Public Transport Amsterdam
Article update March 2022
There are several ways to explore the city. All the main attractions and sites in Amsterdam are within walking-distance. The Centre (especially within the canal ring) is really hard to reach and get through by car. It is easier to use the public transport Amsterdam network connecting all city districts; by taking a train, tram, metro (underground train), bus or ferry. Note that the tram is the most common and easiest way within the city center.
Public Transport Amsterdam Smart Card
Starting around June 2011, the government introduced the ‘OV chipkaart’ (Public Transport smart card) for Amsterdam. Nowadays, this is the one and only way to get around the city. It is an electronic card available for the duration of 24 up to 168 hours. You can buy this card at many hotels, tourist information offices, supermarkets, vending machines and also online if you want to prepare your city trip in advance. With this card you have to check-in and check-out every time when you use a tram, bus or metro. You hop on a tram and instead of handing the ticket to the lady behind the desk, you need to hold it in front of a scanner near the door. Don’t forget to check out when you exit the tram! For the duration of the card, you have unlimited access for trams, buses and metro.
There is also the possibility to buy a one-hour card from the drivers and conductors (if necessary). If you like to travel more outside the city center, it is useful to take a metro or bus. Using the tram is the best way to travel within the city and they run until midnight.
Prices Public Transport 2022 (Amsterdam Only)
Included:
unlimited travel on all GVB trams, buses, metros and ferries inside the city of Amsterdam (day and night)Hours / Days | Price | Hours / Days | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1 hour | EUR 3.20 | 96 hours / 4 days | EUR 25.50 |
24 hours / 1 day | EUR 8.50 | 120 hours / 5 days | EUR 29.50 |
48 hours / 2 days | EUR 14.50 | 144 hours / 6 days | EUR 34.00 |
72 hours / 3 days | EUR 20.00 | 168 hours / 7 days | EUR 37.00 |
Public Transport Smart Card for use in tram, bus and metro |
Prices Public Transport 2022 incl transfer Schiphol Airport – Amsterdam
Included:
unlimited travel on all GVB trams, buses, metros and ferries inside the city of Amsterdam (day and night)Airport Express: round trip transfer included by bus 397 and by night-bus N97 from Central Station to Schiphol Airport
Hours / Days | Price | Hours / Days | Price |
---|---|---|---|
24 hours / 1 day | EUR 20.25 | 120 hours / 5 days | EUR 41.25 |
48 hours / 2 days | EUR 26.25 | 144 hours / 6 days | EUR 45.75 |
72 hours / 3 days | EUR 31.75 | 168 hours / 7 days | EUR 48.75 |
96 hours / 4 days | EUR 37.25 | ||
Public Transport Smart Card for use in tram, bus and metro in Amsterdam including round trip transfer Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station |
Public Transport Amsterdam Cards are also available at:
- driver and conductor (only the 1 hour card & day card / 24 hours)
- Ticket Vending Machines at metro stations (24 to 96 hours)
- VVV offices
various hotels, hostels, camp sites and tourist shops
GWK offices in Amsterdam and at Schiphol
- free public transport with Amsterdam Discount Cards:
Amsterdam Holland Pass
I amsterdam City card
Ferries Free of Charge
To connect the north of Amsterdam with the city center, GVB (the Amsterdam Public Transport Organisation) provides a ferry network with 5 ferry links. The main 3 links start at the central station and connect 3 different locations on the other site of the river IJ. It can be used by passengers, bicycles and mopeds and is free of charge.
On this site of the Amsterdam Central Station, at the same level as the train platforms, the new bus station is situated. It is still under construction, but already in use.
Hello,
we will be visiting Amsterdam from Wed. 17th till Sat. 20th of June.
We are 3 adults (52, 56 and 81 years old). Are there group cards? Is there a discount for elderly?
Thank you for your soonest reply and best regads,
Mónica Nieto
Morning. I’m a person with disability. I’ll visit Amsterdam with my caredriver. Please are there any discounts for me and her about public transport? Thank you so much for your precious support.
I am staying at a hotel in amstelveen in may and need to get transport from the airport and the later into amcterdam city centre . I am staying with three others for two nights so probably need a 62 HR pass for travel but not sure which pass to get and where from. Hope you could help?
I would like to know how to get around with an electric wheelchair. Can a person get on a tram with that? We are planning to arrive by train.