Public transport

Trams, buses, ferries and the metro system

Around one million people use the public transport network of trams, metro, buses and ferries each day in Amsterdam.

The company who takes care that it all runs smoothly is the GVB. For more information, including departure times and routes.

The new PT Smart Card

The PT Smart Card (OV-Chipkaart) is a travel card valid for travel by tram, bus, and metro. Commuters will no longer have to calculate fares based on how many zones they will travel. This function will be taken care of automatically. Cards may be purchased at kiosks, cigar shops, supermarkets and ticket bureaus in Amsterdam and Amstelveen. Please note: the cards are not valid on regional buses or trains (including to/from Schiphol Airport).

The right card for you

The OV-chipkaart can be topped up with credit in euros, or with a single or season ticket. There's three different cards to choose from: anonymous (anonieme), personalised (persoonlijke) and disposable:

• Personalised card - buy online or from your public transport organisation. Costs 7,50 euros and is valid for five years.

• Anonymous card - buy at the ticket office or station vending machines. Costs 7,50 euros and is valid for five years.

• Disposable card - buy at station vending machines or on the tram. Prices vary but card cannot be recharged.

For a comprehensive list of OV-chipkaarts and prices, check GVB.

What is the OV-chipkaart

To activate your OV-chipkaart, simply hold it in front of the yellow card readers. These can be found on all trams, buses and platforms. At metro stations, the machines are part of freestanding pillars. Disposable cards will already be credited but for all other cards, you need sufficient credit or a travel product, such as a season ticket, if you wish to make a journey.

Most importantly: check in and check out. When you start your journey, hold your card up to the reader until a green light appears. A bleep sound will indicate that your card has been read. If you change to another bus/tram/metro, you have to check out (by scanning your card at the machine), and check in again at your next stop. If you forget to check out, the card will no longer be valid and you may risk a fine.

For more information about OV-chipkaarts in English, go to OV-chipkaart.

Train travel

The train is a quick way to travel around the Netherlands with excellent connections to city and regional public transport and to other countries. Dutch trains are, in general, punctual, clean and modern. Trains are run by the Dutch rail company, NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) For more information, including route planner and fares.

Helpful links

Travel Information: "OV 9292"
9292ov.nl (in Dutch only)
Telephone: 0900 9292 (€ 0.70 p/m)

GVB transport company
gvb.nl (also in English)
Customer service: 0900 8011

NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
ns.nl (also in English)
Telephone:0900 9296 (€ 0.35 p/m).