Tips on Amsterdam's Airport

History and development

A hub for many large, intercontinental airlines such as KLM and Transavia, Amsterdam airport is one of the most important in Europe. The site on which it stands was a lake until 1852, but the land was reclaimed due to intense and often violent storms on the shallow water claiming the lives of many sailors and ships. The Dutch word Schiphol in fact translates to "ship grave" or "ship hell". Amsterdam airport started operating in 1916 for military use and expanded to civilian flights in 1920. Today, it contains three departure halls within one large terminal building. Plans for possible extensions and additional terminals are in development, however no firm confirmation has yet been announced. Read on for more information and Amsterdam airport tips.

Airport statistics

Amsterdam airport is renowned for its unusual layout, comprised of one large terminal that splits internally into departure and arrivals halls. Regularly rated as one of the top five airports in Europe with regards to its flight capacity and traffic, it ranks statistically as the sixth busiest in the world. It is estimated that around 50 million passengers pass through Amsterdam airport each year. One of our top Amsterdam airport tips is to make use of the Schiphol airport app. Available for download on your smartphone, this nifty little tool will aid in checking flight schedules and navigating the airport.

Shopping at Schiphol

Amsterdam airport offers world-class shopping, as one would expect from a major European travel hub. With over 100 shops, the duty-free options are virtually endless. A huge variety of cosmetics, electronics, fashionable clothing, spirits and more can be found at reduced prices. Shops open early and close late, allowing maximum access for passengers. For frequent flyers passing through regularly, here is one of our Amsterdam airport tips that some do not know about: if you are leaving from Amsterdam but plan to return soon, the airport offers a "shop and collect" feature. Using this facility, travellers are able to make a purchase upon departure then collect the goods upon arrival after the return flight, thus saving you lugging extra baggage around but still allowing you to make the most of the great deals. This is just one of many innovative ways that Amsterdam airport aims to ensure passengers a pleasant airport experience.

Hungry at Amsterdam airport?

In addition to numerous shops, Amsterdam airport also has a large offering of restaurants to cater to the particular food preferences of every passenger, from exclusive, upmarket bars serving champagne and seafood to more relaxed, café-style restaurants that suit the entire family. Looking for something a little indulgent? No problem – one of our Amsterdam airport tips is a quick stop at Café Chocolat for the ultimate chocolate experience.

Airport access

Amsterdam airport is conveniently located just 20 minutes away from the city centre of Amsterdam. Schiphol train station is situated directly beneath the airport. Train travel is possible only with a single-use or OVA chip card and both of these are available for purchase from machines or ticket desks. Should you prefer to take the bus, the 197 line departs regularly from the airport directly to Amsterdam city centre. Many of the larger hotels offer private courtesy buses directly to and from the airport – it is always best to query this directly when making your hotel reservation. For those travelling at unsociable hours that make neither train nor bus convenient, why not make use of one of many reliable and safe registered taxi services? The last of our Amsterdam Airport tips is that taxi rates may vary depending on the provider, so be sure to confirm the cost of your fare prior to travelling.

Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Amsterdam.

Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!