Public transport is a very convenient way to move around in the city of Amsterdam. The network of trams, buses, subway and ferries will get you anywhere you need to be in the city. You never have to wait long at a stop as most lines leave frequently (multiple times per hour). The only downside to the public transport system in Amsterdam is the limited availability during night time. During the night, night buses take over from regular trams, trains and subways.
– Please note: since March 2018 cash is no longer accepted in buses and tram lines –
Plan your Amsterdam public transport travel
We strongly recommend using 9292OV for planning your trip in Amsterdam using public transport. It calculates your best options to get from one point to another and takes covers all forms of public transport: tram, bus, subway, ferry and train. To use the planner you can either:
Tickets
Get your GVB tickets for 1 – 7 days via getyourguide.com.
Since a few years, all public transport in the Netherlands uses a digital ticketing system called “OV-chipkaart”. All tickets are equipped with a transponder and should be held against the designated check-in poles at the station, or in the tram or bus. Tickets can be acquired from either vending machines (recommended) or from the drivers on the tram or bus.
The following public transport companies are operating in the area of Amsterdam:
- GVB: Amsterdam’s main company for public transport. All trams, subways and ferries are operated by the GVB. Also the buses that stay within Amsterdam are GVB buses.
- Connexxion: Bus company that operates bus lines that connect the surrounding region to Amsterdam. Among their destinations you’ll find: Zandvoort (Amsterdam Beach), Hilversum, Haarlem and Schiphol Airport.
- NS: Dutch National train company. NS is responsible for all national trains within the area of Amsterdam. One can use the “OV-chipkaart” for travelling by train if credit is above €20,-. There are also disposable tickets available from the vending machines and ticket desks. International trains are often operated by other companies.
As purchasing a ticket every time you get on public transport can turn out expensive, it’s a good idea to determine upfront how many times you will be using public transport. If you ask a bus or tram driver just for a ticket, you’ll be sold the one hour ticket by default. This ticket costs €2,90 GVB and is valid on all GVB operated vehicles for one hour, transfers included.
Day passes for public transport in Amsterdam
If you plan on using public transport more than two times a day it is cheaper to buy a (multiple) day pass for public transport, which grants free unlimited traveling for the duration of the ticket. There are multiple passes available from the vending machines and tickets desks.
| Ticket | Valid for | Price |
| IAmsterdam City Card |
|
1 day €55,-
2 day €65,- 3 day €71,25 4 day €85,- |
| GVB day ticket – via Getyourguide.com |
|
1 day €8,-
2 day €13,50 4 day €24,50 5 day €29,50 6 day €33,50 |
| Amsterdam travel ticket |
|
1 day €16,-
2 day €21,- 3 day €26,- |
| Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket |
|
1 day €18,50
2 day €26,- 3 day €33,50 |
Amsterdam public transport map with tram, ferry, train and subway
In order to have an overview of all the available public transport lines, we advise you to visit 9292ov for travel advice including all forms of public transport available.
Subway map Amsterdam
The Amsterdam subway network is fairly easy compared to other European capitals. At this point, there are only four subway lines to take, check out the subway map below. In Dutch the subway is called ‘Metro’, so follow the metro signs to get to the subway station. In 2018 the new “Noord-Zuid lijn” was opened connecting the North and South of Amsterdam. This new subway line 52 runs all the way from “Amsterdam Zuid” to the northern part of the city, making it unnecessary to take a ferry. It also has a stop at “De Pijp” a popular, upcoming area near the Heineken Experience.
