Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main international airport of the Netherlands and one of Europe's busiest hubs, located approximately 15 km southwest of Amsterdam city center. Notably, the airport sits 3 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest-elevation major airports in the world.

Schiphol uses a single-terminal concept divided into three departure halls, all connected airside. The terminal radiates into multiple piers:

• Departure Hall 1: Piers B and C (Schengen flights)
• Departure Hall 2: Piers D and E (D is split-level: lower for non-Schengen, upper for Schengen; E is non-Schengen)
• Departure Hall 3: Piers F, G, H, and M (primarily non-Schengen; M is a low-cost bus-gate pier)

Schiphol is the primary hub for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and a major SkyTeam alliance hub. The airport handles over 70 million passengers annually and is renowned for efficient connections, with short minimum connection times compared to other major European hubs.

Schiphol is located 15 km southwest of Amsterdam city center. The airport's train station sits directly beneath the terminal, making rail the most efficient transport option.

Typical travel times:

• Amsterdam Centraal: 15-17 min by train
• Amsterdam city center by taxi: 25-40 min (traffic dependent)
• The Hague: 30 min by train
• Rotterdam: 50 min by train
• Utrecht: 35 min by train

Uber and Bolt are both available at Schiphol. The pickup location is at Koepelstraat, approximately 5 minutes walk from Schiphol Plaza (follow signs for rideshare pickup).

Fares to Amsterdam city center:

• Uber/Bolt: €35-55 depending on vehicle type and demand
• Traditional taxi: €45-60 (metered, minimum €35)
• Fixed-rate private transfers: from €40

Tips:

• Surge pricing can increase rideshare costs during peak arrivals
• Uber Reserve allows scheduling up to 90 days ahead with locked pricing
• Traditional taxis queue outside Schiphol Plaza - expect similar or higher prices than rideshare

The NS (Dutch Railways) train is the fastest and most economical way to reach Amsterdam.

To Amsterdam Centraal

1. Follow signs from Arrivals to the train station (beneath the terminal)
2. Purchase tickets at yellow NS machines or use contactless payment at gates
3. Take any train marked for Amsterdam Centraal
4. Journey time: 15-17 minutes
5. Trains depart up to 8 times per hour between 05:30 and 01:00

Fares (2025):

• Single e-ticket: €5.50-5.90
• With disposable OV-chipkaart: €6.20 (2nd class) / €9.84 (1st class)
• 40% discount outside peak hours (06:30-09:00 and 16:00-18:30 weekdays)

Night Service

After midnight, NS Nachtnet (night trains) run hourly to Amsterdam. Fares are higher (approximately €10).

Regional Connections

Direct trains run to:

• Rotterdam Centraal: 50 min, €16
• The Hague (Den Haag): 30 min, €10
• Utrecht Centraal: 35 min, €10

Schiphol offers multiple parking options ranging from short-term to long-stay.

P1 (Short-Term / Holiday Parking)

• Location: 2-6 minute walk from terminal
• Rate: €2.50 per 20 minutes, €55 per 24 hours (max 48 hours without reservation)
• Long stays: Must book online at least 2 hours ahead; otherwise €100/day after 48 hours
• Covered: Mostly covered, 3,900 spaces

P3 Long-Term Parking

• Location: 5-minute free shuttle to terminal (runs every 10 min, 24/7)
• Covered rate: €51/day first day, €95 for 48 hours, then ~€12/additional day
• Open-air rate: €51/day first day, €85 for 48 hours, then ~€12/additional day
• 14-day rate: from €101 (online booking)

Tip: Book online through Schiphol Smart Parking for discounts up to 50%.

Schiphol offers extensive dining options both before and after security.

Schiphol Plaza (Before Security)

• La Place: Self-service Dutch chain with fresh options (7am-midnight)
• Grand Cafe Plaza: 24-hour casual dining
• LEON: Healthy fast food (7am-9pm)
• Burger King: 24-hour fast food
• HEMA Food: Budget Dutch snacks and meals

Airside (After Security)

• Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar (Lounge 2): High-quality seafood, recommended for pre-flight dining
• Dutch Kitchen (Holland Boulevard): Local cuisine, pleasant atmosphere
• Kebaya: Pan-Asian cuisine
• The Grill: Steaks and international fare
• Jamie's Deli: Fresh sandwiches and salads

Budget tip: Albert Heijn (Dutch supermarket) has airside locations with affordable sandwiches, snacks, and meals.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.

• Network name: Airport_Free_WiFi
• Duration: 4 hours per session (reconnect for additional time)
• Quality: Adequate for browsing and email; can slow during peak hours
• How to connect: Select network, enter name and email on registration page

Faster connections available in airline lounges.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though prices are higher than in the city.

Airport Locations

• Airport Telecom (between Arrivals 1 and 2): Vodafone, Lycamobile
• Service Point (between Arrivals 3 and 4): Multiple carriers
• KPN kiosks (Arrivals hall)

Pricing

Airport prices are elevated (expect €40 for 10-12GB). For better value, visit a KPN, Vodafone, or Odido (formerly T-Mobile) store in Amsterdam city center where prepaid SIMs start from €5-10.

Good to know: No ID required for Dutch prepaid SIMs. EU roaming is included on standard plans.

ATMs are available throughout the airport in all three departure halls and at Schiphol Plaza. Major Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) have machines available.

Currency exchange desks (GWK Travelex) are located in arrivals and departures, but airport exchange rates include significant markups. Using your bank card at ATMs or services like Wise typically offers better rates.

Currency: Euro (€)

Schiphol offers extensive shopping, including the new Today Duty Free concept launched in 2025.

Duty-Free Highlights

• Today Duty Free (Lounge 1): 1,500 m2 flagship store with perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, and confectionery - prices average 25% below Dutch retail
• See Buy Fly: Traditional duty-free throughout the airport

Unique to Schiphol

• Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol (Holland Boulevard, between E and F): Free mini-museum with original Dutch masters paintings
• Rijksmuseum Shop: Reproductions, art books, Dutch-inspired jewelry and gifts

General Shopping

• Albert Heijn: Dutch supermarket for affordable snacks
• HEMA: Dutch department store essentials
• Tulips: Multiple flower shops selling bulbs and fresh flowers
• Dutch cheese shops: Gouda and other Dutch specialties

Schiphol has multiple lounge options depending on your status and destination.

KLM Crown Lounges

• Crown Lounge 52 (Non-Schengen, near F gates): 6,800 m2 over two levels, 1,500 capacity, 20 free showers, sleeping cabins available (€50 for 3 hours, €75 for 5 hours), outdoor terrace
• Crown Lounge 25 (Schengen): Smaller but well-appointed with buffet, working areas, showers

Access: KLM/Air France Business Class, Flying Blue Gold/Platinum, SkyTeam Elite Plus. One guest permitted. Day passes available (approximately €50).

Priority Pass Lounges

• Aspire Lounge 26 (Lounge 1, Schengen): After security on second floor
• Aspire Lounge 41 (Lounge 2, E-Pier)

Note: KLM Crown Lounges are not part of Priority Pass.

Other Options

• Paid day access is available at most lounges (check current rates at the door)
• Premium credit cards (Amex Platinum, certain Mastercards) may provide access

Several hotels are connected to or near the terminal.

At/Adjacent to the Airport

• Sheraton Amsterdam Airport: Connected to terminal above the train station, soundproof rooms, from €197/night
• Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: 5-7 minute covered walkway to terminal, 433 rooms, spa and fitness, from €198/night
• CitizenM Schiphol Airport: 4-minute walk from arrivals, tech-forward compact rooms, 24/7 food service, from €136/night

Airside (Transit Only)

• YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol (Lounge 2): Cabins bookable from 4 hours, ideal for layovers
• Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal (Lounge 3): Day/night rooms for transit passengers only

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most accessible capitals, with world-class culture just 15 minutes from the airport.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Anne Frank House	30-35 min	Train to Centraal + tram 13/17
Rijksmuseum	35-40 min	Train to Centraal + tram 2/5
Van Gogh Museum	35-40 min	Train to Centraal + tram 2/5
Dam Square	25-30 min	Train to Centraal + 5 min walk
Jordaan neighborhood	30-35 min	Train to Centraal + 10 min walk

Travel Tips

• Purchase an OV-chipkaart (public transit card) for easier travel - available at Schiphol station
• The I amsterdam City Card includes transit and museum entry
• Most attractions are walkable from Amsterdam Centraal
• Bike rental is quintessentially Dutch - many shops near Centraal station
• Book Anne Frank House tickets well in advance (often sold out weeks ahead)

Day Trip Ideas

• Keukenhof Gardens (spring only): 30 min by bus from Schiphol
• Haarlem: 20 min by train, charming historic center
• The Hague: 30 min by train, Mauritshuis museum, beach at Scheveningen
• Rotterdam: 50 min by train, modern architecture, Markthal food hall