Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) Information

Introduction

Amsterdam's airport is the ninth-busiest in the world, with annual passenger traffic of 40 million. It offers connections all over the globe, and serves as a major hub for discounted transatlantic flights. The airport is located 15kms southwest of Amsterdam. If you're heading to Amsterdam but are short on time, check out our 24hr Guide to Amsterdam.

The 2005 World Airport Awards named Amsterdam-Schiphol the eighth-best airport in the world, and the second-best in Europe (behind Munich). It was also voted third in the world for quality of international transit (behind Singapore and Seoul), based on a passenger survey of airport standards.

Airport parking at Amsterdam

Two short-term car parks, P1 and P2, are linked to the terminal and Schiphol Plaza by covered walkways. Fees are €1.90 per half-hour for the first 3 hours, and €24 per day. Car park P3 is intended for long-term parking. It is situated 4kms from the terminal, and is served by shuttle buses which run to and from the terminal every 10 minutes 24 hours a day. Rates are €50 for the first 3 days, and then €5 per day subsequently. Exclusive parking is offered in an underground car park, P7. There, rates are €10 for the first hour and €6 for each additional hour, with a maximum daily charge of €35. Valet parking from in front of the departures hall is available as well for €35 per day.

Getting to and from Amsterdam

If driving from Amsterdam, the A10 ring road connects with the A4 motorway which leads directly to the airport. An airport train station is located in the terminal's central hall, under Schiphol Plaza. Trains run every 15 minutes to Amsterdam's central station (journey time, 15 minutes), as well as to many other cities in the Netherlands (Utrecht, for example, is 50 minutes away). Public buses depart from outside the terminal's arrivals hall 2, and travel to several locations in Amsterdam and beyond. Many hotel shuttle buses also serve the airport. A taxi rank is situated outside Schiphol Plaza; travel time into the city is about 15 minutes.

Amenities at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

There are several banks, ATMs, and currency exchange booths and machines. A post office is located in the central lounge, and there is a 24-hour medical centre and pharmacy as well. Extensive shopping opportunities exist, particularly in Schiphol Plaza which is open from 7:00 until 22:00. Shops there feature chocolates and other delicacies, perfumes and cosmetics, jewellery and fashions, flowers and tulip bulbs, and more. There are numerous restaurants and fast-food outlets in all parts of the terminal, including establishments featuring juices, gourmet sandwiches and fresh fish. The Rijksmuseum has a branch at the airport, featuring paintings by Dutch masters from the Golden Age, plus temporary exhibitions. Commemorating the Year of Rembrandt 2006, a team of artists is re-creating a version of the famed painting Night Watch. Airport travellers can witness the day-by-day progress.

Check out live flight times and other services at Schipol's Website