Amsterdam
How to pay for public transport in AmsterdamGetting to know the network
Amsterdam's public transport system is efficient, clean, and in harmony with the city's cycling culture. The Dutch public transport network is so well integrated that the instructions in this page actually apply to all cities in the country!
Here is an overview of Amsterdam's public transport system.
If you'd like to read more, refer to this explainer (coming soon!).
| Transport Mode | Validation Method | Pricing Logic | Peak/Off-Peak Fares | Automatic Capping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trams | Tap in and out | Distance-based | No | No |
| Metro | Tap in and out | Distance-based | No | No |
| Buses | Tap in and out | Distance-based | No | No |
| Ferries | No validation | Free | No | No |
| Regional Trains | Tap in and out | Distance-based | Yes | No |
Apps for navigating Amsterdam
- Citymapper (Android & iOS)
- Google Maps (Android & iOS)
- 9292 app (Android & iOS)
- Apple Maps (iOS only)
How to pay
- Your contactless bank card
- OV-chipkaart
- GVB App
- I amsterdam City Card
Contactless bank card
Your contactless bank card is your ticket! You pay by tapping on any OV reader. You can also pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay on your smartphone or smartwatch.
Tips:
- Make sure your bank card is enabled for overseas transactions.
- Make sure there are no hidden currency conversions fees. See below for tips on how to avoid these (coming soon).
- For general guidance on using your contactless bank card as a payment method, see our contactless bank card guide(coming soon).
If you plan on travelling a lot on a monthly basis, you can also link some discounts to your bank card via the GVB App (Android & iOS).
Always tap in and out with your card on the OV readers
OV-chipkaart
The OV-chipkaart is the Netherlands' transport smart card. It is valid on all public transport throughout the country.
There are two types of OV-chipkaart: anonymous and personal.
- Buy your anonymous OV-chipkaart at all NS Ticket Machines with OV-chipkaart logo. You can find NS ticket machines at all Dutch railway stations. You can also buy an OV-chipkaart at most Albert Heijn supermarket outlets.
- Buy your personal OV-chipkaart online. You will most likely need a Dutch bank account for this.
- Frankly, a personal OV-chipkaart is not worth the hassle unless you plan to spend a few months in the NL.
Look out for the pink OV logos in ticket machines
GVB App
GVB is the public transport operator in Amsterdam. This means that tickets will be valid only on GVB services - in practice, all buses and trams within Amsterdam but not trains.
The GVB App (Android & iOS) is handy in case you want to buy group tickets as well as duration-based tickets (eg., 1-hour, 1-day, multiday, etc.).
I amsterdam City Card
The I amsterdam City Card includes unlimited public transport, plus many other perks such as free entry to museums and canal cruises.
Whether this makes sense to you or not will depend on your plans in the city, but I don't think it's worth it just for the public transport.
Airports
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Take any Amsterdam-bound NS train.
Contactless or OV-chipkaart are accepted on all services.
Remember to tap in your card on the OV readers before going down to the platforms
Making the most out of Amsterdam using public transport!
Tram 2: second to none when it comes to sightseeing
Tram 2 takes you through the city's most iconic landmarks, so it's a superb way of getting an overview of Amsterdam. It starts at Amsterdam Centraal, the city's main railway hub, and heads south through the Dam Square, the Leidseplein, and Museumplein before veering south and running parallel to Vondelpark, the city's most famous park.
Tram 2 passes through insanely picturesque neighbourhoods
Free ferry across the IJ!
Perhaps the most attractive element of this ferry is that it's free! This is rather uncommon in Amsterdam, as you'll soon find out...
The ferries to Buiksloterweg and IJplein do also offer some nice views of the city - I particularly enjoy the contrast between the modern buildings and the old seafront houses and wharfs.
Bird's eye view of the ferry as it crosses the IJ river