Lounge access rules change often — confirm in the lounge's app or the card's benefits page before you fly.
Schiphol is KLM's hub and Delta's main transatlantic partner gateway, with flights to more than a dozen US cities. AMS lounge access got much better for US cardholders in September 2026, when American Express opened a Centurion Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol in the non-Schengen area between piers E and F, exactly where US-bound flights leave from. Priority Pass at AMS covers two Aspire lounges.
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Quick answer
- Best overall for AMS lounge access: Amex Platinum — includes the Centurion Lounge AMS and both Priority Pass Aspire lounges
- Best for Priority Pass at AMS with companions: Chase Sapphire Reserve — Aspire lounges with two free guests; no Sapphire Lounge in Europe
- Best value for Priority Pass: Capital One Venture X — Aspire 26 and 41 for $395
- Best for frequent Delta and KLM flyers: Delta Gold Medallion or higher (SkyTeam Elite Plus), which opens KLM Crown Lounge 52 on international flights
Airport snapshot
Schiphol is one terminal with piers B to M, split by passport control into a Schengen side (B, C and part of D) and a non-Schengen side (the rest of D, plus E, F, G, H and M). Flights to the US, UK and most long-haul destinations leave from the non-Schengen side, which has the better lounges: KLM Crown 52, the oneworld lounge, Aspire 41 and now the Centurion Lounge.
Where to go by terminal
| Area | Airlines | Lounges there |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen (B, C, D) | KLM and partners within Europe | KLM Crown 25, Aspire 26, Star Alliance 27 |
| Non-Schengen (D, E, F, G, H, M) | KLM, Delta, United, American, long-haul | Centurion, KLM Crown 52, Aspire 41, oneworld lounge |
Everything is airside in one building, but crossing between Schengen and non-Schengen means passport control, so pick a lounge on your departure side.
Lounges at AMS
Centurion Lounge AMS (non-Schengen)
- Location: Between piers E and F, in the non-Schengen area. Opened in 2026 as Amex's newest Centurion Lounge.
- Access: Amex Platinum, Business Platinum and Centurion cardholders with a same-day boarding pass, subject to Amex's Centurion entry windows (3 hours before an originating flight, 5 hours before a connection). Not useful for Schengen flights.
- Guest policy: Guests must be on the cardholder's flight; expect a guest fee unless you spend $75,000 a year on the card. Check the current fee in the Amex app.
- Best for: Anyone flying Delta, KLM, United or American to the US on a Platinum card.
KLM Crown Lounges 25 and 52
- Location: Crown 25 on the Schengen side near the D gates; Crown 52 upstairs near pier E on the non-Schengen side, with showers and paid sleeping cabins.
- Access: KLM and SkyTeam business class, Flying Blue elites and SkyTeam Elite Plus (including Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallions on international flights). KLM economy passengers can pay for off-peak entry.
- Guest policy: Set by KLM and your status tier.
- Best for: Delta and KLM elites; Crown 52 is the best lounge at the airport.
Aspire Lounges 26 and 41
- Location: Aspire 26 at Lounge 1 near the D gates (Schengen); Aspire 41 on the third floor between the D and E gates (non-Schengen).
- Access: Priority Pass (both are on Amex Platinum's AMS list too), other programs, or paid online entry. Three-hour maximum stay.
- Guest policy: Through Priority Pass, Platinum and Sapphire Reserve include two free guests; Venture X guests cost $35.
- Best for: Any Priority Pass member; Aspire 41 is the one for US-bound flights.
Star Alliance and oneworld lounges
- Location: Star Alliance Lounge 27 (Schengen) and the oneworld Lounge between the D and E gates (non-Schengen, opened February 2024).
- Access: Business and first class on each alliance, Star Alliance Gold, and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald. Star Alliance 27 also sells vouchers.
- Guest policy: Set by the alliance.
- Best for: United and American elites.
Priority Pass at AMS
- Schengen: Aspire Lounge 26.
- Non-Schengen: Aspire Lounge 41.
- Access: Enroll through the card. There are no Priority Pass restaurant credits at AMS, and the airside YotelAir and Mercure Schiphol Terminal are paid options, not lounges.
Best credit cards for AMS
| Card | Annual fee | Lounges you get at AMS | Guests | Best if you… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | $895 | Centurion, Aspire 26 and 41 | Centurion fee; 2 free at Aspire | Fly non-Schengen |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | Aspire 26 and 41 | 2 free | Travel with companions |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | Aspire 26 and 41 | $35 each | Want the lowest fee |
| Citi Strata Elite | $595 | Aspire 26 and 41 | 2 free | Earn Citi points |
Recommended strategy
- If you fly Delta or KLM to the US: Amex Platinum gets you the Centurion Lounge; Medallion status adds Crown 52. Don't count on the Delta Reserve card here: there's no Sky Club, and we couldn't confirm its Centurion benefit extends to Amsterdam.
- If you're connecting within Europe (Schengen): Only Aspire 26, Crown 25 and Star Alliance 27 are on your side; the Centurion Lounge isn't.
- If you want one card that covers the best lounges: Amex Platinum, now that Amsterdam has a Centurion.
- If you want strong lounges at a lower cost: Venture X covers both Aspire lounges for $395.
FAQ
Is there a Centurion Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol? Yes. It opened September 17, 2026, between piers E and F in the non-Schengen area. Most AMS lounges close by 10 p.m., and the Centurion has shorter posted hours, so check the Amex app for an evening flight.
Can I use the Centurion Lounge on a flight within Europe? Only if your flight leaves from the non-Schengen side, such as a flight to the UK. Schengen-area flights leave from the B, C and D gates, and you won't pass the Centurion Lounge.
Amex Platinum vs Sapphire Reserve vs Venture X at AMS? The Platinum is the clear winner if you leave from the non-Schengen side, because it adds the Centurion Lounge to the two Aspire lounges. If you only need a Priority Pass lounge, the Sapphire Reserve is better for guests and Venture X is cheapest.
Do Delta Sky Club members get in anywhere at AMS? There's no Delta Sky Club at Schiphol. Delta passengers use KLM Crown Lounges based on cabin and status, not Sky Club membership.
Related guides
- Centurion Lounge locations
- London Heathrow (LHR) lounges
- Paris CDG lounges
- Delta SkyMiles cards guide
- Amex Platinum guide
- Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Lounge access rules, guest policies and locations change. Always confirm current details with the airline, lounge operator or card issuer before you travel.
