Visitors wishing to reach the official site should visit schiphol.nl
Services and Facilities at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Schiphol is a true miniature city, equipped with services ranging from 24/7 medical clinics to free showers and workspaces. However, not all services offer the same quality or transparency in their costs. This guide will help you navigate the airport's facilities, taking advantage of the best ones and avoiding the most common traps.
Quick Questions about Facilities at Schiphol
- Is there emergency medical care? → Yes, the First Aid post and the Medical Centre in Departures Hall 2 operate 24 hours a day.
- Can I take a shower at the airport? → Yes, you have free showers in the EF pier area and a more complete paid option at the Mercure Hotel in the terminal.
- Where can I find a pharmacy? → There is a 24-hour pharmacy in Departures Hall 2 (airside) and another with limited hours in Schiphol Plaza (landside).
- Are there baby care rooms? → Yes, the Baby Care Lounge is a free and highly-rated service, with private cabins for rest and nursing.
- Can I claim a VAT refund (Tax Refund)? → Yes, if you live outside the EU. The offices are located in Departures Hall 3.
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Critical Points: Services Survival Guide
1. The Currency Exchange Trap: Avoid GWK Travelex
User Experience: This is the number one financial complaint. The GWK Travelex ATMs and offices, which have a monopoly at the airport, apply very high fees and extremely unfavorable exchange rates compared to traditional banks.
Strategy: Never withdraw cash or exchange currency at the airport. Pay for the train with your contactless card and withdraw cash from an ABN AMRO or ING ATM once you get to Amsterdam city center. You will save a significant amount.
2. The Tax Refund: An Endurance Test
User Experience: The Tax Refund process is known for its long queues (often over an hour) and for taking place in a poorly ventilated and stuffy area, especially in summer.
Strategy: If you are going to claim your VAT refund, make it your top priority upon arriving at the airport, even before looking at the shops. Bring a bottle of water and be prepared for an uncomfortable wait. Do not check in the items for which you are claiming a refund, as you may be asked to show them.
Medical Assistance and Pharmacies
The medical center and first aid services are available 24 hours a day in Departures Hall 2. User Experience: The medical staff is praised for their professionalism and empathy, even in stressful situations.
Pharmacies:
- 💊 Departures 2 (24 hours): Ideal for prescription drugs, travel medication, or allergy relief.
- 🛍️ Schiphol Plaza (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM): More focused on over-the-counter products, vitamins, and toiletries.
Workspaces and Meeting Rooms
Strategy: If you just need to charge your devices and answer emails, the free workstations at Piers C and D are sufficient, although they can be busy. If you need privacy for a call, look for the individual pods available in some rest areas.
- Free workstations: Located in the departure lounges, especially at Piers C and D, with power outlets and Wi-Fi access.
- Spaces Lounge: A paid option in the public area with private offices and views of the panoramic terrace.
Showers at the Airport
You have two excellent options to freshen up during a long layover:
- Free: Located in the connection area between Piers E and F. They are well-signposted. Strategy: Don't forget to bring your own towel and toiletries to use this service.
- Paid (Mercure Hotel): Situated in the transit area, opposite the KLM Crown Lounge. For €22.50, they provide a private cabin with a towel, shower gel, and shampoo. It's the most comfortable option.
Baby Care Lounge
Located on Holland Boulevard (between Lounges 2 and 3), this is one of the best-rated services at the airport. It is available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM for passengers on intercontinental flights.
User Experience: It's an oasis of calm for families. The 7 cabins with private beds are perfect for babies (and parents) to get real rest. It is a completely free service.
Tax Refund
If you live outside the European Union and have spent more than €50 in a single store, you can apply for a VAT refund before leaving the country.
- 🏢 Offices of Global Blue and Planet & Innova Tax Refund.
- 📍 Located in Departures Hall 3, operating from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Strategy: Add at least an extra hour and a half to your airport arrival time if you plan to go through this process. The queues are systematically long.
Other Useful Services
- Porter Service: Personalized assistance with your luggage. It costs from €15.00, but confirm exactly how far they will assist you, as some users report the service does not cover the final stretch to the car rental parking. Learn more.
- Meet & Assist: A premium service where a host guides you through the entire airport, ideal for passengers who need complete, stress-free assistance. Learn more.
- Transfer Desk: If you miss a connection or your flight is cancelled, head to these desks. Staff from KLM and other airlines will help you rebook your journey. They are located throughout the transit area.