Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS/EHAM): Gateway to Europe and a Global Connectivity Hub

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS/EHAM) is consistently recognized as one of Europe’s leading international aviation hubs. Serving as the primary base for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and a critical junction in global air traffic, Schiphol is famous for its pioneering single-terminal design, exceptional passenger amenities, and commitment to connectivity. Strategically situated in Haarlemmermeer, the airport is just 9 km (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam’s vibrant city center, making accessibility one of its strongest features.

General Information, Key Facts, and Up-to-Date Traffic Statistics

Schiphol maintains its position among the world’s busiest airports, offering direct connections to a vast network of global destinations. Its central role in connecting Europe is highlighted by its high connectivity rankings.

Terminal and Passenger Experience: Seamless Travel and Unique Amenities

Schiphol’s design is centered around a unique, single-terminal concept, which minimizes walking distances and simplifies transfers. The terminal connects seamlessly to three Departure Halls (1, 2, 3) and various piers (B, C, D, E, F, G, H/M).

• Shopping & Dining: The Schiphol Plaza area (pre-security) and Lounge areas (post-security) feature an extensive selection of over 75 high-end duty-free stores and a diverse culinary landscape catering to all tastes.
• Unique Facilities: Schiphol stands out globally for its amenities, including a free-entry annex of the Rijksmuseum (featuring Dutch masterpieces), a tranquil airport library, a dedicated baby care room (Babycare Lounge), and the YOTEL hotel located airside for quick transit rest.
• Airport Lounges: Passengers have access to flagship lounges, including the spacious KLM Crown Lounges (Schengen and Non-Schengen) and the popular Aspire Lounges.
• Connectivity: Complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal under the network name “Airport_Free_WiFi”.
• Hotels: Several hotels, such as the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and the Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal, offer direct access from the terminal.

Global Airline Network and Exciting New Routes for 2025/2026

Schiphol acts as a vital transfer hub, facilitating connections for millions of travelers yearly. It serves nearly a hundred airlines flying to over 300 global cities.

• Key Hub Carrier: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines uses AMS as its main global gateway.
• Other Major Airlines: Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, easyJet, and Transavia all maintain significant operations here.

Highlight: New Routes Added or Commencing in 2025:

Ground Transportation: Fast, Efficient, and Integrated Accessibility

Schiphol boasts excellent integration with the Dutch national transport network, ensuring rapid and stress-free access to Amsterdam and other major cities.

• Train (Most Recommended): The underground Schiphol train station is located directly beneath the terminal. A ride to Amsterdam Central Station takes only 15 minutes, with frequent service and an approximate cost of €5-7 EUR. Direct high-speed connections are also available to Rotterdam (26 min) and Utrecht (30 min).
• Bus: The Bus 397 (Airport Express) provides a convenient alternative, reaching key city spots like the Museumplein and Leidseplein in about 40 minutes. Night buses (N97) operate 24/7.
• Taxi: A taxi ride to the city center typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, with estimated fares between €40–€55 EUR.
• Car Rental & Parking: All major car rental brands (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise) are readily available. Parking options include short-term (P1/P2) and long-term (P3), with integrated digital booking options.

Sustainability and Future Developments: Schiphol’s Commitment to a Greener Future

Schiphol is heavily invested in a €6 billion infrastructure plan over the coming years, focused heavily on modernization, efficiency, and sustainability. The airport is navigating challenging government mandates to reduce environmental impact.

• Flight Capacity Reduction (2025/2026): To meet government targets for noise reduction, Schiphol’s annual flight capacity will be officially capped from the previous 500,000 movements down to 478,000 flights starting in the 2025-2026 winter season. This measure is intended to achieve a 15% reduction in noise nuisance for local residents.
• Night Flight Limits: As part of the environmental strategy, the number of night flights will be significantly reduced from 32,000 annually to 27,000 by 2026.
• Net-Zero Goals: The airport has set ambitious internal goals for zero emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030 and net-zero emissions (Scope 3) by 2050, promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels and electric ground equipment.
• New A-Pier: The new pier, slated for completion by 2027, is being built to the highest environmental standards, aiming for LEED Gold certification as the most sustainable structure at the airport.
• Incentives: Schiphol has implemented a dynamic fee system that financially penalizes the operation of older, noisier, and more polluting aircraft, while rewarding airlines that invest in new, quieter models.

Essential Contact Information

For traveler assistance or general inquiries, the airport provides multiple channels:

• Address: Evert v/d Beekstraat 202, 1118 CP Schiphol, The Netherlands
• Official Website: www.schiphol.nl
• General Telephone: +31 20 794 0800