Flying to Amsterdam
Your guide on how to get to Amsterdam
Flying to Amsterdam
Hey there, globetrotters and Amsterdam dreamers!
Ready to jet off to one of the most charming cities in the world? Let’s chat about flying to Amsterdam, getting to and from that bustling hub of travel, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and all the juicy details in between. Buckle up; we’re about to take off on a journey of handy tips and must-knows!
For my friends across the pond, KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) and Delta Airlines are your go-to carriers, offering direct flights from cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and many more. Picture this: sipping a coffee in NYC and, in just a hop, skip, and a flight, you’re admiring Amsterdam’s canals. How cool is that?
Arriving at Schiphol Airport
Security (Schengen and non-Schengen arrivals) Flying in from a Schengen spot means you can stroll straight to baggage claim. Coming from further afield? A quick passport check awaits. A little tip: double-check visa stuff with your travel agent or embassy to keep things smooth.
Baggage reclaim: Keep your eyes peeled for screens in the baggage claim area to find out where your luggage will pop out. After grabbing your bags, you’ll walk through customs and into Schengen Plaza.
Schiphol Plaza: This place might just tempt you to pause for a bit of shopping or grab a bite before you head out. Open every day, with some spots welcoming late-night arrivals, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and get ready for the next leg of your journey.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is where you’ll likely land, a major international gateway nestled about 20 km southwest of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Connecting over 48 million passengers yearly to 260 destinations globally. Think of Schiphol as Europe’s cozy welcome mat, ranked fifth largest for passenger traffic. It’s not just an airport; it’s a mini-city where shopping, dining, eating pancakes, cheese and catching your next flight happen under one gigantic roof.
Getting to and from Schiphol to the city is a piece of stroopwafel, whether by bus, taxi, or train. The Connexxion Amsterdam Airport Express bus whisks you from the airport to the city center in about 30 minutes. Prefer your own space? Taxis are ready outside, or dive straight into Dutch life by hopping on a train right beneath the airport. Just make sure you stay away from the “snorders”.. You might up paying a lot more than agreed
Not far! Around 25 minutes from the City Centre by Train.
By car when the traffic isn’t busy you will be at the airport under 20 minutes from around the city centre.
Wondering how early to get to Schiphol or how to catch that early morning flight?
Give yourself about 2 to 2.5 hours for international flights. And for those crack-of-dawn departures, taxis and trains run round the clock, ensuring you’re never stranded.
Handy tip: reserve a time slot at Schiphol to go through security.
Before you book a security time slot, it is good to know the following:
- Your time slot only applies to security. Allow enough time to check in, including any baggage
- If you arrive earlier or later than your chosen time slot, we cannot guarantee that you can make use of your reserved time slot
- Bookable from 3 days before your departure date
Living in the UK means Amsterdam is practically in your backyard. Thanks to airlines like EasyJet and Flybe, you’re never too far from a Dutch adventure, with flights from cities all across the Isles.
other transport to amsterdam
Traveling to Amsterdam offers something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re after efficiency, comfort, adventure, or value, there’s a route that fits your travel style