Amsterdam Travel Guide

A Guide to Schiphol Airport

Situated nine miles south-west of Amsterdam, in Haarlemmermeer, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the Netherlands main international airport. It provides excellent facilities and is one of only four airports globally to have been awarded Skytrak four stars. It is the base for KLM, Martinair, Arkefly and Transavia.com and a focus for Delta Air Lines as well as being the starting point for flights to over 260 destinations in over 90 countries, by roughly 100 different companies. There are currently 6 runways with plans for a seventh.

It has one terminal sectioned into three departure halls making navigating around very simple. Signposting is clear and efficient. The convenience of self-service check in is available should you wish. There are lockers for storing bags for up to seven days, also a porter service and for extra security and peace of mind and a baggage sealing service (where luggage is sealed in heated transparent foil in under a minute) is available for 7.5 Euros. Privium is a frequent flyers membership club to deliver speed and comfort and priority. The Schiphol Plaza is accessible to both flyers and non flyer alike and offers one of the best duty-free shopping experiences in the world. As well as a vast range of shops (tobacco, perfume, liquor, fashion, communications, books, jewellery and cosmetics) there are casinos, children`s play areas, Wi-Fi as well as a huge open-air viewing area on top of the terminal. There is a huge choice of places to eat and drink. There is even the Aviodome, a fascinating aviation museum. There are hotel, medical facilities and a pharmacy on site too. Multifone, visicom phones and free wheelchairs are available to make your journey as accessible as possible. ATM facilities are available in the numerous banks round the Plaza.

There is a major rail interchange directly beneath the passenger terminal, run by Nederlandse Spoorwegen. From here you can travel to Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam as well as access intercity connection for many more destinations. You can also travel straight to Paris, Antwerp and Brussels using the Thalys high speed train. There are excellent bus connections directly from Schiphol to all surrounding areas. The airport is readily accessible by car using the A9 and A4 and the assortment of short, long and smart car parking facilities. Long stay offers a free shuttle bus to the terminal. There is also free-drop off area immediately in front of the terminal. Taxi fares to Amsterdam city are about 20-40 Euros depending on the exact destination. Many Amsterdam Hotel`s offer their own shuttle buses (free or for a small charge). Car Hire is available from offices in the Schiphol Plaza with Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National Alamo and Sixt all being represented. Transfer services are available with Dutch Business Limousine, offering luxury and convenience.

So when you fly to Amsterdam enjoy all the excellent services and facilities that Schiphol has to offer and know that you are going to have a safe, efficient and stress-free journey.

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