Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Flights & Flight Status

Built on land that was once an inland sea, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)—which is pronounced SKIP-hol, by the way—is one of the world’s busiest and biggest airports, serving more than 100 airlines. Spanning nearly 14 million square feet, it can be intimidating, especially for first-timers. However, with some planning, Schiphol can offer a pleasant experience—especially if you know about hidden gems like a free library and outpost of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. In addition, a CA$4.5 billion infrastructure renovation is currently underway, which will undoubtedly improve the passenger experience.

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 taxis can cost up to ten times more—and it also means you’ll avoid any traffic issues.

Outside baggage claim at AMS, look for signage to the trains. Large screens show departure information, and you can buy a ticket simply by tapping your credit card to “check in” on payment scanners next to the escalators, which access the station on the lower level (there’s also a ticket counter nearby.) Trains run several times an hour to Amsterdam Centraal Station, as well as other main hubs throughout the city like Rotterdam and The Hague.

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 your credit 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 stroller 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).

Bonus: If you fill out the survey afterward, you can get a voucher to use at AMS.

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 program, called Privium, which also comes with lounge access. However, it’s only available to passengers with a residence card from a European Union country.

Passport control at Schiphol

If you’re travelling to or from Canada (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 lines 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 lines. 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 lines quickly grow in the morning with long-haul arrivals.

How to get around Schiphol without getting lost

On paper, Schiphol’s layout sounds simple enough. It has one main terminal building divided into three separate zones called Departure Halls and numbered as 1, 2, and 3. However, that’s where it gets trickier. Within each Departure Hall are separate piers (indicated by letters from A through M) and their respective gate numbers. All areas are interconnected, except for Piers H and M, which have their own security area and are not linked to the rest of the terminal airside.

If you’re flying to or from Canada, you’ll likely head to Departures 2 or 3. Within Departures 2 are Piers D and E, the former being the airport’s largest concourse, which is spread across two levels, with non-Schengen flights on the first level and Schengen destinations on the upper level. Pier E, meanwhile, serves Skyteam airlines, including KLM (whose hub is Schiphol), plus Delta and Air France, as well as flights to or from non-Schengen countries.

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.

Lounges at Schiphol

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.

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 stroller or wheelchair assistance comes in handy. I also recommend grabbing a free trolley, available throughout the airport, which is immensely helpful in manoeuvring carry-on luggage across long distances.

If you have a connecting flight at Schiphol, be sure your layover 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.

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.

For an especially local touch, save some money by grabbing snacks (or sandwich fixings) at Dutch grocery store Albert Heijn. It has multiple locations in Schiphol Plaza, the main shopping area prior to security. “To go” stores have pre-packaged sandwiches and salads, while the larger store features a wide selection, including produce and takeaway sushi, plus Dutch treats like stroopwafels (for considerably lower prices than what you’ll find behind security). Before a flight, I always pop in to buy snacks for my trip or souvenirs for friends and family.

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 Target in the United States, and Boots, a popular UK-based drug store. 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

Schiphol also boasts several unknown amenities with a unique Dutch flair. A small outpost of the Rijksmuseum features a rotating selection of art from the world-famous museum and an excellent gift shop (look for it on Holland Boulevard, on your way to gates D1-57, E, F, G, or H). Past security in Departures 1, the Panorama Terrace is a fun spot for planespotting, and you can also climb onboard a Fokker 100 KLM aircraft parked there. Book lovers, meanwhile, will love lounging in the free library, also on Holland Boulevard, and open 24/7.