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Amsterdam by tram

Amsterdam’s iconic trams, with their distinctive blue-and-white design and familiar ringing bell, are a fast and efficient way to travel. Connecting Amsterdam Central Station to outlying neighbourhoods, the tram offers one of the quickest and most convenient ways to explore the city. Learn how to travel by tram in Amsterdam.

Taking the Tram in Amsterdam | I amsterdam

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Amsterdam tram network

Amsterdam’s tram network, managed by GVB, is a fast and reliable way to explore the city, connecting Amsterdam Central Station with neighbourhoods like De Pijp, Jordaan, and Museumplein.

Many of the city's trams terminate at Amsterdam Central Station. There are two tram 'stations' outside the front of Central Station—one on the east side and one on the west side. They are just a short walk apart, and from both areas, trams go towards the city centre before radiating outwards to different neighbourhoods and districts. 

The travel network does not extend past the city limits, so you cannot get to Schiphol airport from Amsterdam by tram; you can only get there by bus or train.

Paying for the tram

A woman goes through the public transport gates at Amsterdam Central Train station.
Image from Creative bros

Check in and out with OVpay

OVpay is a convenient way to check in and out using your contactless debit card, credit card or smartphone. You check in when you board the tram, bus, metro or train and check out when you reach your destination. This does not require advance notice or downloading a separate app. With OVpay, you can travel right away.

Save on public transport

  • I amsterdam City Card: The I amsterdam City Card includes unlimited use of Amsterdam's public transport network for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours. The card also gives you a discount on museums and attractions.
  • Thanks to GVB Max, when you travel with GVB and check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile (OVpay), you pay a maximum of € 10.00 per day. No matter how much you travel. You don't have to do anything else for this.
  • Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Want to discover everything within the city and the wider Amsterdam Metropolitan Area? The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is an affordable public transport option. It gives you one, two, or three days of unlimited use of all tram, bus, and metro lines of GVB, Connexxion, AllGo, R-net, EBS (including night lines), and NS in Amsterdam and the region.
  • The GVB day and multi-day travel tickets are an alternative for checking in and out with your bank card. The tickets provide unlimited travel on all GVB routes, regardless of distance, both day and night. The ticket becomes valid the first time you check in.

Travel advice and maps

  • For detailed travel advice for Amsterdam’s public transport network (and beyond), download the public transport app 9292, or use detailed interactive maps of the public transport network via the GVB website.

Accessible public transport

A person in a wheelchair on the tram in the designated location.
Image from Jan de Ridder

Public transport operator GVB can provide specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trams, buses and metro trains. 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 the guidance here.