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Tickets & Payment
Cash is not accepted on board. Here is how to pay for GVB trams, buses, and metro in 2026.
OVpay (Contactless)
🟡 Best for Visitors
The easiest way. Simply check in and out with your debit/credit card or phone.
- ✅ Price: Same as standard fare.
- ✅ Daily Cap: Max ~€10.00/day on GVB.
- ⚠️ Rule: Use the same device to tap IN/OUT.
Day & Multi-Day
🔵 Best Value
Unlimited travel on all GVB trams, buses, and metros.
- ⏱️ Duration: 1-7 Days available.
- 💰 Cost: Starts from ~€9.00.
OV-chipkaart
💗 Long Term
The classic plastic smart card. You must load credit (“Saldo”) onto it.
- ❌ Cost: €7.50 fee (non-refundable).
- 💡 Verdict: Skip if visiting for <1 week.
Paper Hour Ticket
🔴 Expensive
Single use ticket. Valid for 1 hour on GVB only.
- 💰 Cost: €3.40 (Very expensive).
- 🚫 No Cash: Drivers do not accept cash.
Crucial Rule: Check In AND Out
You must hold your card/phone against the reader when you board AND when you exit (even on trams and buses). If you forget, you pay a penalty.
Transport Modes
How to get around the Venice of the North.
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 (Line 52) connects Amsterdam Centraal, De Pijp, and Amsterdam Zuid in minutes.
Bus
Covers areas beyond tram/metro reach, including Amsterdam Noord and Schiphol Airport. Night buses operate when other services stop.
Ferry
Free boats run from behind Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Noord. Enjoy the breeze and scenic views across the IJ River.
Cycling
Amsterdam is the world’s most bike-friendly city. Use the dedicated red lanes, but always signal your turns!
Train (NS)
Connects Amsterdam with Schiphol Airport, other Dutch cities, and international destinations via frequent NS (Dutch Railways) services.
Zones & Fare System
Understanding the difference between City Transport (GVB) and National Trains (NS).
City (Tram, Bus, Metro)
Time-Based Fare. In the city, you pay for time, not distance.
- 1 Hour Ticket: Unlimited transfers for 60 mins (€3.40).
- Day Passes: Cheaper for 3+ rides/day.
Trains (NS)
Distance-Based Fare. You pay from Station A to Station B.
- Example: Schiphol ↔ Central Station (~€5.90).
- Check-in: Use the yellow card readers.
Crossing Zones?
Visiting Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof? The standard GVB Day Pass is NOT valid on regional buses or trains. You need the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket.
Essential Transport Tips
Master the Dutch transport network with these local hacks.
Tap In AND Out
Crucial! You must tap your card/phone when you board AND when you exit (even on trams/buses) to avoid penalty charges.
No Cash Accepted
Drivers do not carry cash. You can only pay with a debit/credit card (OVpay) or a pre-purchased ticket.
Avoid Rush Hour
Trains and metros are packed from 07:30–09:00 & 16:30–18:30. Travel off-peak for cheaper train fares.
Rent a Bike
Faster than trams for short trips. Stick to the red lanes and watch out for scooters.
Book Guided Bike Tour »Free Ferry vs Cruise
The GVB ferry behind Central Station is free. For a proper tour of the historic canals, book a glass-roof boat.
View Canal Cruises »Use the 9292 App
Google Maps is okay, but 9292.nl is the local bible for real-time delays and platform info.
✈️ Schiphol to City Center
Schiphol Airport (AMS) is very close to the city. Here are the fastest ways to get to your hotel.
🚆 NS Train
The fastest option. Direct trains run every few minutes to Amsterdam Centraal.
- ⏱️ Time: 15-18 mins.
- 💰 Cost: ~€5.90.
- 💳 Pay: Tap bank card at gates (OVpay).
🚌 Bus 397
Best for Museum Quarter. Direct connection to Leidseplein & Museumplein hotels.
- ⏱️ Time: ~35 mins.
- 💰 Cost: ~€6.50.
- 💳 Pay: Tap bank card on driver’s reader.
🚖 Private Transfer
Stress-free. Driver waits for you at arrivals. Fixed price (cheaper than meter taxis).
- ⏱️ Time: ~25-30 mins (Door-to-door).
- 💰 Cost: Fixed quote online.
- 🧳 Luggage: Help included.
Tourist Travel Passes
Save time and money with these official passes for transport and museums.
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 (unless enabled)
- Cannot be shared
- Pay full price per trip
Learn more: OVpay Official Site
Amsterdam Tourist Passes
These passes provide discounted access to attractions, museums, and unlimited public transport options.
Amsterdam City Card
- Free entry to 70+ attractions
- Includes Rijksmuseum & Moco
- 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 TicketHolland Travel Ticket
- Unlimited transport across the Netherlands
- Valid on all trains, trams, buses & metro
- Visit Rotterdam, The Hague & Giethoorn
- Off-peak and All-day versions
Duration: 1 day
Buy OfficialAlternative Transport
Experience the city like a local on two wheels or across the water.
🚲 Bike Rentals & OV-fiets
The Dutch Way. There are more bikes than people in Amsterdam!
- 🚴♀️ Rentals: Costs ~€10-15/day at shops (MacBike, Yellow Bike).
- 🟡 OV-fiets: The yellow station bikes (€4.55/24h). Note: Requires a personal Dutch OV-chipkaart.
- ⚡ E-bikes: Available at most rental shops for an extra fee.
Traffic can be chaotic. A guided tour is safer and more fun.
Book Guided Bike Tour »⛴️ GVB Ferry & Cruises
Free Connections. Blue and white ferries connect Central Station to Amsterdam North.
- 🎟️ Ticket: FREE! No ticket needed. Just walk on.
- 📍 Route F3: To Buiksloterweg (EYE Film Museum, A’DAM Tower). Runs 24/7.
- 📍 Route F4: To NDSM Wharf (Street art, cafes). 15 min ride.
Ferries don’t go into the historic canals. You need a cruise for that.
View Canal Cruises »Top 5 Scenic Routes
Discover Amsterdam’s beautiful sights from the front row of public transport.
Ferry F3: Free Skyline Views
Enjoy stunning views of the A’DAM Tower and EYE Film Museum while crossing the IJ River.
Tram 2: The “Royal” Route
Listed by NatGeo as one of the world’s best tram rides. Passes the Palace, Museumplein, and Canals.
Train to the Sea
A quick double-decker train ride through the dunes to Zandvoort aan Zee (Amsterdam Beach).
Cycling: Amstel River
A peaceful DIY ride passing traditional windmills, houseboats, and green fields to Ouderkerk.
Day Trip: Giethoorn
The “Venice of the North.” A fairytale village with no roads, just canals and thatched houses.
Common Questions
Answers to the most frequent queries from travelers in 2026.
💳 Can I Pay by Contactless?
Yes — OVpay accepts your bank card.
Tap in and out with Visa, Mastercard, or mobile pay on trams, buses, metro, and trains. No OV-chipkaart needed for tourists anymore.
✈️ Schiphol to City Centre?
NS train — 15 min, ~€5.50.
Trains run several times per hour directly to Amsterdam Centraal. Fastest and cheapest option. Taxis cost ~€45–55 and take longer due to traffic.
🎟️ I Amsterdam City Card?
Worth it for museum lovers.
Includes unlimited GVB transport plus free entry to 70+ museums. Available for 24–120 hours. If you plan 3+ paid museums, it pays off.
🚃 Are Trams Easy to Use?
Very straightforward.
Most tram routes start from Amsterdam Centraal. Tap in when boarding with your card. Major tourist areas (Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Leidseplein) are all tram-connected.
⛴️ Are Ferries Free?
Yes — GVB ferries are completely free.
Ferries cross the IJ river to Amsterdam Noord from behind Centraal Station. Runs 24 hours. Great for reaching NDSM Wharf and the EYE Film Museum.
🚲 Bike vs Tram — Which is Better?
Depends on weather and confidence.
Amsterdam is very bike-friendly and renting one gives maximum flexibility. Trams are easier in rain or if you’re unfamiliar with cycling in busy traffic. Both are great.
Accessible Public Transport
Amsterdam is committed to accessible travel. Here is what wheelchair users and travelers with reduced mobility need to know.
Inclusive Travel Options
Wheelchair Access
- Metro: All stations have elevators.
- Trams: 90% have low-floor boarding.
- Space: Designated spots on all vehicles.
- Assistance: Look for the blue wheelchair button.
Visual & Audio
- Audio: Next-stop announcements on all lines.
- Tactile: Paving strips at major stations.
- Signage: High-contrast digital displays.
Assistance
- Service Dogs: Allowed free of charge.
- Staff: Available at GVB Service Points.
- Priority: Clearly marked priority seating.
Planning Your Trip
- 📲 Use the GVB App: Filter for “accessible routes” to avoid stairs.
- ⏳ Extra Time: Allow 15-20 mins extra for elevator transfers.
- 🏛️ Old Buildings: Note that some historic canal houses and smaller museums may have steep stairs and no lifts.
Taxis & Support
- 🚕 Taxi Electric: Offers dedicated wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- 🅿️ Parking: EU Blue Disabled Badge is valid in Amsterdam.
Call GVB Assistance: +31 20 460 6060
Explore More City Guides
Planning more trips? We’ve got you covered.
🟢 Last Verified: January 2026 – Transport details may change. Check official GVB/NS sources for the latest updates.