Which Amsterdam airport is AMS?
AMS is the three-letter code for Amsterdam’s main international airport. It is the largest and busiest airport in the Netherlands and serves as a major European hub for international air traffic. However, Amsterdam actually has two airports, and it is important to know the differences between them to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, commonly known as Schiphol, is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is located approximately 9 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam and is easily accessible by public transportation, taxi, or car. Schiphol has six runways and four terminals, serving over 70 million passengers annually. It offers a wide range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and a spa.
Schiphol’s history and facilities
Schiphol was opened in 1916 as a military airbase and became a civilian airport in 1920. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions and renovations to become the modern airport it is today. Schiphol has a wide range of facilities, including over 200 shops, 40 restaurants, a library, a museum, and a meditation center. It also has several lounges, including the famous KLM Crown Lounge, which is accessible to eligible passengers with a membership or a business or first class ticket.
Airlines operating at Schiphol
Schiphol is a hub for several major airlines, including KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines, and Transavia. It also serves as a base for several low-cost carriers, such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Vueling. In total, over 100 airlines operate at Schiphol, offering flights to over 300 destinations worldwide.
Schiphol’s transportation options
Schiphol is easily accessible by public transportation, with direct train and bus connections to Amsterdam and other cities in the Netherlands. It also has several taxi stands and car rental services. Additionally, Schiphol has a large parking area with over 40,000 parking spaces, including short-term and long-term options.
Amsterdam Airport Lelystad (LEY)
Amsterdam Airport Lelystad, also known as Lelystad Airport, is a regional airport located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam. It is currently undergoing a major expansion to become a secondary airport for low-cost carriers and general aviation. The airport is expected to open for commercial flights in 2022.
Lelystad’s history and facilities
Lelystad Airport was opened in 1973 as a general aviation airport and was later used by the Dutch government for military training. In recent years, it has been transformed into a commercial airport with a new terminal and runway. The airport’s facilities are currently limited, but it is expected to expand in the coming years.
Airlines operating at Lelystad
Currently, there are no commercial airlines operating at Lelystad Airport, but several low-cost carriers, including Ryanair and Wizz Air, have expressed interest in using the airport when it opens for commercial flights.
Lelystad’s transportation options
Lelystad Airport is accessible by car and public transportation, with direct bus and train connections to Amsterdam and other cities in the Netherlands. The airport also has a parking area with short-term and long-term options.
Comparison of Schiphol and Lelystad
Schiphol and Lelystad are two very different airports, serving different purposes and catering to different types of passengers. Schiphol is a major international hub with a wide range of facilities and airlines, while Lelystad is a regional airport with limited facilities and currently no commercial flights. Schiphol is also much closer to Amsterdam and has better transportation options.
Conclusion: The right Amsterdam airport for you
Choosing the right airport depends on your travel needs and preferences. If you are flying internationally or need a wide range of facilities, Schiphol is the better choice. However, if you are flying domestically or on a budget, Lelystad may be a good option when it opens for commercial flights in 2022.
Resources for further information
For more information on Amsterdam airports and transportation, visit Schiphol’s website at https://www.schiphol.nl/en/ or Lelystad Airport’s website at https://www.lelystadairport.nl/en/.
