Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Luchthaven Schiphol
Amsterdam, Netherlands · Since 1916
Last updated:
About AMS
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands and one of Europe's largest and most efficient hubs. Located 9 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam, Schiphol is notable for being built on the site of a former lake (Haarlemmermeer), sitting 3 meters below sea level - making it one of the lowest-elevation major airports in the world. The airport operates from a single terminal building with multiple piers, creating an efficient and easy-to-navigate layout. Schiphol is renowned for its excellent connections, cultural amenities (including a branch of the Rijksmuseum), and its role as a major European transfer hub.
Why "AMS"?
AMS comes from Amsterdam, the capital city served by this airport. The name Schiphol may derive from "Scheepshol" (ship hole), referring to a former lake where ships were lost to storms before the area was drained and the land reclaimed in the 1800s.
Hub For
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia
Airlines Operating
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia, easyJet, Vueling, Delta Air Lines, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Finnair, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Air, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Jet2, Norwegian, Ryanair, Corendon Dutch Airlines
Terminals
Departure Hall 1
Departure Hall 1 serves mainly European and Schengen flights. Located at the west side of the airport, it connects to piers B and C. Features efficient security screening and a wide range of shops and restaurants.
Departure Hall 2
Departure Hall 2 handles non-Schengen (international) flights to destinations outside Europe. Connected to piers D and E. This is the primary departure point for intercontinental flights and features extensive duty-free shopping.
Departure Hall 3
Departure Hall 3 handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights and connects to piers F, G, and H. Home to many intercontinental carriers and budget airlines. The Holland Boulevard shopping area between piers G and H is one of the best in the airport.
Departure Hall 4
The newest departure hall at Schiphol, opened to handle growing low-cost carrier traffic. Features a modern design with streamlined security processing. Connected to pier M for budget carrier operations.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at AMS
Showing 8 of 74 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Direct NS trains run to Amsterdam Centraal Station in 15-20 minutes (€5.50), with connections to all Dutch cities and international destinations. Trains run 24/7 with night service to major cities. Connexxion buses serve regional destinations. Taxis to Amsterdam center cost €40-50 (fixed fare). Uber and Bolt available with pickup at designated areas. SchipholHopper shuttle buses connect to hotels. Long-term parking P3 and P4 offer best rates; short-stay P1 is closest to terminal. Secure bicycle parking available for cycling to the airport.
Taxi
€40-50 (~$45-55 USD) fixed rate to Amsterdam city center
20-30 minutes to city center
Public Transport
€5.50 (~$6 USD) train ticket
15-20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal to city center
Parking at AMS
P1 Short-term Parking
P3 Long-term Parking
Holiday Valet Parking
P6 Budget Parking
Airport Lounges
KLM Crown Lounge (Non-Schengen)
KLM flagship lounge for intercontinental travelers. Features a Heineken draft bar, Dutch cheese selection, hot meals, shower facilities, quiet rest zones, and panoramic views of the tarmac. The lounge was redesigned with Delft Blue tile accents and modern Dutch design elements.
KLM Crown Lounge 52 (Schengen)
The Schengen-area Crown Lounge serving European routes. Offers a similar experience to the non-Schengen lounge with hot and cold buffet, drinks including Dutch beer, comfortable seating, and work areas. Shower facilities available for freshening up.
British Airways Lounge
British Airways dedicated lounge in the non-Schengen area. Offers a buffet with British and international dishes, a well-stocked bar with wines and spirits, work stations, and shower facilities. Smaller than some BA lounges but well-maintained.
Privium ClubLounge
Schiphol own premium lounge near Departure Hall 1. Features an elegant design, hot buffet, premium bar with Dutch spirits, shower suites, and a dedicated work area with printers. Privium members enjoy expedited immigration and security.
Aspire Lounge (Non-Schengen)
An independent lounge accessible with most premium credit cards. Located in the non-Schengen area near Departure Hall 3. Offers a buffet, bar, shower facilities, and comfortable seating. Can get busy when multiple long-haul flights depart simultaneously.
Aspire Lounge (Schengen)
The Schengen-side Aspire Lounge provides a quieter alternative to the busy terminal. Light snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating. Smaller and more basic than the non-Schengen version. Good for short European layovers when you need a quiet spot.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
Yotel Amsterdam Schiphol
Airside, in the transit area between piers D and E (after passport control)
Compact, modern cabins available by the hour or overnight, located airside in the transit area. No need to pass through immigration. Perfect for transit passengers with long layovers. Features adjustable smart beds, rain showers, and work desks. Book in 4-hour blocks.
Connected Hotels
Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol
Next to the terminal, 5-minute covered walk through Schiphol Plaza
Modern Hilton property connected to the terminal via Schiphol Plaza. Stylish rooms with airport or garden views. Features Axis Bar and Lounge, fitness center, and meeting rooms. Day rooms available for layover passengers. Slightly quieter than the Sheraton with more contemporary design.
Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center
Connected to Schiphol Plaza via covered walkway, directly above the train station
The most convenient full-service hotel at Schiphol, directly connected via Schiphol Plaza. Walk from the terminal without going outside. Spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, fitness center, and a business center. Day-use rooms available. Popular with business travelers and those with early flights.
Nearby Hotels
citizenM Schiphol Airport
Adjacent to the airport, 7-minute walk from Schiphol Plaza or free shuttle
Trendy, tech-forward hotel with compact but smartly designed rooms. Control lighting, temperature, and blinds via a tablet. Self-check-in kiosks. The canteenM serves meals 24/7. Known for stylish communal spaces with art collections. Great value for the location.
Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal
Short walk from the terminal or free hotel shuttle, on Elzenhof road
Comfortable hotel within walking distance of the terminal. Spacious rooms, on-site restaurant, fitness room, and free parking. A solid mid-range option that is slightly cheaper than the directly connected hotels. Free shuttle to the terminal.
Food & Dining
Rijksmuseum Schiphol
Museum / Cafe
A free mini-museum showcasing Dutch Golden Age paintings from the Rijksmuseum collection, with a small cafe adjacent. Browse masterpieces by Dutch masters while sipping coffee. Rotating exhibitions ensure there is always something new. A truly unique airport cultural experience.
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
FEBO
Dutch Fast Food
The quintessential Dutch fast food experience. Automat-style vending walls dispense hot croquettes, frikandellen, and kaassouffles behind little glass doors. Insert coins, open the door, and grab your snack. A uniquely Dutch experience that is fun, fast, and affordable.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Burger King
Fast Food
Reliable fast food chain with a 24-hour location at Schiphol Plaza. Good for late-night arrivals or very early departures when other restaurants are closed. Dutch menu includes items not found in other countries.
24 hours (Schiphol Plaza location)
Albert Heijn To Go
Convenience Store / Deli
Netherlands largest supermarket chain has compact airport stores selling fresh sandwiches, salads, fruit, drinks, and Dutch snacks at supermarket prices (much cheaper than airport restaurants). Stroopwafels, cheese, and chocolate make great souvenirs. Best value food at Schiphol.
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sushi & Co
Japanese Sushi
Fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese bento boxes prepared on-site. A lighter and healthier alternative to typical airport food. The salmon and tuna rolls use high-quality fish. Quick service for travelers in a hurry.
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
La Place
Market-Style International
Popular Dutch market-style restaurant where you pick dishes as you walk through stations offering salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, stir-fry, and desserts. Fresh ingredients and made-to-order options. Good vegetarian selection. One of the best value sit-down options at Schiphol.
6:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Schiphol Plaza, ground level car rental area
Europcar
Schiphol Plaza, ground level car rental area
Avis
Schiphol Plaza, ground level car rental area
Sixt
Schiphol Plaza, ground level car rental area
Budget
Schiphol Plaza, ground level car rental area
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Rijksmuseum Schiphol Gallery
A free mini-museum on Holland Boulevard (between piers E and F) showcasing original Dutch Golden Age masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum collection. Rotating exhibitions ensure there is always something new. The only airport museum in the world with original masterworks. Open to all transit passengers.
Holland Boulevard Shopping
The main shopping street between piers, featuring Dutch souvenir shops with Delft Blue pottery, stroopwafels, tulip bulbs, and Dutch cheese. Tax-free shopping for non-EU travelers. The See Buy Fly store offers competitive duty-free prices on perfumes, cosmetics, and electronics.
Schiphol Airport Observation Terrace
An outdoor panorama terrace accessible from the terminal offering views of the runway and aircraft operations. Great for plane spotting with informational displays about aircraft types. Accessible landside from Schiphol Plaza. Seasonal opening hours (generally April through October).
Nap at Yotel
Book a compact cabin at the airside Yotel for a few hours of rest. Comfortable beds, rain showers, and a quiet environment. Cabins are available in 4-hour blocks. No need to clear immigration - perfect for transit passengers. The smartly designed space maximizes comfort in a small footprint.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Explore Haarlem
Take the train to charming Haarlem (15 minutes from Schiphol). Explore the medieval Grote Markt square, visit the Frans Hals Museum, and browse independent shops and cafes. Less crowded than Amsterdam with equally beautiful Dutch architecture. A perfect short layover excursion.
Visit Amsterdam Canal Ring
Take the train to Amsterdam Centraal (15 minutes) and explore the UNESCO World Heritage canal ring. Walk along Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Visit the Anne Frank House (booking required) or the Rijksmuseum. Take a canal boat tour for a unique perspective. Allow 4-6 hours total.
Day Trip to Keukenhof Gardens
Seasonal attraction open mid-March to mid-May. Direct bus from Schiphol to the world famous tulip gardens (30 minutes). Over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths on display. A breathtaking experience if your layover coincides with the season. Book tickets online in advance.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type C/F (European two-pin), USB charging stations throughout
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: €7-10 per item per 24 hours at Schiphol Luggage storage in Schiphol Plaza
- Showers: Free in airline lounges; paid options at Yotel (€16 for shower only)
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Euro (EUR / €)
- Exchange: GWK Travelex counters in Arrivals Hall and throughout piers. ING ATMs available throughout the airport. Schiphol Plaza has additional exchange options.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (main counters), some ATMs 24 hours
- Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in the Netherlands as service charges are included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up to the nearest euro.
ATMs generally offer better exchange rates than currency exchange counters. Many places in the Netherlands accept contactless card payments, reducing the need for cash. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted.
Smoking Areas
Schiphol is largely smoke-free. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available before security on the departures level. No smoking areas airside since 2020.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +31-20-794-0800
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need only a valid ID. Citizens of 60+ countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. ETIAS authorization will be required for visa-exempt travelers.
Insider Tips
Schiphol's single-terminal design makes connections easier than most major hubs. Security can have very long queues during peak hours (especially early morning) - arrive early or consider Fast Track. The Rijksmuseum annex is worth a visit even on short connections. Buy cheese and stroopwafels as gifts - they're significantly cheaper than in the city. KLM and SkyTeam passengers can use the excellent Crown Lounge 25. Immigration for non-EU passengers can be slow - allow extra time for non-Schengen arrivals. The airport has excellent sustainable initiatives - tap water is free and safe to drink. Consider a Privium membership for frequent travelers for faster processing.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol - a free museum showcasing Dutch Golden Age masterpieces airside (post-security). Holland Boulevard features traditional Dutch products including cheese, stroopwafels, tulip bulbs, Delftware, and Dutch gin. See Buy Fly duty-free shopping. Casino past security for gaming. Panorama Terrace with views of aircraft operations. YOTEL Schiphol for transit stays without clearing immigration. Numerous lounges including KLM Crown Lounges, Aspire Lounges, and Privium Lounge. Free WiFi throughout. Meditation Centre for quiet reflection. Library with Dutch and English books. Shower facilities in lounges and paid options airside.
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