As a resident of Amsterdam, I’ve flown through Schiphol countless times. Here’s how to make your next visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Getting to and from Schiphol
I find Schiphol’s connectivity to local and regional public transportation incredibly convenient and budget-friendly. There’s a train station at the lower level and bus connections just outside, so you can easily zip into the city centre.
Getting to Schiphol by train
Train is my preferred mode of travel to and from Schiphol: It’s reliable, user-friendly, and cheap. A trip is a little more expensive than a cup of gourmet coffee – rideshare services and cabs can cost up to ten times more – and it also means you’ll avoid any traffic issues.
Taking the bus to and from Schiphol
Buses stop outside the main terminal (look for the famous ‘I Amsterdam’ sign that was moved from the city centre). An excellent option for reaching many landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum, is bus Line 397, also called the Amsterdam Airport Express. It runs several times an hour; the N97, meanwhile, runs throughout the night.
For all public transportation, you’ll need to check in and out with bank card or ticket. For trains, look for the scanner terminals; on buses and trams, just hold your card against the small scanner machine at the door.
Before arriving at Schiphol
If it’s your first time at Schiphol, it’s helpful to do some advance planning, especially for departing flights. I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking – there’s no shuttle or tram to reach gates. If you’re travelling with young children or seniors, consider bringing a buggy or arranging wheelchair assistance (which you can do from Schiphol’s website or through your airline).
During peak travel periods such as the summer months and winter holidays, allow plenty of extra time, as Schiphol can get infamously busy. I recommend arriving two hours before flights within the European Union and three for long-haul flights.
Book a timeslot for the security line
If you don’t have access to the priority security line, you can book a free appointment, or timeslot, for the security line via Schiphol’s website or its handy app (more on that below). It’s available for most flights within Europe and abroad, and one timeslot can be booked for a group or family. At the security line, look for signage with a clock, show your QR code, and you’ll likely be through within minutes. I use this time-saving service every time I fly (except when I have priority access).
Download the Schiphol app
Schiphol’s free app is like having a digital travel agent in your pocket. It’s a breeze to use and packed with helpful info like how busy the airport is expected to be. It also can be used to book (or change) a security timeslot and provides a detailed itinerary for when to leave for the airport and head to your gate. It’s a must-have for any AMS-bound traveller.
How to navigate security lines at Schiphol
One of the things I appreciate most about AMS: the general ease of clearing security. State-of-the-art scanning systems mean you don’t have to remove laptops, liquids, or shoes (the exception: boots that go past the ankle, which you’ll have to take off.) You can even bring in plastic or synthetic bottles of water – no need to toss them. (But be sure metal water bottles are empty).
Schiphol also has its own security priority programme, called Privium, which also comes with lounge access. However, it’s only available to passengers with a residence card from a European Union country, meaning unless you are a UK passenger that became a member pre-Brexit, British passport-holders cannot benefit from this service.
How to get around Schiphol without getting lost
Even with signage everywhere, it’s easy to get turned around. That’s where the free Schiphol app can help, but don’t be afraid to ask for directions if needed.
Passport control at Schiphol
If you’re travelling to or from the United Kingdom (or any country outside the Schengen zone), how long you’ll wait in passport control – which comes after security for departing flights – depends on how busy the airport is. However, Schiphol does have 78 e-Gates, which are self-service scanning devices that use facial recognition technology and help keep queues moving faster for departing, arriving, and connecting flights.
You can use the eGates if you’re 14 years or older and have an e-passport from an eligible country (just look for the small camera symbol on the cover). Because I have an eligible U.S. passport, I can use the eGates for departing flights, which has helped me avoid lengthy queues. But I’m not eligible for flights returning to Schiphol from the U.S., and I’ve waited up to an hour to clear immigration. Whenever possible, I try to make my way to passport control as quickly as I can after deboarding following a redeye flight, as queues quickly grow in the morning with long-haul arrivals.
Getting to your gate at Schiphol
My top tip for navigating AMS: allow plenty of time to reach your gate – up to 20 minutes (or more!). In my experience, the estimated walking time on screens in lounges and terminals is questionable (remember, the Dutch are the tallest people in the world, and walk faster than many of us!).
You should also prepare for long stretches without moving walkways (such as the B Pier in Departures 1); this is where a buggy or wheelchair assistance comes in handy. I also recommend grabbing a free trolley, available throughout the airport, which is immensely helpful in manoeuvring cabin luggage across long distances.
If you have a connecting flight at Schiphol, be sure your stopover has enough time to reach your gate. I recommend at least an hour for connecting flights within Europe and two hours for long-haul flights connecting from a non-EU country. For those flights, I highly recommend making your way off the plane as quickly as possible, since you’ll have to pass through passport control before heading to the gate for your next flight.
Figuring out the lounge situation at Schiphol can be a head-scratching affair. This is largely because the open-to-the-public shopping areas are also called lounges (and are numbered 1–4). But these aren’t the same as airline or membership lounges, which also have their own numbers. Taking a few minutes beforehand to make sure you’re going to the correct one can save lots of time backtracking (something I learned the hard way).
Lounges, especially membership ones like Aspire (which I have access to via a credit card), can get crowded, especially at busy times. More than once, I’ve been turned away because the lounge was full. So it’s a good idea to have a backup plan.
Food and restaurants at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
If you’re travelling outside of the Schengen zone, one unique option is the Dutch Kitchen & Bar. Look for the giant teacups – which are actually booths – in a lovely Delft blue pattern. The menu is distinctly Dutch, with offerings like poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) and cocktails made with jenever, a Dutch gin.
Shopping at Schiphol: Go local
Let’s Play, with two locations post-security, is stocked with great gifts for little ones. My favourite is an adorable bunny character called Nijntje (or Miffy), and Let’s Play has the best selection of Nijntje plushies and toys. For a distinctly Dutch sweet treat, head to Tony’s Chocolonely in Departures 3 near the entrance to the F Pier. The Netherlands-based company has a growing global following for its chocolate – and mission to make the industry exploitation-free.
In addition, Schiphol Plaza, located before security, also features a surprisingly robust selection of shopping. My favourites include HEMA (which is similar to TK Maxx in the United Kingdom) and, the beloved UK-based Boots. And for unique souvenirs you can feel good about, check out Up To Do Good: a cafe/shop hybrid where a portion of every sale goes to charity.
Seek out Schiphol’s hidden gems
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
