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SchipholRide

Crowds at Schiphol over Christmas and New Year

Skiers, people visiting family and sun-seekers all head off in the same two weeks. It is busiest just before Christmas and after New Year.

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Busy Schiphol departure hall: travellers with luggage queuing at the check-in desks

How busy is Schiphol at Christmas and New Year?

Just before Christmas (around 23–24 Dec)
Busiest departure days of the winter
Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Relatively quiet, often shorter queues
Between Christmas & New Year, incl. 31 Dec
Busy, but less so than the run-up to Christmas
Days after New Year
Return peak, especially in the arrivals hall
Snow, freezing rain or thick fog
De-icing and icy roads: expect delays

During the Christmas holidays, schools in every region are off for the same two weeks. The busiest moments are the days just before Christmas (around 23–24 December) and the return days after New Year. Christmas Day and Boxing Day themselves are relatively quiet, and winter weather can affect the schedule at any time.

The exact Christmas holiday dates for each school year are on rijksoverheid.nl; the latest security forecast is on schiphol.nl.

Secure your Schiphol taxi in advance over the festive season

Book ahead at a fixed price, even on the busiest departure days around Christmas.

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Why Schiphol is busy around Christmas

Two weeks, everyone at once

For every school region in the Netherlands, the Christmas holidays fall in the same two weeks around Christmas and New Year. The departure peak falls on the last days of school and the days just before Christmas; after New Year comes the return peak.

Winter sports mean extra luggage

Skis, snowboards and suitcases full of winter clothing slow down bag drop in December. Bringing winter sports equipment yourself? Allow extra time to check in oversized baggage, and choose transport with room for it.

Winter weather and de-icing

In frost, snow or freezing rain, aircraft have to be de-iced before they take off. That is normal and safe, but it can push the schedule back. The same goes for the roads: icy conditions mean slower driving, so allow a bigger buffer.

Christmas itself is quieter

At the airport, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are usually quieter than the days before: many people have already reached their destination. If you fly on 25 or 26 December, you will often find shorter queues.

4 tips for your winter departure

Fly out before the peak

The days just before Christmas are the busiest of the winter. If you can leave earlier in December, or on Christmas Day or Boxing Day itself, you avoid the biggest wave of departures.

Build in a winter buffer

On top of the usual guideline (about 2 hours for a European flight, about 3 hours for an intercontinental one), an extra half hour is wise during the Christmas peak. If snow or freezing rain is forecast, leave home earlier too: traffic is slower and de-icing can delay your flight.

Winter sports luggage? Choose the minivan

A set of skis won't fit in a sedan alongside three suitcases. The minivan (up to 8 people) takes skis, boards and pushchairs without any trouble. Add your luggage when you book, and the right vehicle will be at your door.

Around New Year: plan your return journey

The days after New Year are busy in the arrivals hall. Book your pickup in advance; your flight number is tracked, so even if your return flight is delayed, you won't be left without transport.

Off to the sun or the snow for Christmas or New Year? Check the fixed price for your route, for example from Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Arnhem or Nijmegen, or browse all locations. Not sure which vehicle you need? See sedan or minivan and luggage & extras.

Questions about the Christmas crowds

How busy is Schiphol during the Christmas holidays?

The Christmas holidays are one of the busiest periods of the year: schools in every region are off for the same two weeks. The peaks fall on the days just before Christmas (around 23–24 December) and on the return days after New Year.

What are the quietest days to fly around Christmas?

Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25–26 December) are usually quieter than the days before, as are the days between Christmas and New Year's Eve, outside the morning wave. After the first week of January, the crowds die down quickly.

What does winter weather mean for my flight and taxi ride?

In frost or snow, aircraft are de-iced first, which can push the schedule back. On the roads, icy conditions mean slower driving. Allow more time and leave home earlier. If you are being picked up after your trip, your flight is tracked and the pickup time moves with it.

Will my ski equipment fit in the taxi?

In the minivan, yes: skis, snowboards and large suitcases fit easily, for up to 8 people. Mention your winter sports luggage when you book, and a vehicle with room for everything is always arranged, at the same fixed price agreed in advance.

Can I book a ride on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's night?

Yes, rides booked through SchipholRide run 24/7, all year round, with no night or public holiday surcharge. The price you see when you book is the price you pay, even at 05:00 on 31 December.

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