Amsterdam Public Transport Guide
Amsterdam’s public transport system is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it simple for visitors to get around the city. This guide covers all essential transport options, including how to get from the airport to the city center, what to do when arriving by train, and key public transport options within Amsterdam.
How to Use Public Transport in Amsterdam
Tickets & Payment Methods
Check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile
💳 Best for: Visitors and occasional travelers who prefer using their bank card or mobile device.
How it Works: Simply tap your contactless debit/credit card or mobile wallet (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) on the card reader when boarding and alighting from trams, buses, and metros.
Fare: Same as standard OV-chipkaart fares, with a daily cap of €10 for unlimited travel on GVB (Amsterdam’s public transport operator) services. This means you’ll never be charged more than €10 in a single day for GVB transport.
Reusable Public Transport Smart Card
🛂 Best for: Residents and frequent travelers.
Cost: A one-time fee of €7.50 for the card itself, which is valid for five years. Please note, this fee does not include travel credit; you’ll need to add credit separately before traveling.
Types:
- Personal OV-chipkaart: Issued to an individual and can be blocked if lost or stolen. Allows for automatic top-ups and access to age-based discounts.
- Anonymous OV-chipkaart: Not linked to a specific person and can be purchased without providing personal details. Suitable for sharing among travelers (but not simultaneously).
Usage: Load travel credit onto the card and check in and out during your journeys.
Paper Tickets
🎟️ Best for: Visitors making just a few trips.
Available for trams, buses, and metro.
Can be purchased at:
- GVB ticket machines (found at metro stations and major stops).
- GVB service points (located at Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol, and major transit hubs).
Valid for a set duration from the time of activation.
Contactless debit/credit card payments offer the same fare as a single ticket and work across all GVB services.
No need to check out on trams and buses when using a single-use paper ticket.
Day Passes & Multi-Day Tickets
🚆 Best for: Tourists and frequent travelers.
Unlimited travel on trams, buses, metro, and ferries.
No need to top up credit.
Buy at:
- GVB ticket machines (stations & major stops).
- GVB service points (Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol).
- Online (GVB website, I amsterdam).
- Tourist info centers & select kiosks.
Amsterdam Travel Ticket & Region Travel Ticket also cover trains & regional buses.
Transport Modes
🚋 Tram
The most convenient way to get around central Amsterdam. Trams operate frequently and connect major landmarks, including Leidseplein, Museumplein, and Amsterdam Centraal.
🚇 Metro
A fast option for longer distances. The Noord/Zuidlijn (M52) is the main metro line for visitors, connecting Amsterdam Centraal, De Pijp, and Amsterdam Zuid. Other lines serve suburban areas.
🚌 Bus
Buses cover areas not reached by trams or metro, including Amsterdam Noord and Schiphol Airport. Night buses operate when trams and the metro stop running.
⛴️ Ferry
Free ferries run from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord, offering scenic views across the IJ River.
🚲 Cycling
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Bike rentals are widely available, and dedicated bike lanes make cycling a safe and efficient way to travel.
🚆 Train
Trains connect Amsterdam with Schiphol Airport, other Dutch cities, and international destinations. The main station, Amsterdam Centraal, is the hub for most routes.
Zones & Fare System
Amsterdam’s public transport uses a distance-based pricing system for trains and a flat fare system for trams, buses, and metro.
Tram, Bus & Metro Fare: A fixed price per ride, regardless of distance.
Unlimited Travel: Available with GVB Day & Multi-Day Passes for 1 to 7 days.
Train Fares: NS (Dutch Railways) operates distance-based pricing for intercity and regional train travel. Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal is a set fare.
OV-chipkaart & Contactless Capping:
- No need for an unlimited pass—contactless card users benefit from a daily cap on GVB transport.
- OV-chipkaart users must top up credit, as there is no fare cap for this method.
Regional Travel: For trips beyond Amsterdam (e.g., Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, Volendam), the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket covers all transport types, including buses and trains.
💡 Tip: Use contactless payment (OVpay) for tap-and-go access and daily fare capping on GVB transport.
💡 Quick Tips
- Tap & Go 🚋 – Use contactless payment (OVpay) or an OV-chipkaart to board trams, buses, and metro. Always tap in and out.
- No Cash on Public Transport ❌💶 – Buses and trams do not accept cash. Use contactless payment or buy tickets in advance.
- Avoid Rush Hour 🚶♂️ – Trams, metros, and buses are busiest from 7:30-9:30 AM & 4:30-6:30 PM.
- Trams are Best for Tourists 🏛️ – Easy access to major attractions like Leidseplein, Museumplein, and Amsterdam Centraal.
- Use a Bike for Short Distances 🚲 – Cycling is often faster than public transport for short trips. Rental bikes are widely available.
- Night Travel 🌙 – Night buses operate when trams and metros stop running. Check the 9292 app for schedules.
- Free Ferry Rides ⛴️ – Take the GVB ferries from behind Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Noord—they’re completely free!
- Buy Tickets in Advance 🎫 – Day & multi-day passes are available at GVB ticket machines, service points, and online.
- Mind the Cyclists 🚦 – Always check for bikes before crossing streets—cyclists have the right of way in most cases.
- Best Tip ✅ – Use contactless payment for automatic daily fare capping, so you never overpay for GVB transport!
Getting to Central Amsterdam
Schiphol Airport (AMS) is the main international gateway to Amsterdam. The city center is easily accessible by train and bus. Below are the best transport options to reach Amsterdam quickly and efficiently.
🚆 Train (NS)
💰 Cost: Standard fare applies
⏳ Time: ~15-20 min
📍 Route: Schiphol → Amsterdam Centraal
🎫 Tickets: NS ticket machines or NS app
Buy Ticket🚋 Bus 397 (Airport Express)
💰 Cost: Standard fare applies
⏳ Time: ~30-40 min
📍 Route: Schiphol → Leidseplein, Museumplein, Elandsgracht
🎫 Tickets: Onboard, online, or vending machines
Buy TicketTourist Travel Passes
OVpay Contactless Payment (For Public Transport Only)
✔ No need to buy a special card—just tap with a credit/debit card, smartphone, or wearable.
✔ Automatic fare capping: After reaching the daily cap (€10 on GVB transport), extra rides are free for the rest of the day.
✔ Works on trams, buses, and metro (Not valid for NS trains or regional buses).
📍 Where to use: Any GVB tram, bus, metro, and ferry in Amsterdam.
❌ Cannot be shared—each traveler must use their own contactless payment.
🔵 Learn more: GVB OVpay
🎟️ Amsterdam Tourist Passes (For Attractions & Discounts)
💡 These passes provide discounted access to attractions, museums, and some include public transport options.
📍 I amsterdam City Card
✅ Free entry to 70+ attractions (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Cruise) + unlimited GVB public transport
⏳ Available for: 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours
Buy Pass🚆 Amsterdam Travel Ticket
✅ Unlimited travel on trains, trams, buses & metro, including Schiphol Airport
⏳ Available for: 1, 2, or 3 days
Buy Pass🌍 Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
✅ Covers Amsterdam + surrounding areas (Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, Volendam)
⏳ Available for: 1, 2, or 3 days
Buy Pass🏛️ Holland Pass
✅ Entry to major attractions + discounts at museums & restaurants
⏳ Available for: Various durations
Buy PassAlternative Transport: Bikes & Boats 🚲 ⛴️
🚲 OV-fiets & Bike Rentals: Amsterdam’s Bike System
🛥️ Ferry service connecting Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Noord and other areas.
🏙️ Enjoy scenic views of the IJ River and Amsterdam’s waterfront.
💡Tip: If you’re traveling only within Amsterdam city ferries, you don’t need a ticket. For longer-distance ferries, check GVB ticket options here.
⏳ Ferries run every 4-15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.
📍 Main ferry routes (with free ticket):
Centraal Station → Buiksloterweg (for EYE Film Museum and A’DAM Tower).
Centraal Station → NDSM Wharf (for cultural events, food spots, and street art).
Other routes connecting industrial and creative hubs.
Accessible Travel in New York: A Guide for Everyone
Amsterdam’s public transport system is designed to accommodate all travelers, including those with mobility impairments, visual or hearing disabilities, and other accessibility needs. From step-free tram and metro stations to audio and visual announcements, here’s what you need to know for a smooth journey.
Step-Free Access 🚇
- Metro: All GVB metro stations have elevators and step-free access.
- Trams: Most Tram lines 3, 5, 12, 19, and 24 have low-floor trams with ramps.
- Buses: GVB buses are fully wheelchair accessible with designated spaces.
- Ferries: GVB ferries are 100% accessible and free to use.
Audio & Visual Announcements 🦻
- Trams, buses, and metros feature audio and visual next-stop announcements.
- Digital screens display real-time route updates in all metro stations.
- GVB app & website provide live accessibility information for vehicles and stops.
Assistance Services 🆘
- At Metro Stations: Staff available at Amsterdam Centraal, Amstel, and Bijlmer Arena for assistance.
- Public Transport Assistance: Request NS Reisassistentie (travel assistance) at train stations for help boarding.
- Wheelchair Taxis: Book Connexxion wheelchair taxis for door-to-door transport.
Contact & Help
For users needing additional assistance:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 GVB Customer Service: 0900-8011 (local) / +31 20 460 6060 (international)
🔗 More Info: GVB Accessibility Guide
Top 5 Most Scenic Transport Routes
📌 Last Verified: March 2025 – Transport details may change. Check official sources for the latest updates. 🚍📅