
Panorama Terrace Schiphol Airport
Discover the Panorama Terrace at Schiphol Airport: a free public space for plane spotting and exploring a real Fokker 100.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for plane spotting views

Panorama Terrace Schiphol Airport
Best Time
Best for plane spotting views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Panorama Terrace at Schiphol Airport: a free public space for plane spotting and exploring a real Fokker 100.
"A great place to kill some time and plane spot or just enjoy the comings and goings at Schiphol."

Free Entry! 🎉
No ticket needed to enjoy the views and the Fokker 100. Perfect for a free activity!
Fokker 100 Interior
You can walk inside the Fokker 100, but the interior might not be fully original.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fokker 100 On Display
Panorama Terrace
Step inside a real Fokker 100 aircraft for a unique aviation history experience.

Plane Spotting Action
Panorama Terrace
Watch planes taxi, take off, and land from a prime vantage point. Great for aviation enthusiasts!

Airport Buzz
Panorama Terrace
Soak in the atmosphere of one of Europe's busiest airports, with endless comings and goings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Panorama Terrace
Best Views and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry! 🎉
No ticket needed to enjoy the views and the Fokker 100. Perfect for a free activity!
Fokker 100 Interior
You can walk inside the Fokker 100, but the interior might not be fully original.
Weather Dependent Views ☁️
Views can be affected by weather and runway operations. Check conditions before you go.
Family Friendly Fun 👨👩👧
A great spot for kids to see planes up close.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry! 🎉
No ticket needed to enjoy the views and the Fokker 100. Perfect for a free activity!
Fokker 100 Interior
You can walk inside the Fokker 100, but the interior might not be fully original.
Weather Dependent Views ☁️
Views can be affected by weather and runway operations. Check conditions before you go.
Family Friendly Fun 👨👩👧
A great spot for kids to see planes up close.
Adjacent Cafe & Bar ☕
Grab a bite or a drink with a view. Handy for longer stays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Panorama Terrace a great, free spot to watch planes and explore a Fokker 100. While views can be weather-dependent and the Fokker's interior is simplified, it's a highly recommended experience for families and aviation fans looking to pass time at Schiphol.
"Nice free attraction at Schipol airport. This terrace is open at specific times so do check that before coming here. The model of KLM airline on Terre is worth exploring. Nice panoramic view of runway but it is very chilled with cold winds blowing. Still a place worth exploring to kill your free time."
Nirav Parikh
"Free entry. You see a lot but you can be unlucky that the plane you want to see doesnt come in your view. Still cool to see planes line up to the gates and the marshal and pushback are also cool to see upclose. If it rains or gets cold you cant go inside to eat and drink. There is a like shield that is not cleanen or just old that you cant look through it but there is still enough space without so you still have a good view. The fokker 100 is also cool you can get inside too, but it would have probably be cooler if the intirior would have been original not just 4 seats. Also the Fokker 100 could use a paint job and could get the sticker removed and also get original engienes not just a wood plank that has halt a engine sticker."
Yannick Stolk
"I hoped it to be more panorama, but it’s mainly blocked view, but it’s fine. Hope them to remake it to panorama and a bit bigger."
Timo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Panorama Terrace is located on the second floor of Schiphol Airport, before security. You can access it via stairs or a lift. It's easily reachable for anyone, whether you're traveling or just visiting.
Yes, Schiphol has a major train station with frequent connections to Amsterdam Centraal and other Dutch cities. It's a convenient way to reach the airport for plane spotting.
Absolutely! The Panorama Terrace is accessible to the public, so you don't need a boarding pass to visit.
Travel time can vary. From some locations, it might take 2-3 hours by public transport, so plan accordingly if you're coming specifically for plane spotting.
While not explicitly mentioned for the terrace itself, Schiphol Airport generally offers ample charging ports throughout its terminals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Panorama Terrace is completely free! It's a great way to enjoy the airport atmosphere without any cost.
The opening hours can vary, but it's generally accessible during airport operating hours. It's best to check the official Schiphol Airport website for the most up-to-date information.
No, you can walk into the Fokker 100 on display at the Panorama Terrace as part of the free access to the terrace.
Yes, if your layover is long enough and you have access to the public areas of the airport, you can visit the Panorama Terrace.
As it's in a public area before security, there are no specific entry restrictions beyond standard airport security protocols if you are transiting.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can see planes taxiing, taking off, and landing on two runways. It's a fantastic spot for plane spotting and observing airport operations.
While you can enter the Fokker 100, some reviews suggest the interior might not be fully original, with only a few seats and decorative elements.
The terrace has both open-air sections and some covered seating areas, offering views regardless of light rain.
Yes, it's a great spot for aviation photography, especially on clear days. You can capture planes up close as they prepare for departure.
Yes, the Panorama Terrace includes access to quiet and clean restrooms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe and bar adjacent to the terrace, allowing you to enjoy refreshments while watching the planes.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks to public areas like the terrace, but purchasing from the adjacent cafe is also an option.
The cafe and bar adjacent to the terrace offer views of the airport activity, making it a pleasant dining experience.
The adjacent cafe and bar likely offer typical airport fare, including snacks, drinks, and light meals.
No, the Fokker 100 is for exploring aviation history, not for dining. Food and drinks are available at the adjacent cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
Clear weather and daytime hours offer the best lighting for photography. Early morning and late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour shots.
You can photograph a variety of aircraft, including KLM Cityhopper planes, and other airlines operating at Schiphol.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of airport security and avoid photographing sensitive areas.
A telephoto lens is recommended to capture details of aircraft. A tripod can be helpful for stability, especially in lower light conditions.
Yes, you can photograph the Fokker 100 from the outside and inside as part of your visit to the terrace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a clear day for the best views and photo opportunities. The accessibility via lift ensures that strollers are not an issue. It's a great way to break up travel or simply enjoy a day out with a view of the bustling airport.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Plane Spotters
It's a great place to practice your aviation photography skills, capturing various airlines and aircraft types. The ability to get up close to the Fokker 100 also adds a historical dimension to the spotting experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fokker 100: A Piece of Aviation History
The Fokker 100, a Dutch-made regional jet, was a common sight at Schiphol for many years. Having one preserved and accessible to the public on the terrace is a thoughtful addition that enhances the visitor experience. It’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the engineering of a bygone era.
While the aircraft itself is a draw, some visitors have noted that it could benefit from a fresh paint job and more original interior elements to truly capture its historical significance. Nevertheless, it remains a popular and engaging feature of the Panorama Terrace.
Plane Spotting at Schiphol: Tips for the Best Views
To maximize your plane spotting experience, consider visiting during peak operational hours when there's more air traffic. Early mornings and late afternoons can also offer beautiful lighting for photography. While the terrace offers a great overview, some dedicated spotters might find other locations around the airport offering different perspectives, though these may require more travel time and planning.
Beyond just watching planes, the terrace allows you to observe the intricate ballet of airport operations, from marshalling to pushback, providing a dynamic and engaging spectacle for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
Schiphol Airport as a Destination
Beyond the terrace, Schiphol is known for its ample seating, charging ports, and a variety of shops, making it a comfortable place to spend time, even during long layovers. The airport's efficient train station provides quick access to Amsterdam city center, allowing travelers to easily explore the city during their visit.
With affordable baggage storage options and a generally positive atmosphere, Schiphol aims to make the travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, with attractions like the Panorama Terrace adding an extra layer of appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit