Amsterdam · airport guide
Schiphol Airport guide
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has one terminal with piers B through H and M. The quickest way from AMS to Amsterdam Centraal is the NS train (about 15 minutes, about €6).
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
NS train, about €6
about €50–€70
Same terminal, no passport control
Layover you need to visit the city
Quick answer
The quickest way from AMS to Amsterdam Centraal is the NS train (about 15 minutes, about €6). Connecting here, allow at least 1 h 15 min for a connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include KLM, American, Delta, United and Transavia.
- Terminals
- One terminal with piers B through H and M
- Taxi
- 20–35 min, about €50–€70
- Connecting
- At least 1 h 15 min for a connection in the same terminal
- Lounges
- KLM Crown Lounges (Schengen and non-Schengen); Aspire lounges
- Hotel
- YotelAir, airside
Getting from AMS to Amsterdam Centraal
Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.
- NS trainto Amsterdam Centraalabout 15 minabout €6
- Taxi or rideshare20–35 minabout €50–€70
Inside AMS
Terminals and connections
Everything is under one roof and connected airside, but walking between piers can take 15–20 minutes.
How long a layover you need at AMSLounges
- •KLM Crown Lounges (Schengen and non-Schengen)
- •Aspire lounges
Sleep, showers and hotels
- •YotelAir, airside
- •Sheraton Amsterdam Airport, a short walk from the terminal
Plugs and power
Outlets in the Netherlands are Types C, F at 230 V. Which adapter to pack
AMS tips
- •KLM's long-haul flights mostly use the non-Schengen E, F and G piers.
Can you leave AMS on a layover?
With at least 4 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.
- Off the plane, through passport control and out45 min
- To Amsterdam Centraal and back, the fastest way30 min
- Time in town worth the trip1 h
- Back through security and passport control to your gate1 h 30 min
- Layover you need4 h
U.S. citizens don't need a visa for short stays, but you pass passport control (and the EU's Entry/Exit System) to leave the airport.
Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.
Airlines at AMS
Major airlines that fly from AMS (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.
- KLM Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
- American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Transavia Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- easyJet Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
- Air France Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
- British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
- Lufthansa Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
- Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
AMS airport FAQ
The quickest option is the NS train to Amsterdam Centraal: about 15 minutes for about €6. A taxi takes 20–35 min (about €50–€70).
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.
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