Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) — The Complete Guide 2026
The Netherlands’ primary gateway and KLM’s global SkyTeam hub. 70 million passengers, a single terminal with three departure halls, and a railway station hidden directly beneath — step off the train and you’re already inside.
✈️ IATA: AMS📍 15 km SW of Amsterdam City Centre🚆 Train Directly Inside Terminal👥 70 Million+ Passengers
⚡ 2026 Quick Reference — Key Facts at a Glance
Train to Centraal Every 10 min — €6.50 | 15–20 min
OVpay Tap any contactless card/phone at yellow NS poles — no OV-chipkaart needed
Taxi to City €50–70 (city congestion applies)
Single Terminal Halls 1, 2, 3 — all connected via Schiphol Plaza
KLM Crown Lounge 52 Non-Schengen, Pier F/G — Business + Flying Blue Elite
Aspire Lounge Walk-In €52 or free with Priority Pass
Luggage Storage From €9/bag per day — Arrivals 1 & 3, 24h
CT Scanners All halls — liquids & electronics stay in bag
💡 Schiphol is a single terminal. Departure Halls 1, 2, and 3 are all connected under one roof via Schiphol Plaza. The NS train station is directly below — step off the train and you’re immediately inside the airport.
Airlines & Piers
Main carriers: KLM, airBaltic, Transavia, easyJet, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa
Piers B, C, D, E, F, G, H, M — accessible by walking or remote bus shuttle depending on your gate.
Schiphol Plaza: airside duty-free, restaurants, and the famous airport library. All available within the terminal after security.
🔗 airBaltic Baltic hub connections: Schiphol is the primary connection hub for airBaltic codeshare passengers flying from Riga (RIX), Vilnius (VNO), and Tallinn (TLL) onward to intercontinental KLM SkyTeam destinations.
🚆 Getting to the City
Option
Price
Journey Time
Notes
NS Train (Intercity)
€6.50
15–20 min to Centraal
Every 10 min, 24/7. Also serves Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven
Eurostar / IC Brussel
Varies
Antwerp ~1h, Brussels ~2h
International rail from Schiphol station — no city transfer needed
Bus
Varies
Varies
EVA Air bus to Brussels/Antwerp; KLM bus to Maastricht
Taxi
€50–70
30–45 min
City congestion applies. Train is faster and cheaper
📲 OVpay tip: Tap any contactless bank card or smartphone (NFC) at the yellow NS poles or fare gates — no OV-chipkaart required. Cheapest fares via the NS app. This works for the full journey including Amsterdam Centraal.
🛋️ Airport Lounges
KLM Crown Lounge 52
Non-Schengen — Pier F/G
Business Class & Flying Blue Elite only
Hot meals, bar, showers
Open: 05:00–22:00
Primary intercontinental hub lounge
KLM Crown Lounge 25
Schengen — Pier B/C
Intra-European KLM & airBaltic codeshares
Hot food, drinks, showers, workstations
Open: 05:30–21:00
Aspire Lounge
Hall 3 — Non-Schengen
Priority Pass ✓ | DragonPass ✓
Walk-in: €52
Open: 06:00–20:00
Snacks, drinks, WiFi, quiet zones
💡 Insider Tips
🔬 CT Scanners — No Unpacking
Next-gen CT scanners are operational at every security lane in all three departure halls. Keep all liquids and electronics inside your carry-on bag — no need to remove them. Faster throughput than any other major European hub.
⏱️ Arrival Times
Arrive 2 hours before Schengen flights, 3 hours for Non-Schengen (USA, Asia). Security peaks 06:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00. Check-in closes 40 min before departure for KLM, 30 min for budget carriers.
🌙 Night Curfew
No take-offs 00:00–06:00, no landings 00:00–05:00. The airport is very quiet overnight. The NS train service remains fully operational 24/7 — you can still travel to/from Schiphol at any hour.
💳 OVpay — No Ticket Needed
OVpay is accepted at all yellow NS poles. Tap your contactless bank card or phone directly — no ticket machine, no OV-chipkaart required. Best fares via the NS app. Fastest way to board the train.
🏨 Hotels Near Schiphol
Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The only hotel located airside — in the transit area after security. Perfect for early morning departures or long overnight layovers without leaving the terminal.
Hilton / Sheraton Amsterdam Airport ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Both integrated into Schiphol Plaza with no outdoor transfer. Direct enclosed walkway to Departures. Top choice for premium travellers or families.
citizenM Schiphol ⭐⭐⭐
Free shuttle from airport. From €95/night. Good value for budget-conscious travellers needing a proper sleep near the airport.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre?
The NS train station is directly below Schiphol Plaza — you never leave the building. Every 10 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal (15–20 min, €6.50). Tap any contactless bank card or phone (OVpay) at the yellow NS poles — no OV-chipkaart needed. Taxis cost €50–70 and face city congestion.
Which hotels are near Schiphol Airport?
The Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal is the only hotel located Airside, in the transit area after security. Landside at Schiphol Plaza: the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel are integrated into the Schiphol Plaza complex with no outdoor transfer. citizenM Schiphol offers a free shuttle, from €95/night.
What lounges are available at Schiphol?
KLM Crown Lounge 52 (Non-Schengen, Pier F/G) for intercontinental Business Class and Flying Blue Elite. Crown Lounge 25 (Schengen, Pier B/C) for intra-European KLM and airBaltic codeshare passengers. Aspire Lounge Hall 3: Priority Pass/DragonPass free, or €52 walk-in. All include hot food, showers, workstations.
How early should I arrive at Schiphol?
2 hours for Schengen, 3 hours for non-Schengen (USA, Asia). Next-gen CT scanners are fully operational — keep all liquids and electronics in your bag. Security peaks 06:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00. Check-in closes 40 min before departure (KLM) and 30 min for budget airlines.
Are there luggage storage facilities at Schiphol?
Storage in Schiphol Plaza near Arrivals 1 and 3, open 24h. From €9/bag first 24h, €5 each additional day. Baggage wrapping near Hall 3: €15/item. airBaltic passengers on long Schiphol layovers can store bags and day-trip Amsterdam by train (15 min each way).
