Amsterdam Airport Code (AMS): IATA, ICAO & Travel Guide

by
Skip to Amsterdam airport information
Amsterdam · North Holland · Netherlands

Amsterdam Airport Code (AMS): IATA, EHAM & Travel Guide

Use the AMS airport code to track live departures and arrivals. Learn how Schiphol’s single-terminal concept works and find the fastest train connection to Amsterdam Centraal.

Quick answer: AMS is the three-letter IATA code for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The ICAO code is EHAM. The airport is located in the Netherlands and utilizes a single massive terminal building.
Live AMS Departures ↗Use Travel Tools
i
Independent guide: This guide is not affiliated with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM, or NS (Dutch Railways). Always confirm live gates, security waits, and train schedules directly with official sources on your day of travel.
The “Single Terminal” Concept: Unlike many global mega-hubs, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) does not have a Terminal 1, 2, and 3. Everything is under one giant roof, split into “Departure Halls” (1, 2, and 3) which all connect post-security.
Immediate code answer

What is the airport code for Amsterdam, Netherlands?

AMS is the three-letter IATA code for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the primary international airport of the Netherlands. The ICAO code used by air traffic control and flight planning systems is EHAM.

IATA / passengerAMS

Tickets, baggage tags and consumer flight searches.

ICAOEHAM

Operational aviation, pilots, and flight-tracking apps.

Airport NameSchiphol

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

CountryNetherlands

Located roughly 9km southwest of Amsterdam.

Flight tracking

Checking amsterdam airport code departures

Because Schiphol operates as one massive building, knowing your exact departure hall, check-in desk, and gate is critical to avoiding long walks. The airport provides a highly accurate live tracker for all AMS departures and arrivals.

Official SourceLive AMS DeparturesCheck your exact check-in desk row (e.g., Row 12) and boarding gate. Official SourceLive AMS ArrivalsTrack inbound flights and check which baggage belt will be used. Schiphol AppCustom Travel DayEnter your flight number to get an itinerary of when to clear security.
Verify your departure details Open the official Schiphol Departures board ↗. Next step: Type your flight number (e.g., KL601) into the search bar. Note the “Check-in desk” number—this dictates whether you should enter the building at Departure Hall 1, 2, or 3.
Interactive traveler tools

Build a practical AMS travel plan

These tools calculate planning guidance directly on your device. They do not replace official airline guidance or live NS rail timetables.

Recommended airport arrival time

Schiphol security times can fluctuate. Follow base guidelines.

Choose your flight time.

Train to Amsterdam Centraal Estimator

Trains run directly beneath the airport 24/7.

Navigating AMS

The Single Terminal Concept: Halls 1, 2, and 3

One giant roof

Do not look for “Terminal 1” or “Terminal 2” on your ticket. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol operates one large passenger terminal building divided into three distinct Departure Halls. Once you pass through security, the airside area is completely connected.

HALL 1

Departure Hall 1

Primarily handles flights within the Schengen Area (European flights requiring no border control). Connects to Piers B, C, and D.

HALL 2

Departure Hall 2

Primarily handles KLM and SkyTeam partner flights to Non-Schengen destinations. Connects to Piers D and E.

HALL 3

Departure Hall 3

Handles other Non-Schengen and intercontinental flights (including budget airlines and non-SkyTeam carriers). Connects to Piers F, G, H, and M.

The Pier M Exception: Pier M is dedicated to low-cost carriers (like EasyJet). Once you walk to Pier M, you cannot walk back to the main terminal’s duty-free shops without exiting and clearing security again. Do all shopping before heading down Pier M.
To the city center

Taking the train from AMS to Amsterdam Centraal

The fastest and most common way to get from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol into the city is by train. The NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) train station is located directly underneath the airport, making the transfer completely seamless.

  1. 1
    Enter Schiphol Plaza

    After collecting your luggage and passing customs, you will walk out into Schiphol Plaza. This is the main hall of the airport and also the roof of the train station.

  2. 2
    Buy a Train Ticket

    Purchase a ticket to “Amsterdam Centraal” from the yellow/blue NS ticket machines, or simply use OVpay (tap in/tap out with a contactless credit card or Apple/Google Pay).

  3. 3
    Check the Boards for Platform (Spoor)

    Look up at the blue departure screens. Trains to Amsterdam Centraal usually depart from Platforms 1, 2, or 3. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

  4. 4
    Take the Escalator Down

    Scan your ticket or tap your card at the glass gates in Schiphol Plaza, then take the escalator directly down to your platform.

Transport OptionCost EstimateTime to City Center
NS Direct Train~€6.00 (2nd Class)15-20 minutes
Airport Express Bus (397)~€6.5030-40 minutes (Best for Museumplein)
Official Taxi€45 – €6025-35 minutes (traffic dependent)
Plan your train journey Open the official NS Dutch Railways planner ↗. Next step: Enter “Schiphol Airport” as your origin and “Amsterdam Centraal” as your destination to see live platform numbers and immediate departure times.
Before leaving

AMS travel-day checklist

Checklist progress is saved on this device.

Search questions answered

Top FAQs about the Amsterdam airport code and travel

What is the airport code for Amsterdam, Netherlands?
The primary passenger (IATA) airport code for Amsterdam is AMS. It represents Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
What is the Amsterdam airport code ICAO?
The ICAO code for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is EHAM. This is used mostly for aviation operations and flight tracking.
What is the Amsterdam airport code name?
The official name of the airport associated with the AMS code is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (often just called Schiphol).
What country is the Amsterdam airport code in?
The AMS airport code is located in the Netherlands.
Where do I find Amsterdam airport code departures?
You can find live departures by visiting the official Schiphol.nl website or using the Schiphol app, which will direct you to the correct check-in desk and departure hall.
Does Amsterdam have a Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?
No, Schiphol uses a single-terminal concept. The building is divided into Departure Halls 1, 2, and 3, but they are all physically connected under one roof.
How long does it take to get from AMS airport to the city?
The direct NS train from Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Centraal takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
Can I tap my credit card for the train at Schiphol?
Yes. The Netherlands uses OVpay, allowing you to tap in at the gates in Schiphol Plaza and tap out at your destination using a contactless credit card or mobile wallet.
Editorial transparency

Official sources and update policy

This universal SEO master audit prioritizes data directly from Schiphol Airport operations and the Dutch national railway to ensure passengers have accurate terminal and transit data.

Amsterdam Airport SchipholOfficial guidance on terminal layout, live departures, and security waits.
NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)Dutch Railways timetables and OVpay integration.
Last fact-check: August 25, 2026. Security waits, exact gate assignments, and train platform numbers are dynamic. Always verify via the provided official links before departure.