Alternatives for Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Let’s be real: we all love Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) for its proximity to the city centre. However, due to its popularity and high taxes, it isn’t always the most affordable option. Also, in case of disruptions, you might be looking for a good alternative airport to fly from and to. Therefore, in this article, we’re going to highlight the best alternatives for Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, both within the Netherlands as the airports in close proximity in Belgium and Germany, so you can decide which option is the best fit for you!
Overview alternatives
Check out the table below to see quickly which airports you can consider as alternatives to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, along with travel times and costs to Amsterdam.
| Alternative Airport | Destinations | Time & cost to Amsterdam | IATA code |
| Eindhoven Airport | Europe | 2 hours – €30 | EIN |
| Rotterdam The Hague Airport | London & mediterrenan | 1 hour – €23 | RTM |
| Düsseldorf (DE) | Worldwide hub | 2 -4 hours – €50 | DUS |
| Frankfurt (DE) | Worldwide hub, most options | 4-6 hours – €70 | FRA |
| Brussels Airport-Zaventem (BE) | Europe, Africa & Middle East | 2-3 hours – €55 | BRU |
| Brussels South Charleroi (BE) | Worldwide hub | 3-4 hours – €55 | CRL |
| Antwerp (BE) | France & Holiday destinations | 2 hours – €35 | ANR |
* The prices and travel times mentioned in this overview are subject to change and are for indicative purposes only. In general, booking in advance can lead to lower prices; last-minute bookings are usually more expensive.
The cheapest alternatives for flights to Amsterdam
If you’re on a budget and want to travel to Amsterdam as cheaply as possible, your go-to airports are Eindhoven Airport and Brussels Charleroi. Both airports are hubs for budget airlines. However, do read the information on this page carefully; neither airport has a good connection to Amsterdam at night, so you might be forced to either stay near the airport or take a very expensive taxi, which would leave you worse off than paying more for a flight directly to Amsterdam.
Alternatives for Schiphol Airport within the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there are airports that can serve as alternatives to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). However, some domestic options may take longer than those in Belgium, for instance. Also, the Dutch alternatives are much smaller, so there aren’t as many airline and destination options as you’d find at Schiphol Airport.
Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
The “Budget Capital” of the Netherlands. If you’re flying a low-cost carrier, there’s a 90% chance you’ll end up here. From Eindhoven Airport, you can practically fly to any destination in Europe or beyond with a connecting flight. In general, prices are lower than at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
- Accessibility: very easy. Travel time: ± 2 hours. Cost: Approx. €30 (Bus €5 + Train €28)
- Public transport: Take the Airport Shuttle bus (line 400 or 401) to Eindhoven Central (20 min), then a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal (1h 20m).
- Late Travel: Be careful! The last direct trains to Amsterdam leave around 23:30. If you land late, you might be stuck in Eindhoven for the night.
- Destinations:
- Eastern Europe: Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovakia, Czechia & the Baltics
- Southern Europe: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Turkey
- North Africa: Morocco
- Rest of the world: using connecting flights, Eindhoven can serve as your gateway to any destination worldwide.
- Airlines: This is the kingdom of budget airlines, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Transavia. You can fly almost anywhere in Europe and parts of North Africa for a fraction of Schiphol’s prices.
- Facilities: It’s a modern, compact airport. Super easy to navigate. There is a Tulip Inn literally on top of the terminal, and plenty of food options like Starbucks and La Place.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)
Small and incredibly fast alternative to Schiphol. You can go from the plane to the curb in 15 minutes. On the flip side, flight options & frequency and airlines are very limited; you have to be lucky to find a flight that suits your needs.
- Accessibility: very easy. Travel time: ± 1 hour 10 minutes. Cost: Approx. €23 (Bus €2.50 + Train €20.50)
- Public transport: Take Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), then the Intercity Direct train to Amsterdam Centraal (40 min).
- Late Travel: trains between Rotterdam and Amsterdam run all night (though only once per hour after 01:00).
- Destinations:
- Great for London.
- Mediterranean hotspots: Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Croatia and France.
- Ski destinations: Switzerland, Austria
- Airlines: Mainly Transavia, British Airways, and TUI.
- Facilities: Very comfortable, with a “boutique” feel. It’s never crowded. There’s an Ibis Hotel right next door if you need to sleep near the runway.
Alternative Airports for Schiphol Airport in Belgium
In Belgium, you’ll find several airports that offer a “mature” alternative to the airport in Amsterdam. In contrast to many domestic alternatives in the Netherlands, Belgium’s airports offer a broader range of airlines and destinations. The travel time to these Belgian alternative airports is 1-4 hours by train, making them feasible options for budget travellers.
Brussels Airport (BRU)
The “big brother” of Belgian aviation. It’s a major international hub that feels a lot like a smaller, more manageable Schiphol.
- Accessibility: very easy. Travel time: ± 1-2 hours. Cost: Approx. €55 Expect to pay between €26 and €85 depending on how early you book.
- Public transport: A train station sits right under the terminal. Take the Eurostar (1h 15m) or the Eurocity Direct (approx. 2h) to Amsterdam.
- Late Travel: Late-night travel is possible, but after midnight, your options thin out significantly.
- Destinations:
- All countries within Europe
- The Middle East
- Africa
- Asia, mainly China
- USA; mainly the East Coast
- Rest of the world: using connecting flights, Brussels Airport can serve as your gateway to any destination worldwide.
- Airlines: Home to Brussels Airlines. You’ll find plenty of Star Alliance connections and some budget options like Vueling or Ryanair. It’s great for both European hops and long-haul flights.
- Facilities: Very comfortable. Plenty of Belgian chocolate shops (obviously), lounges, and fast Wi-Fi. The Sheraton is located right across from the terminal if you need a place to crash.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
The “budget king.” If you see a flight for the price of a pizza, it’s probably landing here. Do keep in mind that travelling to Amsterdam is a lot further (3-4 hours) than the aforementioned Brussels airport.
- Accessibility: difficult. Travel time: ± 3-4 hours. Cost: Approx. €55 It’s a bit of a trek. You must take a Flibco shuttle bus (55m, approx. €19) to Brussels-Midi station, then catch a train to Amsterdam.
- Public transport: You must take a Flibco shuttle bus (55m, approx. €19) to Brussels-Midi station, then catch a train to Amsterdam. Total travel time to Amsterdam: 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Late Travel: If you land after 11 PM, getting to Amsterdam the same night is nearly impossible without an expensive taxi.
- Destinations:
- All countries within Europe
- The Middle East
- Africa
- Asia, mainly China
- USA; mainly the East Coast
- Rest of the world: using connecting flights, Brussels Airport can serve as your gateway to any destination worldwide.
- Airlines: main hub for budget airlines, including Ryanair and Wizz Air. If you want to fly cheap, this is your place.
- Facilities: Functional but crowded. It’s located in an industrial area, so it’s not “pretty.” There are several budget hotels (like Ibis Budget) within walking distance of the terminal.
Alternative Airports for Schiphol Airport in Germany
In the Netherlands, there are airports that can serve as alternatives to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). However, some domestic options may take longer than those in Belgium, for instance. Also, the Dutch alternatives are much smaller, so there aren’t as many airline and destination options as you’d find at Schiphol Airport.
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
A massive hub that is often cheaper than Schiphol for flights to the US or Asia.
- Accessibility: easy. Travel time: ± 2-4 hours. Cost: Approx. €50. The price of the train ticket to Amsterdam varies widely, from €20 to €80. Booking early with NS International or Deutsche Bahn is key to securing a low price. If the ICE fast train is not available this increases travel time to Amsterdam significantly
- Public transport: Take the SkyTrain to the airport’s train station, then an ICE International train to Amsterdam.
- Late Travel: ICE trains stop running around 20:00.
- Destinations:
- All countries within Europe
- The Middle East
- Africa
- Rest of the world: using connecting flights, Düsseldorf Airport can serve as your gateway to any destination worldwide.
- Airlines: Eurowings, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Delta. Huge variety
- Facilities: World-class. Great shopping and multiple luxury hotels like the Maritim connected to the terminal.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
One of the world’s biggest airports. If Schiphol is fully booked, Frankfurt definitely has a seat for you. This is the alternative airport with the widest range of airlines and destinations.
- Accessibility: easy. Travel time: ± 3-4 hours. Cost: Approx. €70. The price of the train ticket to Amsterdam varies widely, from €30 to €120. Booking early with NS International or Deutsche Bahn is key to securing a low price. If the ICE fast train is unavailable, travel time to Amsterdam increases significantly.
- Public transport: A direct ICE train takes you from the airport (Fernbahnhof) straight to Amsterdam Centraal.
- Late Travel: The last direct ICE usually leaves around 18:30. You can find connections with transfers until 20:00, but after that, you’re stuck until the first 05:30 train.
- Destinations:
- Europe all countries
- North America
- South America, mainly Brazil
- Asia
- The Middle East
- Africa
- Rest of the world: using connecting flights, Düsseldorf Airport can serve as your gateway to any destination worldwide.
- Airlines: Primary hub for Lufthansa. Every other airline you can think of.
- Facilities: Exceptional. It’s basically a city. Plenty of hotels (Hilton, Marriott) are directly attached to the terminal.
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