Flying to and from the Netherlands

The Netherlands is easily accessible by air, since it is home to the third busiest airport in Europe: Schiphol airport. There are also several regional Dutch airports. These make it possible to fly directly to and from other areas of the Netherlands, such as Rotterdam or Groningen. This page touches on some pros and cons of flying from Schiphol, vs. from regional airports in NL.

SCHIPHOL AIRPORT

Schiphol Airport is the largest Airport the Netherlands. It is likely, therefore, that flying to and/or from Schiphol will give you the most options in terms of flight times and destinations.

Schiphol Connections

What is more, Schiphol is very well connected. Here is a list of where you can get to by train, from the airport, and how long it will take:

Amsterdam is 15 minutes away
Utrecht: 30 minutes
The Hague: 30-45 minutes (depending on which train you catch)
Rotterdam: 30-45 minutes (depending on which train you catch)
Brussels: 2 hours
Cologne: 3 hours
Paris: 3 hours

Schiphol train station is located right underneath the airport Arrivals Hall. So, you can hop onto your public transport connection as soon as you have been through customs and collected your luggage.

About Schipol Airport

What is more, it is tough to get bored in Schiphol Airport! It is home to:

A great deal of business
A World Trade Center
A number of hotels
Over 560 companies that employ almost 60,000 people
A booming duty-free shopping scene for you to enjoy
70 million passengers (per year)
Approximately 1.45 million tons of freight (per year)

These last two points are one of the reasons that it can, unfortunately, take a very long time to reach your gate at Schiphol airport. However, this is mainly due to the additional security measure that were implemented in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Hence, travelers are advised to arrive three hours prior to their flight.

REGIONAL AIRPORTS

The lengthy process of getting to your gate at Schiphol airport is one of its major downsides. So, flying from one of the Netherlands’ many regional airports is good alternative. You can fly from:

These airports offer both direct flights to abroad locations, as well as internal flights to Schiphol airport. Here are a few more advantages of opting for a regional airport:

Regional Airport Pros

If you do not live in Amsterdam or the Hague, they could well be closer to your home or office
They are easily accessible by car, taxi or public transport
Regional airport parking is usually inexpensive
They are quicker and easier to navigate (especially compared to Schiphol!)
Walking distances are short and check-in times are brief
They often have special services for business travelers

Useful links

Recently Posted on XPat.nl

The Difference Between a Resume and a CV

If you’re an expat living and looking for work in the Netherlands then there are some vital differences you should know about in regards to your job applications. In the Netherlands, as with most places in Europe, the norm is a CV rather than the resume which is commonly used in the United States amongst … Continue reading

The Holland Handbook 2026-2027

It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The Holland Handbook is here and ready to be enjoyed! Not only that, but this is the 26th edition! More than twenty five years ago, a modest group of three people sat around a table to discuss the possibility of creating a … Continue reading

Preparing for the Inburgering A1 Exam

What Future Residents Should Know For many people planning a move to the Netherlands, the Inburgering A1 exam is one of the first important steps. If you need to take the basic civic integration exam abroad before joining your partner or starting a new life in the Netherlands, it helps to know exactly what to … Continue reading

Financial Planning Basics for Expats Moving to the Netherlands

Moving abroad brings exciting opportunities—and new financial responsibilities. For expats relocating to the Netherlands, understanding how the local financial system works can make a significant difference in building stability and avoiding unexpected costs. From housing and taxation to insurance and long-term planning, getting familiar with the essentials early on helps create a smoother transition. One … Continue reading

Dutch student culture decoded: a survival guide for internationals

Studying in the Netherlands is more than earning a degree; it is an introduction to a distinct social culture. International students often arrive prepared for coursework and exams, but less prepared for the unwritten rules that shape daily life. From direct communication to financial responsibility and structured planning, Dutch student culture follows clear principles that … Continue reading

Insurance Options for Self-Employed Persons in the Netherlands

One of the opportunities provided to non-Dutch nationals by Dutch law is the option of being self-employed, without the need for an employment permit. As long as you have a residence permit and a talent or knowledge that you wish to offer in self-employment, you have the chance to give it a go. The term … Continue reading