Public transport in Amsterdam: everything you need to know

Amsterdam is compact, well-connected and perfectly suited to public transport. The GVB, the city's transport operator, runs trams, metro lines, buses and free ferries across the city. Whether you are staying at a B&B in Amsterdam-Centrum or Amsterdam De Pijp, every major attraction is just a short ride away.

Tram, metro, bus and ferry: the four main options

The tram is the most visitor-friendly way to get around. Lines 2, 11, 12 and 17 cover the city centre and connect neighbourhoods such as Amsterdam-Jordaan and Amsterdam De Pijp. The metro links the centre with Amsterdam-Oost, Amsterdam-Noord and Amsterdam-Zuidoost via five lines (50 to 54). Buses mainly serve the outer districts and ring roads. The free GVB ferries run between Amsterdam-Centraal and Amsterdam-Noord in just a few minutes.

How to pay: OV-chipkaart, app or contactless

There are three ways to check in and out on the GVB network. The anonymous OV-chipkaart is available at Service Centers on major stations and GVB service points. Load it with a day pass or credit and always check in and out for every journey. Even easier is paying directly with your debit or credit card using contactless payment on the card reader inside the tram or metro. The GVB app offers a digital version of the OV-chipkaart on your phone, which is ideal if you are travelling for several days.

Tickets and fares at a glance

GVB sells single tickets, day passes (valid for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours) and weekly passes. A 24-hour day pass allows unlimited travel on all GVB lines. Visitors staying in Amsterdam for a few days often save money with a multi-day pass compared to single tickets. Ask your B&B host for current fare advice, as prices are updated annually.

Getting from Schiphol to your B&B in Amsterdam

The train is the fastest and cheapest way to travel from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol into the city. Intercity and sprinter trains run every ten to fifteen minutes to Amsterdam Centraal, taking around eighteen minutes. From Amsterdam Centraal, take a tram, metro or bus to your neighbourhood. For example, Amsterdam De Pijp is easily reached via metro line 52 towards Amsterdam Zuid, alighting at De Pijp station. Remember to check in and out with your OV-chipkaart on the train as well.

Cycling as a complement to public transport

Many visitors combine public transport with a hired bicycle. OV-fiets rental bikes, available with an OV-chipkaart, are stationed at almost every major stop. You can quickly reach a neighbourhood by metro and then explore the narrow canal streets of Amsterdam-Jordaan or the wide avenues of Amsterdam-Zuid by bike. Ask your B&B host if there is a bike hire nearby, as many hosts are happy to point you in the right direction.

Tips for a smooth journey

Always check out when you leave a vehicle, otherwise the maximum fare will be deducted from your card. Download the GVB app or 9292 for real-time departure times and route planning. Avoid peak hours between 7 and 9 in the morning and 5 and 7 in the evening if you want a comfortable ride. Ferries to Amsterdam-Noord are free, run day and night and welcome bicycles. Book a B&B in Amsterdam with good transport links and you will be able to explore the city with ease.