Navigating Amsterdam’s Public Transit System

Because Amsterdam has a relatively compact city center with an extensive network of bicycle paths, the best way to get around is on foot or to rent a bike.  Public transit can be crowded, unreliable, expensive, and relatively slow considering the amount of traffic in the city center.  Still, if you have a long distance to travel or are would like a break from relying on your legs to get you around, the public transit network is extensive and will get you to all major tourist destinations.

The public transit system in Amsterdam is run by the GVB, and their blue logo is visible on trams, buses, subway cars and at stops around the city.  Fares are paid with the chip card, a card you purchase from a machine at metro stations or Centraal Station for a one time fee of 5 Euros (these machines take cash and give change).  You will also have to buy additional credit to use to pay for your travels (credit is purchased from the machine at the same time as you purchase the card), and the card can be recharged with credit when you run out.  When you enter the bus, tram or metro station, you swipe your card to open the gate.  When you leave, remember to swipe your card again to sign out; you will be charged for the amount of time spent traveling.

If you don’t plan on using public transport a lot and don’t want to pay 5 Euros for the card, you can get a single ride ticket, which is a 1 hour travel card, for 2.60 Euros.  These can also be purchased from machines at metro stations, or from the little ticket booth on trams and buses.  This is only the cheaper option if you plan on using public transit once or twice; if you plan on using it more, it’s worth looking into getting a card as you’ll make back the 5 Euro card fee in cheaper travel fares rather quickly.

To make everyone’s life easier, when entering a bus or tram, make sure you enter through the correct doors.  Do not enter through the doors with the obvious “Do Not Enter” sign, as these are used for people exiting the vehicle and do not take you to the ticket seller.

An Amsterdam tram approaches its stop.