Public transport in Amsterdam

Please note: GVB’s network is cashless and requires debit/credit cards, smartphones, or the Iamsterdam City Card to check in and out. From 2025, vending and charging ticket machines at metro, bus and tram stops will be widely removed.

Paying for public transport

Check in and out with OVpay

OVpay is the new way to check in and out of public transport with your debit or credit card or an online ticket on your mobile. Simply hold your card against the card reader on the bus, tram and metro. The system will beep once you have checked in correctly. Be sure to check out with the same card at your destination. For more information, visit the OVpay website. In December 2024, GVB introduced GVB Max, a new product for travelling with a debit/credit card. This ensures that travellers will have unlimited travel with all GVB day lines for a maximum of €10 per day. You do not have to do anything for this; you can just check in and out with your debit card. The amount travelled is automatically debited daily up to a maximum of €10.00. 

Public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart)

In Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, the public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) is a rechargeable card for trams, buses, metros and trains. Residents typically own a personalised card that can be loaded up with credit. However, it is also possible to purchase a non-personalised card that can be reused and recharged with credit at any time.

• Non-personalised cards: Available at GVB ticket machines, GVB Tickets & Info offices, and select newsstands and supermarkets.
• Personalised cards: Available online. Please note that public transport cards provided by Dutch Railways (NS) can also be used on other parts of public transport. These passes require a passport-style photo.

The official OV-Chipkaart website offers helpful, in-depth advice in English, from checking in and out and transfers to public transport companies and detailed explanations about how to recharge your card with credit.

Save money

 There are several ways to travel cheaply (unlimited) in Amsterdam:

• I amsterdam City Card: The I amsterdam City Card includes unlimited use of Amsterdam's public transport network for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours. The card also gives you a discount on museums and attractions.
• GVB Max ensures that travellers have unlimited travel with all GVB day lines for a maximum of €10 per day. You do not have to do anything for this; you can just check in and out with your credit/debit card or smartphone—and make sure you use the same card.
• Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Want to discover everything within the city and the wider Amsterdam Metropolitan Area? The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is an affordable public transport option. It gives you one, two, or three days of unlimited use of all tram, bus, and metro lines of GVB, Connexxion, AllGo, R-net, EBS (including night lines), and NS in Amsterdam and the region.

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Public transport networks

Tram

There is a reliable and frequent tram service across Amsterdam (except for Amsterdam Noord and NDSM), with many routes departing and arriving at Central Station. It is easy to check in and out with a public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) or your credit/debit card or smartphone at the start and end of your journeys (including when you change trams). Buying a ticket on the tram from the conductor is also possible.

Bus

Amsterdam’s extensive bus network connects all neighbourhoods with other city areas and extends into the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The main bus companies include GVB (primarily within Amsterdam), Connexxion (R-Net) and EBS, with many routes operating to and from Amsterdam Central Station. It is easy to check in and out with a public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) or your credit/debit card or smartphone at the start and end of your journeys. You are also required to check out and in when you change buses. 

Metro

Amsterdam's metro system radiates from Central Station to the city's outlying districts. Its four routes are often the fastest way to reach districts like Zuidoost, Amstelveen and Amsterdam Noord. Metro stations are gated by check-in and check-out ports, accessible only with a public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) or your credit/debit card or smartphone at the start and end of your journeys.

Ferry

Amsterdam’s ferries provide essential, free connections for pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds across the River IJ towards Amsterdam Noord. The most popular and best-served ferry route is from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg. Several ferries operate on this short route, meaning you rarely have to wait more than a few minutes to step aboard. This route is also served throughout the night. The other main routes served from Central Station are to NDSM Wharf and to IJplein (a little further east). In the wider Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, other ferry routes cross the North Sea Canal. The North Sea Canal ferry services transport motorised vehicles for a small fee. Click here for GVB's full, interactive map of Amsterdam ferry routes.

Train

Trains provide superb connections with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, but also different parts of the city, other Dutch towns and cities, plus direct connections with Belgium, France and Germany. Amsterdam Central Station is the primary station, providing quick access to the city centre and public transport network. Tickets can be purchased from the yellow ticket machines or customer service desks at stations. For Dutch train schedules, use the online planner or download the mobile apps NS Reisplanner and 9292.

Getting around

Accessible public transport

NS Trains operator offers specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trains, such as Travel Assistance, facilities aboard the train, accurate and thorough travel information, an OV-Begeleiderskaart or a season ticket. Read the full guidance about travelling with a disability here.

Public transport operator GVB can provide specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trams, buses and metro trains. For example, route folders and timetables indicate which transport stops are not wheelchair accessible or which trams and bus services are not equipped with an accessibility ramp. Read the guidance here.

Useful apps

• Plan your trip in advance via 9292 or using detailed interactive maps of the public transport network via the GVB website.
• OVpay is the best way to keep up with your travel costs when checking in and out via your debit card, credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch.