Public transport in Amsterdam is a way to not only get to work but also to explore the city and see all its attractions. There are 15 tram lines, 43 bus connections, 6 ferry connections and 4 metro lines in Amsterdam.
Since 1 July 2020, COVID-19 rules have been in force, face masks must be worn in public transport. The organisation asks people to avoid rush hours to avoid unnecessary crowding. It is also asked to sit in a seat and keep a distance from other passengers. Masks can be purchased at train and metro stations. Tickets can no longer be purchased on buses and trams, they must be purchased online or at the station.
Information about public transport in Amsterdam can be obtained in person at GVB Tickets&Info. Here you can not only buy travel tickets, but also a map of the public transport network and timetables for all GVB vehicles.
Day and night
Regular trams, buses and metros operate from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. For this reason, night buses have also been introduced, which start at 12:30 a.m. and end around 7 a.m. A different rate applies to the use of night transport than during daytime travel. GVB all-day and multi-day tickets are accepted both during the day and at night. To find out the exact timetables, it is best to ask at the Tickets&Info point for a special folder.
Affordable all-day tickets
Public transport in Amsterdam can be used with an electronic OV-chipkaart. You have to pay money onto the card, which is then used for each journey. If you do not intend to stay in Amsterdam for a longer period, the best option is to choose one- or multi-day tickets, which give you unlimited access to all means of transport. The
one-day GVB ticket is valid for 24 hours from the first login. You can change means of transport as often as you like.
How to travel?
Tram and bus
When using all means of transport in the Netherlands, you are required to log in when entering and then log out when leaving the vehicle. Login involves holding the ticket or OV-chipkaart card on special readers located at the vehicle doors. When logging in, you will hear a single beep and a green light will come on, while when getting off, you will hear a double beep.
Metro
When you arrive at the station, you should hold the OV-chipkaart up to the radar that is built into the metro gates. This will not only log you in, but also open the gate. You should log out the same way when leaving the metro station.
Where can you buy the OV-chipkaart?
The card can be purchased at GVB Tickets&Info points. Single and daily tickets as well as multi-day tickets are also sold at machines at all metro stations.
Entrance doors
To make it easier to get off the tram quickly, the trams in Amsterdam have different markings for the entrance and exit doors. The double black doors at the end of the vehicle and the one right next to the driver are used to enter the vehicle, while all the other doors are used to leave the tram.
Public transport works similarly in other cities in the Netherlands, and the OV-chipkaart is valid throughout the country.