Non-Schengen to Schengen transfer at AMS: where can I go?
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2009
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Non-Schengen to Schengen transfer at AMS: where can I go?
I'm considering a JFK-AMS-MAD itinerary with KL for the first segment and a KL/UX codeshare for the second segment.
I've been to AMS before, but only in the Schengen area near the B/C gates. That area is nicer than most airports, but all the parts of Schiphol mentioned as great things to do during a layover (Holland Boulevard, etc.) appear to be in the non-Schengen-only area.
After arriving from JFK, would I be limited to the small area outside the B/C gates only?
I've been to AMS before, but only in the Schengen area near the B/C gates. That area is nicer than most airports, but all the parts of Schiphol mentioned as great things to do during a layover (Holland Boulevard, etc.) appear to be in the non-Schengen-only area.
After arriving from JFK, would I be limited to the small area outside the B/C gates only?
#3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Glaschu
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As you'll be arriving in the non-Schengen part of the airport, you will have the opportunity to visit places located therein. At some point, however, you will have to pass through immigration and security, to get to the B/C gates.
It's up to you how and where you want to split your waiting time - however, be aware that, at certain times of day, the lines at immigration can be very long, as also at the security checkpoint; once you're in the Schengen side, of course, you can relax without stress, as the gates are all relatively close-by and there'll be no more checkpoints to negotiate.
Incidentally, how long is you transfer time at AMS?
-- Henry
It's up to you how and where you want to split your waiting time - however, be aware that, at certain times of day, the lines at immigration can be very long, as also at the security checkpoint; once you're in the Schengen side, of course, you can relax without stress, as the gates are all relatively close-by and there'll be no more checkpoints to negotiate.
Incidentally, how long is you transfer time at AMS?
-- Henry
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC (formative years spent wandering around ORD, hence the name)
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Posts: 82
Wonderful - thanks to Henry III and seawolf. I was assuming transfers operated as at CDG2 (where one must go directly to airside for the onward Schengen flight), but I see this is more similar to MUC T2 (where one can wait in the non-Schengen airside and then proceed into the Schengen airside).
I have several hours, so no worries about timing even if the inbound is late or the lines for immigration/security are long.
I have several hours, so no worries about timing even if the inbound is late or the lines for immigration/security are long.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2007
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You could also go out into the main airport, there are plenty of shops and restaurants there. Then just go to the Gate B/C Schengen area, there is a security check to go through. In the end that may well be faster than the airside line. The shops out in the airport are also more normal prices.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Glaschu
Programs: FB Platinum for Life; BAEC Gold Guest List; Accor Gold.
Posts: 2,549
You could also go out into the main airport, there are plenty of shops and restaurants there. Then just go to the Gate B/C Schengen area, there is a security check to go through. In the end that may well be faster than the airside line. The shops out in the airport are also more normal prices.
And, if the weather is nice, basking in the sunshine outside of Schiphol Plaza is highly relaxing, and there are, invariably, one or two 'interesting' characters about! (But you'll be perfectly safe, unless you happen to be hit by a security guard on his one-wheeler, or a local cop on his two-wheeler.)
-- Henry
#7
#8
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^
And, if the weather is nice, basking in the sunshine outside of Schiphol Plaza is highly relaxing, and there are, invariably, one or two 'interesting' characters about! (But you'll be perfectly safe, unless you happen to be hit by a security guard on his one-wheeler, or a local cop on his two-wheeler.)
-- Henry
And, if the weather is nice, basking in the sunshine outside of Schiphol Plaza is highly relaxing, and there are, invariably, one or two 'interesting' characters about! (But you'll be perfectly safe, unless you happen to be hit by a security guard on his one-wheeler, or a local cop on his two-wheeler.)
-- Henry
Quite an enjoyable venue on a sunny and warm day.