Schiphol has one central terminal, and all official parking is arranged around it. That makes parking simpler than at many large airports, but you still have three main choices to make: how close you want to be, how long you are staying, and whether you book ahead. This guide walks through each option so you can decide what fits your trip.
Short stay: picking up, dropping off and quick visits
If you are collecting someone or staying only a few hours, the short term car parks are the closest to the terminal. They sit within walking distance of arrivals and departures, so you can meet travellers at the belt or walk them to check-in without a shuttle. Rates are charged per time block and rise quickly after the first hours, so short stay is best kept genuinely short. Before you leave for the airport, check the live arrivals board so you do not pay for an hour of waiting on a delayed flight.
For a pickup that takes only a few minutes, Schiphol also has a dedicated Kiss & Ride zone where you can stop briefly without entering a car park. We cover this in the guide on getting to Schiphol by bus, taxi and car.
Long term: parking for the duration of your trip
For holidays and business trips the long term car parks are the sensible choice. They are further from the terminal, connected by a free shuttle bus that runs around the clock. Count the shuttle ride and waiting time as part of your journey: leaving home thirty minutes earlier than you would for short stay parking is a reasonable rule of thumb.
Long term rates are charged per day rather than per hour, and the difference with short stay parking over a week is substantial. If your trip lasts more than a day, long term parking is almost always the cheaper option.
Booking ahead versus driving up
You can drive up to any car park and take a ticket at the barrier, but booking online in advance is usually cheaper and it guarantees a space during busy periods such as school holidays. When you book, you enter your licence plate; the barrier reads your plate and opens automatically. If your return flight is delayed, official Schiphol parking reservations generally allow for this, but check the conditions of your specific booking before you travel.
Electric charging
Charging points are available in several of the official car parks. Spaces with a charger are limited and cannot always be reserved separately, so arrive with enough battery to get home in case none is free.
Alternatives outside the airport
Around Schiphol a market of independent park-and-fly providers has grown, often cheaper than official airport parking. They work with their own shuttle buses or valet pickup. Quality and insurance conditions vary between providers, so read recent reviews and check what is covered before handing over your keys. The trade-off is simple: lower price, longer transfer, and a third party looking after your car.
Which option fits which trip
Dropping someone off: Kiss & Ride. A few hours at the airport: short stay. A weekend to a few weeks away: long term or an independent provider, booked ahead. Whatever you choose, plan your arrival with the live departures board in hand, and remember that the walk or shuttle from the car park is part of your check-in time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reserve a parking space on the day itself?
Usually yes, subject to availability. Booking even a few hours ahead is often still cheaper than the drive-up rate at the barrier.
Is there a height limit in the car parks?
Multi-storey car parks have height restrictions, which matters for campers and vans. Check the limit for your chosen car park before travelling; taller vehicles need an outdoor space.
What if I lose my parking ticket?
Report to the parking service desk or use the intercom at the exit barrier. If you booked online with licence plate recognition, you do not need a ticket at all.
This website is an independent information site about Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and is not affiliated with the airport, its parking operators or any airline. For bookings and current rates, always check the official channels.