Amsterdam Schiphol is not only the largest airport in the Netherlands but also one of the busiest in Europe, ranking fourth in terms of passenger traffic and flight operations. Such a large-scale operation requires not only ensuring maximum comfort and safety for travelers but also minimizing environmental impact.

In its commitment to sustainable mobility, Schiphol, in collaboration with the transport operator Arriva Touring, decided to replace the internal combustion buses serving the airport with state-of-the-art, zero-emission Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses.

Seven electric Solaris models began servicing passengers at the P3 Lang Parkeren long-term parking lot by the end of 2024. The 18-meter buses not only eliminate exhaust emissions at the point of use but also offer more passenger space, ensuring a higher level of travel comfort.

Importantly, despite the increased passenger capacity of these vehicles compared to the previous buses on this route, the schedule remains unchanged. The buses run every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

With the new electric buses, we are significantly reducing emissions within the airport. This is another step towards our ambition of achieving greener airport transport

The project to electrify airport transport in Amsterdam using Solaris buses is the result of Schiphol’s cooperation with Arriva, an international passenger transport operator. The airport is responsible for the charging infrastructure and its management, while Arriva is in charge of the transportation services between the parking lots and Amsterdam Airport.

Each of the seven Solaris buses operating at Schiphol are powered by Solaris High Energy batteries with a total capacity of approximately 400 kWh. These batteries can be charged both via a plug-in connection and through a pantograph mounted above the first axle. The charging system is designed for 300 kW power, allowing for fast energy replenishment and maximizing vehicle availability on the route. This minimizes charging downtime, enabling more frequent trips and extended operational hours.

SMART CHARGING MANAGEMENT MAXIMIZES THE USE OF GREEN ENERGY, ALIGNING WITH SCHIPHOL’S CO₂ EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGY. 

The electric Solaris buses delivered to Amsterdam Airport are primarily charged using solar energy generated by photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the P3 parking facility. In times of increased energy demand, the airport supplements this supply with additional renewable energy sources, ensuring the maximum possible reduction of the carbon footprint in internal transport operations.

The bus interiors have been designed with the comfort of passengers traveling with luggage in mind. They feature additional luggage racks and a spacious seating arrangement.

The battery-powered Solaris Urbino 18 buses are also equipped with numerous advanced technologies to enhance passenger comfort and safety. In compliance with the latest regulations, they meet GSR2 safety standards. Instead of traditional side mirrors, they feature the eMirror camera system, improving visibility and eliminating blind spots, particularly in challenging weather conditions. Additionally, an extensive monitoring system includes seven internal cameras—six monitoring the passenger area and one facing the road—along with three external cameras, including a reversing camera and two side cameras. This significantly enhances passenger safety and facilitates maneuvering within the airport premises.

This is not the first time that Solaris airport buses have contributed to passenger transport at aviation hubs. The Urbino models designed for airport operations were introduced by Solaris in 2004, with the first units delivered to Warsaw Chopin Airport. Today, they can be found at airports in Hamburg, Ostrava, Riga, Łódź, and many other European cities.

In total, Solaris has supplied 168 buses to airports in 12 European countries, from Spain to Norway. The largest fleet of Solaris buses operates at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where 38 Solaris buses have been in service since 2011. These buses have also gained significant popularity in Germany, with over 30 vehicles delivered to airports in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg.