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Verdict

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher overall at 8.6/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.8/10.

Score comparison

Metric Amsterdam Schiphol Airport San Francisco International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.6 7.8
On-Time Performance 8.4 7.5
Passenger Experience 8.5 7.7
Facilities & Comfort 8.9 8.2
Lounge Score 8.7 8.3
City Amsterdam San Francisco
Country Netherlands United States
Terminals 1 terminal (single-roof design) 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G)
Annual passengers 72M+ 50M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy AMS — Amsterdam SFO — San
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.

San Francisco, United States · SFO · #2 in this comparison

San Francisco International Airport

4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) · 50M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is San Francisco International Airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.2). Lounge quality rates 8.3/10. See full airport guide →

In short

San Francisco SFO is rated 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.3/10. United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G is the premium benchmark for transpacific business class. Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 serves domestic and some international cardholders. See /guides/sfo-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.5 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.3 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
7.5
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score 8.3/10

Highlights

  • United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G — among the best US airline lounges for transpacific departures
  • International Terminal A and G host Star Alliance, oneworld, and Centurion Lounge for long-haul passengers
  • BART train to downtown San Francisco in 30 minutes — preferred over LAX for city access on business trips
  • Common UK routing via London with BA, Virgin Atlantic, and United non-stops

Overview

West Coast tech gateway — United Polaris hub with strong Asia-Pacific routes and renovated International Terminal lounges.

International Terminal and Polaris

International Terminal G hosts United Polaris Lounge for United long-haul business class and Star Alliance Gold on international departures. Terminal A serves other Star Alliance and oneworld long-haul carriers with alliance lounges.

Airside connections exist between International Terminal A and G — easier than JFK for Star Alliance connections.

More comparisons

Compare Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) against 59 other airports
Compare San Francisco International Airport (SFO) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or San Francisco International Airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher overall at 8.6/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.8/10.

Which has better lounges, AMS or SFO?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher for lounges at 8.7/10, versus San Francisco International Airport at 8.3/10.

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

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) has stronger on-time performance at 8.4/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.5/10.