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.

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 €7.50. Valid on trams, buses and metros operated by GVB in Amsterdam. For your convenience, you can buy your tickets in advance from the GVB website.

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: €12.50.

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.

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.

Public transport in Amsterdam

Trams

Amsterdam’s trams are suitably distinctive, decked out in blue and white and armed with a famous bell that rings out to attract the attention of any p...

Metro

Amsterdam's metro system radiates from Central Station to the city's outlying districts. Its four routes are often the fastest way to reach districts ...

Bus

Amsterdam’s bus network is extensive, connecting all neighbourhoods with other city areas and extending outwards into the Amsterdam Metropolitan...

Ferries across the IJ

Amsterdam’s ferries provide essential, free connections across the River IJ for pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds. Many of these blue-and-white ferries...

Train

Many people travelling to or from Amsterdam will often make use of the train, which not only provides a superb connection with Amsterdam Airport Schip...

Amsterdam bike tour Museumplein Edwin van Eis

Hire a bike

Cycling is a fun, efficient and easy way of getting around Amsterdam - just like the locals do! Even if you only pedal around for a few hours, riding ...

Public transport passes in Amsterdam

Public transport chip card

In Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used for travel on trams, buses, metros and trains. Resi...