Air traffic at Schiphol uses five runways. There are two places along the runways where you can watch aircraft take off and land up close and at your leisure. You will find these spotting locations next to runways 06-24 (Kaagbaan) and 09-27 (Buitenveldertbaan). Admission to these spotting locations is free.
Runways 06-24 and 09-27
Runways 06-24 and 09-27 are two of the five runways at Schiphol. The Dutch names of these runways, Kaagbaan and Buitenveldertbaan respectively, refer to Kaagerplas and Buitenveldert. Kaagerplas is a lake located between Schiphol and Leiden, and Buitenveldert is a neighbourhood in south Amsterdam. Kaagerplas and Buitenveldert are in line with the two runways.
Relatively speaking, Runway 06-24 is the more frequently used of the two, and therefore this is where you will most likely get to see aircraft taking off or landing. Runway 06-24 is used for take-offs heading southwest and landings from a northeasterly direction (depending on the direction and force of the wind; aircraft take off and land against the wind). Runway 09-27 is used for take-offs heading east and landings from the west. Consequently, Runway 06-24 will probably be used for aircraft taking off when a southwesterly wind is blowing.
How to get to the spotting locations
Runway 06-24: From the A4 motorway take the exit for Aalsmeer/Hoofddorp and head towards Aalsmeer. At the second light (from the A4 fly-over) turn left (you will see the Symbio garden centre on your right). You are now on Aalsmeerderweg. You will find the car park at the end on your left.
Runway 09-27: From the A4 motorway take the exit for Schiphol and follow the signs for long-term parking ('lang parkeren' - P3). After approximately 2 kilometres you will see the spotter’s promenade on your right. This spotting location is next to a McDonalds.
