Amsterdam by tram
25 June 2025
Image from Jan de Ridder
Amsterdam by metro
Updated 25 June 2025 at 08:25
Many people don’t realise that underneath Amsterdam’s canals and cobbled streets, there’s a convenient metro service that’ll take you across the city in minutes. Amsterdam's metro system radiates from Central Station to the city's outlying districts. Its five routes are often the fastest way to reach your destination.
Using the Metro in Amsterdam | I amsterdam
Amsterdam metro network
Amsterdam’s metro network, managed by GVB, offers a fast, efficient way to travel across the city and beyond. Five lines connect key areas like Amsterdam Zuid, Noord, Zuidoost, Amstelveen, Sloterdijk, and Diemen, and all routes pass through Amsterdam Central Station.
Check out GVB’s complete network maps here.
How to pay for the metro in Amsterdam
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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.
How much does the metro cost in Amsterdam?
The metro fare rates are calculated based on a base rate plus a cost per kilometre. Find the current GVB prices here. There are various other deals available, including hourly tickets, day tickets, and more.
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.
What time does the Amsterdam metro close?
Metro in Amsterdam operates from 6:00 to 00:30. You can check the schedule on the GVB website here. 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.
Would you like to bring your bike on the metro? This is only allowed outside of rush hour, as long as you pay a separate fee. Check GVB's travel regulations in advance.
Accessible public transport
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. Metro stations typically offer lift access and a wider check-in port for wheelchairs. Read the guidance here.
