Amsterdam Airport Guide

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the Netherlands' main international airport and KLM's home hub, about 15 km southwest of Amsterdam. Its biggest advantage is the layout: one connected passenger terminal opens into several departure halls and gate piers.

You can walk between the piers without taking a terminal train or bus. The part that adds time is the border between the Schengen and non-Schengen zones, where passport control may be required. Gate D is split between both zones, so use the full gate number—not just the letter—when judging your route.

Good news: the railway station is directly below Schiphol Plaza. If Amsterdam is your destination, the train is usually the simplest first choice.

Direct answer: most connections at AMS are a signed walk through the same terminal. Check the monitor or Schiphol app for the current gate, then follow Transfer signs. Do not walk toward baggage reclaim unless your airline tells you to collect your bag.

Passport control and security

• Schengen to Schengen: no routine passport control.
• Schengen to non-Schengen, or the reverse: expect passport control.
• Security: whether you are screened again depends on where your arriving flight originated. Follow the transfer route shown at the airport instead of assuming that every international arrival uses the same process.

If you do not yet have the next boarding pass, use your airline's transfer desk or self-service option. Schiphol says checked bags are transferred automatically most of the time on connected itineraries. Separate tickets are the catch: expect to collect the bag, enter the Netherlands if required, check in again, and clear departure controls.

How much connection time to allow at AMS

KLM publishes minimum transfer times of 40 minutes for Schengen flights and 50 minutes for non-Schengen flights. Those are operational minimums, not relaxed planning targets. Our preference is 75 to 90 minutes when passport control is involved or your gates are far apart. If you need mobility assistance, KLM recommends at least 2.5 hours.

For a delay-shortened connection, scan your boarding pass where the airport or KLM directs you. Eligible travellers can receive a Short Connection Pass for priority at the relevant control. If you miss a protected connection, go to the airline transfer desk; if you booked separate tickets, rebooking protection may not apply.

Best for central Amsterdam: take the train from the station directly beneath Schiphol Plaza. It reaches Amsterdam Centraal in about 14 to 17 minutes, with up to eight trains an hour during the daytime.

Take a bus for a nearby hotel or town that is not convenient by rail. Choose a taxi when door-to-door travel matters more than cost, especially with bulky luggage or a late arrival. Always check the live NS or 9292 journey planner before heading to the platform.

Use the official taxi stand in front of Schiphol Plaza for a metered taxi. Follow the airport's taxi signs and ignore unsolicited offers inside the terminal.

Uber and Bolt use a separate signed App pick-up point. Request the ride when you are ready to follow the wayfinding to that stop; the driver's app should show the current pickup instructions. Price varies with traffic and demand, so compare the app quote with the convenience of the official rank.

The NS train is usually the fastest public-transport option for Amsterdam and many other Dutch cities. Schiphol Airport station is immediately below the terminal.

To Amsterdam Centraal

1. Follow signs from Arrivals to the train station (beneath the terminal)
2. Check in with a contactless bank card or phone at the yellow reader, or buy a ticket at a machine
3. Check the departure board for Amsterdam Centraal and the correct platform
4. Allow about 14 to 17 minutes on a direct train
5. Tap out with the same card or device when you arrive

Daytime service runs up to eight times an hour. Fares and platforms can change, so use the NS journey planner for the exact trip rather than relying on a saved screenshot.

Night Service

Rail service to Schiphol runs through the night, but it is less frequent than in the daytime. Check the live planner, especially during engineering works.

Regional Connections

Direct trains also link Schiphol with cities including Utrecht, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam. Check the destination display carefully: a train that serves Amsterdam Zuid does not necessarily continue to Amsterdam Centraal.

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