
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland. Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, ranking as the third busiest airport in Europe by passenger volume in 2019. The airport has a range of amenities for travellers, including a train station with connections to Amsterdam Central Station, a meditation centre, a spa, and a modern library.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol |
| IATA | AMS |
| ICAO | EHAM |
| Location | 9 kilometres (5.6 mi; 4.9 nmi) southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland |
| Year of opening | 1916 |
| Year of conversion to commercial airport | 1920 |
| Number of runways | 6 |
| Number of gates | 90 |
| Number of halls | 3 |
| Number of boarding gates | 223 |
| Annual passenger volume | 72 million (2019) |
| Area | 6,887 acres (10.761 sq mi; 2,787 ha) |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, massages, library, meditation centre, spa, green park, shower facilities, restaurants, cafes, shopping, etc. |
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What You'll Learn

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is 18km from the city centre
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands. Located 18km from the city centre, it is one of the busiest airports in Europe. With six runways and 90 gates, it is also the largest airport in the country.
The airport is situated 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, in the province of North Holland. It is accessible by train, with the Schiphol Airport train station located directly below the airport. The train journey to Amsterdam Central Station takes less than 20 minutes. Passengers can also opt for shuttle buses, taxis, or bicycles to get to and from the airport.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers a range of amenities for travellers, including a green park, a meditation centre, a spa, and a modern library. It is also known for its unique design, with jetways extending over aircraft wings and hanging from steel cantilever structures. The airport has a single-terminal concept, with three departure halls and approximately 223 boarding gates.
The airport has a rich history, originally opening as a military airbase in 1916. It transitioned into a commercial airport in 1920 and has since become a major hub for aviation in Europe, serving tens of thousands of passengers daily. With its high volume of passenger traffic, efficient transportation options, and diverse facilities, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol plays a crucial role in facilitating air travel to and from the Netherlands.
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Schiphol is the third-largest airport in Europe
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, known informally as Schiphol Airport, is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland. Schiphol Airport is one of the major hubs for the SkyTeam airline alliance.
Schiphol Airport ranked as Europe's third busiest and the world's eleventh busiest airport by total passenger traffic in 2017. It retained its position as the third busiest airport in Europe in 2019, with almost 72 million passengers. In 2023, it was the world's third busiest airport by international passenger traffic.
The airport covers a total area of 6,887 acres (10.761 square miles) of land. It is built on the single-terminal concept, consisting of one large terminal split into three departure halls. Schiphol Airport has approximately 223 boarding gates, including eighteen double jetway gates for wide-body aircraft. The airport features large shopping areas, primarily on the ground floor, serving as a source of revenue and an additional attraction for passengers.
Schiphol Airport is well-connected to Amsterdam and other major cities in the Netherlands. The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the national Dutch train operator, has a major passenger railway station directly underneath the passenger terminal complex. This station offers 24-hour transportation to Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Additionally, efficient and often direct rail services connect Schiphol to various other cities in the country.
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The airport has six runways and 90 gates
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main international airport of the Netherlands. Located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, it is one of the busiest airports in Europe. With six runways and 90 gates, Amsterdam Airport is one of the biggest airports on the continent.
The airport is built on the single-terminal concept, with one large terminal split into three departure halls. The terminal is divided into three sections, designated as Halls 1, 2, and 3. These halls are designed to facilitate passenger movement, allowing access to piers and concourses on both sides of security or border inspection. However, the low-cost pier is an exception, as passengers cannot access other areas once they have passed through security.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has approximately 223 boarding gates, including eighteen double jetway gates for widebody aircraft. The airport's design is notable for its second jetway, which extends over the aircraft wing, suspended from a steel cantilever structure. While most of these jetways have been replaced with a more conventional layout, two gates still feature a third jetway for handling the Airbus A380.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers a range of amenities for travellers, including free Wi-Fi, massages, showers, a meditation centre, and a library. It also provides easy transportation options, with a train station located directly below the airport, offering a journey of less than 20 minutes to Amsterdam Central Station.
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It is possible to get to the city by bus or train
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland.
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station is the fastest and cheapest way to get to the city centre. The train runs 24 hours a day, with departures scheduled every 5-10 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. (hourly during other times). The trip takes only 18 minutes, and tickets are just 4.90 euros. The train station is easily accessible from the main arrivals hall, and you can buy tickets at the arrivals level or at the yellow machines using euro coins or a credit card. The train is one of the best ways to get into the city, helping you avoid the risk of getting stuck in Amsterdam's notorious traffic. However, you will need to continue your journey from the train station by foot, tram, bus, or taxi, which can be a hassle if you have a lot of luggage.
The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus is another option for getting to the city, although it is the least convenient due to the number of stops and the longer travel time. Tickets are cheap, and the variety of routes makes the GVB buses handy for travellers staying in alternative areas of the city. However, these buses do not go to Centraal Station, so you may need to take another mode of transport if your destination is in the city centre. Local buses also provide little space for luggage and tend to be crowded during rush hour.
If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can opt for a taxi or Uber. Official Amsterdam Airport taxis are available 24/7 and are easily recognisable by their 'TAXI' roof lights and blue number plates. Taxis run on a meter basis, and the fare to the city centre is typically between €45 and €55. Uber offers standard UberX and luxury Uber Black options, which can be more affordable than regular taxis. However, you will need an internet connection on your phone to book an Uber. Taxis and Ubers are convenient if you have a lot of luggage, but traffic can cause significant delays and increase the cost of your trip.
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The airport has a meditation centre, library and spa
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking third in Europe and eleventh globally by total passenger traffic in 2017.
The airport has a meditation centre, library, and spa for travellers to relax and unwind. The Meditation Centre is a non-denominational and interfaith space, offering a quiet environment for prayer, meditation, or simply relaxation. It caters to different faiths, with holy books available in multiple languages, and holds regular church services on Sundays at 11 am. The library, within the meditation centre, provides a peaceful space for reading and learning. Travellers can also find solace in the airport's spa facilities, offering a range of treatments and services to promote relaxation and well-being.
The airport's design is centred around a single large terminal, divided into three departure halls, providing a unique and convenient experience. The halls are designated as Hall 1, Hall 2, and Hall 3, with connected piers and concourses allowing easy movement between them. Schiphol Airport boasts an impressive number of boarding gates, including eighteen double jetway gates for widebody aircraft and special gates for the Airbus A380.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a bustling aviation hub, accommodating over 66.8 million passengers annually as of 2024. With its high volume of travellers, the airport ensures that passengers have access to a range of amenities and services, including the meditation centre, library, and spa, elevating the airport experience and providing comfort and convenience to those passing through.
The airport continues to expand, with plans for terminal and gate extensions, as well as the construction of a new terminal, to accommodate the growing number of passengers and maintain its status as one of Europe's leading aviation hubs.
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Frequently asked questions
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is located 9 kilometres (5.6 mi; 4.9 nmi) southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland.
There is a train station under the passenger terminal, from which it takes less than 20 minutes to travel to Amsterdam Central Station. You can also get to the city by bus, while dedicated shuttle buses run to selected hotels near the airport.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers a variety of amenities for travellers, including free Wi-Fi, massages, showers, a meditation centre, a spa, a green park, a modern library, and shopping and dining options.








































