Amsterdam Airport: a Glance at the Busy Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam International Airport, or Schiphol Airport as it is commonly known, is the main airport in Amsterdam and the busiest aviation hub in the Netherlands, as well as one of the world’s most occupied airports in terms of international passenger traffic. Located approximately 21km/13 miles from the city center in the district of Haarlemmermeer, the airport is well-connected to the city of Amsterdam. Overall, with its high-tech features and its full-service amenities, Amsterdam Airport is considered to offer its travelers an “all-inclusive traveling experience”.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on Amsterdam airport’s operation. Verily, AMS passenger traffic during 2020 amounted to just 20.9 million passengers. That being said, in 2024, the airport welcomed more than 66.8 million travelers and served 313 destinations, marking an impressive rise in its passenger flow. Still, it hasn’t yet bounced back to its pre-COVID levels.
Interesting Fact: Amsterdam International Airport actually lies three meters below the sea!
Airport Name: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
IATA Code: AMS
ICAO: EHAM
Location: Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Airport Map: Amsterdam Airport at Google Maps
Amsterdam Airport’s History
Amsterdam Airport’s history goes back a long way. Located in the Haarlemmermeer area—once a lake in the mid-1800s—the airport began operations on September 16, 1916, as a military airfield. By 1917, it had already become one of the largest airfields in Europe. After the end of the First World War, Schiphol started handling civil flights and progressively became a civil aviation hub, until it no longer served military purposes. Indeed, the Dutch Air Force had left the airport by 1923. That same year, the runways were still unpaved, giving the airport the nickname “Schiphol-les-Bains” (a bathing resort), due to the mud and large quantities of water covering the area. That being said, the Olympic Games held in Amsterdam in 1928 were the perfect opportunity for the airport to be renovated and modernized.
By 1940, the airport featured asphalt runways. However, the German invasion during World War II changed the situation entirely. Schiphol was renamed Fliegerhorst 561 and became one of the most important aviation bases for the German forces during the war. As a result, it was frequently bombed by the Allies. As the war came close to its end, bombings became increasingly intense. The bombing of 12/13/1943 caused severe and almost irreparable damage. Finally, before retreating in 1945, the Germans deliberately destroyed much of the airport.
However, the airport miraculously recovered and was soon reconstructed. In fact, the first plane landed there on July 8, 1945. In 1949, it was decided that Schiphol would become the main international airport of the Netherlands. It was then that a new terminal building was constructed, taking over the nearby small town of Rijk. Jan Dellaert was the man who envisioned the new airport and translated its ideas into the airport’s new infrastructure. His design is still evident in today’s airport layout.
In 1957, the first duty-free shops opened in Amsterdam Airport, while by 1967, the old airport premises were being used as offices and for aircraft maintenance. Its new terminal is nowadays Departure Halls 1 and 2, along with parts of its current piers (Piers C, D, and E). The airport’s first rail station was established in 1978.
In 1980, Schiphol Airport turned into a major transit hub in Europe. During that decade, the Dutch government set plans to transform it into a “Mainport”, a major air, rail, and road hub. A new air traffic control tower was built in 1991, becoming the tallest in the world at that time, while in 1993, Departure Hall 3 and Pier G were added to the complex. A sixth runway was constructed in 2003. However, as it was located far from the rest of the airport’s premises, an additional air traffic control tower was also built to serve it.
In 2002, the famous Rijksmuseum opened a branch inside the Schiphol terminal. Thus, AMS Airport became the first airport featuring an art gallery. Additionally, it was also the first airport to house a library within its terminal, which opened in 2010.
The COVID-19 pandemic highly affected Schiphol’s operation. Waiting lines at security and passport controls seemed endless, as airport staff numbers were reduced. Moreover, many baggage handling companies ceased their operation. Even more so, its CEO resigned. However, the airport bounced back by 2024. In fact, new plans have been made for the period 2024-2029, including renovation and modernization of the airport, the construction of new aircraft stands and taxiways, and the addition of a new Pier A. Nowadays, Amsterdam Airport is the 5th busiest airport in the world in terms of international passenger traffic, and one of the busiest in Europe. It has also been nominated for and won several awards across multiple categories.
Amsterdam Airport’s Layout
Even though consisting of one terminal building, Schiphol Airport splits into 3 Departures halls, informally known as terminals, despite not being separate. Conversely, the three halls are interconnected. The Amsterdam airport terminal, basically, is divided into a Schengen and a non-Schengen area. What’s more, it has 223 boarding gates and 6 runways while having the necessary facilities to accommodate Airbus A380. In the near future, a fourth “terminal” is expected to be added to the airport’s complex, along with a new pier and new runways.
Interesting Fact: The AMS air traffic control tower was built in 1991. Back then, it was the tallest in the world.
Flights to and from Amsterdam Airport
Schiphol Airport is a busy air hub, serving flights to and from various destinations. The main airport in the Netherlands offers connections to other domestic destinations, as well as to numerous European cities and intercontinental flights. Additionally, it also serves as a transit hub, being a connecting point for flights to long-haul flights. KLM and its subsidiaries (KLM Cityhopper and KLM Cargo) operate from Schiphol as their hub, along with Martinair, while many airlines use the airport as their operating base.
Domestic Departures from Schiphol
Flights depart daily from Schiphol Airport to other Dutch cities. However, the Netherlands is a small country with no significant distances between its cities. As a result, domestic flights are relatively scarce.
In any case, domestic travelers first need to check their departure hall. AMS Airport features three Departure Halls, serving different destinations. Check-in areas are located at all Departure Halls. If you haven’t checked in online, you can wait at your airline’s check-in counter or use the self-service check-in machines. If you have luggage to drop off, you’ll be served by one of the check-in desks. That being said, some airlines feature self-service bag-drop as well, offering a much less time-consuming option than waiting in lines at the counters. Security screening is the next procedure in line and is obligatory for all travelers. Once you pass through security control, you’ll enter the airside part of Schiphol Airport. Four lounges (waiting areas) are available for passengers to pass their free time at the airport, depending on their Departure Hall. Boarding gates generally open 40 minutes before the flight’s departure. Make sure to arrive at your gate on time for boarding, and keep an eye on the flight information screens, as gates may change without prior notice.
International Departures from Schiphol
Schiphol Airport offers air routes to numerous European cities. Additionally, it also serves long-haul destinations, such as New York, Salt Lake City, Detroit, and Johannesburg.
The departure process for international travelers is slightly more complicated. In any case, the first step is to locate the correct departure hall. Passengers have the same check-in options as domestic travelers —web check-in, on-site check-in counters, and self-service check-in machines—as well as bag drop alternatives, either at the check-in desks or at self-service machines if the airline provides them, and they must go through security screening. However, they must also pass through another procedure to access the post-security zone of the Schiphol terminal. They must go through passport control, where their passports and any potential additional required documents (such as a visa) must be presented. Once they reach the airside part of the terminal, international passengers must check the location of their departure gate to ensure they can reach it on time for boarding. It’s important to remember that gates may change unexpectedly. Therefore, keeping an eye on the flight information screens is crucial to avoid missing your flight.
Domestic Arrivals at Schiphol
Passengers arriving from a domestic destination need to proceed to the appropriate baggage claim area, depending on their arrival zone, to retrieve their luggage. Overall, the airport features four Arrivals zones (Arrivals 1, 2, 3, and 4). That being said, they are all located in the same terminal, as Amsterdam Airport is a single-terminal airport. Each of the baggage claim areas is equipped with baggage carousels. Once travelers collect their luggage, they can make their way directly to the exit doors without going through any other procedures. From that point, they must decide on their transportation option. Taxi ranks and bus stops can be found outside the terminal doors, while the railway station is located on the underground level.
International Arrivals at Schiphol
The Arrivals procedures are more time-consuming for passengers arriving at AMS Airport from a non-Schengen destination. To begin with, international travelers must go through passport control before collecting their baggage. Non-EU passengers must provide their biometric data during border control as part of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). After retrieving their luggage, they must also pass through customs, declaring any goods that must be declared or that exceed the permitted quantities. Customs clearance is the last process in line. After that, they can exit the airside part of the terminal and head to their pick-up location or onward transportation point.
Connecting Passengers
Are you a transit passenger at Schiphol Airport? Depending on the circumstances, you are required to follow one of these procedures:
- You already have a boarding pass to your next destination: All you need to do is check the departure gate for your next flight and proceed on time for boarding.
- You don’t have a boarding pass for your next flight: You must exit the airside zone of the terminal after retrieving your luggage and, if required, going through passport control and customs, and then check in for your onward flight. Web check-in is possible, as well as check-in at the counters or self-service machines. If you have luggage, you must drop it off before proceeding through security screening to re-enter the post-security part of the Schiphol terminal.
Our Tip: If you have a boarding pass, but your luggage isn’t checked through to the final destination, you must still re-check in for the next flight. On the other hand, if you don’t have a boarding pass but your baggage is checked through to the next destination, you must check in, but you don’t need to retrieve or drop off your luggage during the check-in procedure.
Which Documents Do You Need to Fly
Several documents are required to fly from Schiphol Airport. Some are necessary for all flights, while others depend on the destination. Make sure to review the documents required for your journey and carry them with you, as you won’t be allowed to fly without them.
- All travelers must have a boarding pass to fly from AMS Airport.
- A form of identification is also required. Passengers must present an ID or a passport, depending on their destination.
- Visas are obligatory for air travel to certain countries.
- Other documents may also be necessary, such as parental consent forms for traveling with minors, vaccination certificates, ESTA (for trips to the USA), etc.
Luggage Rules
Various rules and restrictions apply to luggage, aiming to ensure the maximum safety and efficiency of flights. However, regulations differ depending on the type of baggage:
- Checked Luggage: While various rules apply to hold luggage (luggage checked in at the airport and stored in the plane’s lower compartment) regarding restricted items, there are also weight regulations that depend on the ticket class and the airline operating the flight.
- Hand Luggage: Strict size limits apply to hand luggage, that is, to bags carried inside the aircraft’s cabin, as they must fit under the seats or in the overhead storage units. Moreover, rules for hand luggage are stricter when it comes to prohibited items, goods requiring extra documentation, and quantity limits. Make sure to check the rules to avoid delays during security checks and the confiscation of prohibited items.
AMS Airlines
Handling daily flights to and from all over the world, Schiphol Airport hosts a bulk of airlines, from international air carriers to domestic and low-cost providers. In fact, it is a base airport for KLM and KLM CityHopper, as well as a key hub for Corendon Dutch Airlines, TUI fly Netherlands, Martinair, and EasyJet. However, the government-implied restriction concerning the annual number of aircraft flying to or departing from AMS Airport is responsible for the airport’s high landing fees. Schiphol Airport is a relatively expensive airport. Thus, some low-cost airlines are discouraged from operating at Amsterdam Airport.
An Overview of Schiphol Services and Amenities
Amsterdam Airport is a modern aviation hub, offering technologically advanced amenities and efficient services to travelers using its facilities. While it aims to provide a seamless and pleasant experience for all passengers, the airport takes special care of those with specific needs, offering a range of dedicated services and amenities for PRMs (persons with reduced mobility), minors, the elderly, families, travelers with pets, and pregnant women. To that end, the airport staff is well-trained, multilingual, and eager to assist passengers with their travel needs. Whatever help you require, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the staff for guidance.
Schiphol Shops
AMS Airport features a vibrant shopping scene. In addition to its numerous and diverse airside shops, Schiphol Plaza, located on the landside of the terminal, is an actual shopping mall, offering a wide variety of retail stores. Are you flying from Schiphol Airport? Do you need to pick up passengers arriving there? In either case, you can enjoy exploring the airport’s shopping options during any spare time. Here are just a few of the available facilities:
- KIKO Milano
- Victoria’s Secret
- Electronics
- HEMA
- Hunkemöller
- Perfumes & Cosmetics
- Chocolates, Liquor & Tobacco
- Dutch Food Gifts
- House of Tulips
- Rituals
- GASSAN
- Cartier
- Rolex
- Balenciaga
- Burberry
- Louis Vuitton
- The Fashion Gallery
- Let’s Play
- Donsje
Schiphol Dining Options
The airport offers numerous dining facilities, allowing passengers to choose from a wide range of options: from fast-food chains and local eateries to upscale restaurants, bars, and cafés. You can enjoy traditional Dutch flavors, international dishes, or fusion cuisine influenced by many different culinary styles. Dining options are available both landside and airside, catering to the needs of all travelers and airport visitors. Some of the Schiphol dining and drinking facilities are:
- Amsterdam Bread Co.
- Café Comunal
- Burger King
- Café Rembrandt
- Douwe Egberts Coffee Bar
- Harvest Market
- Heineken Bar
- HEMA Food
- Kebaya
- La Place
- McDonald’s
- Moods Eatery & Bar
- Panorama Restaurant
- Salon
- Starbucks
- Sushi & Noodles
- The Upper Floor Bar
- VIT
Parking Facilities
Schiphol airport’s parking facilities meet the passengers’ needs. As a matter of fact, both short-term and long-stay options, ranging from covered to open-air parking areas, are available to AMS travelers. Thus, the Car Park P1, with a total capacity of 3900 parking spots, is considered ideal for short-stays, whereas the vast Car Park P3 (equipped with more than 15000 parking spaces) mainly serves the passengers’ long-term parking needs. Moreover, valet services are also provided to travelers who are in search of the most hassle-free parking option.
Transit Options
The transit options from AMS Airport are various. Verily, travelers who wish to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center once they arrive at the airport can settle on one of the following alternatives for their transit:
Services and Amenities
Passengers claim that AMS Airport provides an overall pleasant traveling experience. Equipped with all the necessary facilities and technologically advanced, Amsterdam Airport offers an excellent array of services. In detail, the most important of them are:
- Shopping stores and Duty-free areas
- Restaurants / Bars
- Baggage wrapping / Luggage storage
- Workstations
- Pharmacies /Medical services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family services / Play zones
- Lost & Found offices
- AMS Meditation Center
- Airport Park
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Shower facilities
- Airport hotels
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Address: Evert v/d Beekstraat 202, 1118 CP Schiphol, Nederlands
Phone Number: 09000141 / +31207940800 (from abroad)
Official Website: https://www.schiphol.nl/en/
The City of Amsterdam
The beautiful Dutch capital is a city full of sightseeing and museums, along with being one of the most vivid European capitals. Verily, its nightlife is legendary. At the same time, no visitor can be untouched by its beauty. The canals surrounding Amsterdam have given it the nickname “Venice of the North”, and the city’s architecture makes it a mecca for everyone who appreciates the mixture of the Durch Renaissance with art nouveau and modernism. On the other hand, nature lovers can help but appreciate its numerous parks. As far as its cultural attractions are concerned, the options are countless: from the Rijksmuseum to the Van Gogh Museum and from the chilling Anne Frank House to the unique Heineken Experience housed in the actual former location of the famous brewery, Amsterdam has something for everyone!
FAQs
What is the main airport in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam International Airport is the main airport in Amsterdam as well as the leading Dutch airport. Moreover, it is listed among the busiest airports in international passenger traffic globally and is overall considered one of the most important European aviation hubs.
Does Amsterdam have 2 airports?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the only airport serving the area. It lies in the district of Haarlemmermeer, within a 21km distance from the heart of Amsterdam.
What is the airport code for Amsterdam?
Amsterdam International Airport, the one and only airport handling flights from and to Amsterdam, has the IATA airport code AMS. Moreover, its ICAO code is EHAM.
How far is Amsterdam Airport from city center?
Amsterdam International Airport is about 21km away from Amsterdam city center. Thus, passengers arriving at Schiphol Airport need around 22 minutes to reach the Dutch capital.
How big is Amsterdam Airport?
Amsterdam Airport spreads into a 27.87km² surface. It has one large terminal building, split into three Departures halls and 6 runways. Still, one of the runways handles the vast majority of the airport’s aircraft traffic.
How early to get to Amsterdam Airport?
In general terms, you should be at the airport two hours before your onward flights if your destination lies in Europe and three hours if you are up for an intercontinental journey. This is a safe timeline as Schiphol Airport is a busy hub, serving up to 200.000 passengers per day!
How to travel from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?
Besides the airport taxis, the handy car rentals, and the luxury private Amsterdam airport transfers, public transit options are also at your disposal for your 21-km ride from Amsterdam Airport to the city center. Hence, if traveling on a budget, you can opt for a bus or train journey from Schiphol Airport to your destination in the city.