How many terminals does Schiphol Airport have?

Schiphol operates as a single-terminal airport with 3 departure halls (1, 2, 3). All halls are connected under one roof via Schiphol Plaza.

How long does it take to walk between gates at Schiphol?

Walking times vary from 5 minutes (B to C gates) to 20 minutes (E to M gates). Allow extra time for remote gates H and M.

Can I leave Schiphol Airport during a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 5-6 hours and a valid visa (if required). Take the train to Amsterdam Centraal (15-20 minutes, 5-6 EUR). Account for immigration and re-clearing security on return.

Is there free WiFi at Schiphol Airport?

Yes, Schiphol offers free WiFi throughout the terminal. Connect to "Schiphol Free WiFi" — no password required, just click through the terms. Speeds are generally 10-50 Mbps.

Schiphol Airport Guide

Everything you need to know about Amsterdam Schiphol Airport — terminal layout, Schengen zones, food, security, and traveler tips.

Terminal Structure

Schiphol is a single-terminal airport with 3 departure halls, all connected via Schiphol Plaza.

Departure Hall 1

SkyTeam

Piers B, C (mostly Schengen)

KLM (main hub)
Air France
Delta
China Eastern
Kenya Airways

Departure Hall 2

Star Alliance

Piers D, E (mixed zones)

Lufthansa
United Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Swiss

Departure Hall 3

OneWorld + LCC

Piers E, F, G, H, M (mixed zones)

British Airways
American Airlines
easyJet
Transavia
Vueling

Schengen vs Non-Schengen Zones

The Schengen Area is a zone of 27 European countries with no passport controls at mutual borders. At Schiphol, this affects which zone your gate is in and whether you need to pass through immigration.

Schengen Zone

Flights to/from EU countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, etc.)
No passport control after security
Gates mostly at piers B, C, some D, E, F
More food options and shopping accessible

Non-Schengen Zone

Flights to/from UK, USA, Asia, Middle East, etc.
Passport control required
Gates at piers D, E (intercontinental), G, H, M
Fewer amenities at remote gates (H, M)

Transfer Scenarios

Easy Schengen to Schengen

No passport control. Walk between gates. Allow 40-60 minutes.

Moderate Schengen to Non-Schengen

Must pass outbound passport control. Allow 50-75 minutes.

Moderate Non-Schengen to Non-Schengen

Usually airside transfer, no immigration. Allow 50-75 minutes.

Allow Extra Time Non-Schengen to Schengen

Must pass through immigration. Allow 50-90 minutes. Non-EU passport holders should allow 90+ minutes.

Security & Check-in Tips

Average Wait Times

Off-peak (10am-3pm)	10-20 min
Peak morning (6-9am)	30-60 min
Peak afternoon (4-7pm)	20-40 min
Summer / holidays	Add 10-20 min

Preparation Checklist

Liquids in 100ml containers, all in 1L clear bag
Laptops and tablets out of bags
Remove metal belts
Shoes usually stay on (unless boots)
Carry-on only? Skip check-in counters entirely

Food & Drink

AH to go

3-8 EUR

Dutch supermarket grab-and-go. Cheapest option for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Multiple locations in all halls.

Smullers

3-8 EUR

Dutch fast food — try the kroket or frikandel. Very affordable and quick. Multiple locations.

La Place

8-15 EUR

Dutch cafeteria-style with healthy options. Family-friendly. Located in Schiphol Plaza (pre-security).

Starbucks

5-8 EUR

Multiple locations in departures 1, 2, 3 and Schiphol Plaza. Busy during peak hours.

Wagamama

12-18 EUR

Japanese ramen and curry. Sit-down restaurant in Departure Hall 2. Good for a proper meal.

Bubbles Seafood & Wine

15-30 EUR

Dutch seafood, oysters, champagne. Near D-gates (Lounge 2). Upscale option for a treat.

Budget tip: AH to go (Albert Heijn) locations are by far the cheapest option. Bring an empty water bottle to refill at fountains.

Amenities & Facilities

Free WiFi

Connect to "Schiphol Free WiFi" — no password, click-through terms. 10-50 Mbps. Can be slow during peak hours (6-9am, 4-7pm).

Charging Stations

USB and outlets at most gate seating areas. Dedicated charging tables in all departure halls. D/E gates have the most outlets.

Family Facilities

Play areas near E/F gates and C-gates. Nursing rooms in all departure halls. Stroller rental available (5 EUR).

Schiphol Library

Free quiet reading space at Holland Boulevard (near D-gates). Dutch literature focus. Perfect for long layovers.

Luggage Storage

Available at Schiphol Plaza (pre-security). 6-12 EUR per bag depending on size. Useful for Amsterdam day trips during layovers.

Showers & Rest

Available in paid lounges (15-25 EUR lounge access). Some hotels offer day rooms for long layovers.

Walking Times Between Gates

From → To	Walking Time	Difficulty
B → C	5 min	Easy
C → D	8 min	Easy
D → E	5 min	Easy
E → F	7 min	Easy
E → G	10 min	Moderate
E → H	15 min	Moderate
E → M	18-20 min	Long walk

Moving walkways are available but often crowded. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for remote gates.

Common Issues & Solutions

Long walks to remote gates (H, M)
Gates H and M can be 15-20 minutes from the main terminal. Stay in the central area until 30-40 minutes before boarding.
Expensive food after security
Find AH to go stores — they're the cheapest option. Bring an empty water bottle to refill. Eat at La Place before security for better value.
Gate changes with short notice
Download the KLM or Schiphol app for real-time notifications. Check departure screens frequently.
Long security queues in summer
Arrive 3 hours before international flights. Check real-time wait times on the Schiphol app before joining the queue.