Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Guide

AMS Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

What to Expect

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Code: AMS) operates as a single-terminal complex with three departure halls (1, 2, and 3) and seven piers (B, C, D, E, F, G, H/M), though the layout functions as one integrated facility split into Schengen (Piers B, C, D) and non-Schengen zones (Piers E, F, G, H/M). The departure halls are rife with creative airport amenities, including a library, a museum and designated rest zones. Travellers also have access to free WiFi and pay-to-use showers. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges – some of which include showers.

Sleeping in Amsterdam Airport

Amsterdam Airport has a wide range of places to sleep; however, if you are airside, you will fare better than those attempting to sleep landside.

Landside – Travellers report that most seating in Schiphol Plaza and the public areas has armrests and is not ideal for stretching out, but some manage short naps on café benches and booths (for example, near the upstairs cafés and the long cushioned bench by Stach in the Plaza). These areas stay bright, can be noisy with other passengers and cleaning activity, and often feel chilly overnight. Several reviewers mention seeing mice. Keep your bags close if you plan to rest here. Security and cleaners make regular rounds, but many sleepers say they were left undisturbed as long as they were simply resting.

Airside – Recent reviews describe a mix of comfortable and hard-to-find spots. Popular airside sleeping areas include the quieter lower-level zone around Gates C21–24 (with bed-like couches and a few armrest-free chairs that can feel short and chilly), calm corners at the far end of Pier D near D87 (with a small number of lounge or “stressless” chairs, little noise and nearby washrooms), hidden couches behind Gate D8 (where lights are dimmed overnight but brighten again early in the morning), and several couches and padded benches around Gates G7, E2/E8/E9 and B3. Travellers also mention soft couches near the lost-and-found/lockers between Gates B and C, as well as comfortable padded benches scattered through the departure lounges. A relaxation area with reclined padded chairs still exists in Lounge 1, but seats there are limited and fills quickly. Overall, there is still armrest-free seating airside, but the most comfortable couches and loungers are in high demand during busy disruption days.

Travellers note that conditions vary by pier: some areas (such as around Gates D59–87) are described as quiet, comfortable and feeling safe, sometimes with soft background soundscapes, while others are bright, busy and exposed to foot traffic. Overnight noise can come from fellow passengers on phones, cleaning, tests of the airport alarm system and occasional announcements, so earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are strongly recommended. Several reviewers found the terminal cold at night, especially near C-gates and window-side benches. Mice, unfortunately, seem common, so if you have a phobia, you’ll want to book a hotel or stay elevated off the floor.

If you’re looking for privacy and comfort, there are sleep cabins and an airside transit hotel. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Amsterdam Airport Guide.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours. However, overnight access can be more restricted than during the day. Some landside areas (including Schiphol Plaza and certain public zones) may only be accessible to arriving or departing passengers and staff between 00:00 and 04:00.

What this means for airport sleepers
Schiphol is open overnight, but late-night access is more controlled than during the day. Expect fewer open areas, limited services, and possible checks by staff. If you’re staying overnight, be prepared to remain in designated zones, keep your boarding pass handy, and plan for a quieter—but not fully comfortable—overnight stay.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Schiphol previously offered several designated rest zones with reclining chairs. As of recent updates, these appear to have been removed, and there are no longer clearly marked sleep or rest areas. Overnight travellers generally rely on informal seating, such as padded benches and loungers scattered throughout the terminal, particularly airside. Comfort varies by location, and armrests are common. If dedicated rest zones return, click here to update the guide.

As with sleeping in any public place, keep your belongings secured and within reach. Using locks, keeping valuables out of sight, and positioning bags against your body can help reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.

Cots

Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms

Quick Facts

Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
Day Rooms: Yes
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those looking for comfort at Schiphol Airport.   If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security, as two transit hotels offer both short-term and overnight rates. Sleep pods, perfect for single travellers seeking some privacy, are also available. Several nearby hotels are within walking distance or connected by free airport shuttles.

Sleep Pods and Cabins

• XpresSpa –  There are GoSleep pods for sleepy travellers to get some zzzz’s. Locations: Lounge 2 (upper level, towards D/E/F/G/H) and D-Pier (towards D1–D57). Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Rates: €36 (1h) • €48 (2h) • €60 (3h) • €72 (4h)(Lounge 2 & D).
• YotelAir – Located in the airside/transit area of the main terminal, Lounge 2, near Pier D. Day-use rooms are available in 4-hour blocks (from €55) or overnight (€90-€130). Shower facilities can also be rented for one hour for € 20 single use or € 25 double use.   » Check Rates

Hotels inside the Airport (In-Transit)

• Mercure Schiphol Terminal – (In Transit) Located after security and passport control in Lounge 3, 1st floor, near the start of Gates F. Access requires a passport and a ticket for a departing flight the same or next day. Day rooms are available.  Showers-only access may also be available (around €20). » Check Rates

Hotels connected to the Airport

• Sheraton Hotel – (connected via a covered walkway, 2-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall ) Direct access from baggage claim. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
• Hilton Hotel – (connected via covered walkway, 5-minute walk) The hotel is an easy walk from the main terminal. » Check Rates
• CitizenM hotel – (500m, 5-10-minute walk) A trendy budget hotel within a short walk of the airport. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Schiphol Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Do you have a long layover? Are you looking for a place to relax before your flight? Check out these lounges at Amsterdam Airport (AMS).

Walk-in Rates, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, through a lounge membership program or other access requirements.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the oneworld Lounge. Walk-in or pay-at-the-door access is not available at this lounge. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Drinking Water

A reader reports that water fountains are available airside. One was spotted near the restrooms opposite the IAMsterdam shop. Click here to add or update this information.

Food & Drinks

A limited number of food and drink outlets operate overnight at Schiphol. Here are the 24-hour options:

• Landside – Health Food Wall (Plaza) • La Place Express (Plaza) • Burger King (Plaza) • Starbucks (Plaza) • La Place (Plaza) • Grand Café Plaza (Plaza) • Douwe Egberts Coffee Bar (Departure 3).
• Airside – The Med (Lounge 1) • Park Café (Lounge 1) • Harvest Market (D Pier) • Amsterdam Bread Company (Lounge 2) • Starbucks (Lounge 1) • Grab&Fly (D-Pier).

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Self-service lockers are available both before and after security, with storage for up to 7 days.
Locations: Holland Boulevard (Airside) • Lounge 1 (Airside) • Lounge 2 (Airside) • Kelderplein (Landside)
Rates: approx. €8 per 24-hour period.

Longer-term luggage storage (up to 30 days) is available at the staffed Baggage Storage Area.
Location: Level -1, between Arrivals 1 and Arrivals 2
Rates: approx. €2.50–€12.00 depending on size
Hours: Open 24 hours

Mobile Charging

Power outlets are available at workstations throughout the departure lounges and Piers C and D. These stations provide small work surfaces with built-in power. Additional charging points are located near many of the blue or white payphones throughout the terminal.

Showers

Freshen up before your flight at the following pay-to-use facilities:

• Mercure Hotel – Location: Airside, Lounge 3, Upper Level, near Piers F, G, and H (opposite the KLM Crown Lounge). Rate: € 25 (including towels and toiletries).
• YotelAir – Airside, Lounge 2, Upper Level, near Piers D and E (opposite the M&M’s store). Two shower cabins available. Rates: €20 single use or €25 double use for up to one hour (including towels and toiletries).

Rates are unconfirmed at the time of this update. Click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available throughout Schiphol Airport. Connect to the “Airport_Free_Wifi” network.

Security & Safety

The airport only allows sleeping inside the terminal at night when flights are not operating – which means during the day, you may asked to move or wake up if you’re sprawled out on the benches. If you stay overnight, security guards begin nightly rounds at midnight, checking for ID and boarding passes. If you don’t have a boarding pass, you must leave the airport until it re-opens at 4:00 AM.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Amsterdam Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

• Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
• Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
• Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information