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

  • OV-chipkaart: The primary payment system...
    • Anonymous OV-chipkaart...
    • Personal OV-chipkaart...
    • Disposable cards...
  • Where to buy...
  • Check-in/Check-out...

Trams

  • Amsterdam's iconic trams...
  • Key lines for tourists...
  • Hours...
  • Frequency...

Buses

  • Cover areas where trams don't reach...
  • Night buses...
  • Bus stops have electronic displays...

Metro

  • Five lines (numbered 50-54)...
  • Particularly useful for reaching Amsterdam Zuid...
  • Fast and frequent service...

Ferries

  • Free ferries run from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station...
  • Most popular routes...
  • No tickets required...
  • Great way to see the city...

Route Planning

  • GVB App...
  • 9292...
  • Google Maps...

Cycling

Cycling is a way of life in Amsterdam. Renting a bike is highly recommended for an authentic experience.

Bike Rental

Cycling Tips & Etiquette

  • Stay in designated bike lanes...
  • Follow traffic signals...
  • Signal turns...
  • Use bike lights at night...
  • Lock your bike properly...
  • Ring your bell...
  • Be cautious of tram tracks...
  • Don't use your phone while cycling...

Bike Parking

  • Designated Areas...
  • Free Guarded Parking...
  • Avoid...
  • Fietsflat...

Walking

Much of central Amsterdam is easily walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must!

  • Canal Belt...
  • Free Walking Tours...
  • Walking Maps... Available at tourist information centers or downloadable from iamsterdam.com.
  • Canal Numbering System...
  • Watch for Bikes...

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available but can be expensive compared to other transport options.

  • Official Taxis...
  • Taxi Stands...
  • Taxi Centrale Amsterdam (TCA)...
  • Uber...
  • Costs...
  • Payment...

From Schiphol Airport (AMS)

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

Train

  • Journey Time...
  • Frequency...
  • Cost...
  • Ticket Purchase...
  • Operating Hours...

Airport Express Bus (Bus 397)

  • Route...
  • Journey Time...
  • Frequency...
  • Cost...
  • Ticket Purchase...

Hotel Shuttles

Taxi

  • Journey Time...
  • Cost...
  • Official Airport Taxis...
  • Uber...

Rental Cars

  • All major rental companies...
  • Note...

Amsterdam Travel Cards & Passes

  • I Amsterdam City Card...
  • GVB Multi-Day Tickets...
  • Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket...