Getting Around Amsterdam

Your guide to transportation options in the city

Overview

Amsterdam has an excellent, efficient public transport network and is famously bike-friendly. Walking is also a great way to explore the compact city center.

Public Transport (GVB)

Amsterdam's public transport network (operated by GVB) includes trams, buses, metros, and ferries.

OV-chipkaart and Tickets

The primary payment system for public transport in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands is the OV-chipkaart. However, GVB also offers specific day or multi-day tickets that can be convenient for tourists.

  • Anonymous OV-chipkaart: Can be purchased at GVB service points, newsstands, and supermarkets. You load credit onto it and check in and out for each journey. Costs €7.50 (non-refundable) plus your travel credit.
  • Personal OV-chipkaart: Linked to your bank account and includes a photo. More for residents.
  • Disposable GVB day/multi-day tickets: Offer unlimited travel on GVB trams, buses (including night buses), and metros for 1 to 7 days (24 to 168 hours). These are often the most convenient for tourists. They can be bought online, at GVB service points, and from ticket machines.
  • Where to buy GVB tickets: GVB ticket machines at metro stations and some tram stops, GVB Service & Tickets counters (e.g., at Amsterdam Centraal), some newsagents, and increasingly on trams and buses (card payment only).
  • Check-in/Check-out: Crucial! You must check in at the start of your journey and check out at the end by holding your card against the card reader. This applies to OV-chipkaarts and most disposable tickets. Forgetting to check out can result in paying a penalty fare or the maximum journey cost.

Trams

Amsterdam's iconic trams are a convenient way to get around the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.

  • Key lines for tourists: Line 2 (often cited as one of the world's most beautiful tram rides), Line 5, Line 13, Line 17.
  • Hours: Generally run from around 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM (midnight).
  • Frequency: Trams are frequent, usually every 5-10 minutes during the day.

Buses

Buses cover areas where trams don't reach and are essential for night transport.

  • Night buses (Nachtbussen): Operate after regular services stop, connecting Central Station to various parts of the city and suburbs. A separate night fare or a GVB day/multi-day ticket is usually required.
  • Bus stops have electronic displays showing arrival times.

Metro

Amsterdam has five metro lines (numbered 50-54) that are useful for reaching areas further from the city center, like Amsterdam Zuid, Bijlmer ArenA, or Amsterdam Noord.

  • Particularly useful for reaching Amsterdam Zuid (business district, RAI convention center) or Amsterdam ArenA (stadium, concert venues).
  • Fast and frequent service.

Ferries

Free GVB ferries run from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station to various points across the IJ waterway, primarily to Amsterdam Noord.

  • Most popular routes: Buiksloterweg (for Eye Filmmuseum and A'DAM Lookout), NDSM Wharf (for the former shipyard turned cultural hotspot).
  • No tickets required; just hop on. They run frequently.
  • Great way to see the city from a different perspective and access Amsterdam Noord.

Route Planning

  • GVB App: Official app for GVB services, offering real-time travel information and journey planning.
  • 9292.nl / 9292 app: Comprehensive public transport planner for all of the Netherlands.
  • Google Maps: Generally reliable for public transport directions in Amsterdam.
  • Citymapper: Another popular app for urban navigation.

Cycling

Cycling is a way of life in Amsterdam. Renting a bike is highly recommended for an authentic experience and is often the quickest way to get around.

Bike Rental

  • Rental Shops: Numerous rental shops are available throughout the city. Popular chains include:
    • MacBike: Multiple locations, including near Central Station. macbike.nl
    • Yellow Bike: Known for guided tours and rentals. yellowbike.nl
    • Black Bikes: Offers traditional Dutch bikes. black-bikes.com
    • Donkey Republic: App-based bike-sharing system.
  • Rental Costs: Typically range from €10-€18 per day for a basic bike, often with discounts for longer rental periods. Insurance against theft is usually offered for an extra fee and is recommended.

Cycling Tips & Etiquette

  • Stay in designated bike lanes (fietspaden): These are usually reddish-asphalt paths.
  • Follow traffic signals: Bikes have their own traffic lights at many intersections.
  • Signal turns: Extend your arm to indicate your direction.
  • Use bike lights at night: White light at the front, red at the rear. It's mandatory and you can be fined without them.
  • Lock your bike properly: Use at least one sturdy lock (preferably two), attaching the frame and a wheel to a fixed object (bike rack). Bike theft is common.
  • Ring your bell: Use it politely to warn pedestrians or other cyclists if necessary.
  • Be cautious of tram tracks: Cross them at a sharp angle to avoid your wheel getting stuck.
  • Don't use your phone while cycling: It's illegal and dangerous.
  • Give way to traffic from the right at intersections without priority signs (unless on a priority road).

Bike Parking

  • Designated Areas: Use designated bike racks (fietsenrekken) or parking garages (fietsenstallingen).
  • Free Guarded Parking: Many train stations and city locations offer free guarded bike parking for the first 24 hours.
  • Avoid... parking your bike where it obstructs pedestrians or traffic; it may be removed.
  • Fietsflat: The multi-story bike park near Central Station is an attraction in itself.

Walking

Much of central Amsterdam is easily walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must! The historic canal belt is particularly enjoyable on foot.

  • Canal Belt (Grachtengordel): Exploring the main canals (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht) and the smaller connecting streets is a highlight.
  • Free Walking Tours: Several companies offer free (tip-based) walking tours that provide a good orientation to the city.
  • Walking Maps: Available at tourist information centers or downloadable from iamsterdam.com.
  • Canal Numbering System: House numbers along canals can be confusing. Odd and even numbers are usually on opposite sides.
  • Watch for Bikes: Always be aware of cyclists, as they move quickly and often have right of way on bike paths.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available but can be expensive compared to other transport options. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also active in Amsterdam.

  • Official Taxis: Have blue license plates and a roof light with the taxi company's name.
  • Taxi Stands: Found at major transport hubs (Central Station, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein) and hotels. Hailing a taxi on the street is less common; it's better to go to a stand or call one.
  • Taxi Centrale Amsterdam (TCA): One of the largest taxi companies: +31 20 777 7777.
  • Uber: Available through the app; offers various service levels (UberX, Black).
  • Costs: Taxis are metered. Expect a starting fee and per-kilometer/per-minute charges. Rides from Schiphol Airport to the city center can be €45-€60.
  • Payment: Most taxis accept credit cards, but it's good to confirm before starting your journey.

From Schiphol Airport (AMS)

The quickest way to the city center is usually by train, but several options are available:

Train

  • Journey Time: 15-20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal Station.
  • Frequency: Trains run very frequently, every 10-15 minutes during the day and less frequently at night.
  • Cost: Around €5.90 for a one-way second-class ticket (plus a €1 surcharge for disposable tickets).
  • Ticket Purchase: NS (Dutch Railways) ticket machines (yellow with blue top) at Schiphol Plaza, or online via ns.nl or the NS app. You can also use your anonymous OV-chipkaart if it has sufficient credit.
  • Operating Hours: Trains run 24/7, though less frequently late at night.

Airport Express Bus (Bus 397 / Amsterdam Airport Express)

  • Route: Connects Schiphol Airport directly to key locations like Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, and Museumplein. Operated by Connexxion.
  • Journey Time: 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and destination.
  • Frequency: Runs every 8-15 minutes during the day.
  • Cost: Around €6.50 one-way, or €11.75 return. Tickets can be bought from the driver (card only), at the airport's Public Transport Service Desk, or online.

Hotel Shuttles

  • Connexxion Hotel Shuttle (and other private services) offer shared or private transfers to many hotels.
  • Cost: Varies, typically €20-€30 per person for a shared shuttle.
  • Booking: Usually requires advance booking online or through your hotel. Example: schipholhotelshuttle.nl (check if this specific service is still current).

Taxi

  • Journey Time: 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: €45-€60 to most central locations.
  • Official Airport Taxis: Follow signs for the official taxi rank to avoid unlicensed drivers.
  • Uber: Also available from Schiphol.

Rental Cars

  • All major rental companies have desks at Schiphol.
  • Note: Driving and parking in central Amsterdam can be very challenging and expensive. A car is generally not recommended if you're staying within the city.

Amsterdam Travel Cards & Passes

  • I Amsterdam City Card: Includes free entry to many museums and attractions, free public transport (GVB), a canal cruise, and discounts. Available for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. Evaluate based on your itinerary.
  • GVB Multi-Day Tickets: As mentioned above, for unlimited GVB travel for 1-7 days. Does not include entry to attractions.
  • Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT): Offers unlimited travel on GVB transport in Amsterdam, plus trains and buses (Connexxion, EBS) in the wider Amsterdam region, including to/from Schiphol, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Haarlem, and Keukenhof (seasonal). Available for 1, 2, or 3 days.