Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol serves Amsterdam and the surrounding region. Top 20 busiest airports worldwide. Located 9 km (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, it handles domestic and international flights with 1 terminal. KLM hub, major European gateway.
Indicative rates for trip budgeting. Euro (EUR / €) is the local currency at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and throughout the Netherlands.
Security — what to expect at Amsterdam Airport
Standard airport security and passport control for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Use the lane that matches your journey, and arrive early if you are connecting.
Allow extra time at peak hours
Security queues and passport control can lengthen during holiday peaks and morning departure banks. Keep documents and liquids ready.
Security process flow
Border checks
International and non-domestic flights may require passport control and additional screening.
Liquids & electronics
Keep liquids below 100 ml and separate devices if instructed by security staff.
FastTrack
Some airports offer fast-track or premium security services for eligible passengers.
Border control & customs
Arrival regulations for Netherlands
On Arrival
- Disembark & follow customs signsFollow the green or red channel signs from baggage claim toward customs control.
- Passport / border controlEU/EEA passengers typically use eGates. Other travellers may use staffed counters during peak periods.
- Baggage & inspectionKeep receipts and invoices ready for electronics, gifts, and other higher-value purchases.
- Green vs red channelUse green if you have nothing to declare. Use red for restricted or dutiable goods.
- Exit to arrivals hallCurrency exchange, SIM cards, taxi desks, and car rental counters are in the arrivals area.
Customs — what to know
Prohibited items
Weapons, counterfeit goods, and restricted animal or plant products may be seized. Check Netherlands customs rules before packing souvenirs from abroad.
Terminal layout
Terminal 1 Main terminal and Schengen areas
Single terminal airport with a compact footprint and multiple halls/pier areas.
- Main terminal: Check-in, security, shopping, and many boarding gates are concentrated in one complex.
- Schengen flights: Often use the easiest transfer and boarding flow.
- Walking distances: Keep an eye on gate assignments to avoid a last-minute rush.
- Train station nearby: Rail access is usually integrated with the airport’s central landside area.
Single-terminal layout — easy to navigate
Even with a single terminal, long pier walks and queue times can affect your journey, so watch the monitors.
Arrivals Passport control and baggage claim
Arrivals are clearly signposted with baggage claim and border control in the same main complex.
- Passport control: Required for many international arrivals and some departures.
- Baggage claim: Follow the belt information and transfer signs carefully.
- Ground transport: Taxis, train, bus, car hire, and ride-hailing are usually nearby.
- Transfers: Check whether your connection remains airside or requires landside processing.
Check your zone and gate
Schengen and non-Schengen areas are separated in the airport flow, so confirm your route before boarding.
Getting to & from the airport
Best option: direct rail into the city
Rail is usually the fastest and most predictable choice from the airport to the city centre for AMS and most European hubs.
| Mode | To city | Duration | Price (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train / Rail | Direct train to city centre | 15 min | Varies | Fast and frequent. |
| Bus / Shuttle | Regional and hotel shuttles | 20–45 min | Varies | Good for nearby hotels. |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Taxi, Uber, Bolt | 20–35 min | Varies | Traffic dependent. |
| Car hire | Rental desks in arrivals | — | Varies | Useful for regional travel. |
Planning your journey
Allow extra time during rush hour and check whether your service requires a connection or a separate airport shuttle.
Emergency Numbers
24/7 emergency services in the local country
Mobile Connectivity
Local operators & SIM cards
Airport lounges
KLM Crown Lounge
Flagship KLM lounge in the non-Schengen zone. Hot and cold food, bar, showers, fast Wi-Fi. Available to Business class and Flying Blue Platinum/Gold passengers.
Aspire Lounge (Schengen)
Located in the Schengen area. Food, drinks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating. Accessible with Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and paid entry.
Aspire Lounge (Non-Schengen)
Non-Schengen counterpart with similar facilities. Good option for long layovers on intercontinental routes.
Pay-on-entry lounges
Several lounges accept walk-in passengers from ~€35–50. Good for long layovers without lounge access.
Facilities & services
Dining highlights
- Main terminal cafés: Coffee, pastries, and quick meals before security.
- Grab-and-go: Snacks and sandwiches for tight connections.
- International chains: Familiar fast-food and casual dining options.
- Airport plaza: Convenience stores and quick-service outlets.
- Airside restaurants: Sit-down meals after security.
- Bars and cafés: Good for longer layovers and work breaks.
- Late-night options: Some food outlets remain open for evening departures.
- Breakfast service: Early-morning departures usually have coffee and bakery options.
Tips by passenger type
First-time visitors
- Arrive early to give yourself time for signage, queues, and gate changes.
- Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible at all times.
- Use the train for the simplest transfer to the city centre.
Transit passengers
- Check whether your connection stays airside or requires a landside transfer.
- Leave extra time if your arrival and departure are in different zones.
- Watch the gate screens closely — Schiphol gate assignments can change.
Families with children
- Look for family lanes and baby-changing rooms.
- Bring snacks and activities for queues and the flight.
- Use the train or a taxi depending on luggage volume.
Business travellers
- Lounge access and Wi-Fi can make a big difference on busy mornings.
- Rail is often faster than road transport during rush hour.
- Use flight alerts and keep a power bank handy.
Passengers with reduced mobility
- Book assistance in advance with your airline.
- Use the airport’s step-free routes and lifts where available.
- Allow extra time for security and boarding.
Short layovers
- Stay airside if possible and keep an eye on the gate screens.
- Use lounges or nearby cafés only if your connection is generous.
- Do not wander too far from the departure area.
Airlines and routes
KLM hub, major European gateway
KLM main hub with 150+ destinations. Major carriers include easyJet, Transavia, Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France.
Search flights from AMSFrequently asked questions
For international flights, arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure. For Schengen flights, 2 hours is usually enough, but peak travel periods can require more buffer.
Yes. Schiphol is a single-terminal airport with multiple halls and piers, which keeps transfers relatively straightforward.
The direct train is usually the fastest and most reliable option, taking around 15 minutes to Amsterdam Central.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport terminal areas.
Usually no. Schengen flights generally do not require passport control, but non-Schengen routes do.