Amsterdam by bus
Amsterdam’s bus network is extensive, connecting all neighbourhoods with other city areas and extending outwards into the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. For example, visitors heading to the flower strip in spring, towards the beaches of Zandvoort, and to the main historic towns and villages north of Amsterdam can often get around most easily by bus.
Please note: GVB's public transport network is cashless. You can only purchase a ticket or check in with a debit card, credit card or I amsterdam City Card.
Bus routes and tickets
The main bus companies include GVB (operating primarily within Amsterdam), Connexxion (R-Net) and EBS, with many routes operating to and from Amsterdam Central Station. Single-journey tickets or one-hour tickets can typically be purchased, however, it is well worth considering options such as 24-, 48-, 72- or 96-hour tickets (valid on GVB services). Please note that it is no longer possible to buy tickets on any GVB buses, including night buses. Payment by debit or credit card is possible, as well as your public transport chip card.
The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is also an excellent value if you plan to explore the region. All buses have check-in and check-out ports, meaning that travellers in possession of a public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) can travel more cheaply, only paying for the distance actually travelled.
Save on public transport
The I amsterdam City Card gives you unlimited access to public transport in the city (including bus services operated by GVB) combined with free entry to many attractions. A great way to explore nearby cities like Haarlem, historic fishing villages or the flower-bulb region, is to purchase the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (also valid on regional services provided by EBS and Connexxion).
Changes to bus routes
Plan your journey with GVB's full, interactive map of Amsterdam's bus network. For detailed travel advice for all bus networks in the city (including estimated fares), download the public transport app 9292 (Android, OSX, Blackberry and web version).
Accessible public transport
Public transport operator GVB can provide specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trams, buses and metros. For example, route folders and timetables indicate which transport stops are not wheelchair accessible or which trams and bus services are not equipped with an accessibility ramp. Read more about the GVB's accessible public transport policy.
