Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Departures (AMS)

Schiphol Airport, consisting of one main terminal, is well designed and fully equipped for a pleasant departure to many destinations all over the world. The excellent highway and railway transportation infrastructure from Amsterdam and other areas of the country allows for easy travel to Schiphol Airport. If you arrive by taxi, the taxi driver will driver will drop you off at the correct departure gate.

The single terminal is divided into three sections and these are referred to as Halls 1,2 or 3. The various airline piers or concourses are connected to these airport terminal halls. The airlines that serve Schiphol Airport do not have specifically allocated piers, but the piers are dedicated to either Schengen or non-Schengen flights. Pier D deals with both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. It consists of two floors, of which the lower is dedicated to non-Schengen flights and the gates are numbered from D-1 to D-59. The upper floor is used for Schengen flights with its gates numbered from D-60 upwards. Piers H and M share the same construction, with the M-gates used for Schengen flights and the H-gates for non-Schengen flights. The piers used solely for Schengen flights are B and C. Piers E, F and G are dedicated non-Schengen flight areas.

In most areas of Schiphol Airport it is possible, on either sides of security check-in points and customs, to be able to walk from one pier to another. It is only in the low-cost pier M that passengers will not be able to reach any of the other Halls and piers once they have passed through the security checks.

The upper level of Departures 2 has many bars and restaurants for the enjoyment of passengers before their departure. Schiphol Airport is proud to be the largest duty-free shopping complex in all of Europe and there is a selection of fifty shops with more than 120,000 products to choose from.

Families travelling with children of any age will find Schiphol Airport welcoming. There are plenty of baby changing facilities located in the central and west Departure areas. Entertainment for your little ones can be found between gates E and F, with an assortment of toys, computer games and Lego slides. The slightly older children will love the Schiphol Air Museum, known as the Aviodome. There are more than 30 aircraft on display and the children are allowed to climb in and explore those with open cockpits.

The following things mentioned are some useful travel tips to keep in mind to ensure your departure from Schiphol Airport is as efficient at possible:

• Allow plenty of time to reach the airport, as there may be delays or traffic jams slowing down road travel. Try to arrive at least two hours before departure if your destination is within Europe, or three hours for intercontinental flights.
• Make sure your hand luggage conforms to regulations, containing no sharp objects or liquids over the allowed limits. Liquids with a maximum capacity of 100ml, prescription medicines that are needed during the flight time and baby food required will be placed in the airport’s re-sealable clear plastic bag and allowed on the flight.
• Keep all your necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas easily accessible.
• If you have booked your ticket online, keep your E-ticket receipt within easy reach.

Schiphol Airport only permits smoking in dedicated smoking areas within the bars and restaurants.

If you would like to shop for a while without your luggage, there are luggage lockers available at various locations within the airport for passenger usage. Otherwise, it is advised to always keep your personal belongings and luggage with you at all times. Keep your wallet or purse, and travel documents in a safe and secure place.

The status of your flight, as well as the relevant check-in area, is displayed on the TV monitors throughout the airport. Schiphol Airport staff will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition to your departure flight.

If you are looking for arrivals at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, you can view our Amsterdam International Airport Arrivals page.