
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, also 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 Europe and the world, serving over 70 million passengers annually. The airport has a rich history, initially opening as a military airbase in 1916 before welcoming civilian aircraft in 1920. Today, Schiphol boasts six runways, a large terminal building divided into three departure halls, and a wide range of amenities for travellers. Its efficient layout, security, and hospitality have earned it a reputation as one of the easiest airports for changing planes.
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What You'll Learn
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport in the Netherlands
- Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe
- The airport has a single terminal concept with three departure halls
- Schiphol Airport has a range of lounges, sleeping pods, and rest areas
- The airport is located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport in the Netherlands
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, also known as Schiphol Airport, is the main international airport in the Netherlands. Located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland, it is one of Europe's busiest aviation hubs.
Schiphol Airport is built on land that was once a large lake. The airport opened as a military airbase in 1916 and was initially a small airfield with a few barracks and a field serving as a runway. Civil aircraft began using the airport in 1920, and it has since grown to become one of the world's largest airports.
The airport is built on the single-terminal concept, with one large terminal split into three departure halls. It has six runways, one of which handles the majority of air traffic. Schiphol is the base for several intercontinental airlines, including KLM, Transavia, and Martinir, and is known for its efficient transit system.
Schiphol Airport is one of the world's lowest airports, lying three metres below sea level. It has a range of facilities for travellers, including lounges, sleeping pods, designated rest areas, and various shopping and dining options. The airport has a reputation for efficiency, cleanliness, and security, making it a popular choice for travellers.
With almost 72 million passengers in 2019, Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe in terms of passenger volume. It is easily accessible from the city of Amsterdam, with a direct train connection to the central station, making it a convenient gateway to the Netherlands.
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Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, also known as Schiphol Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Europe. Located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, it is the main international airport in the Netherlands. With a total area of 6,887 acres, Schiphol Airport is built on the single-terminal concept, with one large terminal divided into three sections or halls and approximately 223 boarding gates.
The airport has consistently ranked among the top busiest airports in Europe by passenger traffic. In 2017, it was ranked as the third busiest airport in Europe and the eleventh busiest worldwide. This ranking improved in 2023, when it became the third busiest airport globally by international passenger traffic. Schiphol Airport handled over 66.8 million passengers annually as of 2024, reinforcing its status as one of Europe's largest aviation hubs.
Schiphol Airport is a major hub for the SkyTeam airline alliance and serves as the base for several intercontinental airlines, including KLM, Transavia, and Martinir. The airport has six runways, with plans for a seventh, and is known for its efficient transit system, offering direct train connections to Amsterdam's central station and other destinations within the Netherlands and internationally.
To accommodate the high volume of traffic, Schiphol Airport has undergone expansions and improvements. A new pier was opened in 2019, and terminal extensions are planned for completion by 2023. The airport has also implemented digital transformations, such as a fully biometric-based self-boarding solution, to enhance the passenger experience and streamline travel processes.
Schiphol Airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers, including lounges, sleeping pods, designated rest areas, and efficient security processes. It has a reputation for being a convenient airport for changing planes, with short layover times averaging 45 minutes to 1 hour. The airport also features a variety of shopping and dining options, making it a popular choice for travellers.
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The airport has a single terminal concept with three departure halls
Amsterdam's main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is built on a single-terminal concept. This terminal is split into three large departure halls, designated Halls 1, 2, and 3. The piers and concourses of each hall are connected, allowing passengers to walk between piers and halls on both sides of security or border inspection. However, border control separates Schengen from non-Schengen areas. The airport has approximately 223 boarding gates, including eighteen double jetway gates for widebody aircraft and two gates with a third jetway for handling the Airbus A380.
The single-terminal concept sets Schiphol Airport apart from many other large airports. This design provides a convenient and efficient experience for passengers, who can easily access all facilities under one roof. The airport has a range of lounges, sleeping pods, and designated rest areas, catering to travellers' needs for comfort and relaxation during layovers or while waiting for their flights. Schiphol also offers a variety of shopping and dining options, contributing to its reputation as a great airport for travellers.
The airport's efficient layout and comprehensive amenities have earned it accolades and positive reviews from travellers. It has been recognised for its cleanliness, security, and hospitality. Schiphol has also been praised for its clear signage, minimising confusion and keeping queues to a minimum with its E-passport gates. The airport's location just 5.5 to 9 miles (9 to 14.5 kilometres) southwest of Amsterdam makes it easily accessible for travellers, contributing to its popularity.
However, some travellers have criticised the airport for its limited and uncomfortable seating, as well as the high prices and poor quality of food. Schiphol has also faced challenges with illegal taxi services, requiring travellers to be cautious and rely only on licensed cab operators. Despite these drawbacks, Schiphol remains a preferred airport for many, known for its ease of navigation and efficient transit system, including direct train connections to Amsterdam's central station.
While Amsterdam Airport Schiphol currently operates with a single-terminal concept, there are plans for expansion. Proposals include constructing a separate new terminal between the Zwanenburgbaan and Polderbaan runways, which would bring an end to the one-terminal design. As one of Europe's busiest airports, handling over 70 million passengers annually, Schiphol is continually adapting to meet the demands of its high passenger volume.
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Schiphol Airport has a range of lounges, sleeping pods, and rest areas
Amsterdam's main international airport is called Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, or Schiphol Airport for short. It is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland. Schiphol is one of the largest airports in the world and is ranked among the busiest airports in Europe and the world in terms of passenger traffic.
In addition to lounges, Schiphol Airport also offers sleeping pods and designated rest areas. These options are ideal for travellers with long layovers or those seeking a quick nap before their flight. The sleeping pods provide a private and comfortable space for rest, while the rest areas offer a more open and communal environment for relaxation. Schiphol's focus on passenger comfort and convenience has contributed to its reputation as a traveller-friendly airport.
The airport's terminal is divided into three sections, designated as Halls 1, 2, and 3, with approximately 223 boarding gates in total. Schiphol's unique design allows for easy connectivity between piers and halls, enhancing the overall travel experience. The airport also boasts an efficient ground transportation system, with direct train connections to Amsterdam's central station and other destinations within the country and internationally.
Schiphol Airport has a rich history, initially opening as a military airbase in 1916 before welcoming civilian aircraft in 1920. Over the years, it has expanded and transformed into a bustling aviation hub, serving as a base for intercontinental airlines and paving the way for sustainable aviation through the adoption of new technologies.
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The airport is located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam
Amsterdam's main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is located 9 kilometres (5.5 miles) southwest of the city. It is one of the world's largest airports, serving almost 72 million passengers in 2019 and covering 6,887 acres of land.
The airport was initially constructed in 1916 as a military airbase, opening to civilian aircraft in 1920. It has since grown significantly and is now the main international airport in the Netherlands. The airport consists of one large terminal, split into three departure halls, and six runways, with plans to construct a seventh.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a major hub for intercontinental airlines such as KLM, Transavia, and Martinir. It is also a base for low-cost carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair, which operate from the low-cost H pier. The airport has a range of facilities for travellers, including lounges, sleeping pods, designated rest areas, and various shopping and dining options.
Its location just outside the city makes it easily accessible, and it is well-connected to Amsterdam and other destinations via train and bus services. The airport has a reputation for efficiency, cleanliness, and security, making it a popular choice for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the airport in Amsterdam is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, also known as Schiphol Airport.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located 5.5-9 miles (9km) southwest of Amsterdam in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has lounges, sleeping pods, designated rest areas, good shopping, restaurants, and efficient security. It is also one of the world's lowest airports, lying three metres below sea level.




































