Owais Crawford
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe, with a vast single-terminal complex divided into three departure halls. The airport offers a wide range of facilities and services for travellers with layovers, overnight stays, or quick stopovers. From dining and shopping options to nearby attractions, here's what you can expect when transiting through Amsterdam Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Amsterdam Schiphol Airport |
| Airport Code | AMS |
| Location | 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam city |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Departure Halls | 3 |
| Gates | B, C, D, E, F, G, H, M |
| Zones | Schengen and non-Schengen |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| WiFi | Free |
| Showers | Pay-to-use |
| Lounges | Pay-per-use |
| Restaurants and Bars | 80+ |
| Luggage Storage | €6 per item for 24 hours |
| Nearby Attractions | Royal Palace, Red Light District, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Canals |
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What You'll Learn
Airport facilities and amenities
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is a relatively compact airport, with a single terminal divided into three departure halls. The airport is open 24 hours and offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for travellers.
For those looking to relax, the airport features an Airport Park with loungers, bean bag chairs, and exercise bikes in a green and leafy setting. Pre-recorded birdsong adds to the atmosphere. Travellers can also access rest zones with padded benches and recliners, as well as a 24-hour meditation centre with meditation sessions, a library, and regular services. The Holland Boulevard relaxation area offers an immersive Dutch cultural experience, including an outpost of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. The Panorama Terrace, open from 9 am to 5 pm, provides a space to watch planes taking off and landing.
Amsterdam Airport has a variety of dining options, including over 80 restaurants, bars, and cafes. These range from local and independent options to international chains such as McDonald's and Starbucks. The airport also features a unique self-service dining experience called La Place, with locally sourced dishes available before and after security. For those looking for a quick bite, kiosks serve cold-pressed juice and organic options, while the Heineken Bar offers local brews.
The airport offers plenty of shopping opportunities, with over 200 shops ranging from local stores to duty-free retailers. Travellers can purchase cosmetics, alcohol, perfumes, and more at tax-free prices.
For travellers with children, all airport lounges feature designated children's play areas. The airport also has a gym accessible via a covered walkway, and shower facilities are available throughout the airport, including in some first-class lounges. Baggage storage and 7-day storage lockers are also available for travellers who want to explore Amsterdam during their layover.
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Nearby attractions
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located just 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam's city centre, which is easily reachable by train, taxi, or bus. Even those with a short layover can take in many of Amsterdam's highlights, such as its picturesque canals, quaint cobblestone streets, and beautifully preserved 17th-century Golden Age architecture.
A 5-hour layover allows time for a quick city tour, but 7–8 hours is ideal for more leisurely exploration. The train from the airport to the city centre takes under 20 minutes and runs every 10–15 minutes. Bus Line 397 Amsterdam Express also picks up right in front of the airport.
Must-see sights in the city include canal cruises, Dam Square, and the Canal Ring. Be sure to visit medieval-era churches and monuments like the Royal Palace, as well as world-class art museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Relax with a Dutch beer in one of the city's traditional brown cafes.
If you'd rather stay near the airport, there is still plenty to do. Het Amsterdamse Bos, a large park with a forest, canal, farm, and walking/running trails, is located approximately 7 miles from the airport. There is no direct public transportation from the airport, so a taxi is the best option. The Floating Dutchman is a canal bus that can be caught directly from the airport, allowing you to experience Amsterdam's waterways without leaving the airport.
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Transport to the city centre
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located just 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam city centre. The airport is well-connected to the city centre by train, taxi, or bus.
The train, which drops off and picks up directly under the airport terminal, connects with the city centre every 10-15 minutes and will have you downtown in under 20 minutes. The train station is located underneath the airport, and you can buy your ticket from the yellow machines located at the entrance to the platforms.
If you prefer to take a taxi, you can expect the journey to take around 25 minutes. Taxis are readily available outside the airport and will drop you off at your desired location in the city centre.
For a more budget-friendly option, you can take the bus. Bus Line 397 Amsterdam Express picks up directly in front of the airport and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the city centre.
If you have a layover of at least 4 hours, you can head into the city centre and explore downtown Amsterdam. Amsterdam is compact and easy to navigate, with picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and world-renowned architecture all within a 3-square-mile radius.
However, if you decide to stay at the airport, Schiphol Airport has plenty to offer. The airport is known for its wide variety of shopping and dining options, ranging from local specialties to international favourites. You can also explore the world-famous Rijksmuseum's airport outpost, featuring 17th-century Dutch paintings, or relax in the airport's meditation centre or outdoor park.
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Food and drink options
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers an extensive range of food and beverage options, both before and after security. From cosy restaurants and bars to quick coffee and fast-food options, there is something to suit every palate.
If you're craving a sit-down meal, Dakota's Restaurant & Bar offers a diverse menu that caters to all taste buds. For a quick bite or a cup of coffee, try Park Cafe or Harvest Market, which serves light breakfast foods like cereal and fruit, quick lunches, and more filling options like steak and pizza.
For those who prefer fast food, there are several options, including Burger King, McDonald's, and Grab & Fly. If you're looking for a taste of local cuisine, head to Grand Café Plaza, where you can try traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen and stroopwafels, or Woltje's Backerij for local baked goods. La Place, a popular Dutch chain, offers freshly made pizzas, sandwiches, juices, and smoothies.
For drinks, there's the Heineken Bar, or for something a little more low-key, try the Upper Floor Bar or Café Rembrandt, which serves up typical Dutch cafe fare like sandwiches, soups, omelettes, and breads. If you're after a quick snack and a drink, the Hello Goodbye Bar or the Two Tigers sushi and ramen bar are good options.
No matter your culinary preferences, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a dining option to satisfy your cravings.
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Relaxation and entertainment
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe, with short- and long-haul flights taking off and landing throughout the day. The airport is located just 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam city centre, which is easily accessible by train, taxi, or bus.
Amsterdam Airport offers plenty of options for relaxation and entertainment, whether you're looking for a quiet place to rest or some activities to keep you busy during your layover.
Rest Zones and Lounges:
The airport used to have five rest zones with reclining chairs, but these seem to have been replaced by informal padded benches and recliners. If you're looking for a quieter and more comfortable space, you can purchase access to a pay-per-use lounge. These lounges often include additional amenities like showers and food options.
Meditation and Quiet Spaces:
For those seeking a tranquil environment, the AMS Meditation Centre is an interfaith zone open 24/7 in the non-Schengen area (Lounge 2). Here, you can attend meditation sessions, read books on spirituality, or participate in regular services. The airport also has a library where you can relax and read, and it even has a grand piano for anyone to play.
Outdoor Relaxation:
If you're looking for a touch of nature, head to Airport Park, a leafy lounge area with loungers, bean bag chairs, and even exercise bikes. Pre-recorded birdsong adds to the calming atmosphere. It's located airside, in Lounge 1.
Dining and Drinks:
Amsterdam Airport has over 80 restaurants and bars offering a diverse range of dining options. You'll find everything from local Dutch cuisine to international choices like Chinese, American, Irish, Italian, and Japanese. There are also kiosks serving cold-pressed juice and organic options. Don't forget to sample a local brew at the Heineken Bar.
Shopping:
With more than 200 shops, Amsterdam Airport provides ample opportunities for shopping. You'll find a mix of local stores and international chains, as well as duty-free shops where you can purchase cosmetics, alcohol, perfumes, and more at tax-free prices.
Nearby Attractions:
If you have a longer layover and wish to explore beyond the airport, Amsterdam's compact city centre is just a short distance away. You can visit world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, stroll along the canals, or explore historic sites like the Royal Palace. The airport also offers canal cruises, providing a unique way to experience the city.
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Frequently asked questions
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has plenty of amenities to keep you entertained during your layover. The airport has free WiFi, pay-to-use showers, a library, a museum, designated rest zones, and a meditation centre. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes serving local and international cuisine.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located only 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) from the city centre, which is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi. A 5-hour layover will allow you to take a quick city tour, but a 7-8 hour layover is ideal for more leisurely exploration. During your time in the city, you can visit the Royal Palace, stroll through the Red Light District, explore the Anne Frank House, or visit one of the many museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. You can also take a canal cruise or stroll along the canals to see the city's famous architecture.
During a short layover, it is recommended that you stay at the airport. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has plenty of shops, ranging from local stores to international chains and duty-free shops. The airport also has several spas offering various services, such as haircuts, mani/pedis, and massages.
Sleeping in the terminal is only permitted overnight. At midnight, security guards patrol 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.
