AMS Layover Guide: What to Do at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Amsterdam, Netherlands · EHAM
Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe’s great connecting hubs, built around a single efficient terminal that makes transfers quick, and the home of KLM.
Trains run directly from beneath the terminal to Amsterdam Centraal in under 20 minutes.
For a longer, hand-written walkthrough, see our in-depth Amsterdam airport guide.
Transit & visa requirements
- Schiphol is in the Schengen Area. Some nationalities need an Airport Transit Visa when connecting between non-Schengen flights.
Things to do during a layover at AMS
A small free annexe of the Rijksmuseum is located airside after passport control.
A direct 15–20 minute train makes the canals reachable on a long layover (Schengen entry rules permitting).
Lounges
Lounge availability at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol varies by terminal. Independent lounges (often accessible via Priority Pass or pay-in) and airline lounges are common at airports of this size — check your terminal on arrival.
WiFi
Free unlimited WiFi across the airport.
AMS — Frequently Asked Questions
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) serves Amsterdam, Netherlands.