Amsterdam is one of Europe’s easiest cities to navigate, thanks to an efficient, compact and well-connected public transport system.
Whether you’re here for a weekend trip or a longer stay, this guide explains everything about travelling by tram, metro, bus, ferry and train, including tickets, OVpay, routes and insider tips.
Let’s help you explore Amsterdam smoothly, affordably and with zero confusion.
Table of Contents
Why Public Transport Beats Driving in Amsterdam
Driving inside Amsterdam’s historic centre is notoriously difficult:
- Parking is expensive
- Street space is limited
- Many roads are one-way
- Construction and canal deliveries constantly disrupt the flow
- Parking rules are strict and enforced
By contrast, public transport offers:
- Fast & reliable links
- Direct access to all major areas
- Easy transfers
- Affordable daily costs
- Eco-friendly movement
- No parking stress
In short: use public transport, not a car.
Understanding Amsterdam’s Transport Network
The city’s public transport is run mainly by GVB, which operates:
- Trams
- Metro
- City buses
- Ferries
Regional buses and national trains extend your reach beyond Amsterdam.
Here’s how each mode works with corrected, up-to-date details.
1. Trams: Best for the City Centre
Trams are iconic to Amsterdam and perfect for:
- Travelling within the canal ring
- Visiting museums and markets
- Short rides between attractions
- Enjoying street-level scenery
They’re frequent, easy to understand and ideal for first-time visitors.
2. The Metro: Fastest for Longer Distances
Amsterdam has five metro lines:
- M50
- M51
- M52 (North–South line)
- M53
- M54
These lines serve the city beyond the centre, especially:
- Amsterdam Zuid
- Bijlmer / Arena
- Amstelveen
- Amsterdam Noord
Amsterdam’s metro network consists of 39 official metro stations.
If you’re staying outside the canal ring, the metro is usually the fastest option.
3. Buses: Essential for Outer Districts & Late Nights
Buses cover areas where trams and metro don’t go, such as:
- Peripheral neighbourhoods
- Business areas
- Late-night routes
- Certain tourist attractions
They’re especially useful after midnight, when tram and metro frequencies decrease.
4. Ferries: Free, Frequent & Scenic
Ferries cross the IJ behind Central Station and are:
- Free
- Frequent
- Wheelchair and bike-friendly
- Great for sightseeing
Use ferries for:
- A’DAM Lookout
- NDSM Wharf
- Restaurants and bars in Amsterdam Noord
They run all day and late into the night.
5. Trains: For Airport Trips & Day Excursions
Use trains for:
- Schiphol Airport
- Utrecht, Rotterdam, Leiden
- Zaanse Schans, Haarlem and other Dutch cities
Train + tram/metro combos are perfect for full-day trips.
How to Pay for Public Transport in Amsterdam (2025)
Here are the accurate, current ticketing options.
1. OVpay (Contactless Tap In/Out)
This is the easiest option for most visitors.
You can tap your bank card, credit card, phone, or smartwatch to pay.
There is a daily cap, but only for travel on GVB services inside Amsterdam (approx. €10/day).
This cap does NOT apply to:
- Regional buses
- Intercity trains
- Non-GVB operators
Important: Always tap in AND tap out.
2. GVB Day & Multi-Day Tickets (Updated Pricing 2025)
Best for frequent travellers and full sightseeing days.
- 1 day: €9.50
- 2 days: €15.50
- 3 days: €21.50
- 4 days: €27.00
- 5 days: €34.00
- 6 days: €38.50
- 7 days: €42.50
These tickets offer unlimited rides on:
- Trams
- Metro
- Buses
- GVB-operated ferries
Perfect if you’re staying 2–4 days and travelling often.
3. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
Ideal if you plan to travel outside Amsterdam city limits.
Covers:
- Regional buses
- Metro
- Tram
- Train to/from Schiphol
- Popular day trip locations
4. OV-chipkaart (Reusable Card)
Great for long stays, but tourists prefer OVpay or day passes because they’re easier and involve no top-up management.
Which Transport Should You Use? (Decision Guide)
Staying in the city centre: Use trams + walking
Staying in Zuid / Bijlmer / Amstelveen: Use the metro
Visiting Amsterdam Noord: Use the free ferry
Travelling after midnight: Use night buses
Travelling to/from the airport or another city: Use train
Insider Tips for a Smooth Trip
- ALWAYS tap in/out even on trams
- Ferries are free but can get crowded at peak times
- Download route apps (GVB or 9292) for live schedules
- For event days (Ajax matches, concerts), allow extra travel time
- Avoid driving; if needed, use P+R and switch to the metro/tram
- GVB day tickets are best for busy sightseeing days
- OVpay is perfect for light or flexible daily travel
Example Itineraries
City Break (2–3 Days)
Use a 48–72 hour GVB pass and rely on trams and the metro.
Business Trip (Zuidas or Arena Area)
Use M52 or M50/M54 metro lines for rapid connections.
Exploring Noord
Take the free ferry and continue on foot or by bike.
Multiple Day Trips
Use trains + regional tickets for flexibility.
FAQ
1. How do I pay for public transport in Amsterdam?
You can use OVpay by tapping your contactless bank card, credit card or mobile wallet to check in and out on trams, metro and buses. You can also buy GVB day or multi-day passes or use regional tickets if you plan to travel outside the city.
2. Is public transport in Amsterdam easy to use for tourists?
Yes. The network is clear, well-connected and available in English. Trams and metros run frequently, signage is easy to understand, and digital tickets make the system very user-friendly.
3. What’s the best ticket option for a 2–3 day visit?
A 48–72-hour GVB day pass is ideal if you will use the transport frequently. For light travel, OVpay with contactless payment is the most flexible and simple option.
4. Do I need to tap in and out on trams and the metro?
Yes. You must always check in and check out when using OVpay or OV-chipkaart. Forgetting to tap out can result in a higher fare.
5. What’s the best way to reach Amsterdam Noord?
The free ferry behind Central Station is the fastest and easiest way to reach Amsterdam Noord. It runs every few minutes and offers scenic harbour views.
6. Should I drive inside Amsterdam city centre?
No. Parking is expensive and limited, streets are narrow, and many routes are one-way. Public transport, cycling or walking are far more efficient options.
7. Which is better for sightseeing, the tram or the metro?
Trams are best for sightseeing because they run above ground through historic neighbourhoods. Metro is better when speed matters or when travelling to outer districts like Zuid, Bijlmer or Amstelveen.
8. Are Amsterdam’s ferries really free?
Yes. All ferries running from Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam Noord are free to use for pedestrians, cyclists and scooters.
9. How late does public transport run in Amsterdam?
Trams and metro run until late evening, after which night buses operate across the city. Ferries run late, but frequencies vary by route.
10. What’s the cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam?
For short visits, OVpay contactless is the cheapest. For heavy use, GVB multi-day passes offer the best value. Cycling is also inexpensive and very popular.
Conclusion
Amsterdam’s transport network is modern, reliable and one of the easiest ways to explore the city.
With five metro lines, 39 stations, an extensive tram network, free ferries, modern buses and simple ticketing through OVpay, you can travel quickly and comfortably without worrying about traffic or parking.
Use trams for city sights, metro for speed, ferries for fun, and OVpay or GVB passes for affordable travel, and you’ll experience Amsterdam like a local.
Considering driving into the city?
Before you do, take a moment to read our full guide on Free Parking in Amsterdam, including Park & Ride tips and real options that help you avoid high city-centre fees.
It will help you decide whether driving or public transport suits your itinerary best.