Amsterdam Airport: How Early Should You Arrive?

How early you should arrive at Amsterdam Airport depends on your personal level of risk aversion. While some travellers recommend arriving three hours in advance, others say that two hours is plenty of time, especially if you have no luggage to check in. However, if you have a large group, including small children, you may want to allow more time.

How early to arrive at AMS airport

It is recommended that you arrive at Amsterdam Airport at least two hours before your flight. If you are travelling with children, you may want to allow three hours. This will give you plenty of time to check in, drop off your bags and go through security.

If you are travelling with a large group, it is a good idea to pre-book a taxi or van to take you to the airport. This will ensure that you arrive on time and avoid any last-minute stress.

It is also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they have any specific recommendations for arrival times. Some airlines may advise arriving three hours before your flight, especially for international flights.

By allowing plenty of time before your flight, you can avoid the stress of rushing to the airport and potentially missing your flight. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

How to get to the airport

It is recommended that you arrive at Amsterdam Airport at least 2 hours before your flight, and 3 hours if you want to be extra cautious. If you are travelling with children and luggage, it is best to allow more time. You can pre-book a taxi to the airport, which should take around 30 minutes.

If you are travelling to Amsterdam Airport from the city centre, there are a few transport options available to you.

The first option is to take a taxi. You can pre-book a taxi through your hotel or use a taxi company such as TCA, which offers a maximum fixed rate for transfers from Amsterdam city to the airport. If you book a taxi for 6 am, you should arrive at the airport by 6:30 am, giving you plenty of time before your flight.

Another option is to use public transport. You can take a bus or train to the airport, which is usually a cheaper option than a taxi. The journey time will depend on where you are travelling from, but you can expect it to take around 30-60 minutes.

If you are driving to the airport, you will need to allow extra time for parking and walking to the terminal. The airport has several parking options, including short-term and long-term parking, as well as valet parking.

Finally, if you are travelling with a large group or have a lot of luggage, you may want to consider booking a private transfer. This can be more expensive but can be a more comfortable and convenient option, especially if you are travelling with children. Companies such as TCA offer van transfers for up to seven people.

How long it takes to get to the airport

How long it takes to get to Amsterdam Airport depends on where you are travelling from. If you are travelling from the city centre, it takes around 30 minutes by taxi, so you should leave at 6 am to arrive by 6:30 am. If you are travelling from further afield, you should allow more time.

Most sources recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your flight, especially if you have no luggage to check in. However, if you are travelling with children, you may want to allow three hours to be on the safe side. This will give you plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate.

If you are travelling during peak times, such as school holidays or weekends, the airport may be busier than usual. In this case, it is advisable to allow extra time to get through security and avoid any potential delays.

It is always better to arrive at the airport earlier rather than later. This will give you time to relax and grab a coffee or something to eat before your flight. If you arrive with plenty of time to spare, you can always pass the time by browsing the duty-free shops or reading a book.

How to check-in online

It is recommended that you arrive at Amsterdam airport 2-3 hours before your flight. To save time, you can check-in online. Here's how:

Firstly, check with your airline to see if online check-in is available for your flight. This is usually possible, but there may be some exceptions, such as if you require special assistance or are travelling with a large group.

Next, go to the airline's website and find the online check-in page. You will usually need to enter your booking reference or confirmation number, as well as your last name.

Once you have accessed your booking, follow the prompts to check-in. You will be able to select your seat and provide any additional information required, such as your passport details.

After you have completed the online check-in process, you will need to print your boarding pass or download it to your mobile device. Make sure you have this ready to show at the airport, along with your passport and any other required documents.

Checking in online can save you time at the airport, but it's important to leave plenty of time to get through security and reach your gate. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so give yourself a comfortable buffer and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

How to book a taxi

It is recommended that you arrive at Amsterdam Airport at least two hours before your flight, and three hours if you want to be cautious. If you are travelling with children and luggage, you may want to allow more time.

You can book a taxi to Amsterdam Airport in advance to ensure you arrive on time. There are several taxi companies that offer this service, including Amsterdam Taxi Online, Staxi, and TCA. You can book online or through a mobile app, and some companies allow you to choose the type of vehicle you would like to be picked up in. When booking, you will need to provide your travel time, destination and location, and some companies will also ask for your flight details. By pre-booking, you can avoid waiting around at the airport and head straight to your destination.

Frequently asked questions