Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities in Europe to get around without a car. This guide explains how to pay for public transport, when a day ticket saves money, how to get from Schiphol to the centre and how to cycle safely.
Last checked: September 2026
You can pay for every GVB tram, bus and metro, and for NS trains, with a contactless debit or credit card, or with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Hold your card against the reader when you get on and again when you get off. There is no app or registration needed.
A GVB ticket gives unlimited travel on GVB trams, buses, metro and night buses for 24 hours up to 7 days, starting from your first check-in. It usually pays off if you make three or more trips a day. It does not include NS trains, such as the train to Schiphol.
Includes unlimited GVB transport plus free entry to 70+ museums. Worth it if you also plan a busy museum schedule.
Unlimited trams, buses and metro. Pick it up and start travelling whenever you like.
Public transport plus 70+ museums and a canal cruise.
| Option | Journey time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Train (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal | about 15–20 minutes | Frequent trains from the station below the airport, including at night. Tap in with your bank card or buy a ticket at the machine. |
| Train to Amsterdam Zuid | about 10 minutes | Handy for Oud-Zuid, the Museum Quarter and the RAI. Connect to metro line 52 for De Pijp and the centre. |
| Bus 397 to the city centre | about 30–45 minutes | Stops at Museumplein and Leidseplein, useful if your hotel is nearby. |
| Taxi | about 20–30 minutes | Use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals. Agree on or check the meter. |
GVB runs the city network. Trams cover the centre, the metro is fastest to Noord, Zuid and Oost.
Public transport guide →The GVB ferries across the IJ behind Centraal Station are free for pedestrians and cyclists, day and night.
Ferry routes →The local way to travel. Rent for a few hours or a few days, with or without a guide.
Bike rental guide →Official taxis have blue number plates. Use taxi ranks or book via a known company or app.
Taxi guide →Best for trips outside the city. In Amsterdam itself, parking is scarce and expensive; use a P+R.
Car rental guide →The centre is compact: from Centraal Station to the Rijksmuseum is about 35–40 minutes on foot.
Plan your sights →Cycling is the fastest way to get around the centre, but Amsterdam’s bike lanes are busy and locals ride fast. Follow these rules and you will fit right in:
A guided bike tour is a relaxed way to learn the rules and see more in a few hours.
Yes. Tap your contactless debit or credit card, or your phone, on the reader when you board and again when you get off. This works on GVB trams, buses and metro and on NS trains.
Usually if you make three or more trips a day on trams, buses or the metro. It does not cover NS trains, such as the train to Schiphol.
Take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal. It takes about 15–20 minutes and trains run frequently, including at night.
Yes. The GVB ferries across the IJ behind Centraal Station are free for pedestrians and cyclists.
No. Public transport, bikes and walking are faster in the city. Parking is limited and expensive; if you arrive by car, use a P+R car park on the edge of the city.