Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Guide
Everything you need to know about transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Meeting points, prices, transport options, and insider tips.
Terminal Information
Schiphol has one single terminal building divided into 3 departure halls (1, 2, 3). All arrivals come through a single Arrivals Hall (Schiphol Plaza). It's one of the most convenient major airports in Europe.
📍 Where to Meet Your Driver
Your driver will meet you at Schiphol Plaza (the main arrivals/meeting area) near the Holland Tourist Information desk or the Starbucks. Schiphol Plaza connects directly to the train station below.
Getting to Amsterdam Center
Distance: 17 km • Drive time: 20-35 minutes
NS Train
Fastest and best value. Runs every 10-15 minutes from Schiphol Station directly below the terminal. Buy tickets from yellow machines or use contactless (OV-chipkaart).
Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express)
Direct bus to the Museum Quarter area. Useful if your hotel is in the south of Amsterdam.
Connexxion Hotel Shuttle
Door-to-door shared shuttle to over 100 Amsterdam hotels. Book online in advance.
🚕 Taxi Rank
Official TCA taxis outside Arrivals (Schiphol Plaza exit 4). Fixed-route pricing: €40 to Amsterdam center. Only use TCA-branded cabs.
Airport Facilities
📶 WiFi
Free unlimited WiFi throughout. Connect to 'KPN Fon' or 'Schiphol Free WiFi'.
🛋️ Lounges
Aspire Lounge (Priority Pass), KLM Crown Lounge, British Airways Lounge. The Aspire Lounge has shower facilities.
🏪 Facilities & Services
Rijksmuseum mini-gallery (free, airside), casino, Nap Cabins (sleeping pods), extensive shopping. Luggage storage at Schiphol Plaza (from €6/day).
Insider Tips
Schiphol Station is DIRECTLY below the terminal — follow signs to 'Trains'. It's the best way to reach Amsterdam center.
Do NOT exchange money at the airport — rates are terrible. Use your bank card or a Wise card.
Schiphol is below sea level — the name literally means 'ship's grave'. Interesting trivia for your transfer!
If connecting to another European flight, Schiphol's single-terminal design means you don't need to go through security again.
Introduction
Welcome to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), your gateway to the vibrant city of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. This guide provides essential information for a smooth and stress-free arrival and transfer experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we've got you covered with everything from terminal navigation to transportation options.
Airport Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol |
| IATA Code | AMS |
| City | Amsterdam |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Terminals | One large terminal with three departure halls |
| Passenger Traffic | Over 71 million passengers annually |
| Distance to City Center | 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam |
Terminal Layout & Airlines
Schiphol Airport is renowned for its single-terminal concept, which houses all facilities under one roof. The terminal is divided into three main departure halls, and further into piers or concourses, which host the gates. Departure Hall 1 serves Schengen countries, while Departure Halls 2 and 3 handle both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Major airlines operating from Schiphol include KLM, Delta, easyJet, and Transavia, among many others.
Arrivals & Meet Your Driver
Upon arrival, you will proceed to the central arrivals hall, Schiphol Plaza. This is the main public area of the airport and the designated meeting point for all arriving passengers. Your driver will be waiting for you at the official meeting point, which is a large, red and white checkered cube structure located in the center of Schiphol Plaza, opposite the train ticket counters and near the escalators to the train platforms. Look for a driver holding a sign with your name.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are readily available from the official taxi rank located directly outside Schiphol Plaza. A ride to the city center will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Rideshare services like Uber are also available, with designated pick-up locations that can be found by following the signs in the arrivals hall and using the app.
| Service | Estimated Fare to City Center |
|---|---|
| Taxi | €45 - €55 |
| Uber | €35 - €50 |
Public Transport
Schiphol has excellent public transport connections to Amsterdam and beyond. The train station is located directly beneath the airport, offering the fastest and most convenient way to reach the city center.
| Transport | Destination | Journey Time | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Amsterdam Centraal | 15-20 minutes | €5.50 |
| Bus (Amsterdam Airport Express - Bus 397) | Museumplein, Leidseplein | 30-40 minutes | €6.50 |
Car Rental
Several major car rental companies have desks at Schiphol Plaza, in the main arrivals hall. You can find providers such as Hertz, Sixt, Avis, and Enterprise. It is recommended to book your car in advance for better rates and availability.
Airport Facilities
Schiphol offers a wide range of facilities to make your journey comfortable:
Parking Information
Schiphol offers a variety of parking options to suit different needs and budgets. P1 is ideal for short-term parking, while P3 and P6 are more economical for longer stays. It is advisable to book your parking spot online in advance to get the best rates.
| Parking Option | Best for | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| P1 | Short-term (under 48 hours) | €57.50 per 24 hours |
| P3 | Long-term (over 48 hours) | From €6.50 per day |
| P6 Valet | Convenience | Varies |
Top Destinations & Drive Times
From Schiphol, you can easily reach many of the Netherlands' most popular destinations. Here are a few examples:
| Destination | Drive Time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam City Center | 20-30 minutes |
| The Hague | 45-60 minutes |
| Rotterdam | 60-75 minutes |
| Utrecht | 45-60 minutes |
| Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal) | 20-30 minutes |
| Zaanse Schans | 20-30 minutes |
Layover Tips
If you have a layover of four hours or more, you can comfortably take a train to Amsterdam Centraal and explore the city center. For shorter layovers, Schiphol itself offers plenty to do, including the Rijksmuseum Schiphol, a library, and numerous shops and restaurants.
Dining & Shopping
Schiphol Plaza and the areas beyond security offer a vast array of dining and shopping options. From fast food to fine dining, and from Dutch souvenirs to luxury brands, there is something for everyone.
Accessibility
Schiphol is a highly accessible airport, with services available for passengers with reduced mobility. These services can be requested in advance through your airline.
FAQs
1. How do I get from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center?
The fastest and easiest way is by train from the airport's station to Amsterdam Centraal.
2. Is there free WiFi at Schiphol?
Yes, free and unlimited WiFi is available throughout the airport.
3. Where can I find the taxi rank?
The official taxi rank is located directly outside Schiphol Plaza.
4. Can I store my luggage at the airport?
Yes, luggage lockers are available for both short and long-term storage.
5. What is the best way to get to Keukenhof Gardens from Schiphol?
During the opening season, a direct bus service, the Keukenhof Express (Bus 858), runs from the airport.
6. Are there hotels at the airport?
Yes, there are several hotels at or connected to the airport, including the Hilton, Sheraton, and citizenM.
7. How early should I arrive for my flight?
For European flights, it is recommended to arrive two hours before departure. For intercontinental flights, three hours is recommended.
8. Can I buy a Dutch SIM card at the airport?
Yes, you can purchase SIM cards from various shops in Schiphol Plaza.
Last updated: March 2026
Popular Transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
→ Amsterdam Downtown
→ Amsterdam University Area
→ Amsterdam Bus Terminal
→ Amsterdam Central Station
→ Jordaan
→ RAI Amsterdam
→ Amsterdam Industrial Zone
→ Amsterdam City Center
→ Vondelpark Area
→ Amsterdam Main Train Station
→ Amsterdam Ferry Terminal
→ Leidseplein
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