Public transport in Amsterdam

Unlimited use of Amsterdam public transport with the OV chip card

If you're using public transport in Amsterdam and beyond, the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used for travel on trams, buses and metros. The most convenient option for visitors is a disposable one-hour card or day card (valid for one to seven days). One-hour tickets can be bought from the conductor or driver on the tram or bus. Day tickets can be bought on the tram or purchased in advance. Day cards can not be bought from the driver on the bus. Tickets are valid across the whole network from the first use, allowing you to take as many journeys as you choose within your chosen time-frame.

Paying with cash on public transport

Amsterdam is working towards making public transport completely cashless. Tickets can only be purchased using debit or credit as of 26 March 2018. Cash is no longer accepted on buses and trams. Read more about the developments.

Amsterdam public transport discount & day passes for visitors

Depending on your travel plans and the duration of your stay, there are a number of different Amsterdam public transport passes that are especially valuable for visitors:

I amsterdam City Card: Free entrance to the city's top attractions, plus unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
GVB day passes: Available from 1 to 7 days, with prices starting from €8.50. Valid on trams, buses and metros operated by GVB in Amsterdam. For your convenience, you can use the GVB reisapp. This way you no longer have to go through a ticket machine or a counter.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: 1, 2 or 3 day transport pass valid on all public transport operated by GVB, Connexxion, EBS and NS in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Area, including night buses..
Amsterdam Travel Ticket: An all-in public transport solution valid for one, two or three days. This ticket includes return (2nd class) train travel between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and any station in Amsterdam. Additionally, the ticket is valid for unlimited travel on all trams, buses (including night buses), metro and ferries operated by public transport operator GVB in Amsterdam itself.
Old Holland Tour: An all-in-one ticket giving you unlimited use of bus routes between Amsterdam Central Station, Volendam/Edam and Zaanse Schans for an entire day. Price: €20.

For inspiration on what to visit outside Amsterdam, view the Amsterdam Area map (pdf) of all the attractions and sights within an hour of the city by public transport.

Helpful apps and sites for planning your journey

Before seeing the sights, you may wish to consult the 9292 route planner or GVB website to help you find the quickest and most convenient way to get from A to B. In addition, there are a number of excellent apps available to help you find your way around the city.

Changes to Amsterdam's public transport network

Amsterdam's Noord/Zuidlijn (North/South line) metro route has opened this summer to allow for faster connections between the Station Zuid and Station Noord. Coinciding with the new service, many of the city's bus and tram routes have changed. You can find out more about the planned changes on the GVB website.