A guide to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)


With more than 300 outlets and 79.2 million passengers passing through Amsterdam Schiphol annually, it can be easy to get lost in the Netherlands’ largest airport.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Image credit: Schiphol
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Image credit: Schiphol

Schiphol, also known as AMS Airport after its IATA sign, has one terminal, which is divided into three departure halls. It’s the major hub for KLM, as well as for several smaller airlines. An airport map can help you find your way around this international airport, as can this handy airport guide.

Airlines flying through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

More than 100 airlines (including cargo airlines) make connections through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, carrying passengers to every continent. Check out the many passenger carriers at Schiphol:

Airlines flying to European destinations

  • Adria Airlines
  • Aegean Airlines
  • Aer Lingus
  • Aeroflot
  • Air Europa
  • Air France
  • Air Malta
  • Air Serbia
  • airBaltic
  • Alitalia
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Belavia
  • British Airways
  • Bulgaria Air
  • Corendon Airlines Europe
  • Corendon Dutch Airlines
  • Croatia Airlines
  • Czech Airlines
  • EasyJet
  • Eurowings
  • Finnair
  • Flybe
  • Georgian Airways
  • Iberia Express
  • Icelandair
  • Jet2
  • KLM
  • Level
  • LOT Polish Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle
  • Ryanair
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • SWISS
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • TAROM
  • Transavia
  • TUI fly Netherlands
  • Ukraine International Airlines
  • Vueling

Airlines flying to Asia, Oceania and Australia

  • Air Astana
  • Air Mauritius
  • Cathay Pacific
  • China Airlines
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • China Southern Airlines
  • EVA Air
  • Garuda Indonesia
  • KLM
  • Korean Air
  • Singapore Airlines
  • XiamenAir
An aerial view of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Image credit: Schiphol
An aerial view of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Image credit: Schiphol

Airlines flying to the Middle East and Africa

  • Air Arabia Maroc
  • Arkia
  • AtlasGlobal
  • EgyptAir
  • El Al
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways
  • Iran Air
  • Kenya Airways
  • KLM
  • Pegasus Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian
  • Sun d’Or
  • SunExpress
  • Transavia
  • TUI fly Netherlands
  • Tunisair
  • Turkish Airlines

Airlines flying to the Americas

  • AeroMexico
  • Air Canada
  • Air Transat
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • KLM
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle
  • Surinam Airways
  • TUI fly Netherlands
  • United Airlines

Amsterdam Schiphol lounges – privacy and relaxation

Amsterdam Schiphol uses the word “lounges” in a way that may be slightly 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 hall.

Privium Lounges

The Privium Lounges at Schiphol are designed for the use of Privium Plus members and their guests, and they’re operated by the airport itself. Both the Privium ClubLounge (located between Departure Halls 1 and 2) and the Privium Airside Lounge (located just after security) offer comfortable spaces with free Wi-Fi, plenty of international reading material, and buffets featuring snacks.

Work areas are also available for those needing to focus. The Privium ClubLounge is ideally located for those traveling to European destinations, while those on long-haul flights typically head to the Privium Airside Lounge.

The entrance to Privium. Image credit: Schiphol
The entrance to Privium. Image 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 newly remodeled 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. There’s also a separate, enclosed smoking room.

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. Free snacks and drinks are available, as well as reading material in a variety of languages and free Wi-Fi.

British Airways 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. 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.

Hotels near Amsterdam Airport – convenient and luxurious

If you need a place to lay your head right after your flight lands at Schiphol, you’ll find several top choices within a few minutes of the airport.

CitizenM Schiphol Airport Hotel

Travelers who prefer their accommodations chic and trendy need look no further than the CitizenM Schiphol Airport Hotel, which is only four minutes walk from the airport itself.

Ultra-stylish rooms have luxuries such as rain showers and smart TVs, while lounges filled with high-end design provide a place to hang out. CitizenM is intended for those on the go 24/7, with blackout curtains and 24/7 dining so you never have to wait for coffee, pastries, or sushi. Boardroom-style meeting rooms (also filled with chic design) are also for use 24/7, and day passes are available if you want to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities but your travel schedule doesn’t allow you to actually sleep there.

Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Connect to the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol via a covered walkway that protects you from the elements all year round. This newly constructed hotel is designed around a captivating atrium and boasts real architectural flair. An all-day restaurant and bar keep you fueled up for work, while a spa and fitness center gives you a chance to relax. Day passes are available at this hotel if you need to spend a day hard at work with colleagues and clients before you hop on your next flight.

Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center

You can reach this upscale hotel with a two-minute walk from the airport, but don’t be concerned — All the guest rooms have soundproof windows, so you can still get a good night’s sleep. High-end dining is available at four restaurants and bars, along with about 30 meeting rooms that can accommodate your meetings of up to 550 people. Complimentary breakfast and hors d’oeuvres every evening help make your stay here extra enjoyable.

Amsterdam Airport shops – award-winning customer service

Expect superb service when you shop at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol — after all, the airport won the Travel Retail Award for the best customer service in the world in 2019. You’ll find shopping options in Schiphol Plaza, a publicly accessible area before you go through security, with more shops available in the airport’s Lounge 1 (set aside for European travelers), plus in the combined Lounge 2 and 3 area (for long-haul international travelers). A smaller shopping area awaits you in Lounge 4 if you’re heading off on a short trip.

Enjoy a bit of shopping while at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Image credit: Schiphol
Enjoy a bit of shopping while at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Image credit: Schiphol

Schiphol Plaza

Passengers and non-flying guests at the airport all have access to the shops at Schiphol Plaza, which lies outside security. Pick up reading material for your flight at AKO Books and Travel, AKO News and Media, and the English Bookstore. If you need to upgrade your electronics, you’re in luck when you stop in at Electronics and the Airport Telecom Shop. Those greeting arriving passengers may want to stop at Aviflora, Fleurtiek, or Bloem to pick up a bright bouquet of flowers, or create a welcoming banner at Banner Express.

Shops for travelers to Europe

If you’re looking for a special watch or piece of jewelry for yourself or a loved one, stop at Gassan Trends, Gassan Diamonds, Swatch, or Gassan Watches and Jewelry. Men can update their outfits at the Hugo Boss shop, and skin care products are available at Kiehl’s.

Shops for long-haul international travelers

Duty-free shops let you purchase luxury goods such as fragrances, liquor, tobacco, and electronics without having to pay customs on them when you arrive at your home country. Head to Chocolates, Liquor, and Tobacco for comprehensive duty-free shopping, or pick up name-brand gadgets and devices at Electronics.

In addition, the Lounge 2 shops include several high-end fashion shops to augment your wardrobe with the latest from designers including Burberry, Gucci, Hermès. You’ll find designer accessories and jewelry at Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Fashion and Travel, Gassan Diamonds, Montblanc, and high-end watches await you at IWC Schaffhausen, Rolex, and Omega. Take home fun for the younger members of your family when you stop at the LEGO pop-up store or Let’s Play.

Shops for short-trip passengers

Pick up local delicacies, including cheeses and syrups, at Dutch Discoveries, or check out the designer handbags and luggage at Fashion and Travel. You can take Holland’s famous tulips with you when you pick up seeds or bulbs at House of Tulips. Augment your toiletries kit with a visit to Mac Cosmetics or to Perfumes and Cosmetics, or pick up some designer sunglasses at Sunglasses. All those last-minute necessities for your flight are ready for purchase at See Buy Fly, and souvenirs of your trip await you at We Love Holland.

The House of Tulips shop. Image credit: Schiphol
The House of Tulips shop. Image credit: Schiphol

Schiphol Restaurants – Dutch and international specialties

Maybe you’ve been hankering for some salted herring, or perhaps you prefer international cuisine. Either way, the restaurants and quick-serve spots at Schiphol have you covered.

Lounge 1

Fresh-baked bread? Champagne? It’s all here in Lounge 1 at these restaurants:

  • Bubbles Seafood and Wine Bar: High-end Champagnes pair with fresh oysters and sushi (and yes, salted herring) at this bar.
  • Leon: This British quick-serve favorite serves dishes that are a little too healthy to be considered fast food, but just as satisfying, including peanut and kale salad and baked fries.
  • La Place: Fresh bread and fruit make you feel as if you’re in a farmers market, or try some of the Italian specialties.
  • Grand Cafe Het Palais: Dutch specialties pair with a full bar and coffee at this restaurant that makes it clear you’re definitely in Amsterdam.
  • Juicy Details: You can add a shot of wheatgrass to your order here when you choose between fresh-pressed juices, salads, and smoothies.
  • Cafe Chocolat: Pick up chocolates and coffee to enjoy on the terrace, or book the cafe’s private meeting room if you’re traveling with a large group.

Lounge 2

Street food and Holland’s favorite beer await you in Lounge 2’s eateries:

  • Heineken Bar: The interactive bar feels like a blast from the future, but you’ll definitely recognize the beer.
  • Cafe Coco: You’ll find vegan and vegetarian options at this coffee bar that also brings a touch of decadence with Champagne and chocolates.
  • Street Food Market: Three quick-serve places come together to make sure you have all the grilled meat, pizzas, and Dutch cakes you could possibly want.
  • Frames: When you’re through taking in the exhibits from the Stedelijk Museum and you’ve created your own work of art, enjoy the great beer and pub snacks here.

Lounge 3

Comfort food in the form of great bread or healthy options abound in this lounge:

  • Vit: If you’re craving something healthy after long travels, head here for fresh juice or a smoothie.
  • Bread!: That exclamation in the shop’s name is well-deserved, as you’ll be able to tell from the aroma of constantly baking bread. Order a custom-made sandwich here — and yes, gluten-free options are available.
  • East Bar and Bites: Japan comes to Amsterdam with sushi and yakitori — and while they’re also pouring Heineken, you can get sake at the bar as well.

Whether you’re arriving or departing, being able to make your airport connections easily can smooth your travel experience and help you be ready for important meetings ahead. Book a reliable Blacklane car service to start or finish your journey in comfort and style.