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 2022, the airport welcomed more than 53.5 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!
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.
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
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 governmentally-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.
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.