Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS, pronounced SKIP-hol) sits on land that was once an inland sea. It’s among the busiest airports in the world, serving 76 airlines across nearly 14 million square feet. For first-timers, it can feel intimidating.
However, with some planning, Schiphol offers a pleasant experience. You’ll find hidden gems like a free library and an outpost of the renowned Rijksmuseum. In addition, a €3 billion infrastructure renovation is currently underway, which will undoubtedly improve the passenger experience.
As a resident of Amsterdam, I’ve flown through Schiphol countless times. Here’s how to make your next visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Getting to and from Schiphol
I find Schiphol’s connectivity to local and regional public transportation incredibly convenient and budget-friendly. There’s a train station at the lower level and bus connections just outside, so you can easily zip into the city center.
Getting to Schiphol by train
Train is my preferred mode of travel to and from Schiphol. It’s reliable, easy to use and cheap. A trip is a little more expensive than a cup of gourmet coffee – rideshare services and taxis can cost up to ten times more. Plus, you’ll avoid any traffic issues.
Outside baggage claim at AMS, just look for the signs to the trains. Large screens show departure information, and you can buy a ticket by tapping your credit card to “check in” on the scanners next to the escalators, which access the station on the lower level. Ticket machines are also available in Arrivals and Schiphol Plaza, and there’s an NS International counter at Schiphol Plaza nearby).
Trains run eight times per hour to Amsterdam Centraal Station, as well as regular direct service to other main hubs throughout the city like Rotterdam and The Hague.
Taking the bus to and from Schiphol
Buses stop outside the main terminal (look for the famous “I Amsterdam” sign that was moved from the city center). An excellent option for reaching many landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum, is bus Line 397, also called the Amsterdam Airport Express. It runs about every 10 minutes from stop B17, and the N97 line runs all through the night.
For all public transportation, you’ll need to check in and out with your credit card or ticket. For trains, look for the scanner terminals. On buses and trams, just hold your card against the small scanner at the door.
Before arriving at Schiphol
If it’s your first time at Schiphol, a little advance planning goes a long way. I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking to reach the gates. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone needing assistance, consider bringing a stroller or arranging a wheelchair through your airline, tour operator, or travel agency at least 48 hours in advance.
During peak travel periods like summer and winter holidays, allow plenty of extra time, as Schiphol can get famously busy. I recommend arriving two hours before flights within the European Union and three for long-haul flights.
Book a timeslot for the security line
If you don’t have access to the priority security line, you can book a free appointment (or timeslot) for the security line via Schiphol’s website or its handy app. It’s available for all passengers departing from Schiphol (except transfer passengers), and one timeslot can be booked for a group or family.
At the security line, look for signage with a clock, show your QR code, and you’ll likely be through within minutes. I use this time-saving service every time I fly (except when I have priority access).
Download the Schiphol app
Schiphol’s free app is like having a digital travel agent in your pocket. It’s a breeze to use and is packed with helpful info, like how busy the airport is expected to be. You can also use it to book your security timeslot and get a detailed itinerary for your travel day. I recommend downloading it before your trip.
How to navigate security lines at Schiphol
One thing I appreciate about AMS: the general ease of clearing security. State-of-the-art scanning systems mean you don’t have to remove laptops or shoes. Liquids can stay in your bag too, though they’re still limited to 100 ml. The exception: boots or shoes that go higher than your ankles, which you’ll have to take off.) You can even bring in plastic or synthetic bottles of water – no need to toss them. (But be sure metal water bottles are empty).
Schiphol also has its own security priority program, called Privium, which comes with lounge access. However, it’s only available to nationals of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland who hold a valid passport or European identity card.
How to get around Schiphol without getting lost
On paper, Schiphol’s layout sounds simple enough. It has one main terminal building divided into three separate zones called Departure Halls and numbered as 1, 2, and 3.
However, that’s where it gets trickier. Within each Departure Hall are separate piers (currently eight active piers designated B, C, D, E, F, G, and H/M) and their respective gate numbers. All areas are interconnected, except for Pier M, which has its own security area for low-cost carriers and is isolated airside, meaning you can’t access other terminal areas after passing security there.
If you’re flying to or from the United States, you’ll likely head to Departure Hall 2 (Pier E) or Departure Hall 3 (Piers F and G), which serve non-Schengen SkyTeam flights including KLM and Delta. Inside, Pier D is the airport’s main concourse and is spread across two levels (the lower level handles non-Schengen flights while the upper level serves Schengen flights). Pier E serves SkyTeam airlines like KLM, Delta, and Air France for long-haul and other non-Schengen flights.
Even with signs everywhere, it’s easy to get turned around. That’s where the free Schiphol app can help, but don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you need them.
Passport control at Schiphol
If you’re traveling to or from the United States (or any country outside the Schengen zone), your wait time at passport control can vary. It all depends on how busy the airport is. Luckily, Schiphol has 78 eGates, which are self-service scanners that use facial recognition to help speed things up.
You can use the eGates if you’re 14 or older and have an e-passport from an eligible country (just look for the small camera symbol on the cover). Because I have an eligible U.S. passport, I can use the eGates for departing flights, which has helped me avoid long lines. But I’m not eligible on flights returning from the U.S., and I’ve waited up to an hour to clear immigration. My advice? Head to passport control as quickly as you can after a long-haul flight.
Getting to your gate at Schiphol
My top tip for navigating AMS: allow plenty of time to reach your gate. In my experience, the estimated walking times on the screens can be a little optimistic. Let’s just say the Dutch are tall and they walk fast.
You should also prepare for long stretches without moving walkways, like on the B Pier in Departures 1. This is where a stroller or wheelchair assistance really comes in handy. I also recommend grabbing a free trolley, which you can find throughout the airport, to help with your carry-on luggage.
If you have a connecting flight at Schiphol, be sure your layover has enough time to reach your gate. I recommend at least an hour for connecting flights within Europe and two hours for long-haul flights connecting from a non-EU country. For those flights, I highly recommend making your way off the plane as quickly as possible, since you’ll have to pass through passport control before heading to the gate for your next flight.
Lounges at Schiphol
The lounge situation at Schiphol can be a bit of a head-scratcher. The public shopping areas are also called “lounges” (numbered 1-4), but they’re not the same as the airline or membership lounges. I learned the hard way that checking you’re headed to the right one saves a lot of backtracking.
Lounges, especially membership ones like Aspire, can get crowded during busy times. I’ve been turned away more than once because a lounge was full, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan.
Food and restaurants at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
If you’re traveling outside of the Schengen zone, check out the Dutch Bar & Kitchen. Look for the giant teacups, which are actually Delft blue booths. The menu is distinctly Dutch, with things like poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) and cocktails made with jenever, a Dutch gin.
For an especially local touch, save some money by grabbing snacks (or sandwich fixings) at Dutch grocery store Albert Heijn. It has multiple locations in Schiphol Plaza, the main shopping area prior to security. “To go” stores have pre-packaged sandwiches and salads, while the larger store features a wide selection, including takeaway sushi.
You’ll find Dutch treats like stroopwafels for considerably lower prices than what you’ll find behind security. Before a flight, I always pop in to buy snacks for my trip or souvenirs for friends and family.
Shopping at Schiphol: Go local
Let’s Play is stocked with great gifts for kids. My favorite is the adorable bunny character Nijntje (or Miffy), and this shop has a great selection of toys. For a Dutch sweet treat, head to Tony’s Chocolonely in Lounge 3. The Netherlands-based company is famous for its chocolate and its mission to make the industry exploitation-free.
Schiphol Plaza, located before security, also has a surprisingly good selection of shops. My favorites are HEMA, which is similar to Target, and Boots, a popular UK-based drug store. For unique souvenirs you can feel good about, check out Up To Do Good, a cafe and shop where a portion of every sale goes to charity.
Seek out Schiphol’s hidden gems
Schiphol has several unique amenities with a Dutch flair. A small outpost of the Rijksmuseum features a rotating selection of art from the world-famous museum and has an excellent gift shop. Look for it on Holland Boulevard between Lounge 2 and 3 on your way to gates D, E, F, G, or H.
Before security near Departures 1, the Panorama Terrace is a fun spot for planespotting, and you can even climb aboard a real Fokker 100 KLM aircraft. You can reach it via stairs, escalator or elevator near desk row 1 to the second floor, then follow the footbridge. Book lovers will enjoy lounging in the free library, also on Holland Boulevard, which is open 24/7.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
