Public Transport in Amsterdam
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.
Tickets & Payment Methods
Check in and out with your debit/credit card or mobile
🟡 Best for: Visitors and occasional travelers
How it Works: Simply tap your contactless debit/credit card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) on the card reader when boarding and alighting.
Fare: Same as OV-chipkaart fares, with a daily cap of €10 for unlimited GVB travel (trams, buses, metro).
No card fee • No registration needed • Works across Netherlands
Reusable Public Transport Smart Card
🔵 Best for: Residents and frequent travelers
Cost: €7.50 (5-year validity) + separate travel credit
Types:
- Personal: Registered to you (can be blocked if lost)
- Anonymous: No registration (can be shared)
Automatic top-ups available • Discounts for children/seniors
Paper Tickets
🔴 Best for: Visitors making just a few trips
Available for trams, buses, and metro.
Purchase at:
- GVB ticket machines (metro stations)
- GVB service points (Central Station, Schiphol)
No check-out needed on trams/buses • Fixed duration validity
Day Passes & Multi-Day Tickets
🟢 Best for: Tourists and frequent travelers
Unlimited travel on trams, buses, metro, and ferries
Buy at:
- GVB ticket machines/service points
- Online (GVB website, I amsterdam)
- Tourist info centres
Includes Amsterdam Travel Ticket • Region Travel Ticket options
Transport Modes in Amsterdam
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 (NZ) connects Amsterdam Centraal, De Pijp, and Amsterdam Zuid, while other lines serve suburban areas.
Bus
Covers areas beyond tram/metro reach, including Amsterdam Noord and Schiphol Airport. Night buses operate when other services stop.
Ferry
Free ferries run from behind Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Noord, offering scenic views across the IJ River.
Cycling
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities globally, with widespread rentals and dedicated lanes making cycling safe and efficient.
Train
Connects Amsterdam with Schiphol Airport, other Dutch cities, and international destinations via frequent NS (Dutch Railways) services.
Zones & Fare System
Tram, Bus & Metro
Flat fare system – Fixed price per ride regardless of distance
GVB Day Passes:
- 1 to 7 day unlimited travel options
- Covers trams, buses, metro, and ferries
Trains (NS Dutch Railways)
Distance-based pricing for intercity/regional travel
Key Route Example:
- Schiphol ↔ Amsterdam Centraal: Fixed fare (€5.70)
Payment Methods & Tips
OV-chipkaart:
- Requires credit top-up
- No automatic fare capping
Contactless (OVpay):
- Daily cap on GVB transport (max €10/day)
- Tap-and-go convenience
Regional Travel Tip
For trips beyond Amsterdam (e.g. Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, Volendam), use the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket covering all transport types including buses and trains.
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 Central.
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 Central 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
More Info🚌 Bus 397 (Airport Express)
💰 Cost: Standard fare applies
⏱ Time: ~30–40 min
📍 Route: Schiphol → Leidseplein, Museumplein, Elandsgracht
🎫 Tickets: Onboard, online, or vending machines
More InfoTourist Travel Passes
OVpay Contactless Payment
For public transport only
✅ Benefits
- Tap with credit/debit card or phone
- Daily cap: €10 on GVB transport
- No special card needed
⚠️ Limitations
- Not valid for NS trains
- Cannot be shared
- GVB transport only
Learn more: GVB OVpay
Amsterdam Tourist Passes
These passes provide discounted access to attractions, museums, and some include public transport options.
Amsterdam City Card
- Free entry to 70+ attractions
- Includes Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum
- Unlimited GVB public transport
- Canal cruise included
Duration: 24-120 hours
Buy PassAmsterdam Travel Ticket
- Unlimited travel on all transport
- Includes trains to/from Schiphol
- Covers trams, buses & metro
- Airport transfer included
Duration: 1-3 days
Buy PassRegion Travel Ticket
- Covers Amsterdam + surrounding areas
- Visit Zaanse Schans & Keukenhof
- Includes Volendam & Marken
- All transport types included
Duration: 1-3 days
Buy PassHolland Pass
- Entry to major attractions
- Discounts at museums & restaurants
- Flexible credit-based system
- Optional transport add-ons
Duration: Flexible credits
Buy PassAlternative Transport: Bikes & Boats 🚲 ⛴️
🚲 OV-fiets & Bike Rentals:
Amsterdam’s Bike
System
🚴♀️ Rent a bike for as little as €4.45 per 24 hours using OV-fiets (Dutch public transport bike rental).
📍 Bike rental stations available at train stations, metro stations, and key city locations.
💳 Pay via the NS app or OV-chipkaart (subscription required for OV-fiets).
⚡ E-bikes available at some rental locations for an extra fee.
⏳ Available 24/7, with multiple rental companies offering daily and multi-day bike rentals.
⛴️ GVB Ferry: Free Water Transport
🚢 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 Public Transport in Amsterdam
Inclusive Travel Options
Amsterdam offers various services to make public transportation accessible for wheelchair users, visually impaired travelers, and those with reduced mobility.
Wheelchair Access
- All metro stations have elevators
- 90% of trams have low-floor boarding
- Designated wheelchair spaces on vehicles
- Blue wheelchair buttons at station doors
Audio & Visual Aids
- Audio announcements on all vehicles
- High-contrast signage at stations
- Tactile paving at major stations
- Digital display screens with real-time info
Special Services
- GVB Aanpas service for door-to-door trips
- Priority seating clearly marked
- Staff assistance available at major stations
- Service animals permitted
Accessible Travel Tips
Planning Your Trip
- Check GVB Accessible Travel Planner online
- Allow extra time for connections
- Download the GVB app for real-time updates
- Note that some historic buildings may have limited access
Accessible Taxis & Parking
- Taxi Electric offers wheelchair vehicles
- Special parking permits available
- Over 1,200 accessible parking spots
- Blue disabled parking card (EU standard) accepted
Need More Information?
Contact GVB Accessibility Services at +31 20 460 6060 or email accessibility@gvb.nl
Top 5 Most Scenic Transport Routes
⛴️ Amsterdam Ferry – Free Skyline & Waterfront Views
Enjoy stunning views of the IJ River, A’DAM Tower, and EYE Film Museum while traveling between Amsterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Noord for free!
- 📍 Best route: Centraal Station → Buiksloterweg
- ⏳ Travel time: ~2 minutes
- 🎟️ Valid ticket: FREE – No ticket required!
- 💡 Tip: Stand on the left side for the best views of EYE Film Museum and the waterfront skyline.
🚋 Tram 2 – Amsterdam’s Best City Tram Ride
This tram passes through the most beautiful parts of Amsterdam, including Museumplein, the canals, and the historic city center.
- 📍 Best route: Centraal Station → Museumplein → Vondelpark → Nieuw Sloten
- ⏳ Travel time: ~25 minutes
- 🎟️ Valid ticket: GVB ticket, OV-chipkaart, or contactless payment
- 💡 Tip: Sit on the right side for unobstructed canal and museum views.
🚆 Train to Zandvoort – Coastal Escape
A quick train ride from Amsterdam to the Dutch coast, offering views of windmills, dunes, and the North Sea.
- 📍 Best route: Amsterdam Centraal → Zandvoort aan Zee
- ⏳ Travel time: ~30 minutes
- 🎟️ Valid ticket: NS train ticket or OV-chipkaart
- 💡 Tip: Exit at Zandvoort aan Zee Station and walk directly to the beachfront cafes and promenade.
🚲 Cycling Route to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel – A Countryside Escape
A peaceful bike ride along the Amstel River, passing traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and green fields.
- 📍 Best route: Amsterdam → Amstelpark → Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
- ⏳ Travel time: ~45 minutes (one way)
- 🎟️ Valid ticket: No ticket needed – just rent a bike!
- 💡 Tip: Stop at Ouderkerk for a classic Dutch pancake at a riverside café.
🛶 Amsterdam to Giethoorn – A Fairytale Train & Boat Trip
Travel to Giethoorn, the “Venice of the Netherlands,” where you can explore the canal village by boat.
- 📍 Best route: Amsterdam Centraal → Steenwijk (train) → Giethoorn (bus or bike)
- ⏳ Travel time: ~2 hours
- 🎟️ Valid ticket: NS train ticket + local bus ticket
- 💡 Tip: Rent a “whisper boat” to navigate Giethoorn’s peaceful canals.