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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Guide
Amsterdam is primarily served by one major international airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), which is one of Europe's busiest and most efficient airports.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
AMS
Location: 9 km southwest of Amsterdam, 20 minutes from city center
Best for: International flights, European connections, business travel
Transport: NS trains (15 min to Central Station), buses, taxis, airport shuttle
Airlines: KLM, Delta, easyJet, Transavia, major international carriers
Facilities: Excellent shopping, museums, observation deck, lounges
Alternative Airports Near Amsterdam
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM): 60km from Amsterdam, served by budget airlines
- Eindhoven Airport (EIN): 120km from Amsterdam, major hub for low-cost carriers
- Brussels Airport (BRU): 200km from Amsterdam, good for international connections
- Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): 220km from Amsterdam, alternative for German connections
Best Time to Book Flights to Amsterdam
When to Book for the Best Prices
- Book European flights 1-3 months in advance for optimal pricing
- For intercontinental flights, book 3-5 months ahead
- For peak season (April-October), book 4-6 months in advance
- Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares
- Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred travel dates
- Be flexible with your travel dates by 2-3 days to find better deals
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
- Spring (April-May): Tulip season, mild weather, but crowded and expensive
- Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, festivals, highest prices and crowds
- Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage, moderate crowds
- Winter (November-March): Lowest prices, Christmas markets, but cold and rainy
Airlines That Fly to Amsterdam
Amsterdam Schiphol is a major European hub served by numerous airlines from around the world. Here are the key carriers:
Major International Airlines
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Flagship carrier with global network)
- Delta Air Lines (SkyTeam partner with extensive US connections)
- British Airways (Multiple daily flights from London)
- Lufthansa (Connections from German hubs)
- Air France (Extensive European and African network)
- United Airlines (Direct flights from US hubs)
- Emirates (Connections via Dubai)
Budget and Regional Airlines
- easyJet (Extensive European network from Schiphol)
- Transavia (KLM's low-cost subsidiary)
- Ryanair (Some routes to smaller European airports)
- Vueling (Spanish low-cost carrier)
- Norwegian (Selected long-haul and European routes)
Amsterdam Flight Travel Tips
Before You Fly
- Check visa requirements based on your nationality
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay
- Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
- Check baggage allowances to avoid excess fees
- Pre-book train tickets from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central for best prices
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Arrive at least 2 hours before European flights, 3 hours for intercontinental
- Have boarding passes and travel documents ready
- Use the efficient self-service bag drop facilities
- Take advantage of the airport's excellent public transport connections
- Visit the Rijksmuseum annex or observation deck during layovers
- Use the free WiFi available throughout the airport
Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam Flights
How far is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from the city center?
Schiphol Airport is located approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam city center. The train journey to Amsterdam Central Station takes about 15-20 minutes.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Amsterdam?
January and February typically offer the lowest airfares to Amsterdam, as these are the coldest months with fewer tourists.
How early should I arrive at Schiphol Airport for international flights?
For intercontinental flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. For European flights, 2 hours is usually sufficient.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Amsterdam from the US?
KLM and Delta offer direct flights from several US cities including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. United also offers direct flights from some US hubs.
Is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport good for layovers?
Yes, Schiphol is excellent for layovers with numerous amenities including the Rijksmuseum annex, observation deck, plenty of shopping and dining options, and efficient connections.
What is the best way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?
The NS train is the fastest and most convenient option, taking 15-20 minutes to Amsterdam Central Station. Taxis and airport buses are also available but take longer and are more expensive.