Amsterdam, The Netherlands

General

Certainly! Amsterdam has a well-developed public transportation system that includes trams, buses, ferries, and trains, making it easy to navigate the city and its surroundings.

  1. Trams: The tram network is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam. There are several lines that cover the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. Trams run frequently, typically every 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the line and time of day.

  2. Buses: Buses complement the tram and train services, connecting areas that are not accessible by tram. They operate throughout the city and also serve the suburbs and surrounding regions.

  3. Metro: Amsterdam has a metro system that primarily serves the outer districts and suburban areas. There are four lines, and while the metro is less commonly used by tourists, it can be a fast way to reach certain neighborhoods.

  4. Ferries: Free ferries operate across the IJ River, connecting the central station to Amsterdam North. These ferries run frequently and provide a scenic way to cross the water.

  5. OV-chipkaart: To use public transportation, you need an OV-chipkaart, a contactless smart card that you can load with credit. You can buy one at train stations, ticket machines, or convenience stores. You’ll need to check in and out when boarding and leaving public transport.

  6. Tickets: You can also buy single tickets, day passes, or multi-day passes for unlimited travel within a specific timeframe. These can be purchased at ticket machines or via the GVB app for trams, buses, and ferries. For trains, tickets can be purchased from NS (Dutch Railways) machines or online.

  7. Bicycles: While not part of the public transportation system, cycling is a huge part of Amsterdam's culture. Many locals and tourists rent bicycles to explore the city.

  8. Accessibility: Many tram and metro stations are equipped with elevators and ramps, although not all services are fully accessible, so it's best to check in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.

Overall, Amsterdam's public transportation system is efficient, reliable, and user-friendly, making it easy to explore the city and beyond.

Subway

Cost

As of October 2023, a single subway ticket in Amsterdam costs €3.20 if purchased from a ticket machine or at a service desk. This ticket is valid for one journey and allows you to transfer between trains, trams, and buses within a specified time period. If you plan to use public transportation multiple times in a day, consider getting an Amsterdam Travel Ticket or a day pass, which can provide more cost-effective options for unlimited travel within a 24-hour period. Always check the latest prices and options, as they can change.

Credit Card

In Amsterdam, you cannot pay for single subway tickets directly with a credit card at ticket machines. However, you can use a credit card to purchase an OV-chipkaart, which is the smart card used for traveling on public transport, including the subway, trams, and buses. Once you have an OV-chipkaart, you can load it with credit using a credit card at various ticket machines or online.

If you're looking for a more flexible option, you can also consider using the contactless payment option available at some machines and on buses and trams, where you can tap your contactless credit card directly to check in and out. Just ensure that your card is compatible with the payment system.

Apple Pay

Yes, you can use Apple Pay to enter and exit the subway in Amsterdam. The city’s public transportation system, including the metro, tram, and bus services, accepts contactless payments through mobile wallets like Apple Pay. Just make sure your payment card is linked to Apple Pay and that it has sufficient balance to cover your fare. When you enter and exit, simply hold your device against the card reader at the gates.