Current fares, whether contactless has replaced it, and exactly what you need to pay for trams, metro and buses in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s public transport runs on one of Europe’s most elegant fare systems — but it has a catch that trips up almost every first-time visitor. The OV-chipkaart, the city’s transit card, works differently from most metro cards. You check in and check out, the price varies by distance, and if you forget to check out, you get charged the maximum fare. This guide gives you the full 2026 picture so you know exactly what to buy before you tap in.
OV-chipkaart prices 2026
| Ticket type | Price | Valid for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single tram / metro / bus (GVB) | €3.40 | 1 hour unlimited transfers | 1–2 rides |
| GVB Day ticket (1 day) | €8.50 | 24 hours from first use | Heavy day of sightseeing |
| GVB 2-day ticket | €14.50 | 48 hours | Short city break |
| GVB 3-day ticket | €20.00 | 72 hours | 3-night stay |
| GVB 7-day ticket | €27.50 | 7 days | Week-long visit |
| Anonymous OV-chipkaart (card only) | €7.50 | Card deposit — refundable | Needed if using distance-based NS trains |
Is the OV-chipkaart still worth it in 2026?
This is the question most visitors now ask — and the honest answer is: it depends on what you’re doing.
Since 2022, GVB trams, buses, and metro in Amsterdam all accept contactless bank card payment directly at the validator. You tap your Visa or Mastercard, pay €3.40, and you’re done — no card to buy, no deposit, no check-out required for GVB services. For most tourists staying in central Amsterdam this is the easiest option.
However, the OV-chipkaart is still essential if you plan to take NS intercity trains to day-trip destinations like Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, or The Hague. NS trains do not accept contactless bank cards — they use OV-chipkaart or a separate NS ticket purchased at the machine. The anonymous OV-chipkaart (€7.50 deposit, fully refundable) loaded with credit lets you tap in and out on NS trains at distance-based fares.
Contactless vs OV-chipkaart — which should you use?
Quick decision guide
- Staying in Amsterdam only, 1–2 days: Contactless bank card — tap and go, no setup needed
- Staying in Amsterdam only, 3+ days: GVB multi-day pass (€20–27.50) — simplest and best value
- Day trips to Haarlem, Leiden, Delft etc.: OV-chipkaart — essential for NS trains
- Airport transfer (Schiphol → city): Buy a single NS ticket at Schiphol station — €5.60 to Amsterdam Centraal
- Using Amsterdam & NS trains: OV-chipkaart with loaded credit covers both
Where to buy GVB tickets and the OV-chipkaart
GVB day tickets and multi-day passes can be bought from ticket machines at metro stations, from the GVB service desks at Amsterdam Centraal and Schiphol Plaza, and from some hotels and tourist shops. You can also buy them on the GVB app.
The anonymous OV-chipkaart is available at NS ticket machines at any train station including Schiphol Airport. You pay the €7.50 deposit, load it with credit (minimum €10), and you can start using it immediately on NS trains and GVB services alike.
Single tram and bus tickets can also be bought from the driver with cash — but the price is the same as tapping with a bank card, so there is no financial advantage.
How to check in and check out correctly
For GVB trams, buses and metro: tap your card or OV-chipkaart on the pink validator on entry. On trams and buses you must also tap out on exit — if you forget, you will be charged the maximum journey fare of around €4.00. On the metro, the gates handle check-out automatically as you exit.
For NS trains: tap in at the yellow NS gate or validator on the platform, and tap out at your destination. Forgetting to tap out is the single most common and most expensive mistake on Dutch public transport — NS charges a penalty fare of around €20 for an incomplete journey.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the OV-chipkaart cost in Amsterdam in 2026? +
The anonymous OV-chipkaart card itself costs €7.50 as a refundable deposit. A single GVB tram, metro or bus journey costs €3.40, valid for 1 hour with unlimited transfers. Day passes start from €8.50 for 24 hours.
Can I use contactless instead of an OV-chipkaart on Amsterdam trams? +
Yes — GVB trams, buses and metro all accept Visa and Mastercard contactless bank cards directly at validators since 2022. You pay €3.40 per journey and do not need a separate card. However, contactless does not work on NS intercity trains.
Is the OV-chipkaart still worth buying in 2026? +
Only if you plan to take NS trains outside Amsterdam — to Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Rotterdam or The Hague. For city-only travel, a GVB day pass or contactless payment is simpler and equally cheap.
How do I get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre? +
Take the NS intercity train from Schiphol station directly to Amsterdam Centraal — the journey takes 15–20 minutes and costs €5.60 with a single ticket. Buy the ticket at the NS machine in the airport station. This train runs every 10–15 minutes around the clock.
What happens if I forget to check out of a tram in Amsterdam? +
You will be charged the maximum GVB journey fare, currently around €4.00, instead of the standard €3.40 single. On NS trains the penalty for a missed check-out is much higher — around €20. Always tap out when leaving a vehicle or station.
For the full Amsterdam transport guide — tram routes, night buses, ferry, and day trip options — visit our complete city guide.
Amsterdam Transport Guide 2026
