Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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They have leather couches and some reclined chairs, not the most comfortable but I’ve had worse. Temperature was fine all night and not too many announcements, the only thing was a “mind your step” warning that went off every time someone walked past a sensor. – a guest reviewer
AMS Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
What to Expect
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Code: AMS) operates as a single-terminal complex with three departure halls (1, 2, and 3) and seven piers (B, C, D, E, F, G, H/M), though the layout functions as one integrated facility split into Schengen (Piers B, C, D) and non-Schengen zones (Piers E, F, G, H/M). The departure halls are rife with creative airport amenities, including a library, a museum and designated rest zones. Travellers also have access to free WiFi and pay-to-use showers. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges – some of which include showers.
Sleeping in Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam Airport has a wide range of places to sleep; however, if you are airside, you will fare better than those attempting to sleep landside.
Landside – Sleeping in the terminal is only permitted overnight, so you cannot lay across chairs or benches during flight operation hours. At midnight, security guards patrol the landside area to check ID and boarding passes. If you do not have a boarding pass, you will be escorted out of the airport and permitted re-entry at 4:00 AM. One past reviewer recommended the cafe on the left side of the terminal.
Airside – There is plenty of armrest-free seating. Specifically, there are padded chairs, soft benches and chaise lounges between Piers E and F in the internet area. There is also a green rest area with lounge and bean bag chairs before the D gates. Both locations are popular with overnighters, so it’s worth showing up early to snag a good seat!
No matter where you plan to sleep, earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, warm layers, or a blanket will increase your comfort level. Reviewers have commented that the terminal can sometimes be loud and cold. Mice are unfortunately quite common, so if you have a phobia for these animals, you’d better book a hotel.
If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there are sleep cabins, a transit hotel directly inside the airport’s secure zone, and other hotels nearby that are connected by shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Amsterdam Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Airport Park – Enjoy a touch of the great outdoors from inside! Loungers, bean bag chairs, and exercise bikes are available in this green and leafy lounge. A pre-recorded birdsong adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Rate: Free Location: Airside, Lounge 1.
Rest Zones – At one point, the airport had 5 rest zones with reclining relaxation chairs, but it seems they are now gone and you may be limited to informal padded benches and recliners scattered around the terminal. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms
Quick Facts
Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
Day Rooms: Yes
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those looking to sleep at Schiphol Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security, as two transit hotels offer both short-term and overnight rates. Sleep pods, perfect for single travellers seeking some privacy, are also available. Several nearby hotels are within walking distance or connected by free airport shuttles.
Hotels inside the Airport (In-Transit)
- Mercure Schiphol Terminal – (In Transit) Located after Customs in the transit area of Lounge 3, 1st floor. Access via the entry point at the beginning of Gates F. From outside the airport, go through Departures Hall 3 and pass through security and immigration, and continue to the beginning of Gates F. Day rooms are available (4-hour minimum, €80-€120). You must have a passport and ticket for a flight departing on the same or next day. Showers-only are available (€20). » Check Rates
- YotelAir – Located in the airside/transit area of the main terminal, Lounge 2, near Pier D. Day-use rooms are available in 4-hour blocks (from €55) or overnight (€90-€130). Shower facilities can also be rented for one hour for € 20 single use or € 25 double use. » Check Rates
- Go Sleep Pods – Once you are airside (Concourse D, at XpresSpa), there are GoSleep pods for sleepy travellers to get some zzzz’s. Rates: unknown.
Hotels connected to the Airport
- Sheraton Hotel – (connected via a covered walkway, 2-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall ) Direct access from baggage claim. Day rooms are available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Hilton Hotel – (connected via covered walkway, 5-minute walk) The hotel is an easy walk from the main terminal. » Check Rates
- CitizenM hotel – (500m, 7-minute walk) A trendy budget hotel within a short walk of the airport. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
More hotels near the airport with free airport shuttles
- Corendon Urban Amsterdam Schiphol Hotel Airport
- Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport
- Ibis Budget Amsterdam Airport
- ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
- NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam Airport, Schiphol
- Steigenberger Airport Hotel Amsterdam
- For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Schiphol Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Do you have a long layover? Are you looking for a place to relax before your flight? Check out these lounges at Amsterdam Airport (AMS).
Airline Lounges
Passengers travelling in First Class, Business Class, or with Elite Status on KLM or a Star Alliance airline may be eligible for complimentary access to the following lounges. Economy-class travellers can also enter these lounges through door rates or membership programs.
Hours: 4:45 AM – 10:00 PM.
Showers: Yes • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (EUR 55) • Lounge membership programs.
Hours: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM
Showers: Yes • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: Yes • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (EUR 65) • Lounge membership programs.
Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Showers: No • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Star Alliance member airlines ticketholders flying International First Class, International Business Class, Domestic First Class, Domestic Business Class; Star Alliance Gold members; and Paid Lounge Membership and day passes.
Hours: 5:30AM – 10:00PM
Showers: Yes • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire tier members, and first and business class passengers of Oneworld airlines.
Walk-in Rates, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
These lounges are accessible to all travellers regardless of airline or class of service flown:
Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Showers: Yes ($) • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Hours: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
Showers: Yes ($) • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (€30) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
Showers: No • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (€ 50 non-members) • Airport Membership (€ 285 annual membership).
Hours: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
Showers: No • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (€ 40 non-members) • Airport Membership (€ 285 annual membership).
Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
Showers: No • Dedicated Rest Zone: No • Private Rooms/Sleep Cabins: No • Spa: No
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (€ 60 non-members) • Airport Membership (€ 285 annual membership).
Hours: 7:30AM – 7:30PM (Mon – Fri)
Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (€6 per hour or € 15 per day) • 1st class international ticket (incl. Interrail 1st class) • DB BahnBonus comfort card • SNCF Grand Voyageur Le Club • SNCF T card • Eurostar Carte Blanche • Österreich card • SBB General-subscription • Regus Business lounge membership.
Drinking Water
A reader tells us water fountains are available on the airside. One fountain was spotted near the restrooms opposite the IAMsterdam shop.
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, a few 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:
- Landside – Health Food Wall (Plaza) • La Place Express (Plaza) • Burger King (Plaza) • Starbucks (Plaza) • La Place (Plaza) • Grand Café Plaza (Plaza) • Douwe Egberts Coffee Bar (Departure 3).
- Airside – The Med (Lounge 1) • Park Café (Lounge 1) • Harvest Market (D Pier) • Amsterdam Bread Company (Lounge 2) • Starbucks (Lounge 1) • Grab&Fly (D-Pier).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Lockers are available before and after security. You can store items for up to 7 days. Locations: Holland Boulevard (Airside) • Lounge 1 (Airside) • Lounge 2 (Airside) • Kelderplein (Landside). Rates: € 8 per 24-hour period. More extended luggage storage is available for up to 30 days in the Baggage Storage Area. Location: Arrivals Hall, Landside, basement level of the airport. Rates are € 2.50 – € 12.00 depending on size. Hours: open 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Charge your laptop while you get a little work done by using one of the many workstations located throughout all airport departure lounge areas, as well as Piers C and D. Each workstation offers a compact workspace with built-in power outlets for charging. Charging stations are also available next to the blue or white payphones located throughout the airport.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight at pay-to-use facilities.
- Mercure Hotel – Location: Airside, Lounge 3, Upper Level, piers F, G and H (opposite KLM Crown Lounge). Rate: € 25 (including towels and toiletries).
- YotelAir – Location: Airside, Lounge 2, Upper Level, piers D and E (opposite the M&M’s store). Two shower cabins are available. Rates: €20 single use or €25 double use for up to one hour (including towels and toiletries).
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Schiphol Airport. Connect to the “Schiphol Airport WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
The airport only allows sleeping inside the terminal at night when flights are not operating – which means during the day, you may asked to move or wake up if you’re sprawled out on the benches. If you stay overnight, security guards begin nightly rounds at midnight, checking for ID and boarding passes. If you don’t have a boarding pass, you must leave the airport until it re-opens at 4:00 AM.
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Amsterdam Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
[ click here to update any of the information listed below ]
Conference Rooms – Spaces Lounge allows business travellers to rent conference halls and boardrooms. Location: Departures Level 1, 3rd Floor.
Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Feed and care for your baby in privacy and comfort in the Baby Care Lounge. Changing tables, seven infant bed cabins, washbasins, comfy seating and other amenities are available. Location: On Holland Blvd., between Departures Lounges 2 and 3.
- NEMO Science Museum – Kids will enjoy visiting the NEMO Science Museum, where eight interactive stations are available to learn about technology and science. Hours: open 24 hours.
Fitness – The Sheraton Fitness Centre, a 2-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall via a covered walkway, offers day passes. Rates: €39. Hours: open 24 hours.
Food & Drinks – see “Food & Drinks” above.
Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Luggage Wrapping – Protect your luggage and its contents with Seal & Go shrink foil for a fee of € 14 per bag (or more for oversized bags). Location: Departures Hall 1 • Departure Halls 3.
Massages
- Massage-O-Matic – Enjoy a shiatsu massage chair which features relaxation with music. Duration: 5 minutes. Location: Landside: Arrivals 4. Airside: 6 different locations. Rate: 2,00€.
- XpresSpa – Stop by to enjoy a short 15-minute or long 90-minute chair massage. Facials, manicures, and pedicures are also available. Locations: Airside, D Pier, Level 1 • Airside, Lounge 2, Level 2 • Airside, Lounge 3, Level 1.
Medical Services
- First Aid – Emergency medical care is available 24/7 at the First Aid Post, which has an on-site pharmacy and a travel clinic (see Travel Clinic section for details). Enter from the landside entrance in Departures Hall 2, one level above Check-In Desk 16, or the airside entrance on the 2nd Floor of Lounge 2.
- Pharmacy – The Apotheek is located in Arrivals 1, Schiphol Plaza. Medicines can be ordered in advance and picked up 24/7. Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM. A pharmacy is also available at the First Aid Post for clinic patients, open 24 hours.
- Travel Clinic – For medical advice and required vaccines, visit the First Aid Post Travel Clinic. Contact the clinic at least four weeks prior, as some vaccines must be administered before your journey. Locations: First Aid Post accessible via the landside entrance in Departures Hall 2, above Check-In Desk 16, or the airside entrance on Lounge 2, 2nd Floor. Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Meditation Rooms – Pray or meditate in the peaceful interfaith, non-denominational Meditation Centre. Amenities include an on-site library with religious books in different languages. Rotating Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Protestant church services are held daily at 11:00 AM. Location: Airside, Lounge 2, near Pier E. Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Membership Services – Travellers who use Schiphol frequently may want to consider a Privium Plus membership. Benefits include priority parking, fast security and passport checks, and Business class check-in regardless of class of service flown. Annual memberships vary in cost, from € 180 for a basic membership to € 305.
Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Airside and Landside. At one point, Schiphol also offered the first Bitcoin machine in Europe. People could exchange their remaining euros for bitcoins or Ethereum in the Landside, Plaza (maximum redeemable amount was 100€).
- Currency Exchange – GWK Travelex – Locations: Landside, Plaza • Landside, Arrivals 1 • Landside, Arrivals 2 • Airside, Lounge 2 • Airside, Lounge 3 • Airside, G/H Corridor • Airside, D-Pier.
- TAX Refunds – If you live outside the EU, your purchases may qualify for a tax refund. Refunds are processed through Global Blue and Travelex (the latter handles tax refunds for Planet & Innova).
Museum – The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol contains a permanent exhibition of ten works of old masters from the 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Golden Age works. Rate: free. Location: Airside, on Holland Boulevard, between the E and F Pier. Hours: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Observation Deck – The Panorama Terrace offers a great view of the aircraft and tarmac. Location: Landside, Level 3 (above check-in, accessible pre-security). Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (April-October), closed November-March due to seasonal maintenance and weather, not 7:00 AM–9:00 PM year-round.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available at several airside shops for all passengers. Prices are generally lower here than in most other stores in the Netherlands. Exceptions to the rule are books, magazines, and flowers, for which all passengers pay tax, and tobacco products, which are tax-free only for passengers travelling outside the EU (boarding pass required). In addition, you will find many shops to pass the time while at the airport.
Showers – see “Showers” above.
SIM Cards – Communicate cheaper and easier on your mobile phone by purchasing a local SIM card. SIM cards are available for sale in the Airport Telecom Shop. Location: Landside, Plaza.
Smoking Rooms – Smoking is only permitted in one designated area before security controls. You must light up before passing through security at Jan Dellaertplein on the Plaza/Arrivals level, between Doors D & E.
Spa & Salon Services – There are a few spas and salons at Schiphol Airport:
- XpresSpa – Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and other express services are available at XpresSpa. Locations: Airside, D Pier, Level 1 • Airside, Lounge 2, Level 2 • Airside, Lounge 3, Level 1.
- Coiffure En Vogue – En Vogue – Update or clean up your look with a fresh hairstyle. Location: Landside, Arrivals 1, Plaza.
WiFi – see “WiFi/Internet” above.
Work Stations – Set up your own office space at one of the workstations available for passengers. Free to use, the desks come equipped with power outlets. Locations: throughout all the terminal departure lounge areas and Piers C and D.
Layover Sightseeing
More things to do away from the airport if you have the time:
- Museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Zaanse Schans
- Keukenhof, to view the tulip displays in Spring
- Madurodam, the miniature city, is open 365 days
- Aviodrome, the National Aviation Theme Park
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport for sightseeing? Check out our Amsterdam Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Amsterdam on Tripadvisor.
Related Pages: Things to do on a Layover at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Buses
Schiphol Airport is served by buses from the city and surrounding regions. Bus stops for all bus lines can be found at Schiphol Plaza, a short walk from Arrivals. For rates, fares and schedules, visit the 9292.nl website.
Car Rentals
AMS Airport is served on-site by the following car rental agencies: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt. You can find these agencies in Schiphol Plaza, directly behind Arrivals 3.
Hotel Shuttles
Some hotels near Amsterdam Airport provide their own airport shuttle service: Bastion Hotel Amsterdam Airport • Best Western Amsterdam Airport Hotel • Courtyard Amsterdam Airport • Ibis Amsterdam Airport • Ibis Budget Amsterdam Airport • NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport • Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam Airport • Steigenberger Airport Hotel Amsterdam.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber operates throughout the Netherlands, but prices are expensive. A ride to the city centre will cost you about $35 – $60.
Taxi
The airport offers standard taxis, travel taxis (suitable for groups), and business taxis (luxury service). The official taxi rank is located in front of Schiphol Plaza (T1, Level 0, Arrivals). Fares: Fares to Amsterdam city center: €45-€60 (15-25 minutes). For more information, visit the Schiphol Airport website.
Train
Schiphol Airport Railway Station offers NS trains to Amsterdam Centraal (15-20 minutes, €5.80, every 10-15 minutes), plus regional and international services (e.g., Thalys to Paris). Location: Level -1, beneath Schiphol Plaza. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the NS website.
Last updated: 2025-02-24
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.