Menu:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Tips
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is one of the more pleasant airports in Europe with its light and spacious terminals. As well as visitors to the Netherlands, Schiphol has become a major connecting hub for many air travellers, especially those using Air France-KLM and partner airlines. Excellent onward transport options include the Dutch rail network, Thalys high speed train to Brussels and Paris and DB services to Germany. |
Here are a few tips on Schiphol airport:
> If you are travelling to/from a (Euro) Schengen country you will not need to go through passport control. All other passengers (including from UK and US) will need to go through a border checkpoint - queues at passport control are normally manageable and you should only have to wait 5-10 minutes at the very most.
> "Schiphol Plaza" is the shopping area which lies on the public side - it houses a variety of stores including the small supermarkets "Food Village" and "Albert Heijn To Go". On the departures side of the airport there are the "See Buy Fly" tax-free shops selling the usual airport fare. Premium Dutch delicacies can be purchased although you can get them cheaper in town.
> Schiphol has an outdoor panorama terrace situated upstairs on the arrivals (public) side. It has some good views of the aircraft gates and a couple of the runways. There is an indoor cafe up there if the weather is not too good.
> There are a number of very comfy lazy chairs available on the departures side if you have a long wait for your flight. Take care not to fall asleep for too long! The upstairs level is generally quieter - this is where the airline lounges are located. These include the KLM Crown Lounges, a BA Terraces lounge, an ABN Amro bank lounge, Servisair/Menzies (Priority Pass) lounges and lounges from Singapore Airlines and JAL.
> You can freshen up by taking a shower at the Mercure Hotel (lounge 3 departures side) for €12.50. If you don't want to pay and have your own towels / soap then some of the public toilets upstairs also have free showers available.
> Fancy some art? The compact Rijksmuseum Schiphol is located on Holland Boulevard between piers E and F (departures side) and houses works of art painted by old Dutch masters. Open daily between 0700 and 2000, admission is free and this small exhibition is changed every few months.
> If you have an early flight from AMS consider staying at the CitizenM hotel located a few minutes walk from the station / terminal. Check our Schiphol Airport Hotel Guide for other options.
> If you have a layover at Schiphol of more than a few hours consider taking the train into the city (15 minute ride) and doing some sightseeing, shopping or having a meal. You can take a 1 hour canal cruise from just outside central station.
For more info on travel to the city: Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central
| To book a hotel (up to 80% off standard rates) near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport please click here. |