Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) serves Amsterdam, Netherlands, and lies about 9 miles from the city center. Notably, the airport sits at an elevation of -11 feet, making it one of the lowest-lying airports in the world. This low elevation reflects the Netherlands' distinctive geography, much of which lies below sea level.
Schiphol functions as a major international hub, connecting the Netherlands to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Asia. Its route network shows a strong intra-European presence, with frequent links to cities throughout Western, Southern, and Northern Europe, alongside substantial transatlantic traffic to major North American hubs. The airport also maintains connections reaching into the Middle East and East Asia, as well as the Caribbean, underscoring its role as a long-haul gateway in addition to its dense short-haul European network. This mix of regional and intercontinental routes places Schiphol among the busier and more globally connected airports in Europe, serving both business and leisure travelers moving between continents.
Travelers flying through Schiphol should note the airport's flat, low-lying coastal setting, which is typical of the surrounding polder landscape. Its position near the North Sea coast and its extensive network make it a key connecting point for passengers transferring between European regional flights and long-haul services to other continents.