Amsterdam Vs Us Airports: What's The Difference?

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands and is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is the third busiest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume and the busiest in Europe in terms of aircraft movements. The airport is located 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland. It is the primary base of Dutch flag carrier KLM and is served by other major airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, and Lufthansa. Amsterdam is also accessible through other airports such as Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport, and Maastricht Aachen Airport.

Pros and cons of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the world's lowest airports, sitting three metres below sea level. It is the third-largest airport in Europe and the third busiest, recording 52.2 million passengers in 2022. The airport is 18km away from the city and offers flights to 97 countries through 104 airlines.

Pros of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport:

• The airport has a logical layout and is well-signposted, making it easy to navigate.
• Schiphol Airport offers a wide range of travel options with its six runways and ventures of 104 airlines.
• The airport is conveniently located, with easy access to the city of Amsterdam and the rest of Europe.
• As one of the world's lowest airports, Schiphol Airport provides a unique experience for travellers.

Cons of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport:

• Long waiting times at immigration and passport control, with queues of up to 1.5 hours, due to a lack of staff at the booths.
• Some travellers have reported rude staff, particularly in the cosmetics section of Duty-Free.
• The airport is undergoing a major revamp, which has resulted in closed shops and boarded-up areas.
• There are reports of frequent strikes by workers, and some travellers avoid the airport due to its poor reputation for long queues and inefficient management.
• The airport is described as dingy, with inadequate maintenance, and a lack of capacity to accommodate visitors.

Overall, while Schiphol Airport offers a wide range of travel options and a unique location, it has received negative reviews for long queues, unhelpful staff, and ongoing renovation works.

Other airports in the Netherlands

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the largest airport in the Netherlands, but there are several other airports in the country. These include:

• Eindhoven Airport — This airport serves both civilian and military purposes and is the second-largest airport in the country. It was established in 1932 and is located 9km from the city of Eindhoven. Eindhoven Airport handles millions of passengers per year, with eight airlines travelling to 82 destinations.
• Maastricht Aachen Airport — This airport is known for its cargo handling capabilities and is a regional airport near the Municipality of Beek. It is the second-largest hub for cargo flights in the Netherlands.
• Rotterdam The Hague Airport — This airport is the third-largest in the Netherlands and can accommodate one million tourists per year. It is used by seven low-cost airlines and is the only airport besides Schiphol that is situated in the Randstad.
• Groningen Airport Eelde — This civilian airport is located near Eelde, in the northeastern Netherlands. Only three airlines can land on the two runways of this small airport: Corendon, BMI, and Transavia.
• Kempen Airport — Also known as Budel Airport, this general aviation airport is located near the Belgian border in the southwest of the country. It has two runways, one asphalt and one for microlight flights.
• Den Helder Airport — This airport primarily serves the offshore energy industry and is one of the largest helicopter airports in the country. It is the only airport in the Netherlands that departs passengers to primary energy areas.
• Lelystad Airport — Lelystad Airport is the largest general aviation airport in the Netherlands, but it does not serve typical passenger flights. It is mainly open to private jets and is designated as the headquarters of AIS Airlines.
• Twente Airport — This airport acts as an aviation base and occasionally a civil airport. It also serves as a technology base for aircraft maintenance and development. Twente Airport offers the departure of private jets for domestic and international travel.
• Gilze-Rijen Air Base — This airport is used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force as a base for the arrival and departure of helicopters and private jets. It does not serve as a typical passenger airport.
• Woensdrecht Air Base — Woensdrecht is one of the oldest airbases in the Netherlands, built in 1934. It is used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force as a logistic base and for aircraft training.
• Volkel Airbase — A military airbase considered one of the major operational bases for the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
• Leeuwarden Airbase — This former airport was transformed into an airbase in 1938 and is located 2.4km from the city of Leeuwarden. It has been used as a base for fighter aircraft.
• Valkenburg Air Base — This aviation centre was used by the Royal Netherlands Navy as its base until 2006. The airbase is officially closed, but it occasionally hosts special events featuring piston aircraft and gliders.
• Soesterberg Air Base — Soesterberg used to be a military airbase in the Netherlands, but it was closed in 2008 due to budget constraints.

Transport to and from Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or rental car. The airport is located 12km (7.5 miles) southwest of Amsterdam as the crow flies, and 20km (12.5 miles) by car.

Train

The train is the best choice for travelling between the airport and Amsterdam. It is fast, inexpensive, and provides a direct connection without transfers. Trains run every 7.5 minutes (8 times per hour) and the journey takes 13-17 minutes. The train station is located underground, beneath the airport, and is easily accessible from the main arrivals hall. From the arrivals hall, follow the 'Trains' signs to Schiphol Plaza, where you can take the escalator or elevator down to the platforms.

Bus

The second most popular choice is the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus (Bus 397). This bus is comfortable and inexpensive, with mobile tickets available (no need to print). It has stops close to many hotels and departs every 8 minutes. The journey takes 28-38 minutes, depending on the stop. The bus station is located at Schiphol Plaza, in front of the main hall.

Taxi

You can also travel to and from the airport by taxi. Official taxis can be found at designated stands, or you can meet your reserved taxi at an agreed location. Be aware of rogue taxi cabs at the airport, which are not licensed to operate and may charge tourists high fees.

Rental Car

You can rent a car at the airport or in Amsterdam, although this is not recommended due to the city's steep parking fees and many construction projects.

History of Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, informally known as Schiphol Airport, is the main international airport of the Netherlands. Located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam, it is one of the busiest airports in the world by international passenger traffic, aircraft movement, and cargo tonnage.

The Early Years

Schiphol Airport opened on 16 September 1916 as a military airbase, with a few barracks and a field serving as a platform and runways. The name Schiphol appears in an official document from 1447, and its origin is a topic of much intrigue. According to the airport's media department, the name might have several origins, all of which are contested. Some believe it refers to a graveyard of ships, as the Haarlemmermeer was a vast, wild water mass where many ships met their demise. Another theory suggests that it comes from the word "ship-haul," indicating a place where ships were transferred from one water body to another. A third explanation derives it from the Gothic word "sciphol," indicating an area of low-lying wetland where wood could be extracted.

On 19 September 1916, farmers near Fort Schiphol heard a strange humming noise in the air and then witnessed a Farman biplane of the Aviation Department of the Dutch Army landing. This marked the beginning of Schiphol Airport.

Civilian Use and World War II

Civilian aircraft began using the airport on 17 December 1920, and it was often called Schiphol-les-bains during this period. The first passenger flight landed on 17 May 1920, marking the start of civil aviation in the Netherlands. This flight originated from London, which remains the most popular leisure destination from Schiphol to this day.

By 1940, Schiphol had four asphalt runways at 45-degree angles, each 1,020 meters or less in length. However, the airport's peaceful operations were disrupted with the onset of World War II. The facility fell into German hands and was renamed Fliegerhorst Schiphol, serving as a military airbase once again. Despite the construction of decoy airfields nearby to confuse bombers, Schiphol suffered extensive damage from bombing raids. An intense attack on 13 December 1943 rendered the airfield unusable as an active base, and the Germans themselves destroyed the remnants of the airfield in September 1944.

Post-World War II Reconstruction and Expansion

After the war ended, Schiphol was rapidly rebuilt, and the first aircraft, a Douglas DC-3, landed on 8 July 1945. A new terminal building was completed in 1949, and Schiphol was designated as the primary airport of the Netherlands. This expansion came at the cost of the nearby town of Rijk, which was demolished to accommodate the airport's growing footprint.

The airport continued to expand throughout the following decades, with the construction of new terminals, piers, and control towers to accommodate increasing air traffic. In 1967, a new terminal area was built, parts of which are still in use today. Schiphol's first railway station opened in 1978, connecting the airport to Amsterdam-Zuid and other destinations throughout the country.

Today, Schiphol Airport boasts six runways and three departure halls, serving over 70 million passengers annually. It has evolved from its military origins to become a bustling hub of international travel, connecting Amsterdam to destinations worldwide.

Leisure activities at Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport offers a wide range of leisure activities to keep travellers entertained and relaxed during layovers or downtime. Here are some of the top leisure activities available at the airport:

• Explore the Rijksmuseum: Schiphol Airport houses a branch of the renowned Rijksmuseum, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in Dutch art and culture. Visitors can admire works by masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer in a mini-museum setting.
• Indulge in Dutch Delicacies: Schiphol Airport offers a variety of eateries serving traditional Dutch treats. Try a Dutch pancake at Grand Café Het Paleis or savour Dutch cheeses and stroopwafels available at various restaurants throughout the airport.
• Visit the Airport Library: For book lovers or those seeking tranquility, the Schiphol Airport Library, located on Holland Boulevard, offers a peaceful escape. It features a vast collection of books, comfortable seating, and a serene atmosphere.
• Stay Active: The Sheraton Amsterdam, just a short walk from the airport, provides fitness enthusiasts with cardio and gym equipment to maintain their workout routines. Sanctifly members can access the Sheraton's leisure facilities with their points.
• Relax in Airport Lounges: Schiphol Airport offers various lounges, including the KLM Crown Lounge and the Aspire Lounge, where travellers can unwind and enjoy spa services. Sanctifly also has partnerships with lounges, offering discounts and access to fitness centres, pools, and more.
• Shopping: Schiphol Plaza is a shopper's paradise, offering a range of shops and boutiques. From designer fashion and electronics to souvenirs, travellers can indulge in some retail therapy before their flight.
• Live Music and Art Exhibitions: Schiphol Airport frequently hosts live music performances by talented musicians. Additionally, the airport is known for its unique art installations and exhibitions, showcasing contemporary sculptures and thought-provoking displays throughout the terminals.
• Airport Park: The Airport Park, located behind passport control in Lounge 1, provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. It features green spaces, seating areas, and a mini playground for children.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Schiphol Airport offers guided tours that take curious travellers behind the scenes. These tours provide access to areas typically off-limits, such as the baggage handling system and control tower.
• Panorama Terrace: The Panorama Terrace offers a fantastic view of the airport platform. It is a great spot for plane spotting and taking in the sights of various aircraft. It is open daily and free of charge.
• Planes@Plaza: This unique shop is built inside a real fuselage, complete with landing gear, an engine, and a cockpit. It sells aviation-themed items, from model planes and pilot uniforms to toys and gadgets.
• Schiphol Discovery Trail: This interactive trail invites travellers to explore the airport while solving questions and discovering interesting places within Schiphol Plaza.
• Meditation Centre: The Meditation Centre, located at Lounge 2, offers a quiet space for prayer, meditation, or simply relaxing in silence. It is open 24 hours and welcomes people of all faiths.
• Spa and Massage Services: Schiphol Airport is home to several spas, including XpresSpa, offering a range of treatments, from massages and facials to haircuts and mani/pedis.
• Explore Amsterdam: For those with longer layovers, the city centre of Amsterdam is just a quick transit ride away. Travellers can visit famous attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the iconic canals.

Frequently asked questions