The Layout of the Vast Amsterdam Airport Terminal
Even though covering a vast area, Schiphol Airport actually consists of a single terminal building split into three zones (Departure halls). The three AMS halls (unofficially called terminals despite not being separate) are connected to each other. Thus, it is actually possible to walk from one side of the airport to the other. In the center of the Amsterdam airport terminal lies the Schiphol Plaza, the large pre-security shopping center which proves that Schiphol Airport is more than an ordinary airport; it may even be considered a fascinating shopping mall!
In general terms, Amsterdam Airport is divided into a Schengen and a non-Schengen area. Although passengers coming from a country-member of the Schengen Area can freely move inside the airport, travelers arriving from or traveling to a non-Schengen destination need to pass through security controls.
Our Tip: Amsterdam Airport is overall considered an easy airport to navigate. With its “one-terminal concept”, its walking distances, and its general layout, it is without a doubt a traveler-friendly aviation hub.
The Schiphol Airport Departure Halls
The three Departure halls serve the Amsterdam airport needs, subdivided into piers. Explicitly:
Departure Hall 1
Piers B, C, and D form Departure Hall 1 (although Pier D is actually shared with Departure hall 2). The recently renovated Departure hall 1 offers a premium traveling experience to its passengers, with more checkpoints, spacious waiting zones, and high-tech features. Pier B has 14 gates, while Pier C has 21.
Departure Hall 2
Departure hall 2 shares Pier D with Departure 1 and also houses Pier E. Pier D is the largest AMS concourse, spread into two levels: the first level handles the non-Schengen flights (Gates D1-D57), and the upper level the Schengen destinations (Gates D59-D87). On the other hand, Pier E, with its 14 gates, basically serves Skyteam airlines (Delta, KLM, etc.) and flights to or from non-Schengen countries.
Departure Hall 3
Departure hall 3 has Piers F, G, and H/M. Pier F is mainly dedicated to the airlines-members of the Skyteam alliance (KLM, Kenya Airways, Etc.) and is kitted with 8 gates. What’s more, Pier G has 13 gates. Piers F and G both handle non-Schengen flights.
On the other hand, Piers H and M deal with low-cost flights. They are actually one concourse that shares gates. Nevertheless, Pier H serves non-Schengen destinations, whereas Pier M flights from or to Schengen areas. Although Schiphol Airport is -as already stated- a single-terminal airport and all its zones are linked airside, Piers H and M are the exceptions to this rule. Hence, once passing through security control, you can’t reach the other airport areas.
Interesting Fact: Schiphol Airport can handle even Airbus A380 flights. In fact, Gates G9, E18, and E24 can accommodate these enormous passenger aircraft.
The Configuration of Schiphol Airport Departure Halls
Many passengers call them “terminals”. Still, there are different parts of the same terminal building, sharing approximately the same layout. Thus, the ground floor houses the Arrivals. From that level, AMS travelers have access to P1, the airport hotels, and the airport’s ground transportation system. Departures are to be found at Level 1. In fact, Level 1 splits into two sides. The west side is where Departure halls 3 and 4, along with Gates F, G, H, and M are to be found, whereas Departure areas 1 and 2 and Gates B, C, D, and E lie on the east side. The second level hosts lounges and dining options while giving access to Gates D, E, and F. Finally, the Panorama Terrace is located on the last floor.
Our Tip: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has 4 lounges (besides the airline lounge areas). In reality, those lounges aren’t but airside waiting zones scattered around the airport’s premises, where duty-free areas and some drinking and dining options are to be found. Overall, Lounge 1 is the waiting area for travelers to European destinations, whereas Lounges 2 and 3 serve passengers with intercontinental flights and Lounge 4 passengers who travel with budget airlines.
Future Plans for Amsterdam Airport Terminal
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe and worldwide. Thus, the airport is in constant need of optimization and expansion to keep up with the passenger traffic. To that end, an extra pier is planned to be added to the Amsterdam airport complex along with one more “terminal”, an additional departure hall in sync with the single-terminal configuration of AMS Airport.
FAQs
How many terminals are there in Amsterdam Airport?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has only one terminal building. However, its terminal is divided into three zones (Departure halls) with separate piers and gates. Still, all areas are interconnected (apart from Piers H and M which aren’t linked to the rest of the terminal airside).
What terminal is EasyJet at Amsterdam Airport?
EasyJet is a low-cost air carrier. Thus, it operates at Amsterdam airport Departure 3. As Piers H and M serve budget airlines, they are the concourses handling EasyJet flights as well.
What terminal does KLM use at Amsterdam Airport?
Amsterdam Airport is the base airport for KLM, the Royal Dutch Airlines. In fact, KLM uses both Departure 1 and 2, operating numerous flights from and to Schiphol Airport on a daily basis.