Frequently Asked Questions - Amsterdam Schiphol
Answers to passengers' most common questions
Photo by Pedro Menezes - Unsplash
What's the best way to get to the city centre by public transport?
The train is the quickest and most economical option to reach the centre of Amsterdam. Schiphol station is located directly beneath the terminal. The journey to Amsterdam Centraal, in the city centre, takes between 14 and 17 minutes, and the ticket costs €4.90 per trip if booked in advance. SEE MORE
What to do in case of a long layover or flight delay?
In the main terminal, besides shops, bars and restaurants (some open 24 hours a day), there are entertainment areas, a library, massage chairs, spas, a hairdresser, a supermarket, relaxation areas and art exhibitions. You also have access to luggage storage and lockers to make your wait more comfortable.
Where to charge your mobile phone?
Near each gate, there is a table with about six stools and a corresponding socket for each one. These tables are very popular, so they are always filled with passengers charging their phones. A better option is those located away from the gates, in the boarding area.
In addition, at Pier B you will find 6 stations with powerbanks. You can scan a QR code and charge your mobile devices for 4 hours free of charge, or buy one of these powerbanks for €19.00.
Is it possible to get a SIM card at the airport?
The Airport Telecom store sells SIM cards for your mobile phone. It's located in Schiphol Plaza (before security) and is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and weekends from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Is there internet access and workspaces?
Not only do you have free internet access at Schiphol, but you will also find ideal workstations for those traveling with their own laptop. These compact desks are an ideal place to work, study or browse the internet using the free Wi-Fi network of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Select the 'Airport_Free_Wifi' network for 4 hours of free access. After this period, you just need to log in again to continue browsing.
Workstations are located in all Departures Halls and in piers C and D. They are equipped with power outlets, so you can easily recharge all your electronic devices.
Are showers available?
You will find private shower cabins in the hotels within the airport premises: YOTELAIR, on the upper level of lounge 2 (€17.50), and Mercure, on the upper level of lounge 3 (€22.50).
Moreover, in the EF filter, accessible from lounge 2 and from Holland Boulevard, there are free showers available 24 hours a day. Note that there are no towels or personal cleaning items, so you will need to bring your own.
Are there currency exchange offices?
GWK Travelex offers currency exchange services through its counters and ATMs. Find them at Schiphol Plaza (6:00 am to 8:00 pm), Arrivals Hall 1 (6:00 am to 8:00 pm), Arrivals Hall 2 (6:00 am to 10:00 pm), the GH corridor (7:00 am to 4:00 pm), lounges 2 (6:00 am to 9:00 pm) and 3 (6:00 am to 10:00 pm), and in pier D (6:00 am to 8:00 pm).
What to do if you lose belongings at the airport?
If you are still at the airport, go to the lost and found counters:
Before Security:
- Kelderplein, between Arrivals Halls 1 and 2 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
After Security:
- Lounge 1, towards pier B (6:00 am to 8:00 pm)
- Holland Boulevard, between piers E and F (6:00 am to 8:00 pm)
If you have already left the airport, provide all possible details in the lost and found form.
Are shops and restaurants open 24 hours a day?
While many shops and food stalls located in Schiphol Plaza close at night, both in the public area and in the boarding area, there are cafes, restaurants and fast-food outlets that remain open 24 hours a day.
Before security checkpoints, the 24-hour dining options include Burger King, Douwe Egberts Coffee Bar, Grand Café Plaza, Health Food Wall, La Place Express and Starbucks, all located in Schiphol Plaza.
After security checkpoints, look for Amsterdam Bread Company (lounge 2), Bread! (lounge 3), Grab & Fly (pier D), Harvest Market (pier D), Park Café (lounge 1), Starbucks (lounge 1) and The Med (lounge 1).
Duty-free shops are located after security checkpoints in all Departures Halls and are open from 5:00 am to 1:30 am.
Where to find medical services?
There are two medical clinics available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm: in the public area of lounge 2, above check-in line 16; and in the secure area of lounge 2.
There are also 24-hour first aid services available for both passengers and the general public, including personalized medical advice, vaccinations, updated health situation information, and travel items.
Are there facilities for mothers with babies?
The Baby Care Lounge is an area for breastfeeding mothers and baby hygiene located in Holland Boulevard, between lounges 2 and 3. It is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Is smoking allowed at the airport?
Smoking is prohibited inside the Schiphol terminal, both before and after security checkpoints. It is also not allowed in parking areas. Smoking is only permitted at Jan Dellaertplein, between gates D and E. You can purchase tobacco at the airport following legal guidelines.