Schiphol Favorites

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Favorite thing: If you have any interest in 'green' or ecological building then Schiphol Airport is quite interesting. Above the concourse to the railway station is a massive, curved grass roof.

I wrote a dissertation at college on 'green roofs'. Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands have lots of them. They help make the building blend in with the surroundings, create a home for wildlife, humidify the air, absorb rainwater, insulate and protect the building.

The large planted roof at Schiphol was created in 1998. It is actully not grass, but sedum (succulent plants) and moss, on a thin layer of special growing matter. It was installed by a German firm, Strodhoff & Behrens Begruennungs GmbH.

Of course, this roof does very little to combat the major problem of noise, carbon emissions and other pollution that the 1000's of aircraft create every week. In that sense, it is more a public relations exercise by the airport, than a serious contribution to saving our planet.

But all the same, I personally think it looks much nicer than a great expanse of metal roof!!

Fondest memory: Actually I found the best way to see the green roof is to walk out of the front doors of the airport to the drop-off point. It is quite difficult to see form above - you can look out of the first floor windows on the way to Departures. Also, you can get a fair view from the far south corner of the Panorama Terrace, near the triangular lift.

Favorite thing: Schiphol Airport is one of the nicest airports I know. It's one of the biggest in Europe but still it doesn't feel too big. I almost missed a flight here because the duty free shopping area was too nice.

Train connections to and from Schiphol airport are excellent from almost everywhere in the Netherlands and also from Germany and Belgium.

If you need more information I can recommend the official website of the airport (http://www.schiphol.nl) as well as pieter_jan_v's excellent Schiphol page (http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/2f01c/6fbd0)

Favorite thing: The Dutch Tourist Board has an office/shop at the Schiphol Plaza area at Schiphol Airport, Aankomsthal 2 (Arrivals 2) and is open from 7AM to 10PM.

The number one question is accommodation at Amsterdam, but the people will help you with all other questions.

Telephone: 0900 4004040.

Business Information

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Favorite thing: Money is always one of the first things you need when arriving abroad.

Cash Dispenser of the ABN-AMRO bank are available in the transfer area - lounge 2

In the transfer area and the luggage claim area there's an ABN-AMRO bank and furtheron there are many Cash Machines (ATM).

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Favorite thing: You can store your luggage in a luggage locker for up to 168 hours (7 days).
Charges for luggage lockers depend on the duration of use and the size of your luggage:
EUR 5.00 per 24 hours (small)
EUR 6.00 per 24 hours (medium)
EUR 8.00 per 24 hours (large)
EUR 10.00 per 24 hours (extra large)

If you loose your ticket you will be charged EUR 10.00.

Locations:
Lounge 1
Lounge 2
Lounge 3
Lounge D-pier
Arrivals 3
Kelderplein (Basement)

Favorite thing: In the luggage depot you can store your luggage for up to 1 month.

Opening times: 6AM - 10.45PM (assistance by phone available outside these hours ).

Location: Basement between Arrivels 1 & 2.

Tarifs
EUR 6,00 for 24 hours or less.
EUR 4,50 per collo per 24 uur day 2 through 5.
EUR 4,00 from day 6.

Phone: +31-20-6012443

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Favorite thing: The bagage claim area is located in the center of the Arrival part of the terminal.

On your way you will pass immigration/passport control and bathroom facilities.

There are many bagage belt, so look at the information displays with belt will serve your flight number.

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Favorite thing: The Departure Area's are at the fist floor. When entering the terminal building you have to go up one floor and find your check-in counter (see departure information TV-monitors). Thereafter you go through imigration and enter the tax-free shopping area.

Departures 1 & 2 are mostly used for International flights; departures 3 for budget airlines.