Schiphol is the Netherlands main airport and is located approxiametly 20 minutes journey time south-west of Amsterdam or around 9 kilometres (5.6 miles). The airport's code which you'll see on your tickets and the like is AMS. The majority of tourists to the Netherlands will fly in through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (as it is officially known), though a growing number of low cost budget carriers fly in to the Netherlands through Eindhoven and Rotterdam to reduce costs.
The airport itself has three massive departure halls, though these are all housed in a single building making navagation and access somewhat easier for tourists that are first time users of Schiphol.
Schiphol railway station is located directly beneath the airport and is easily accessible from within the airport itself - passangers arriving at Schiphol by train will come top side right in the middle of the airport just a short distance from both the arrival and depature halls, making it extremely convenient.
Buying tickets for rail travel in the Netherlands is simple. In each station are located a number of large yellow ticket machines that have a clear option for English language. Make sure you purchase your ticket before you board the train or you run the risk of a considerable fine. Those travellers that are intending to travel internationally are able to purchase their ticket top side inside Schiphol near where the escalators let people off when leaving the railway station. This NS booth (the Dutch railway booth) is both your place for internation tickets as well as general information amount travel times. Those tourists that will be arriving or leaving very late at night and very early in the morning are well taken care of by the NS. Throughout the entire night and until regular services resume, an hourly service runs between Utrecht, Amsterdam Central, Schiphol, Leiden, Den Haag, Delft and Rotterdam - effectively connecting the airport to all major cities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The majority of tourists will be heading for Amsterdam Central station, which is just 15 mins train journey from Schiphol railway station.
Parking at Schiphol comes in several options, each unsurprisingly impacted upon by how much you are willing to spend. If you are planning on leaving your car at Schiphol for an extended period (3 days or more) then the best option by far is the P3 zone. It is further away from the terminal but it is significantly cheaper. A free shuttle service will take you from P3 to the terminal - a good idea is to drop your luggage off at the shuttle service stop first (there is a special place for this) then park your car.
Those parking their car for only a shorter amount of time will find P1 and P2 more attractive options. The price is higher than P3, but it is less than 10 minutes walk to the terminal - perfect for quick drop offs and pick ups.
It is also possible to reserve a parking spot online in advance of your trip to the airport.
The last two options are for those that are less constrained by monetary issues. P7 is available directly underneath the terminal but payment can only be made with a credit card. Those interested in valet parking can drive to the front of the depature hall, park, then hand their keys over at the desk in depature hall 2.
Paying is rather simple for those with a credit card - simply insert your card at the gate when both entering and exiting the area and you are taken care of. For those wishing to pay in another way, cash and debit cards are accepted but you will need to pay before you drive out at one of the machines.
There is of course the option of not parking at all - if you are up for a very quick drop off (or even a very quick pick up) you are able to stop in front of both the arrival and departure terminals - nothing more than a momentary stop allowing you to unload both your passangers and luggage (or vice versa) is permitted.
Schiphol like all major international airports offers a wide selection of both eateries and shops. These are all located in the Schiphol Plaza area of the terminal. Most stores are open 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm and almost all participate in tax free shopping. Those after a bite before they fly or while they wait have a large selection to pick from - everything from American fast food to Dutch fine dining.
There are three options for hotels that are located at the airport itself. The first is Yotel Schiphol Airport hotel that is located in the transit area of the airport - meaning if you are inbound to Schiphol you do not need to go through immigration and customs to access the hotel. However, if you are an outbound traveller you will need to pass through immigration and customs (including having proof of flight) in order to access this hotel.
The other two options that are at the airport are the Sheraton and Hilton hotels, both with price tags fitting their names.
If you are travelling through Schiphol and are in need of a shower at the airport prepare to pay a heavy price for the privlege. Unlike many other international airports, Schiphol offers no public showering areas. The only option available is heading off to the Mercure Hotel.
These shower rooms are located in Lounge 3, which is beyond immigration and customs so is only accessible to departing (and transferring) passengers after they have gone through security. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the cost is a hefty €15.00. This price gets you towels, soap and shampoo.
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