Tram, bus, metro, ferry, train – Amsterdam has no less than five different modes of public transport just for traveling within the city. It’s understandable that visitors are sometimes intimidated by the variety of options, not to mention the conflicting information about the tickets that are available. (The Netherlands adopted a new smart card for public transport in 2010; outdated sources will still refer to old strippenkaarten or ‘striptease tickets’). While it may all seem pretty intractable on the surface, these tools and tips can help any visitor get to their destination with a minimum of fuss.
What mode of transport to take
The GVB website contains a combined map of the tram, bus, metro and ferry networks, as well as a detailed map of the Central Station area and a special attractions map indicating routes to popular tourist destinations. If that proves to be an information overload, just click 9292 and enter your departure and destination addresses; the website will calculate the route for you. (The site does occasionally propose some winding routes though – if it’s a complicated route with multiple transfers, you may want to double-check the accuracy on the maps provided by GVB.)
Some general rules: the historic center relies mainly on trams for public transport; Both trams and buses operate out of the center. The metro is most useful for fast travel to and between points outside the center (as the center only has four metro stops: Central Station, Nieuwmarkt, Waterlooplein and Weesperplein). Trams and the metro run from 6 am to 12:30 am, buses run 24 hours a day, but special bus lines (the most expensive » Nachtnet «) run between 12:30 and 7:30 A.M. GVB’s five free ferries take visitors to Amsterdam North, the city’s vast district north of the IJ River; The Dutch Railways (NS) train is useful for intercity travel, especially to Schiphol Airport.
How to buy tickets
GVB relies on a smart card, the OV-chipkaart , for payment. There are two types of cards that are more appropriate for visitors: the disposable card and the anonymous card. Both types can be purchased at GVB Tickets & Info point in front of the central station; Maestro cardholders can also use the NS ticket machines inside the train station. (Few automatons take coins; even fewer take bills!)
The disposable OV-chipkaart comes pre-loaded with “travel products”, or subscriptions for unlimited travel for periods of one hour or one to seven days; then the card cannot be reloaded. For visitors with limited mobility, or whose itinerary often takes them to the far reaches of Amsterdam, a one- to seven-day card is a smart choice. (Note that 24-hour cards are also available from tram and bus drivers and conductors.) Travel products are valid for use in Amsterdam only.
For visitors hoping to use public transport only sporadically, it may be worth purchasing an anonymous OV-chipkaart; Although the deposit for these cards is high, the fee per ride is considerably less expensive than the previous unlimited one-hour cards. After about four trips, for example, to the Museum Quarter and Sloten Windmill and vice versa, it is usually the cheapest option. These cards can be reloaded with credit or travel products.
Only unlimited cards from one to seven days (not one hour!) Are valid on Nachtnet , the special bus network that operates between 12:30 and 7:30 am; other cardholders must purchase a one-way ticket at the GVB Tickets & Info point or at the automatic tickets.
GVB ferries to Amsterdam North are free; just go up! Ferry schedules can be found on the GVB website. And last but not least, Dutch Railways (NS) train tickets are available at the service desk and from ticket machines at NS stations. As noted above, these automata accept Maestro credit cards, coins occasionally, and bills rarely. Anonymous OV chipkaart holders who travel on credit (not travel products) can also use their cards with the NS; cards must first be activated for train travel at a NS service desk or on an automatic ticket.
Travelers can register at the electronic card readers in the station lobby or on the platform. The NS website has its own route and fare calculator for domestic train travel.
