The Netherlands banned indoor smoking earlier than most of Europe — the 2008 Tobacco Act amendments closed indoor smoking lounges at airports two years before Spain or Italy. Amsterdam Schiphol’s response was design-led: outdoor roof terraces accessible from the transit zone, distributed across the central terminal complex. The result is that Schiphol is one of Europe’s better transit airports for smokers, despite the strict indoor ban. Smaller Dutch airports — Eindhoven, Rotterdam — are more limited.
For long-haul transit through the Netherlands, Schiphol is the airport that matters. KLM hub plus substantial transit traffic between Europe and the Americas/Asia. The roof terraces work well even in Dutch weather thanks to partial covering.
How Dutch Airport Smoking Works
The 2008 ban prohibits indoor smoking in enclosed public spaces. Dutch airports built outdoor zones — the major innovation at Schiphol being airside roof terraces, an unusual design choice that’s well-regarded by transit travellers. Zones are:
- Outdoor only, indoor smoking banned everywhere
- Schiphol roof terraces are airside; smaller airports are landside
- Marked with English/Dutch signage
- Free to use
- Partially covered at Schiphol (essential given Dutch weather)
The 2024 Dutch tobacco amendments tightened vaping rules, applying the same indoor ban. Most airports treat vapes identically to cigarettes.
The Hubs
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). The Netherlands’ primary airport and one of Europe’s main long-haul hubs. Outdoor roof terraces accessible from transit zone, distributed across the central terminal. Schiphol’s flat single-terminal design (with multiple piers) makes terraces easy to reach from any gate.
Eindhoven (EIN). Budget-carrier hub serving Ryanair, Wizz Air, and others. Compact single terminal. Outdoor smoking areas primarily landside near terminal entrance. Transit smoking limited.
Rotterdam The Hague (RTM). One of Europe’s most compact airports — outdoor smoking areas just steps from the terminal doors, plus an airside open-air panorama terrace (via Restaurant de Horizon) and a terrace after passport control, so transit smokers don’t need to exit security.
Tips for Smokers at Dutch Airports
- Schiphol’s roof terraces are the best Dutch transit smoking option
- Dutch weather (cool/wet most of year) means partial covering at terraces helps
- Bring a jacket; even summer can be unexpectedly cool at northern Dutch airports
- Cigarettes in the Netherlands cost roughly €8-10/pack — duty-free competitive
- Vapes and IQOS welcome at the same outdoor zones
- For tight connections via Eindhoven, plan to wait until destination; Rotterdam now has an airside open-air terrace
Netherlands Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security
| Airport | After security | Indoor room | Outdoor area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) | – | – | Yes |
| Eindhoven Airport (EIN) | – | – | Yes |
| Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) | Yes | – | Yes |