Amsterdam is served by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Average flight prices are €70-140 for short-haul European flights; €350-600 for transatlantic routes. Best time to book: Book 6-10 weeks ahead for European flights and 3-5 months for intercontinental routes. November to March (excluding Christmas) offers the cheapest fares. Schiphol is a major connecting hub, so indirect routings via Amsterdam can sometimes be cheaper than direct flights. Tulip season (April-May) and summer drive prices up by 25-40%.. Top airlines: KLM, Transavia, easyJet.
Compare prices from 8+ airlines flying to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe's most important aviation hubs, ranking consistently in the top five European airports with over 70 million passengers per year. As the home base of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines — the world's oldest operating airline — Schiphol offers an exceptional global network with direct connections to over 300 destinations. The airport's single-terminal design, despite its massive size, makes transfers between flights remarkably straightforward.
Schiphol sits below sea level in the Haarlemmermeer polder, a unique geographic distinction among major airports. Its location just 9 km from Amsterdam Centraal station makes it one of the most conveniently positioned major airports in Europe. The direct train connection runs 24 hours a day (with reduced night service) and takes just 15 minutes, making it faster to reach the city than most comparable airports worldwide.
For budget travelers, Transavia (KLM's low-cost subsidiary) and easyJet both operate significant bases at Schiphol, offering competitive fares across Europe and to Mediterranean holiday destinations. KLM's partnership with Delta Air Lines makes Schiphol particularly well-connected to North America, with multiple daily frequencies to US and Canadian cities. The airport's Privium program and automated border gates also speed up the arrival process for frequent visitors.
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The NS train runs every 10 minutes from the station directly beneath the terminal to Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 minutes for €5.50. Trains run 24 hours, though the night service (1-5 AM) runs hourly. Taxis cost around €45 and take 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Schiphol is one of Europe's best connecting airports. Its single-terminal design means all gates are accessible without leaving security. KLM and SkyTeam partners offer seamless connections, and minimum connection times are just 50 minutes for Schengen-to-Schengen transfers.
November to March (excluding Christmas week) offers the best fares, with European routes often available for €40-70 one-way. Avoid King's Day (April 27), tulip season (April-May), and the summer peak of July-August when prices surge.
Yes, easyJet and Transavia both operate large bases at Schiphol. Ryanair and Vueling also serve Amsterdam. Unlike many cities, Amsterdam's budget carriers fly from the same airport as full-service airlines, so there is no inconvenient secondary airport to worry about.
Schiphol has experienced long security queues during peak periods, especially in summer. Arrive at least 2.5 hours before international flights. KLM and SkyTeam Elite Plus members can use priority security lanes. The airport recommends checking queue times on the Schiphol app before departing.
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