Flights from London to Amsterdam

London to Amsterdam flights land at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) after a flight of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Direct flights leave from all six London airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend. British Airways, KLM and easyJet fly the route direct.

Over the last few days, the cheapest London to Amsterdam flight found on Opodo was £32. Fares change with your dates, so comparing a few days around your trip can find you a lower price.

London has six airports, and all of them have flights to Amsterdam:

• Heathrow Airport (LHR): London's largest airport, about 25km west of the centre, reached by the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line
• Gatwick Airport (LGW): about 47km south, reached by the Gatwick Express from Victoria
• Stansted Airport (STN): known for low-cost flights to Europe, reached by the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street
• Luton Airport (LTN): a hub for budget airlines, reached by train to Luton Airport Parkway and the Luton DART
• London City Airport (LCY): near Canary Wharf and the City of London, on the DLR, handy for business travellers and short breaks
• Southend Airport (SEN): a smaller airport in Essex, with trains from Liverpool Street

Amsterdam Schiphol is the city's only international airport, and all flights from London land there. It lies south-west of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer.

Schiphol is built around a single terminal, where three departure halls serve all airlines.

The train is the quickest way into the city. Schiphol station sits under the terminal: from arrivals, head to Schiphol Plaza and take a lift or escalator to the platforms.

NS trains run to Amsterdam and cities further afield every 15 minutes in the day and every hour from 1am to 6am. SNCB trains run on to Belgium.

Just outside the Plaza is the main bus station: bus 397 runs to the city centre, and R-net buses serve the wider region. Taxis and car hire are here too.

Amsterdam Schiphol has services to make your arrival or departure easier.

Travellers with young children can use the dedicated Baby Care areas.

Shops cover major clothing and electronics brands. For last-minute gifts, try The House of Tulips and Say Cheese, and pick up forgotten supplies at the Boots pharmacy in the Plaza.

Dining ranges from fast food chains to coffee houses. For a sit-down meal, Kebaya and Jamie's Deli are more upmarket.

Winter is the cheapest time to fly to Amsterdam, apart from the December holidays. Dark nights and weather put some tourists off, which means a quieter city trip, and clear, sunny days make it a fine low-cost break.

July and August bring the best weather, with an average temperature of 22°C, sunny days and a light breeze. That is perfect for cycling along the canals and stopping for an al fresco coffee.

September is quieter and only slightly cooler. In April, King's Day turns the streets and canals orange.

Before you travel: UK passport holders can visit the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days. The passport must have been issued less than 10 years before entry and be valid for at least 3 months after you leave.

At the border, the EU Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and a facial scan, and officials may ask for proof of accommodation, a return ticket and enough funds.

Amsterdam is a thriving capital built on its maritime heritage. Places to start with:

• Royal Palace: the former town hall on Dam Square
• Rijksmuseum: Dutch history and works by the Dutch masters
• Anne Frank House: the hiding place of a Jewish girl and her family during the Nazi occupation in the Second World War
• Van Gogh Museum: the largest collection of the post-impressionist's work, with an immersive 3D experience
• Heineken Museum: an interactive brewing experience for beer lovers

Amsterdam is a cycling city, and many locals get about by bike. Small independent rental shops hire bikes with maps of the cycle lanes in and out of the city.

Boat trips run along the interconnecting canals, and the nightlife is lively. Some of the best restaurants need booking in advance.