A 2026 Guide to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Summary
Learn Schiphol’s single-terminal layout, three departure halls, airline coverage, and navigation resources.
Find lounges, hotels, shopping, restaurants, luggage storage, and smoking-restriction information.
Compare relaxation spaces, showers, work facilities, and a car-service option for arrivals or departures.
AMS is the airport code for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Netherlands' main international airport. Schiphol is also commonly called Amsterdam Airport.
Schiphol has one terminal that is divided into three departure halls. Its central public area, Schiphol Plaza, connects passengers with the airport’s train station, bus services, and taxi rank.
This guide will give you all the info you need to make your journey through Schiphol as smooth as possible.
Amsterdam Airport at a glance
Official name and code: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Location: Schiphol, near Amsterdam
Terminal layout: One terminal complex with three departure halls
Airport map: The official Schiphol map and lounge guide
Train station: Directly beneath Schiphol Plaza
Getting around: Trains, buses, official taxis, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and pre-booked private transfers
How to get to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Navigating from Schiphol to central Amsterdam or across the Netherlands is relatively straightforward, as the primary public transport hub sits directly beneath the airport terminal.
NS train service
The NS train station is directly beneath Schiphol Plaza. Trains to Amsterdam Centraal take under 20 minutes, and services also connect Schiphol with cities such as Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Leiden. Check the NS journey planner for current departure times, fares, and service disruptions.
The train is often a convenient option for central Amsterdam. A taxi or pre-booked private transfer may be more practical if you’re travelling with young children, carrying several bags, or heading directly to a hotel outside the city centre.
Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397)
The Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express bus connects Schiphol directly to key cultural and hotel districts without requiring a transfer at the central train station.
Route: Departs from platforms outside Schiphol Plaza, stopping at Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, or Leidseplein.
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes to central Amsterdam destinations.
Official taxis and hotel shuttles
The official taxi rank is in front of Schiphol Plaza. App-based services have a separate designated pickup point; follow the airport signs. Rental-car arrangements and hotel-shuttle pickup locations vary by provider, so always check the relevant operator’s instructions.
Private car service
For travelers with heavy luggage, arriving late at night, or traveling as a family or business group, booking an Amsterdam Schiphol Airport transfer is the most reliable solution. A private Amsterdam car service eliminates public transit transfers and offers a comfortable journey directly to hotels or onward to major cities.
Do you have time to explore the city during your stay? Consider reviewing an Amsterdam city guide for art lovers or booking an Amsterdam city transfer.
Navigating Schiphol’s layout
Schiphol has one terminal complex, with three landside departure halls for check-in and an airside network of shopping and dining areas, known as Lounges 1 to 4. After security, your route depends on your destination and gate.
Schiphol Plaza: The public area, with access to the train station and ground transport.
Departure Halls 1, 2, and 3: Check-in and baggage-drop areas before security.
Lounges 1 to 4: Airside shopping and dining areas that connect passengers to the boarding gates.
Boarding piers: Gates are distributed across piers B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and M.
Check your boarding pass, airport screens, and the official map for your check-in location and gate. Some routes also require passport control.
Airlines flying through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
More than 100 passenger carriers connect through Schiphol. Check-in locations vary by airline, and some airlines use more than one departure hall.
KLM: Departures 1 and 2
Delta Air Lines: Departure 2
British Airways: Departure 3
American Airlines: Departure 3
Air Canada: Departure 3
United Airlines: Departure 3
easyJet: Departure 3
Other airlines use different check-in areas, and desk assignments can change. Check your boarding pass, your airline’s instructions, and Schiphol’s live flight information before travelling. The departure hall isn’t necessarily the same as your boarding pier or gate.
Amsterdam Schiphol lounges
Amsterdam Schiphol uses the word "lounges" in a way that may be confusing if you're used to checking in to private clubs run by airlines or other entities. While Schiphol features several of these traditional lounges, the airport also uses the word "lounge" to refer to the shopping and dining areas in the three departure halls.
Privium lounges
Schiphol’s Privium lounges offer seating, food, drinks, and business facilities. Options include a lounge before security and several airside lounges serving different departure areas. Access is available to eligible Privium members and passengers with a valid lounge voucher; check the current location, opening hours, and conditions before visiting.
The entrance to Privium. Credit: Schiphol
KLM Crown Lounges
KLM offers two lounges for its business-class flyers and Flying Blue platinum or gold or SkyTeam Elite Plus members. The lounge for travelers headed to European destinations (Schengen) is near the D pier, while the lounge for intercontinental passengers is near the F pier.
Both lounges provide ample facilities for business travelers, including printers and copiers, phones, and chargers. The intercontinental lounge also offers work pods for those seeking a little privacy or a spot to converse intimately with colleagues. The food across these lounges is excellent, with sandwich bars, waffles, hot food, espresso machines, and self-serve bars all made available. You can reserve a shower if you want to freshen up, and attendants are available to help you with any issues connected to your flight.
Aspire Lounges
You'll find the Aspire Lounge for international flights near the E pier, and the Aspire Lounge for European flights is located right after security. These lounges are open to Priority Pass members, and any other passenger with a same-day ticket can buy a pass to use the lounges.
At the Aspire Lounges, you can purchase access to shower facilities if you need to freshen up before your flight. Both lounges feature plenty of comfortable seats with tableside charging for your mobile devices and terrific views of the runways. Snacks and drinks are available, as well as reading material in a variety of languages and free Wi-Fi.
Funky decor in the oneworld Lounge. credit @oneworld
oneworld Lounge
Enjoy access to this lounge if you're a member of BA Club Europe or a oneworld elite member. Cathay Pacific travelers flying to Hong Kong in a premium class can also use the lounge.
Located in Lounge 40 on the top floor of the terminal, this recently remodeled lounge makes it easy to hold informal business meetings with wireless printing and device charging from anywhere in the lounge. The buffet includes salads, soups, and sandwich fixings as well as snacks and a self-serve bar.
Located in Lounge 40 on the top floor of the terminal, this recently remodeled lounge makes it easy to hold informal business meetings with wireless printing and device charging from anywhere in the lounge. The buffet includes salads, soups, and sandwich fixings, plus snacks and a self-serve bar.
The lounge is open daily to eligible oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members departing Amsterdam on oneworld flights, as well as First and Business Class passengers travelling with oneworld member airlines.
Smoking, sleeping, and hotel guidance
Whether you need a quick rest during a layover or a place to stay before an early flight, understanding Amsterdam Airport’s accommodation options will help you stay well rested for your onward journey.
Smoking policies at Schiphol
Schiphol is completely smoke-free inside the entire terminal building, both before and after security. There are no indoor or outdoor smoking lounges, cabins, or terraces within the airside transit zone.
Outdoor smoking area: The only permitted outdoor smoking zone is situated landside on Jan Dellaertplein, directly outside Schiphol Plaza.
Transfer passengers: Passengers connecting through Schiphol who wish to smoke must clear passport control, exit to the landside area, and re-enter through main security lines to return to their gates.
Resting and sleeping airside
For short naps or overnight layovers inside the airside transit area, you can choose between free rest zones and private bookable options.
Free seating and rest areas: Reclined seats and quiet lounge spaces sit along Holland Boulevard and near the main boarding gates.
YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol: Located airside in Lounge 2. YOTELAIR offers compact sleep cabins with rain showers bookable for overnight stays or daytime blocks.
Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal: Located airside in Lounge 3, the Mercure is a three-star hotel that offers day rooms and overnight accommodations.
Paid showers: Standalone shower facilities are available at both YOTELAIR and Mercure for passengers who only need to freshen up.
Landside hotels within walking distance
Three major landside hotels near the terminal, allowing you to reach check-in desks without booking a shuttle bus.
Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel: Situated landside, connected to Schiphol Plaza by a short three-minute covered walk. Sheraton Amsterdam features soundproofed rooms, extensive meeting space, and full-service dining.
Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: Located landside, the Hilton Amsterdam is reachable via a quick stroll under a covered walkway from Schiphol Plaza. It offers meeting rooms, fitness facilities, and day pass access.
citizenM Schiphol Airport Hotel: Located landside, the CitizenM at Schiphol is a four-minute walk along a covered path from the terminal. It features compact, tech-focused rooms, food service, and co-working spaces.
Shopping at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers a variety of retail options across the airport. Passengers can browse duty-free pricing on cosmetics, Dutch souvenirs, and international luxury fashion.
Today Duty Free
Schiphol retired its “See Buy Fly” campaign in 2021, but duty-free products are still available in airside departure lounges with the Today Duty Free outlets. These offer duty-free pricing on items such as cosmetics, chocolates, and fine spirits for passengers traveling outside the European Union.
Luxury boutiques and Dutch retail
Beyond the standard duty-free offerings, Schiphol hosts flagship designer stores and specialty shops that reflect local design, floral heritage, and culinary culture.
These include:
Hugo Boss (Lounge 1 and Lounge 2): Premium men's and women's tailored apparel, casual wear, and footwear.
House of Tulips (Lounge 1): Iconic floral shop selling fresh Dutch tulips, certified flower bulbs, and garden gifts.
Hermès (Lounge 2): High-end French fashion, silk scarves, leather goods, and accessories.
Bottega Veneta (Lounge 2): Italian artisanal leather accessories and woven bags.
Restaurants at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Dining options at Schiphol range from quick grab-and-go cafes to full-service sit-down restaurants and traditional Dutch eateries across both landside and airside zones.
Schiphol Plaza dining before security
Schiphol Plaza serves as the public shopping and dining hub before security check-in, making it convenient for arriving passengers, visitors, or travelers waiting for check-in desks to open.
These include:
Grand Café Plaza (Schiphol Plaza): Dutch and European brasserie featuring Dutch pancakes, sandwiches, and fresh juices.
Albert Heijn To Go (Schiphol Plaza): Convenience market for fresh sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks, and grocery essentials.
Signature dining by airside lounge
Travelers can enjoy local seafood, Dutch cheeses, and international options organized by their departure lounge location.
These include:
Dutch Kitchen Bar & Cocktails (Lounge 2): Traditional Dutch pancakes, herring, poffertjes, and local craft beers.
Kebaya (Lounge 3): Southeast Asian dishes cooked to order in an open kitchen environment. There is a takeaway option in Lounge 2.
Park Café (Holland Boulevard): Sustainable dining, fresh salads, juices, and sandwiches in a green lounge setting between Lounges 1 and 2.
Get to Schiphol reliably and in style with Blacklane
Whether you’re arriving in Amsterdam or heading to Schiphol for a departure, a pre-booked chauffeur will make your airport journey more reliable, convenient, and comfortable. Book a Blacklane car service in Amsterdam to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
About the author
Matthew Deery
Having lived in France, Germany, and the US as well as his native Ireland, Matthew has a passion for globetrotting. As SEO Manager and Editor of the Blacklane Blog, he now gets to preach what he practices.
