Sleeping inside or in nearby hotels (AMS)

Overnight layover guide. Sleeping facilities in the public zone or boarding area

Amsterdam Airport is internationally recognised as one of the most sleep-friendly terminals for transit passengers. However, the quality of the experience varies significantly depending on whether you are in the transit area (Airside), after clearing security, or in the public area (Landside).

Recommended areas for resting

Transit Area (Airside): This is the most comfortable and secure area. It is open exclusively to passengers holding a boarding pass.

• Airport Park (Near Pier D): A themed space designed to resemble an indoor park. It features wooden loungers, reclining seats and a more relaxed atmosphere, although it can be noisy during the day due to the presence of families.
• Holland Boulevard (Between Piers E and F): Located between Departure Lounges 2 and 3, it offers padded sofas and quiet corners near the library and the museum. It is one of the most popular areas thanks to its welcoming design.
• Reclining chair areas: Located on the upper levels of Piers D and E, there are “snooze chairs” specifically designed for short periods of sleep.
• Upper Level of Departures 3: Near the dining areas, long benches and quieter rest zones can often be found during the early morning hours.

Public Area (Landside):

• Schiphol Plaza: Not recommended for overnight stays unless strictly necessary. Most seating is metallic, cold and fitted with armrests that prevent lying down. In addition, security staff carry out frequent checks during the night and usually request identification and boarding passes from those remaining in the Plaza.

Toilets and Shower Facilities

If you wish to freshen up, both paid and free options are available:

• Mercure Hotel (Lounge 3): Offers shower facilities for non-guests (subject to a fee).
• EF Area: Accessible via Lounge 2 or Holland Boulevard.

Night-time Food Options

Most restaurants close around 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm. However, basic options are always available 24 hours a day (such as Burger King in Schiphol Plaza or “Grab & Go” outlets in the airside area), as well as vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Tips for spending the night

• Temperature and Lighting: Air conditioning is usually quite strong at night, and the lighting is never completely switched off. It is essential to travel with an eye mask, earplugs and a travel blanket or a warm jacket.
• Luggage Security: Although Schiphol is generally safe, if you are travelling alone it is advisable to use the automatic lockers (available at Holland Boulevard and Lounges 1 and 2) to store valuable belongings while you sleep.
• Power Sockets: Areas with power outlets are usually located near pillars or at the worktables of the Internet Lounge. They fill up quickly, so arriving early is key.

Hotels

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers a wide range of accommodation options. It is essential to distinguish between transit hotels (located after passport control, ideal for layovers without entering the country) and connected or nearby hotels (located in the public area and accessible to any traveller).

Hotels in the Transit Area (Airside)

These establishments are located within the secure area. They are exclusively for passengers holding a valid boarding pass and do not require passing through immigration control. It is important to remember that in this area you will not have access to your checked baggage.

• YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol Transit Hotel: Located in Departures Area 2, near the start of Pier D. It offers compact, futuristically designed cabins that can be booked by the hour or for a full night. Independent shower facilities are available.
• Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal: Situated in Departures Area 3, on the upper level. It is a full-service hotel with standard rooms that provide greater comfort for longer stays between international flights.

Hotels Connected to the Terminal (Landside)

These hotels are located just a few minutes’ walk from Schiphol Plaza via covered walkways. They are accessible to anyone, with or without a scheduled flight.

• Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center: The closest hotel to the terminal, with a direct covered access linking the check-in desks to the hotel lobby in less than 2 minutes.
• Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: Connected to the terminal via a covered pedestrian tunnel known as “The Traverse”. It is easily recognisable thanks to its distinctive cube-shaped architecture with rounded edges.
• citizenM Schiphol Airport: A modern, technology-driven concept hotel located around a 5-minute walk from Schiphol Plaza by following the external signage.

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