Amsterdam is famous for its bicycles, but the public transport network (GVB) is just as efficient, punctual, and easy to use.
During theholidays in Amsterdam, knowing the public transport can make the difference between a quick trip and an exhausting walk in the rain. This guide explains how trams, metro, buses, and ferries work, which tickets are best, and how to navigate.
Why Use Public Transport
Speed:trams and metro bypass traffic.
Coverage:they reach every corner of the city, including the outskirts.
Convenience:useful in the rain, with luggage, or when tired.
Economical:a single ticket is inexpensive, and daily passes are convenient if you make multiple trips.
Modes of Transport
Tram
It is the most iconic and useful mode of transport for tourists. Trams run along all the main streets in the center and connect the Central Station with the outer neighborhoods.
Useful lines:1, 2, 5 (Museumplein, Vondelpark), 13, 14, 17 (Jordaan, Westerpark), 9, 14 (Plantage, Zoo Artis).
Stops:marked by a red-white pole with the number and destinations.
Boarding and alighting:You enter through the front door (you validate your ticket) or through any door if you have a ticket that has already been validated (on some lines). You exit through the back doors by pressing a button.
Timetable:from 6:00 AM to about 1:00 AM. At night (1:00 AM - 6:00 AM) there are night buses.
Subway
It is faster than the tram, but mainly serves the peripheral areas and neighborhoods outside the center. Useful for reaching Noord (via the tunnel under the IJ), Amsterdam Zuid (financial district), Bijlmer (ArenA station), and the east of the city.
Lines:50, 51, 52, 53, 54. The52 line (Noord-Zuidlijn)is the most useful for tourists: it connects Noord (Noorderpark stop) with the center (Rokin, Vijzelgracht, De Pijp) and Zuid.
Stops in the center:Rokin (near the Dam), Vijzelgracht (De Pijp), De Pijp (of the same name station).
Timetable:until about midnight, then night buses.
Buses
They are useful for reaching areas not covered by trams or subways (e.g., Amsterdamse Bos, some parts of Noord). Night buses (night bus, line with N, e.g., N47, N57) replace all other means from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM.
Ferries (Pedestrian and Bicycle)
They arefreefor pedestrians and cyclists. They connect Central Station (north side, IJ exit) with the neighborhoodNoord. The most frequent is toBuiksloterweg(5 minutes, every 5-10 minutes). Other ferries to NDSM (former shipyard) and Distelweg. They operate 24 hours a day (at night at longer intervals).
Tickets and Fares
The system is based on acontactless cardor on time tickets.
Single Ticket (1 hour)
Costs about 3-4 euros and allows you to travel for 60 minutes on all GVB transport (trams, metro, buses, but not trains). It can be purchased:
From the automatic machinesat the metro stations (they accept credit cards).
From the drivers(only on trams, but with a surcharge, cash only? not always).
From GVB offices(Central Station, Zuid).
Not on board the metro(you must validate first).
At the first validation, the ticket marks the time. You must revalidate at each change of transport (but within the hour).
Day Ticket (24h, 48h, 72h)
It is the best option if you plan to take more than 3 rides a day. Indicative costs (subject to change):
24 hours:8-9 euros
48 hours:13-15 euros
72 hours:18-20 euros
96 hours (4 days) and 120 hours (5 days) available.
Allows you to get on and off freely for the entire period on all GVB transport. It can be purchased online, at the automatic machines, or at GVB offices.
The Amsterdam City Card
Includes entry to many museums + unlimited public transport for 24, 48, or 72 hours.It is only worth it if you plan to visit at least 3-4 paid museums.Otherwise, the transport ticket alone is cheaper.
Contactless Payment (OVpay)
Since 2023, it is possible to pay directly with your contactless credit/debit card (or smartphone) by validating at the entrance and exit of each vehicle. The system automatically calculates the best fare (hourly or daily rate). It is the simplest method for tourists.
How to Get Around
GVB App:official, with maps, routes, and real-time schedules.
Google Maps:perfectly integrated with Amsterdam's public transport.
GVB Paper Map:available for free at Central Station.
Signage:at tram stops, there are electronic panels indicating the next departures.
Practical Tips
Always validate your ticket(otherwise a fine of 50-60 euros).
Keep your ticket handyfor inspectors (in plain clothes or uniform).
Board and disembark quickly:trams do not wait.
Do not stand in front of the doorsto let passengers disembark first.
Bicycles:are not allowed on trams and buses (except for folding bikes). On the subway, only outside peak hours and with a supplement.
Luggage:allowed, but not bulky. There is no storage.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Public Transport in Amsterdam
What is the cheapest way to get around using public transport in Amsterdam?
Thedaily ticket (24h)is worth it if you make more than 3 trips a day. If you only make 1-2 trips, thehourly ticket(1 hour) is cheaper. Thecontactless payment(OVpay) is the most flexible and often automatically applies the best fare.
Are trams wheelchair accessible?
Yes, most new trams (lines 5, 12, 24, etc.) have a low floor and a ramp for access. The stop must be requested from the driver. Some historic trams (line 1? no longer) are not accessible. Check the GVB website.
Can I bring my dog on public transport?
Yes, small and medium-sized dogs are allowed for free, but they must be on a leash and not occupy a seat. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are always allowed.
Are the ferries to Noord really free?
Yes, the pedestrian and bicycle ferries that depart from the north side of Central Station (Buiksloterweg, NDSM, Distelweg) arecompletely free. No ticket is needed. Car ferries are paid.
Does public transport operate at night?
Yes, but with reduced service. From 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM, thenight bus (N-lines)replace trams and metro. They have different routes and limited stops. The day ticket is also valid on the night buses (no additional ticket needed). Night trains to the airport and nearby cities are separate (NS).
What happens if I forget to validate my ticket?
If you board without validating (or without validating the day ticket on the first ride), you are considered to be without a ticket. The fine is about 50-60 euros. Inspectors are frequent.
Do children pay for a ticket?
Children under 4 years old travel for free. From 4 to 11 years old, they pay a reduced fare (children's day ticket or reduced hourly ticket). There is aday ticket for children (4-11 years old)for about 4 euros.
Public Transport in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's public transport is an excellent alternative to cycling, especially for short stays, in bad weather, or to reach more distant areas. With a day ticket or contactless payment, you can move around freely without worries. During theholidays in Amsterdam, combine trams, metro, and ferries: you will discover the city in a comfortable, fast, and authentic way.
To plan every trip and discover all the attractions of the Dutch capital, read our complete guide to Amsterdam.
Revision date:November 15, 2025