Best Flights starting from $800
from$800economy
Durham (RDU)
Wed, Dec 9
Roundtrip
Amsterdam (AMS)
Thu, Dec 17
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Durham (RDU) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $58
From $58
Durham (RDU) to New York (JFK) in December from $79
From $79
Durham (RDU) to New York (Any) in December from $96
From $96
Durham (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $142
From $142
Durham (RDU) to Fort Lauderdale (Any) in December from $162
From $162
Durham (RDU) to Cancun (CUN) in December from $172
From $172
Flights from Other Cities
New York (Any) to Amsterdam (AMS) in December from $422
From $422
Dubai (Any) to Amsterdam (AMS) in December from $456
From $456
Orlando (Any) to Amsterdam (AMS) in December from $591
From $591
Boston (BOS) to Amsterdam (AMS) in December from $679
From $679
Boise (BOI) to Amsterdam (AMS) in December from $754
From $754
Toronto (YYZ) to Amsterdam (AMS) in December from $768
From $768
✈️ Flight Guide: Durham (RDU) → Amsterdam (AMS)
Complete travel information for your December journey
Travelers departing from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in December should plan for holiday crowds, especially the two weeks around Christmas. Local pickup points in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Research Triangle Park feed heavier passenger volumes into RDU; consider traveling mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower fares and shorter lines. Pre-book RDU parking or use off-site long-term options, enroll in TSA PreCheck, and allow 2.5–3 hours before your international departure to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Pack adaptable layers for RDU's cool, occasionally wet weather and confirm transportation to the airport in advance to avoid traffic delays during holiday events in downtown Raleigh or Durham.
Departing from Durham (RDU) FAQs
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) sees increased passenger volumes during December due to holiday travel, university breaks, and business travel from Research Triangle Park. Expect the busiest days the week before Christmas and the Sunday after; early December weekdays are generally quieter. For flights to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), plan extra time for check-in and security and consider arriving 2.5–3 hours before your international departure.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers hourly, daily, and economy parking options with shuttle service to terminals; on-site hourly and daily lots are closest while economy lots are cheaper for long stays. During December holidays, reserve off-airport parking or pre-book RDU long-term parking when possible to secure a spot and save time. Consider airport hotel park-and-fly packages for multi-week trips.
Ground transportation at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) includes taxis, rideshares, rental cars, and regional shuttle services; typical travel times vary by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill pickup points. During December, allow for extra buffer time for holiday traffic and potential weather delays — 60–90 minutes from downtown Raleigh is typical, while Durham and Chapel Hill may be similar. Book a rideshare earlier during peak hours to avoid wait times.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) follows standard TSA and airline baggage regulations year-round; during December, higher passenger volumes can result in stricter gate cut-off times and longer hold checks. For flights to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), verify airline-specific carry-on and checked baggage allowances online before travel and arrive early to accommodate security screening and bag drop. Use mobile check-in and print or download boarding passes to speed the process.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) typically experiences cool December temperatures averaging 35–55°F (2–13°C) with occasional rain and rare snow; flight delays due to winter storms are less frequent than in northern hubs but still possible. Check local weather before leaving and allow additional time for driving to RDU if ice or heavy rain is forecasted. Packing a light waterproof layer and planning flexible travel windows helps minimize disruption.
At Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), enroll in TSA PreCheck if eligible to reduce security time, and check real-time wait estimates via the airport's app or website. For comfort before long-haul flights to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), consider day passes or memberships for airline lounges through Delta, partner lounges, or independent lounges if available; booking earlier in December helps secure lounge access during busy holiday periods.
Arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in December places you in the heart of winter festivities like the Amsterdam Light Festival (running November–January) and the Sinterklaas celebrations on December 5th. Expect cool, damp weather and plan quick transfers via the convenient NS train station in Schiphol Plaza — Amsterdam Centraal is about 15–20 minutes by Intercity train. Schiphol's location provides fast access to Haarlem, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht for day trips; pre-book rides or rail tickets and use luggage storage if you're stopping in the city to enjoy seasonal markets and light installations.
Arriving at Amsterdam (AMS) FAQs
December in Amsterdam is cold and often damp, with daytime temperatures typically between 2–7°C (36–45°F) and frequent rain or drizzle; occasional fog and windy conditions are common. Travelers arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) should pack a warm, waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and consider layering for evenings and canal-side walks. Snow is possible but not guaranteed, so check local forecasts before leaving the airport.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is directly connected to the national rail network; frequent Intercity trains reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes and operate reliably in December. Taxis, rideshares, and bus services are available too, but trains are often the fastest and most economical option during busy holiday periods. If you plan to visit nearby cities like Haarlem, The Hague, Rotterdam, or Utrecht, direct train services from AMS make these day trips convenient.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) usually operates normally during December but may see increased passenger flows around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, prompting additional staff and security measures. Special holiday signage, extended customer service hours, and extra arrival assistance are often in place; still allow extra time for passport control and baggage claim. Plan for longer waits on peak days and consider arriving earlier to avoid missing onward connections.
Visa and entry requirements for the Netherlands are determined by your citizenship, not the month. Most US travelers can enter the Netherlands visa-free for short stays, but you must carry a valid passport (with at least three months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area) and any required COVID or health documentation if mandated. Check official Dutch government and embassy sites before travel and confirm requirements prior to your December arrival at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
To clear customs quickly at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), have your passport and boarding pass ready, complete any required landing forms digitally, and consider using automated passport control e-gates if eligible. If you’re carrying gifts or seasonal shopping, declare items as required and pack receipts to speed inspection. For quicker transfers to city hotels or nearby destinations like Haarlem, Rotterdam, The Hague, or Utrecht, pre-book taxis, ride-shares, or a rail ticket via the NS ticket machines at the station in Schiphol Plaza.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) provides luggage storage services and left-luggage facilities in the public area and near the train station, convenient for short shopping trips during the Amsterdam Light Festival or holiday markets. Availability can be limited on busy December days, so check Schiphol's official website for locations and opening times and consider booking services in advance if possible. Using luggage storage will help you explore nearby Haarlem, Leiden, or Amsterdam's city center unencumbered.
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December Events & Festivals — Amsterdam and Raleigh Highlights
Amsterdam Light Festival (November–January): Major draw near Amsterdam city center; expect increased tourist traffic and extended evening activities accessible from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Sinterklaas (early December): Dutch family holiday events, parades, and markets that enrich cultural visits. Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout Amsterdam and nearby cities like Haarlem and Rotterdam increase hotel demand around late December. In Raleigh and the Research Triangle around RDU, holiday markets, light displays, and university breaks in December can increase departure-day crowds — plan accordingly and book accommodations early if combining stopovers.
Best Time to Fly from RDU to AMS in December — Dates, Days & Pricing
For December travel from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), early December (first two weeks) generally offers better fares and lighter crowds than the peak holiday week (around Dec 20–28). Flying mid-week, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tends to lower fares and shorten security queues. If your schedule can flex, consider departing before mid-December or after New Year’s Day for the best value; otherwise, book at least 8–12 weeks ahead for holiday dates to secure reasonable prices and convenient connections.
Direct vs Connecting Flights from RDU to AMS in December
Most travelers from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) will choose connecting flights through hubs such as New York-JFK, Atlanta-ATL, Detroit-DTW, or Philadelphia-PHL. Connecting flights often save money and offer more schedule options, while direct (nonstop) flights — when available from nearby hubs — reduce total travel time and the risk of missed connections. In December, connecting flights can be affected by holiday delays, so allow longer connection buffers and favor same-ticket itineraries for better protection if a delay disrupts your journey.
Airline Comparison for RDU to AMS in December — Delta, KLM, American & United
Delta Air Lines: Commonly connects RDU passengers via Atlanta (ATL) or New York-JFK to KLM or Delta transatlantic flights; strengths include frequent schedules and SkyMiles benefits. KLM / Air France: KLM typically operates the AMS transatlantic leg (often from JFK/ATL) with strong connections at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS); good for passengers collecting Flying Blue miles. American Airlines: Routes via PHL or JFK offer Oneworld connections; sometimes competitive for December fares but fewer direct transatlantic frequencies from RDU. United: Connections via Newark (EWR) or Washington D.C. area hubs provide Star Alliance continuity. For December travel, compare total journey time, baggage allowances, and same-ticket protection; book refundable or flexible fares if traveling during peak holiday weeks for added peace of mind.
Seasonal Travel Tips for RDU to AMS in December
Pack layers, a waterproof outer shell, and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and damp Amsterdam weather; include a compact umbrella and travel adaptors for EU outlets. For RDU departures, reserve parking and arrive early — December holiday traffic and university schedules can add time. Buy travel insurance for winter trips that involve connections, check airline rebooking policies, and enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry where applicable to speed security and passport control. Use local transit passes or the NS train app at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to save time and money when visiting Amsterdam, Haarlem, The Hague, Rotterdam, or Utrecht during busy festival days.
Flight Time and Typical Schedules for RDU to AMS in December
There are rarely nonstop flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), so expect one-stop itineraries. Typical total travel times range from about 9 to 13 hours including layovers; flying via New York (JFK) or Atlanta (ATL) is common with transatlantic segments of ~7–8.5 hours and RDU feeder flights of 1–2 hours. Many transatlantic flights depart U.S. hubs in the evening to arrive in Amsterdam the next morning; when booking December travel, prioritize overnight options for better arrival times but allow 1.5–3 hours minimum connection times at major hubs to protect against delays during peak holiday travel.
How to Find Cheap RDU to AMS Flights in December
Finding cheap flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in December requires early planning and flexibility. For holiday-season travel, search 2–4 months ahead for the best inventory, use flexible-date calendars, and compare nearby departure days — mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often yield lower fares. Set fare alerts, compare connecting hubs (JFK, ATL, DTW, PHL) and low-cost carriers on leg segments, and join airline newsletters or loyalty programs for flash sales. Consider longer layovers for reduced fares and check bundled hotel+flight offers if visiting Amsterdam, Haarlem, The Hague, Rotterdam, or Utrecht.