allow time to get through security.

What to Expect in Amsterdam Airport

Known as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, this international airport is twenty minutes from Amsterdam. Restaurants include Axis Lobby and Cocktail Bar and Bowery Restaurant in the Hilton Hotel at the airport. In the airport itself, you will find Restaurant Adam, De Jonge Dikkert, Happy Seafood, Leon, De Halve Maen and Teppanyaki Restaurant. The airport also boasts world-class art exhibits that change twice a year.

Lounges include the Aspire Lounge, British Airways Galleries Lounge, and two KLM Crown Lounges.

You can use Skyscanner’s free car rental tool to reserve your car at this airport.

What You Need for Security

United States travelers do not need a visa to enter Amsterdam. You will need a passport and official identification.

Time Zone

Amsterdam is six hours ahead of Washington, D.C.

Climate You Can Expect in Amsterdam

Winters can drive temperatures down to 32 degrees in January and February. July and August temperatures can rise to 70 degrees. Average monthly rainy days come to about 10. The greatest rainfall tends to be in November, and the least rain tends to fall in April.

Prices You Will Encounter in Amsterdam

Most items are less expensive in Amsterdam than they are in Washington, D.C., except for restaurants. Amsterdam tends to be 5% higher when it comes to dining. An inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $18 for a meal. Two people eating a three-course meal at a medium-priced restaurant will pay around $70. A fast-food meal will cost $10. A one-mile taxi ride costs around $4. A gallon of gasoline is around $7.

Traveler's Advisory

Many coffee shops actually sell drugs, and you may be offered substances on the street. Street substances can be dangerous. Bicycles have the right of way, and pedestrians would be wise to remain alert, because bicyclists can be aggressive.