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The airports in Amsterdam are essential to the capital of the Netherlands and its beauty. For tourists visiting this European hot spot, this vibrant city has its Schiphol Airport. Despite being the only airport in the city, it has great international air travel connections. Recently, Amsterdam has improved the infrastructure in aviation significantly to keep up with the growing international tourist traffic. Extensive renovations have also been done to enhance the travel experience offered at Schiphol International Airport. The airport in Amsterdam combines advanced facilities with Dutch efficiency, welcoming visitors to a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
Quick Factors
Opened: 1916 (as a military airbase)
Airlines: Hub for KLM, Transavia, and a major base for Delta Air Lines
Terminal: Single; divided into three departure halls
Runways: 6
Facilities: Over 100 shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores
About Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Photo: Bin im Garten / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As the primary point of entry into the Netherlands, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is 9 km southwest of Amsterdam’s city centre. This massive single-terminal airport is one of the busiest hubs in Europe. Schiphol, meaning “ship’s hole,” was named after an old naval fortress. The airport was first built in 1916 as a military airbase but was converted into a civilian airport in 1920. Today, it boasts a well-maintained terminal built in a modern style that has three departure halls with over a hundred gates. It serves over 70 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 300 international destinations. Passengers can also visit the many restaurants and duty-free shops. In addition, passengers have access to unlimited free Wi-Fi, quiet lounges, children’s play areas, and shower facilities. Rest areas, library, casino and other facilities make this airport a tourist attraction in itself.
Location: Haarlemmermeer, 9 km southwest of Amsterdam city centre
Amsterdam Airport code: AMS
Location
Photo: Bram Steeman / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is one of the most conveniently located airports in Europe, situated just 9 km from the city centre. The prime location of this airport in Amsterdam makes it an international travel hub for globetrotters. Numerous flights to and from various international locations make it possible for travellers from different parts of the world to reach other regions easily. The airport has exceptional public transportation available, including trains, buses, and even taxis, providing users with a smooth journey to the city centre. Easy access using public transportation helps tourists appreciate Amsterdam’s rich culture, historical gems, as well as beautiful countryside.
Places To Visit In And Around Airports in Amsterdam
There are some notable places to see near the airport in Amsterdam. Below are some of the places you must visit:
1. Rijksmuseum
Photo: Marco Almbauer / Wikimedia Commons
As Amsterdam’s most famous art museum, the Rijksmuseum is located 15 kilometres from Schipol Airport. It houses an unrivalled collection of Dutch art, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as top-tier pieces by Frans Hals. It is said that Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” alone attracts more tourists than any other work in the world. The museum’s currently most famous painting is housed in a neo-Gothic architectural building, which is also a marvel built by Pierre Cuypers. After renovations were completed in 2013, the museum’s gallery space was expanded, and the lighting improved as well. Not only was a new set of paintings included, but a whole showcase of fashion, jewellery and artefacts was also added to tell the vast history and culture of the Netherlands.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Anne Frank House
Photo: Lệ Xuân / Wikimedia Commons
The Anne Frank House is about 14 kilometres from Schiphol Airport. This museum is dedicated to Jewish diarist and author Anne Frank, who hid with her family for two years to escape Nazi persecution in World War II. It is located exactly where Anne and her family hid. So part of the museum is the house itself. An original bookcase that concealed the entrance to the Secret Annex is on display. The museum keeps the hiding room as it was during the war, complete with Anne’s diary and other items. There are also displays of why Jews and others were persecuted during the decades-long occupation and discrimination in general. Because of its deep history and the strong emotions associated with it, the Anne Frank House is often considered one of the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam.
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
3. Keukenh Of Gardens
Photo: Kent Wang / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 15 kilometres from Schiphol Airport, Keukenhof Gardens is popularly called the Garden of Europe. Spread over 79 acres, it is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. The garden is known for its spectacular tulip gardens, where more than seven million tulip bulbs are planted every year. Visitors can see dozens of flower varieties, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowers. The garden is open for only a few months in the year, mostly from mid-March to mid-May, a period during which more than one million tourists visit annually. Apart from the outdoor gardens, several indoor pavilions hold flower shows and exhibitions. The park also includes restaurants, shops, and special activities for children. Keukenhof represents the Netherlands’ famous flower industry and its long history of tulip cultivation.
Timings: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
4. Van Gogh Museum
Photo: Steven Lek / Wikimedia Commons
The Van Gogh Museum is located in Amsterdam’s museum district, about 13 kilometres from Schiphol Airport. The museum houses the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings, including more than 200 of his paintings, 500 drawings and 750 letters. The museum is divided into different sections, and each section depicts different stages of Van Gogh’s development as an artist, from his early serious phase to his later bright works. “Sunflowers”, “The Potato Eaters”, and “Almond Blossoms” are famous paintings around the world. Apart from Van’s works, the museum has paintings and sculptures of his contemporaries and artists who influenced him. Through modern multimedia, the museum offers a glimpse into Van Gogh’s life, his artistic techniques and his struggle with mental health. The building itself is a highlight of modern architecture, designed by Gerrit Rietveld and renovated in 2013.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Canal Cruise
Photo: Lyn Gateley / Wikimedia Commons
Amsterdam’s famous canal system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are easily accessible from the airport in Amsterdam by public transport. They were constructed in the 17th century and encircle the city in a circular pattern. Amsterdam can be seen from a different angle by taking a canal cruise, which showcases historic buildings and bridges. There are several types of cruises, including themed experiences, evening candlelight dinner cruises and daytime historical tours. Standard cruises cover the main canals, including the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Single canals, and last 60-90 minutes. Most cruises offer multilingual audio guides that give information about the history of the landmarks along the route.
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
Where To Stay Near Airports In Amsterdam
Photo: Amin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Travellers flying into Amsterdam can find many great hotels and budget-friendly accommodations close to the airport. On-site hotels available at Schiphol Airport include the gorgeous Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel, which is located right next to the terminal. Furthermore, the Citizen Schiphol Airport Hotel is just a walking distance from the arrival hall and features modernly designed rooms with high-tech amenities. Via a covered walkway, the terminal is also connected to the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which offers luxury accommodations. YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol is ideal for budget travellers as it offers compact cabins within the terminal specifically for transit passengers. Shuttle services to both Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam city centre are also provided by The Corendon Village Hotel.
Where To Eat Near Airports In Amsterdam
Photo: Hein56didden / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
You can taste both domestic and international cuisine at the dining facilities at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and its surrounding areas. Within the airport, passengers can dine at several restaurants, such as Café Amsterdam, which serves Dutch specialities, as well as Grand Café Plaza, which serves other cuisine. Throughout the terminal, various food stalls offer Dutch snacks, such as Ripley Seafood & Grill, where Stroopwafels (syrup waffles) and fresh herring can be enjoyed. Casual dining near Schiphol serves fresh seafood. The Heineken Experience Bar boasts having the best Dutch snacks, which include sausages served with their famous Heineken beer. For authentic Dutch pancakes, the popular spot is the Pancake House located at the Holland Boulevard of the airport.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Tanathip Rattanatum / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a trip to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol depends on factors like flight, accommodation, transport, and personal expenses. A round-trip flight costs $500–$1,500, while hotels near the airport range from $100–$300 per night. Public transport costs around $6 from the city centre, while taxis charge about $50. Daily food expenses range from $30–$100. Overall, a short trip, including airfare, stay, and expenses can cost $800–$2,500 per person, depending on travel style and season.
Tips For Travellers
- Schiphol is a busy airport; arrive at least 3 hours before international flights.
- Trains from Amsterdam Central Station reach the airport in just 15-20 minutes.
- Use the Schiphol app to check real-time security line updates.
- Schiphol offers comfortable lounges, including VIP and airline-specific options.
- Enjoy tax-free shopping for luxury brands, souvenirs, and Dutch specialities.
Amsterdam eagerly awaits its guests coming in through its airport. Tourists receive Dutch hospitality at its best with an efficient transportation system as well as world-class attractions. The international airport of Amsterdam has amazing facilities which guarantee a perfect begin to any Dutch adventure. As renowned as the city is, famous canals, ancient museums and delightful districts are effortlessly accessible from Schiphol. With TripXL, planning your journey to Amsterdam is simple. You will have the opportunity to indulge in this charming European capital as soon as you land at the airport in Amsterdam.
Cover Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
