Amsterdam public transport: A complete guide to getting around

Amsterdam public transport is operated by GVB and includes trams, metro, buses, and ferries. You can pay for all of these transport modes with a contactless card or phone. Thanks to an efficient transport network, exploring the Dutch capital becomes convenient, and to make it even easier, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to understanding the system, with valuable insights from Laura Galvao, our local Holafly expert.

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Getting around Amsterdam by tram 🚊

Every city has its preferred mode of transport. In Amsterdam, trams are the most common way to navigate the city center. All GVB lines come from Amsterdam Central Station —  convenient if that’s where you’re arriving, especially from the UK. Keep an eye out for passing scenery, as the tram network is the best way to see central Amsterdam. 

In terms of reliability, according to Laura, “trams usually differ a little because it deals with the traffic in the streets like bikes, cars, and construction, but they are still very reliable.” 

Top lines for tourists and sightseeing: 

• Tram line 2: Flower market, Royal Palace, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Stedelijk museum, and passes through all the canals of Amsterdam’s canal belt
• Tram 17: Jordaan district (exploring this neighborhood is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam) and the Anne Frank House 
• Tram 4: Rembrandtplein, Utrechtsestraat, and Frederiksplein

Getting around Amsterdam by metro 🚇

Amsterdam’s metro system is the best option if you want to cover longer distances across the city quickly. There are five lines that offer transit to other districts, train stations, and Amsterdam Noord. 

If you’re headed to areas near Bijlmer ArenA or the city center, the subway is the easiest way to get there. Laura notes that “the metro is very punctual”, making it a great option if you need to get somewhere on time. 

Here are the 5 main metro lines: 

• Line 50: Gein – Isolatorweg
• Line 51: Centraal Station – Westwijk
• Line 52: Zuid – Noord
• Line 53: Centraal Station – Gaasperplas
• Line 55: Centraal Station – Gein

Getting around Amsterdam by bus 🚌

If you need to reach neighborhoods on the outskirts or the rest of Amsterdam’s metropolitan area, go for a bus. Many routes also start or end at Amsterdam Central Station, making it easy to explore as soon as you arrive. 

Amsterdam’s bus system is also operated by GVB and Connexxion and includes regional transport with EBS buses. So, if you’re planning a day trip out of Amsterdam, the EBS buses make things very easy. 

Getting around Amsterdam by ferry ⛴️

In Amsterdam, traveling by water is very common and even convenient; you don’t need to book an expensive cruise to tour the famous canals. The waterfront ferry terminals are located right behind Central Station. 

Laura suggests taking “the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord. It leaves every 10 minutes, and Noord is such a modern, young neighborhood.” 

These GVB ferries across the IJ are also completely free for pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, and scooters, and offer a scenic shortcut towards the north to places like the EYE Filmmuseum or the NSDM Wharf. 

 Here are some popular routes for visitors: 

• Line F3 Buiksloterwegveer: EYE Filmmuseum and the Tolhuistuin Pavilion 
• Line F4 to NDSM shipyard: Free sightseeing tour of the harbor and Start Museum

Getting around Amsterdam by bike 🚲

“Cycling is the most common and most used mode of transportation in the Netherlands. “We have bike lanes everywhere, and it is usually the fastest way to reach anywhere in the city.” 

In fact, there are 880,000 bicycles available for just 820,000 residents, which means Amsterdam has more bikes than people. Bicycle-related items, such as colorful bells, are among the most popular Amsterdam souvenirs. Cycling in Amsterdam is definitely a must-do experience, even if it’s just for a short distance. 

However, if you’re not a confident cyclist, biking might not be the best mode of transport for you. Laura shares: “The biggest mistake is not paying attention to the bike lanes in the city center and getting honked at. Always be aware, as there are bikes everywhere, and we have the right of way most times.”

You’ll find local bike rental options throughout the city, and Laura suggests choosing short-term rentals from local shops instead of the yellow public transport bikes. 

Getting around Amsterdam by taxi and ride-hailing app 🚕

Amsterdam’s public transportation is so comprehensive that most of the time, you won’t even need to consider a private ride. However, in certain cases, getting a car can be more convenient. 

Uber and Bolt are the two main ride-hailing apps in the city. “Bolt is similar to Uber and with lower prices sometimes,” Laura points out.

Traditional street taxis are also available at designated points near train stations and hotels, but are often more expensive. Having reliable mobile internet and using ride-hailing apps offers better transparency before you even step into the car.

Amsterdam public transport tickets and passes

The most common payment method for Amsterdam’s public transport is OVpay, which lets you tap in and out with a contactless debit or credit card, or via Apple Wallet or Google Pay on your phone. 

You won’t need a physical SIM card, and the system calculates your total fare based on the distance traveled. 

Laura emphasizes, “The most important thing is that here we always have to check in and check out. You tap your card when you go in, and then upon exit, you tap out so it charges you per distance.“

If you forget to tap out, you’ll be charged for a longer journey and face a standard penalty deposit fare. Here are some tourist-friendly Amsterdam public transport passes and ticket types: 

• GVB Max: You won’t have to purchase a separate ticket for this. If you travel with any GVB-operated transport and check in and out with the same card or OVpay, you’ll pay a maximum of €10.50 per day, no matter how much you travel. Just make sure to tap in and out. 
• GVB Multi-Day Tickets: These public transport tickets offer longer validity, ranging from 2 to 7 days, and can bring down travel costs. 
• Barcode ticket: You can purchase these electronic tickets on the GVB app and scan them via your phone at metro stations or on GVB buses, if you don’t use Apple/Google Pay. 
• I amsterdam City Card: This includes unlimited use of Amsterdam’s public transport network for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours and offers discounts on museums and attractions. 
• Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: If you want to explore further regions, such as the windmills at Zaanse Schans or the North Sea Canal, these Amsterdam travel tickets offer unlimited use across regional companies. 

Amsterdam public transport tips for visitors

To keep your public transport journeys as smooth as possible, here are some practical tips:

• Always check in and out: This applies to every single journey and transport mode. Hold the same card you checked in with to the reader when checking out. 
• Navigate around rush hour: Laura notes, “Between 8 and 9 in the morning and between 17 and 18 in the afternoon is rush hour, so public transport is really full. The bike lanes get even worse, so avoid those times if cycling.”
• The Nighttime safety level is high, but stay alert: Amsterdam is very safe, even if you’re catching a late-night bus or simply walking back to your hotel. Laura shares she feels “safe no matter the time of the day or night. But it is always important to be aware of your surroundings.”
• Download a local route planner: Download the official GVB app, 9292, or use Google Maps to track live transport schedules, route connections, and platform changes in real time. 
• Stay online: Having reliable mobile data is essential for navigating public transport, especially in a new city.

Stay connected while getting around Amsterdam with Holafly

Navigating a foreign public transport system becomes easier when you don’t have to rely on spotty or expensive internet connections. When you need to check a tram delay, look up the next departure on 9292, or find a great place to eat, a reliable and strong connection keeps you moving. 

Holafly’s eSIM for the Netherlands offers exactly this and more, and lets you activate it the moment you land at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or arrive at Centraal Station.  You can get unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, 5G speeds, and flexible eSIM plans. 

Holafly also offers 1 GB of Always On monthly backup data with every eSIM plan at no extra cost. Keep your eSIM installed after your plan expires to receive extra data each month during times of uncertainty. 

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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