Do I need to book parking ahead?

Yes. Official long-stay and Smart Parking are far cheaper when pre-booked, and terminal car parks can fill up in busy holiday periods.

What is the difference between P1/P2 and P3/P6?

P1 and P2 are covered and a few minutes' walk from the terminal (premium, no shuttle). P3 and P6 are cheaper long-stay car parks with a free shuttle bus.

Is this the official Schiphol parking website?

No. This is an independent comparison guide and is not affiliated with Schiphol. Official parking is booked on schiphol.nl.

How to choose Schiphol parking

Q: Which Schiphol parking is cheapest?

For a longer trip, off-site park & ride is usually cheapest per day. Among official options, Smart Parking is the lowest rate when you book well ahead.

A plain-English guide to the options at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and how to spend the least for the trip you're taking.

The options, explained

P1 & P2 — Terminal Parking. Covered, a few minutes' walk from Departures. The most convenient and the most expensive per day; ideal for short stays.
P3 & P6 — Long Stay. Cheaper open-air car parks with a free shuttle to the terminal (roughly 10–15 minutes). The default choice for a holiday.
Smart Parking. The official “book-and-save” long-stay rate — the cheapest official option if you reserve well ahead. Free shuttle.
Valet Parking. Drop your car at the terminal and the team parks it. Fastest, priciest. Off-site valet (“meet & greet”) does the same for less.
Off-site park & ride. Independent car parks just outside the airport with a shuttle transfer — usually the lowest price per day for longer trips.

A quick decision guide

Away one or two days? Park at the terminal (P1/P2) — the per-day premium matters less over a short stay, and you skip the shuttle.
Going on holiday? Long-stay (P3/P6) or Smart Parking booked early. Off-site is cheaper still if you don't mind a slightly longer transfer.
Tight on time or travelling with a full car? Valet — official for peace of mind, off-site to save.
Cheapest possible? Off-site park & ride for a longer stay; Smart Parking for the cheapest official rate.

How to save money

Book ahead. Pre-booked rates are dramatically lower than driving up and paying the gate price.
Match the car park to the trip length. Terminal lots punish long stays; long-stay and off-site reward them.
Compare the all-in price, not just the headline — include any booking fee and the shuttle/valet experience.
Always check the live price on the booking page for your exact dates before reserving — the figures on this site are indicative.

Frequently asked questions

Which Schiphol parking is cheapest?

For a longer trip, off-site park & ride is usually the cheapest per day. Among official options, Smart Parking is the lowest rate when booked well ahead.

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes — official long-stay and Smart Parking are far cheaper pre-booked, and terminal car parks can fill up in busy periods.

How long is the shuttle from long-stay parking?

Free shuttle buses run frequently; expect roughly 5–15 minutes to the terminal depending on the car park.

Are off-site car parks safe?

Reputable off-site operators are fenced and monitored. Check recent reviews and that it's an established provider before booking.

Is this the official Schiphol website?

No — this is an independent comparison guide and is not affiliated with Schiphol. Book official parking on schiphol.nl.