Lois Larson
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers a range of services and facilities for travellers with layovers or those spending the night in the airport. While the airport does not typically allow sleeping inside the terminal during the day, it has provided cots, blankets, and other supplies to accommodate travellers during significant disruptions. Travellers can also book a timeslot for their security check to guarantee a smoother passage. Many airlines offer online check-in up to 24 hours before departure, and self-service check-in counters are available at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping in the terminal | Only permitted overnight |
| Security checks | ID and boarding passes are checked at midnight; those without a boarding pass will be asked to leave until 4:00 AM |
| Sleeping areas | Airside has armrest-free seating, padded chairs, soft benches, and chaise lounges between Piers E and F in the internet area; there is also a green rest area with lounge and bean bag chairs before the D gates |
| Sleeping on chairs or the floor | Possible, but not a good experience due to lack of comfort and mice |
| Lounges | Available for a fee, but may not be open 24 hours |
| Hotels | Available within the airport and nearby; can be expensive |
| Cots | Provided during mass disruptions such as flight delays or cancellations due to weather or other circumstances |
| Safety | Certain risks are associated with sleeping in any airport, especially when alone; it is recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in any airport can be risky, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is no exception. If you plan to sleep in the airport, it's a good idea to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Know where the security office is, look for video cameras where you plan to sleep, and ask security personnel for advice on the safest spots. If you're travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security.
Amsterdam Airport has a wide range of places to sleep, but if you are airside, you will have more options than those attempting to sleep landside. Landside, sleeping in the terminal is only permitted overnight, so you cannot lay across chairs or benches during flight operation hours. At midnight, security guards begin patrolling the landside area to check IDs and boarding passes. If you do not have a boarding pass, you will be escorted out of the airport and permitted re-entry at 4:00 AM. One past reviewer recommended the cafe on the left side of the terminal.
Airside, there is plenty of armrest-free seating. There are padded chairs, soft benches and chaise lounges between Piers E and F in the internet area. There is also a green rest area with lounge and bean bag chairs before the D gates. Both locations are popular with overnighters, so it’s worth showing up early to get a good seat.
If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there are sleep cabins, a transit hotel inside the airport’s secure zone, and other nearby hotels connected by shuttles. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers cots for stranded passengers, particularly in situations involving significant disruptions such as flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather or other exceptional circumstances. The airport has a history of providing cots, blankets, and other supplies to assist passengers stuck overnight. For example, during past incidents like snowstorms in Europe or the volcanic ash cloud disruptions in 2010, Schiphol set up cots both airside and landside to accommodate travellers. While cots are not available every night for general use, they are deployed as needed during mass disruptions.
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Schiphol Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity. There are also lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, through a lounge membership program or other access requirements.
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Nearby hotels
If you're looking for a place to stay near Amsterdam Airport, there are several options to choose from. While the airport does offer some facilities for sleeping, such as cots during significant disruptions, it may not be the most comfortable option for spending the night.
Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center
This hotel is conveniently located near the airport and offers a friendly and comfortable stay. It provides a free airport shuttle service and has various amenities, including a restaurant and a sports bar.
Radisson Blu Amsterdam Airport Hotel
The Radisson Blu Amsterdam Airport Hotel is highly rated for its hospitality and friendly staff. It is conveniently located close to the airport and offers a shuttle service for easy transportation. The hotel also provides parking facilities, making it a convenient choice for travellers.
Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
The Hilton Amsterdam Airport is a popular choice for travellers due to its convenience and friendly service. It is known for its comfortable rooms and proximity to the airport, with a shuttle service available for added convenience.
YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol
YOTELAIR is a unique hotel option located within the airport premises. It offers easy access to your departure gate and provides a comfortable stay. This hotel is ideal if you want to stay near your departure area without leaving the airport.
Ibis Budget Amsterdam Airport
Ibis Budget offers a more affordable option for travellers. While still providing comfortable rooms and convenient access to the airport, it may be a good choice if you're looking for a simple and cost-effective overnight stay.
These are just a few examples of the many hotels near Amsterdam Airport. You can explore other options on websites like TripAdvisor and Hotels.com, where you can compare prices, locations, and traveller reviews to find the best option for your needs. Remember to consider factors such as proximity to the airport, shuttle services, and guest ratings when making your decision.
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Transport to the city
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers cots for stranded passengers, particularly in situations involving significant disruptions such as flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather or other exceptional circumstances. The airport has a history of providing cots, blankets, and other supplies to assist passengers stuck overnight. However, cots are not available every night for general use, they are deployed as needed during mass disruptions.
If you plan to sleep in the airport, note that security guards begin nightly rounds at midnight, checking for ID and boarding passes. If you don't have a boarding pass, you must leave the airport until it re-opens at 4:00 AM.
Sleeping in the terminal is only permitted overnight, so you cannot lay across chairs or benches during flight operation hours. There is plenty of armrest-free seating airside, with padded chairs, soft benches, and chaise lounges between Piers E and F in the internet area. There is also a green rest area with lounge and bean bag chairs before the D gates. Both locations are popular with overnighters, so it’s worth showing up early to snag a good seat!
If you are looking for more comfort, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, through a lounge membership program, or other access requirements. For example, the Aspire Lounge (No. 26) is located airside on the 2nd Floor, opposite D Pier. It costs €40 to enter.
There are also hotels at the airport, such as the Hilton, Hotel Mercure, and Yotel. However, these can be quite expensive.
If you would prefer to leave the airport, Amsterdam Central Station is a 15-minute train ride away, with at least eight trains going per hour. There are also nightly buses that can take you into the city.
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Lounges and facilities
Amsterdam Airport has a variety of lounges and facilities for travellers. The airport has a history of providing cots, blankets, and other supplies to assist passengers stuck overnight. For example, during incidents like snowstorms or the volcanic ash cloud disruptions in 2010, Schiphol set up cots both airside and landside to accommodate travellers. While cots are not available every night, they are provided as needed during mass disruptions.
If you plan to stay overnight at the airport, it's important to note that security guards begin nightly rounds at midnight to check IDs and boarding passes. Those without a boarding pass will be asked to leave the airport until it re-opens at 4:00 AM. There are various spots within the airport where you can spend the night, such as the cafe on the left side of the terminal, the padded chairs and soft benches between Piers E and F, or the green rest area with lounge and bean bag chairs before the D gates. These areas tend to fill up quickly, so it's recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Amsterdam Airport also offers pay-per-use lounges, such as the Aspire Lounge (No. 26) located airside in the Schengen Area. This lounge is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and can be accessed by paying at the door (€40), using prepaid lounge passes, or through various lounge membership programs.
Additionally, there are hotels located within the airport, such as Hotel Mercure and Yotel, which can be convenient if you need a more comfortable place to rest. These hotels are airside and can only be accessed with a ticket. Alternatively, you can explore accommodation options near the airport, such as the Hilton, or consider booking a hotel in the city centre, which is just a 15-minute train ride away.
If you're arriving early in the morning and need a place to rest before your hotel check-in, some travellers suggest booking the hotel for the night before to guarantee early check-in. This way, you can take a shower and a nap before exploring the city. However, others recommend against this, suggesting that it's better to adapt to the local time zone immediately and explore the area while waiting for your room to be ready.
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Safety and security
Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, has a range of options for travellers who need to stay overnight. However, sleeping in any airport can carry a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
Firstly, it is important to know that security guards begin nightly patrols at midnight, checking IDs and boarding passes. If you do not have a boarding pass, you will be asked to leave the airport until it reopens at 4 am. Therefore, if you are planning to stay overnight, it is important to have a valid boarding pass.
If you are airside, you will have more options for sleeping areas than if you are landside. Landside, sleeping in the terminal is only permitted overnight, so you cannot lie across chairs or benches during flight operation hours. Airside, there is plenty of armrest-free seating, including padded chairs, soft benches, and chaise lounges between Piers E and F in the internet area. There is also a green rest area with lounge and bean bag chairs before the D gates. Both locations are popular with overnighters, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good seat.
If you have a carry-on bag, you should be able to pass through security and sleep in the airport without any issues. However, if you are checking luggage, you may not be able to check it in until the check-in desk opens for your flight. In this case, you may be better off staying in a hotel or finding alternative accommodation.
Amsterdam Airport has a few hotels, including Hotel Mercure and Yotel, which can be accessed with a ticket. There are also lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, through a lounge membership program, or other access requirements. Additionally, the city of Amsterdam is just a 15-minute train ride away, with at least eight trains running per hour, and there are many hostels and hotels available at reasonable prices.
To ensure your safety and security while sleeping in Amsterdam Airport, it is recommended to follow these tips:
- Know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep.
- Ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- If you are travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security.
- Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close to you at all times.
- If possible, sleep in a well-lit and busy area to deter potential thieves or harassers.
- Keep your passport and other important documents secure and hidden.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at the Amsterdam airport the night before your flight. Amsterdam Airport has a wide range of places to sleep. If you are airside, you will have more options than if you are landside. Landside, sleeping in the terminal is only permitted overnight, so you cannot lay across chairs or benches during flight operation hours. At midnight, security guards will check IDs and boarding passes, and if you do not have a boarding pass, you will be asked to leave until 4:00 AM. Airside, there is plenty of armrest-free seating, padded chairs, soft benches, and chaise lounges between Piers E and F in the internet area. There is also a green rest area with lounge and bean bag chairs before the D gates. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) also offers cots for stranded passengers in the case of significant disruptions.
Yes, there are several hotels near Schiphol Airport, including Hotel Mercure, Yotel, and a Hilton. You can also take a 15-minute train ride to Amsterdam Central Station, where hostels are relatively inexpensive.
If you want to check into a hotel the night before your flight, you can make a reservation for the previous night and let the hotel know that you will not arrive until the morning. Most hotels will let you check in early if your room is ready.
