Cheap KLM flights to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is beautiful all year round with no extreme hot or icy cold temperatures in the city. As with most destinations though there are some periods that are better to visit than others. Summers in Europe (June to August) are an especially popular time with tourists and this is when the prices of flights and accommodation go up dramatically. Ideally, aim to visit Amsterdam before or after the summer season, when the weather is still good – March to May, or September to the end of October. For cheap flights to Amsterdam, consider visiting during winter (December to February), though there are sometimes crowds over the festive period of Christmas and New Year.

South African passport holders generally need a Schengen visa before travelling to Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands for a holiday, family visit or short business trip.

Before booking, confirm the current requirements with the Dutch authorities or their authorised visa application provider. Check which country should handle your application if your itinerary includes several Schengen destinations, along with passport validity, supporting documents and travel insurance requirements.

If flying via another country, also check any transit or entry requirements for your connection. Allow sufficient time for your application, as processing times vary. Visa approval and entry remain subject to the relevant immigration authorities.

Travel information disclaimer: Visa, passport, entry and transit requirements may change without notice. This information is a general guide and does not guarantee visa approval, boarding or entry. Always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate or immigration authority for every country you will visit or transit through, and with your airline before departure. Travellers are responsible for obtaining the correct documents. To the extent permitted by law, Travelstart cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies, changes to requirements, visa refusals, denied boarding or entry, or resulting costs.

Like any major city, your primary concern will revolve around the theft of personal property. There tend to be many pickpockets present on the streets and these individuals will naturally target tourists. So, be certain to keep all valuables close by and it may be wise to remove rings and other flashy jewellery.

Find accommodation in Amsterdam to suit your trip, from budget-friendly hotels and apartment-style stays to boutique properties and luxury canal-side hotels. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a business trip, compare Amsterdam hotels by location, facilities and price.

Consider the Canal Ring for historic surroundings, the Museum Quarter for museums or De Pijp for cafés and dining. Choose accommodation near a tram or Metro stop to make exploring easier, and check room sizes, lift access, breakfast options, tourist taxes and cancellation terms before booking. Compare accommodation on Travelstart and book an Amsterdam stay that fits your plans and budget.

Getting around Amsterdam is easy to plan with trams, Metro services, buses, trains and walking routes connecting many popular attractions. Choose accommodation near a transport stop and plan your journeys around the neighbourhoods you want to explore.

Trams are useful for sightseeing around the city, while the Metro connects destinations farther apart. Use an accepted contactless card or device through OVpay, or choose a suitable transport ticket. Check in and out using the same card or device, and review current routes, fares and service updates before travelling.

Walking is a good option for exploring the Canal Ring and nearby attractions. Watch for cyclists when crossing streets and cycle lanes. For journeys from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, compare trains, buses, taxis and private transfers based on your arrival time, luggage and accommodation location. Check whether your chosen travel pass includes airport transport.

Planning to explore beyond Amsterdam? Compare car rental options with Travelstart for your pick-up location and dates. Check insurance, deposits, mileage limits and driving-document requirements before booking, and factor parking costs and any cross-border travel conditions into your plans.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flies from Johannesburg and Cape Town to its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From there, travellers can explore onward flights to destinations across Europe and beyond. Founded in 1919, KLM is the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name and has been part of the Air France–KLM group since 2004.

Planning your next trip? Compare KLM flights to Amsterdam, or explore routes from Johannesburg to New York and Cape Town to New York. You can also browse flights to Cape Town. Check the airlines, connections and fares available for your dates, then book the journey that suits you on Travelstart.

KLM offers direct flights to Amsterdam. Select your travel dates to see currently available direct flights, departure times and arrival airports.

Your arrival airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), KLM’s home hub.

Checked-in baggage

World Business Class

• 2 pieces – maximum 32kg each. Dimensions not to exceed 158cm

Economy Class

The number of checked bags that can be brought when travelling in Economy Class depends on multiple details, such as your destination and ticket type.

The following baggage is offered per ticket type.

• Light ticket/airfare: no checked baggage included.
• Standard or Flex ticket/airfare: 1 item of checked baggage, up to 158 cm (length width height) including handles and wheels and with a maximum weight of 23 kg.

Carry-on baggage

Business Class

• 2 items of hand baggage, each with a maximum size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm including handles and wheels;
• 1 accessory (such as a small handbag or laptop bag) with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

Hand baggage can have a combined weight of up to 18 kg.

Economy Class

• 1 item of hand baggage with a maximum size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm including handles and wheels;
• 1 accessory (such as a small handbag or laptop bag) with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

Hand baggage can have a combined weight of up to 12 kg.

Travellers must carry a valid passport and meet the Netherlands’ entry requirements, which may include a Schengen visa depending on nationality. Check the current Schengen entry requirements and KLM’s travel document guidelines before travelling, particularly for children.

Compare several departure dates where possible. Midweek and off-peak flights may sometimes cost less, but prices depend on demand and availability. Search your dates to view current fares.