Smoking at AMS
Jul 18, 2026
4 min read
4 views
Traveling through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) can be an enjoyable experience when you know what to expect before arriving. For smokers, understanding the airport's policies is especially important because smoking rules have changed significantly over the years. If you're planning to pass through Schiphol, knowing where you can smoke and when you should do so can save you time and prevent unnecessary stress.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Smoking at AMS, including the airport's smoking policy, designated smoking locations, tips for connecting passengers, and helpful advice for a smooth journey.
Understanding the Smoking Policy at AMS
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has adopted a strict smoke-free policy inside all terminal buildings. Smoking at AMS is prohibited throughout the indoor areas of the airport, including:
Departure halls
Arrival areas
Restaurants and cafés
Shopping zones
Waiting lounges
Restrooms
Boarding gates
The airport removed all indoor smoking lounges to provide a cleaner and healthier environment for passengers and airport staff. This means travelers should not expect to find smoking rooms after entering the terminal.
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are generally treated the same as traditional cigarettes. Unless you are in a designated smoking location, using these devices is typically not permitted.
Where Can You Smoke?
Although Smoking at AMS is not allowed inside the terminal, passengers can still smoke in designated outdoor areas.
These smoking locations are situated outside the terminal entrances and exits. They are clearly marked and equipped with ashtrays or cigarette disposal bins to help keep the airport grounds clean.
If you're departing from Schiphol, it's best to use these outdoor smoking areas before entering the terminal or before proceeding through security.
Passengers arriving at AMS can also access these designated smoking locations after leaving the terminal building.
Is Smoking Allowed After Security?
Many travelers ask whether they can smoke once they have completed security screening.
The answer is generally no.
Public smoking facilities are not available in the secure departure area. Once you've passed through security, you should expect to remain smoke-free until you arrive at your destination or another airport that offers designated smoking facilities.
Because of this, smokers should plan ahead before entering the security checkpoint.
Tips Before Checking In
A little planning can make your airport experience much easier.
Consider these helpful suggestions before your trip:
Smoke before entering the terminal.
Arrive early to avoid feeling rushed.
Complete your smoking break before joining security lines.
Dispose of cigarette butts in designated ashtrays.
Follow all airport signs and instructions.
These simple steps can help you enjoy a more relaxed departure experience.
What If You Have a Long Layover?
Connecting passengers often wonder if they will have an opportunity to smoke during their layover.
If your connection remains within the secure transit area, public smoking facilities are generally unavailable.
Passengers with very long layovers may choose to leave the secure area to access outdoor smoking locations. However, doing so depends on several important factors, including:
Connection time
Immigration requirements
Visa eligibility
Security wait times
Boarding schedule
If your layover is only a couple of hours, leaving the secure area may not be practical.
Always allow enough time to return through immigration and security before your next flight.
Smoking and Vaping
Some travelers assume vaping is allowed inside airports where smoking is prohibited.
At AMS, vaping is generally subject to the same restrictions as traditional smoking. Using electronic cigarettes inside the terminal is usually not permitted.
To avoid problems, use vaping devices only in designated outdoor smoking areas unless airport staff indicate otherwise.
Why the Airport Is Smoke-Free
Many major airports around the world have introduced smoke-free indoor environments.
There are several reasons for this approach, including:
Improved indoor air quality
Better comfort for all passengers
Reduced exposure to secondhand smoke
Healthier working conditions for airport employees
Cleaner terminal facilities
Lower fire safety risks
These measures create a more pleasant environment for millions of travelers each year.
Helpful Advice for Smokers
If you're a regular smoker, a little preparation can make your trip much more comfortable.
Before arriving at the airport, make sure you allow enough time for:
Airline check-in
Baggage drop
Passport control
Security screening
Walking to your departure gate
Once you've entered the secure departure area, you should not expect another opportunity to smoke before boarding your flight.
For long-haul journeys, it may also be helpful to prepare for several hours without smoking while traveling.
Respect Airport Rules
Airport staff actively monitor smoking regulations throughout Schiphol.
Smoking at AMS in prohibited areas may result in warnings or other enforcement measures. Respecting the designated smoking locations helps maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for everyone.
Following airport rules also prevents unnecessary delays or disruptions to your travel plans.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Smoking at AMS before your journey can help you travel with greater confidence. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol maintains a strict smoke-free policy inside its terminals, with smoking permitted only in designated outdoor areas outside the building. Since there are no public smoking facilities beyond the security checkpoint, it's wise to plan your smoking break before entering the secure departure area. Whether you're departing, arriving, or connecting through Schiphol, knowing the airport's rules will help you avoid surprises and enjoy a smoother travel experience. By preparing ahead and following airport guidelines, you can focus on your trip while respecting the comfort and safety of fellow passengers.