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Verdict

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher overall at 8.6/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Score comparison

Metric Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Beijing Capital International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.6 7.8
On-Time Performance 8.4 7.6
Passenger Experience 8.5 7.7
Facilities & Comfort 8.9 8.0
Lounge Score 8.7 8.4
City Amsterdam Beijing
Country Netherlands China
Terminals 1 terminal (single-roof design) 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3)
Annual passengers 72M+ 73M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy AMS — Amsterdam PEK — Beijing
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Amsterdam, Netherlands · AMS · #1 in this comparison

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

1 terminal (single-roof design) · 72M+ passengers/year

8.6 / 10

How good is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores 8.6/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.4), passenger experience (8.5), and facilities (8.9). Lounge quality rates 8.7/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is rated 8.6/10 on FlightLogic — one of Europe's highest-scoring hubs. Single-terminal layout, lounge score 8.7/10, and efficient Schengen transfers. KLM Crown Lounge serves business and SkyTeam elites. See /guides/ams-schiphol-lounge-guide and /reviews/klm-crown-lounge-ams-review.

FlightLogic Score 8.6 Excellent
On-time 8.4 Departure reliability
Experience 8.5 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.7 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.4
Passenger Experience
8.5
Facilities & Comfort
8.9
Lounge score 8.7/10

Highlights

  • Single-terminal design simplifies connections — most gates are reachable airside within 15–25 minutes
  • KLM Crown Lounge and Aspire lounges for business and elite passengers
  • Rijksmuseum annex and library in the terminal — unique cultural amenities
  • Among Europe's best connection hubs for UK travellers routing to Africa, Asia, and the Americas via KLM/Delta

Overview

KLM and SkyTeam hub with a single-terminal design, excellent Schengen connections, and the Crown Lounge for premium passengers.

Single-terminal efficiency

Unlike Heathrow or JFK, Schiphol uses one terminal building with pier-based gates — connections rarely require changing buildings, though long walks between distant piers are common on short connections.

The KLM Crown Lounge near the D/E pier intersection is the flagship premium space for SkyTeam business passengers and elites.

Beijing, China · PEK · #2 in this comparison

Beijing Capital International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.6 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
  • Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
  • Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX) serves some carriers separately — check ticket carefully

Overview

Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.

Terminal 3 and Air China lounges

Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.

More comparisons

Compare Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) against 59 other airports
Compare Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher overall at 8.6/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Which has better lounges, AMS or PEK?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher for lounges at 8.7/10, versus Beijing Capital International Airport at 8.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, AMS or PEK?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) has stronger on-time performance at 8.4/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.6/10.