# Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

> Amsterdam, NL · 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of Amsterdam

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/ams
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/ams.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: AMS
- **ICAO**: EHAM
- **Timezone**: Europe/Amsterdam
- **Runways**: 6
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 61.9M/yr
- **Worldwide rank**: #11
- **Hub for**: KLM, easyJet, Transavia
- **Official site**: https://www.schiphol.nl/

## Overview

## Welcome

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) offers a unique blend of travel and culture, resembling a self-contained Dutch shopping mall with its vast array of amenities and attractions under a single terminal. It's not just a hub but also a cultural center featuring an in-airport mini Rijksmuseum and a deep food scene, making it an attractive spot for travelers looking to enjoy a long layover. Located just 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of Amsterdam, the airport also boasts an integrated train station, making your journey to the city swift and easy.

## At a glance

Handling 61.9 million passengers annually, AMS is supported by six runways and serves as a hub for airlines such as KLM, easyJet, and Transavia. Its single-terminal design stretches like a network, laid out in a way that all amenities are easily accessible. While you'll find the usual hustle and bustle, the airport is celebrated for allowing quick connections — a rarity among major European hubs.

## Terminals & layout

Schiphol's single terminal is divided into various piers: B to G for the Schengen and non-Schengen areas. While this design simplifies navigation, the distances can be deceptive, sometimes requiring a 20-minute walk from one end to the other. Knowing your gate ahead of time can save you from last-minute dashes between piers. Map apps, like those from Schiphol and KLM, are incredibly handy for planning your route.

## Getting to and from the city

Transport to Amsterdam city center is a breeze, thanks to the railway station directly beneath the terminal. The NS Intercity and Sprinter trains run frequently, getting you to Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes for just €5–6. Taxis and rideshares are available, but they can take longer during peak times and cost around €50–70. For budget-conscious travelers, the NS Sprinter trains are the most economical option, and if you're venturing further, trains to Rotterdam cost €12–17.

## Traveller essentials

Prepare for some walking, especially if you're connecting between distant gates. Security processes can be tight during peak hours, sometimes taking over an hour to navigate, so building some buffer time into your schedule is wise. If you smoke, be aware there are no smoking areas airside; you'll need to exit the terminal and re-clear security, a headache that often surprises connecting passengers.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Schiphol's dining scene offers something for everyone. You can enjoy a quick bite at McDonald's or a more sophisticated meal at Bubbles Seafood and Wine Bar. For a truly Dutch experience, head to Tastes from the Lowlands or Grand Cafe Het Paviljoen. Shopping at Schiphol Plaza's HEMA is a savvy local trick for avoiding higher airside prices. Cruise through stores like Victoria's Secret, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton for retail therapy during your layover.

## Lounges

The airport offers ten lounges, suiting a range of needs. The KLM Crown Lounge is a highlight, allowing access for €60-€75, with facilities positioned in both Schengen and non-Schengen areas. Aspire lounges 26 and 41 provide alternative, more budget-friendly options at €38-€40 for entry. Frequent flyers vouch for Privium lounges if you're looking for a quieter spot, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** If you have a tight connection between Schengen and non-Schengen flights, use the lounge level stairs to bypass crowded central checkpoints.

- **Money:** Grab snacks and essentials at the HEMA in Schiphol Plaza to avoid airside markups.

- **Avoid:** Note that all smoking rooms are closed; plan accordingly if you’re a smoker.

- **Time:** Stick to the train for trips into Amsterdam; it's typically faster and significantly cheaper than a taxi.

- **Quiet:** Seek refuge at the Rijksmuseum near the E/F gates for a calm and culture-rich layover.

- **Time:** Budget 45–60 minutes for transfers between far-flung gates to keep your layover stress-free.

 **Insider:** Don't overlook the upstairs lounge level for less crowded dining and coffee options.

## Terminals (1)

- **Amsterdam Airport Schiphol single terminal**
  A single terminal serving all flights.

## Dining (22)

- **Bread**
- **Bubbles Seafood and Wine Bar**
- **Burger King**
- **Cafe Cocoon**
- **Cafe Comunal**
- **Cafe Rembrandt**
- **Dutch Kitchen** — 1
- **Grand Cafe Het Paviljoen**
- **Happy Seafood** — 0
- **Juicy Details**
- **La Place** — 0
- **LEON**
- **McDonald's**
- **Mediterranean Sandwich Bar**
- **Park Cafe**
- **Per Tutti**
- **Starbucks**
- **Tastes from the Lowlands** — 0
- **The Irish Pub**
- **Two Tigers**
- **Vlaamse Frites**
- **Wagamama**

## Lounges (10)

- **Aspire Lounge 26** — Schengen, Lounge 1, Priority Pass · €38-€40
- **Aspire Lounge 41** — Non-Schengen, Lounge 2, Priority Pass · €38-€40
- **ASPIRE Lounge 41 Annex** — Non-Schengen, selected carriers
- **KLM Crown Lounge 25** — Schengen, Lounge 1 · €60-€75
- **KLM Crown Lounge 52** — Non-Schengen, between E and F · €60-€75
- **oneworld Lounge 40** — Non-Schengen, between D and E
- **Primeclass Lounge** — Non-Schengen, Lounge 3
- **Privium ClubLounge** — Airside, Schengen · €45-€65
- **Privium ClubLounge West** — Airside, non-Schengen · €45-€65
- **Star Alliance Lounge** — Non-Schengen, Lounge 2 · €50

## Shops (27)

- **AKO**
- **Aviflora**
- **Chocolates & Liquor** — Gourmet
- **DA Pharmacy** — Beauty
- **Donsje** — Fashion
- **Dutch Food Gifts**
- **Fashion & Travel**
- **Flower Shop**
- **Gassan** — Fashion
- **Gucci** — Fashion
- **HEMA** — Fashion
- **Henri Willig Cheese**
- **House of Tulips**
- **Leonidas**
- **Louis Vuitton** — Fashion
- **My Jewellery** — Fashion
- **Perfumes & Cosmetics** — Beauty
- **Rituals** — Beauty
- **Rolex** — Fashion
- **Samsung Experience Store**
- **See Buy Buy**
- **See Buy Fly**
- **Sunglasses** — Fashion
- **Swarovski**
- **Today Duty Free** — Duty Free
- **Travel & Business**
- **Victoria's Secret** — Fashion

## Parking (8)

- **Holiday Parking** — Economy long-stay · : No price mentioned/day, : No price mentioned/hr
- **P1 Short-Term Parking** — Short-stay · : Premium pricing mentioned but exact amount not specified/day, : Premium pricing mentioned but exact amount not specified/hr
- **P3 Long-Term Parking** — Long-stay · : No price mentioned/day, : No price mentioned/hr
- **P6 Valet Parking** — Valet · : No price mentioned/day, : No price mentioned/hr
- **Park and Fly** — Off-site economy · 17.50/day, : No price mentioned/hr
- **Park and Travel** — Off-site economy · : No price mentioned/day, : No price mentioned/hr
- **Privium Parking** — Members parking · : No price mentioned/day, : No price mentioned/hr
- **Terminal Valet Parking** — Premium valet · : No price mentioned/day, : No price mentioned/hr

## Ground transport (13)

- **Bolt** — Rideshare · Travel time similar to other cars: about 25–45 minutes Schiphol–central Amsterdam in normal traffic. · User reports often show Bolt fares a few euros lower than Uber for Schiphol–central Amsterdam, typically around €30–45 when not surging. · No scheduled frequency; Reddit users indicate typical wait times of 5–15 minutes when ordering from Schiphol during the day.
- **Bus 197 Airport Express** — Bus · > not applicable · > not applicable · > not applicable
- **Bus 300 R-net** — Bus · Traveler reports mention approximately 35–45 minutes Schiphol–Haarlem on bus 300 in normal traffic. · Users report Schiphol–Haarlem on bus 300 as around €3–5 when paid via OV-chip/contactless, depending on distance. · Commuters describe daytime frequencies of roughly every 7–10 minutes, dropping to every 15–30 minutes late evening and overnight.
- **Bus 397 Schiphol Airport Express** — Bus · Typical user‑reported runtime 30–40 minutes Schiphol–Leidseplein in light traffic, up to 45–60 minutes in rush hour. · User reports quote standard regional bus fares; Schiphol–Leidseplein/Museumplein on 397 around €6–7 single when paid normally, with special tourist tickets costing more. · Reddit discussions describe daytime frequency about every 7–10 minutes, dropping to every 15–20 minutes in late evening; overnight service continues as N97 with lower frequency.
- **Connexxion Hotel Shuttle** — Shared van · Reported door‑to‑door times commonly 45–90 minutes depending on traffic and number of hotel stops. · Reddit users mention per‑person pricing in the €18–25 range one‑way depending on hotel and booking channel. · Users describe shuttles leaving roughly every 20–30 minutes during the day, but exact headways depend on demand and are not fixed like a bus timetable.
- **Eurolines** — Intercity coach · > not applicable · > not applicable · > not applicable
- **FlixBus** — Intercity coach · Example trips like Amsterdam–Brussels reported at 3–4 hours depending on traffic and intermediate stops. · User‑posted screenshots show Amsterdam–nearby international routes as low as €10–20 one‑way when booked in advance, sometimes higher close‑in. · Redditors mention multiple FlixBus departures per day on popular routes from Amsterdam Sloterdijk/Bijlmer, but exact frequencies vary by route and season.
- **Intercity to Amsterdam Centraal** — Train · Intercity Schiphol–Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes according to numerous traveler trip reports on Reddit. · User reports around €5–6 one‑way 2nd class Schiphol–Amsterdam Centraal when using ticket machines, slightly less via OV-chip/contactless. · Roughly 4–6 trains per hour for most of the day as shown in NS screenshots shared in Schiphol–Centraal advice threads.
- **Intercity to Rotterdam Centraal** — Train · User reported times of around 50 minutes on regular Intercity; around 25–30 minutes if using Intercity Direct supplement. · Regular Intercity Schiphol–Rotterdam around €12–17 2nd class one‑way reported in user fare examples; Intercity Direct requires an additional €2–4 supplement. · Reddit NS timetable screenshots show approximately 2–4 Intercity trains per hour from Schiphol to Rotterdam (mix of Direct and non‑Direct) across the daytime.
- **NS Intercity Direct** — Train · Schiphol–Rotterdam in about 25–30 min according to user‑reported timings in Reddit threads comparing Intercity Direct vs regular Intercity. · Supplement roughly €2–4 on top of regular fare Schiphol–Rotterdam/Breda, depending on time of day, per NS fare tables cited in Dutch transit discussions. · Generally 4x per hour most of the day on Schiphol–Rotterdam leg, per schedules shared and discussed in /r/thenetherlands train advice threads.
- **NS Sprinter** — Train · Typical Schiphol–Amsterdam Sloterdijk/Lelylaan runs in the 10–20 min range per user-shared trip times in Amsterdam transit advice threads. · Standard NS 2nd‑class fare zone-based; Schiphol–nearby suburban stations discussed as around €3–5 in user fare breakdowns on /r/thenetherlands. · Most core Sprinter routes from Schiphol run 2–4x per hour, with reduced frequency late at night, according to NS timetable screenshots shared on Reddit.
- **Taxi Schiphol** — Taxi · Typical travel time reported as 25–40 minutes to central Amsterdam in light to moderate traffic, up to an hour in rush hour. · Reddit reports commonly cite €50–70 for Schiphol–central Amsterdam by official taxi, depending on time and traffic. · No schedule; taxis are generally available around the clock at the official rank, though queues can form at peak arrival times.
- **Uber** — Rideshare · Typical reported travel times 25–45 minutes Schiphol–central Amsterdam depending on traffic; can be 60+ minutes in rush hour. · Reddit fare examples show UberX Schiphol–central Amsterdam usually in the €35–50 range without heavy surge, varying by time and traffic. · No fixed frequency; multiple users say cars are usually available within 5–10 minutes during daytime and evening hours around Schiphol.

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: If you have a tight connection between Schengen and non-Schengen flights, use the lounge level stairs to bypass crowded central checkpoints.
- _Money_: Grab snacks and essentials at the HEMA in Schiphol Plaza to avoid airside markups.
- _Avoid_: Note that all smoking rooms are closed; plan accordingly if you’re a smoker.
- _Time_: Stick to the train for trips into Amsterdam; it's typically faster and significantly cheaper than a taxi.
- _Quiet_: Seek refuge at the Rijksmuseum near the E/F gates for a calm and culture-rich layover.
- _Time_: Budget 45–60 minutes for transfers between far-flung gates to keep your layover stress-free.
- _Insider_: Don't overlook the upstairs lounge level for less crowded dining and coffee options.