Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Non-Schengen arrivals clear passport control, then baggage reclaim, then customs.

• Arrivals lead into Schiphol Plaza, which contains the train station, shops and transport desks.
• The airport is compact — walking between areas is normal.
• Automated border gates are available to eligible passport holders.

• Train

  NS trains

  Direct trains from the station under the terminal to Amsterdam Centraal, Zuid and cities across the Netherlands.

  Time:

  Roughly 15-20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal

  Buy a ticket or use a supported contactless card at the gates.

• Bus

  Buses

  Regional and hotel shuttle buses depart from Schiphol Plaza.

• Taxi

  Taxis

  Official taxi rank at Schiphol Plaza; metered fares.

  Typical cost:

  Much more than the train

• Ride-hailing

  Ride-hailing

  Licensed ride-hailing operates with designated pickup points.

• Car rental

  Rental cars

  Rental desks are in Schiphol Plaza; central Amsterdam parking is expensive and limited.

Schiphol is designed around transfers, with connections signposted throughout.

• Moving between Schengen and non-Schengen areas involves passport control.
• Transfer desks in the piers handle rebooking and boarding-pass issues.
• Security is done at the gate area for some non-Schengen flights — arrive at the gate earlier than you would elsewhere.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the passenger terminals.

• Connect to the airport's public network and follow the sign-in page.
• Treat public airport Wi-Fi as untrusted — avoid banking and account logins.
• An eSIM activated before you fly means you are online the moment you land, without hunting for a network.

The Netherlands uses the euro and is heavily card-based; some places are card-only.

• Dutch shops often accept debit (Maestro/V Pay) more readily than credit cards — carry a backup card.
• ATMs are available in Schiphol Plaza.
• Decline dynamic currency conversion and pay in euros.

Extensive dining both landside in Schiphol Plaza and airside.

• Landside food is accessible without a boarding pass.

Airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges operate airside.

• Confirm access with your airline or lounge programme.

A hotel is attached to the terminal, with more nearby.

• There is also an airside rest option for transfer passengers.

Baggage lockers and left-luggage services operate at the airport.

• Report delayed baggage to your airline's handler before leaving the baggage hall.

Baby-changing rooms and children's play areas are available airside.

• Request accessibility assistance through your airline in advance.

• Charging points
• Showers
• Luggage lockers
• Pharmacy
• Meditation centre
• Library
• Information desks

Local emergency number: 112

• A medical centre operates at the airport.
• Report a lost passport to police and contact your embassy or consulate in the Netherlands.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Schiphol official siteOfficial airport source
• Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation ServiceGovernment source
• Dutch CustomsGovernment source
• GVB Amsterdam public transportOfficial transit source
• NS trainsOfficial transit source
• Emergency number 112 (Netherlands Police)Government source