Getting Around Amsterdam

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Robert Heaney
Tram passing in front of the Rijksmuseum

Often dubbed one of the greatest of the world’s small cities, Amsterdam is not a particularly monstrous city. Indeed, with a footprint of just a little over three square miles, the city center could quite easily be covered in a day on foot alone. And yet, the city is often recognized for having some of the best transport infrastructure in Europe.

From the emblematic canals delightfully splitting up the Dutch capital’s neighborhoods to its famous tram system covering just about all of the city, there’s a capable range of options for getting around Amsterdam to help you explore the city on your own terms.

Public Transport

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Bus

Amsterdam boasts an extensive network of buses servicing both the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods. Operated by three companies – GVB, Connexxion and EBS – Amsterdam’s buses offer a reliable means of getting across the city fast, with many routes servicing stops close to key social hubs and attractions.

The city also operates twelve night bus routes to help you get around while exploring the city’s famous nightlife scene. Each of these routes helps to connect the city center with the surrounding suburbs, and buses typically depart every 30 minutes between midnight and 7AM.

Tram

Second only to bicycles, trams are perhaps the most recognizable mode of transport in Amsterdam. Connecting Amsterdam Central Station to the city’s many key areas and further neighborhoods, Lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 13 and 17 are typically your best bet for getting around the city. Depending on the day and time, the frequency of trams will vary, typically arriving every 5 – 10 minutes.

Metro

The Amsterdam Metro system offers an alternative means of traversing the central spine of the city and accessing the outer suburbs. Operating across five lines and servicing a total of 39 stops, the Metro offers the fastest and most efficient means of crossing through the city, passing through all major business and office districts alongside many train stations.

Operating Times

The three modes of public transport that make up the transport infrastructure of Amsterdam all operate on roughly the same schedule and ticketing service. The majority of services begin operations at 6AM and will typically continue until 12:30AM the following morning.

Tickets & Passes

Tickets and passes are wholly dependent on how long you intend to stay in Amsterdam and how often you plan to use public transport. For casual use, single and return tickets are available on all services on demand. You can also purchase passes which allow for unlimited travel for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, offering slightly discounted rates as long as you get plenty of use from them.

If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than three days, then your best bet would be to purchase and top-up an OV-chipkaart from any major transport hub. This pass is heavily used by locals and can simply be scanned whenever you hop on your transport of choice.

On the Water

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Amsterdam’s canals are more than just an iconic photo op. Originally serving as means of water management, defense and facilitating trade, the labyrinth of canals accounts for 25% of the city’s surface area. Most of the traffic on the canals now consists of pleasure sailing, both private and commercial.

If you’re looking for a unique means of getting around the city, there’s a plethora of boat tours available at your convenience to get you from A to B with a little local insight thrown into the mix. Alternatively, it’s also fairly simple to rent a boat for yourself, whether it be a manual pedal-boat, a small capacity electric boat or a full-sized barge for you and your friends.

Cycling

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You may have heard it said that Amsterdam is home to more bicycles than people, and that’s no simple exaggeration. With roughly 1.1 bikes to each resident, it’s plain to see that the locals readily uphold the age-old image of the Dutch cycling nation.

With over half of Amsterdam’s 800,000 residents relying on their bicycles as their daily mode of transport, it should come as no surprise that the city caters heavily to their preferences. In fact, with over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around.

To capitalize on this trend, there is now a huge selection of bike rental stores dotted throughout the city. You should expect to pay somewhere in the range of €10/day for rentals. If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than a month, then purchasing a second-hand bike is a much more cost-effective option, with many going for between €50 and €200. Avoid buying bicycles on the street from unverified vendors, as these are likely to have been stolen and can land you in a lot of trouble.

Cycling Safety

Be sure to exercise some basic cycling safety and etiquette if you choose to ride in Amsterdam.

  • Stick to roads and dedicated cycle lanes.
  • Keep to the right-hand side and leave space for other cyclists.
  • Make sure you have working front and rear lights when riding at night.
  • Observe other cyclists’ body language to anticipate their actions and signal your own.
  • If you intend to use your phone for directions, make sure to use a legal handlebar mount.
  • Cyclists should overtake each other on the left, but can overtake other vehicles on the right.
  • Only ring your bell when necessary.
  • Always stow your bike in dedicated spaces and ensure you use a reliable lock.

Taxi

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While road traffic is fairly minimal in Amsterdam, that can be quite the boon for those who need to get themselves across the city fast. Whether you’re looking for airport transfers or need to make it to an event quickly, taxis can be your best friend. Most taxis are regulated by the municipality to charge pre-set rates, so you should never have to face a surprise fee for your journey.

Like in most cities, you'll find taxi ranks at the airport and most major transport hubs. Taxis can also be ordered at your convenience by calling up your chosen taxi firm, or you can make a booking via the TCA app. Alternatively, the likes of Uber and Bolt also operate in Amsterdam.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Snowed-covered bicycle leaning against a bridge over an Amsterdam canal
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Amsterdam in December

Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in December, you’ll find the city transformed in an embrace of the festive season. You’ll see the streets decorated with all manner of lights and holiday displays, and many of the city’s key squares become host to a number of festivals and markets. Visiting Amsterdam in December Average Temperature: 36 - 43°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/month • Average Sunshine: 1 hour/day While many other cities see a significant dip in tourism by the winter period, this is not so much the case for Amsterdam. In contrast to destinations like Barcelona, where much of their appeal is dependent on their peak summertime weather, Amsterdam’s charm comes entirely from its evergreen historical and cultural value. Of course, you can still expect a noticeable drop in visitors, with many tourists and families visiting exclusively in summer. Naturally, that also means you may benefit from lower accommodation than in summer. However, Amsterdam in December is far from quiet, particularly given its festive appeal around the holiday season. Amsterdam’s festive appeal comes in part from the weather in December. With average temperatures resting between 36°F and 43°F, you can expect a winter chill, but little chance of snow. Be sure to pack both warm and waterproof clothing, as you’re likely to encounter at least one day of rain per week. Things to Do in December Pair the colder and wetter weather with limited sunshine and shorter days, and you’ve got a recipe ideal for either embracing the outdoor winter spirit or keeping warm indoors. Fortunately, Amsterdam caters to both preferences in droves. Those looking for a piece of Amsterdam’s famous holiday festivities should head to Ice*Amsterdam on the Museumplein. Between mid-November and January, this popular square transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, with an impressive ice-skating rink at its core. You’ll also find a number of market stalls and festive bars where you can grab a cup of hot chocolate and a winter snack. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, then the Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the event for you. Complete with fairground rides, ice-skating rinks, snow tubing and cross-country skiing across real snow, as well as all of the market stalls and carnival games you’d expect from any Christmas event, this is an event for all ages to enjoy. If you’d prefer to keep warm and dry, then Amsterdam’s wealth of renowned museums should be more than enough to keep you busy. Explore more than 8,000 artworks and historical artefacts at the Rijksmuseum, and awe at the 1,400-strong collection of Van Gogh’s works at the Van Gogh Museum. Or for your modern art fix, head to the MOCO Museum to discover the popular works of Banksy and his contemporaries. Events in December Sinterklaas Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in the first week of December, you’ll be instantly aware of the ongoing festivities taking place throughout the city. In the lead-up to Sinterklaas on December 5, the Netherlands is host to a series of parades welcoming Sinterklaas himself (Saint Nicholas) to the country. You’ll find stores filled to the brim with all manner of Sinterklaas-themed treats alongside all of the other festive fare. Among the most common of these are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes. If you get the chance, be sure to attend one of the festive parades, where Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Pieten (Peters), greet the onlooking families and visitors by throwing candies and treats out to the crowds. Don’t fret if you don’t have anybody to celebrate with on the day of Sinterklaas, as it isn’t a public holiday, so most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open if you want to share in the festivities! Christmas Markets As you’d expect from just about any major European city, Amsterdam is no stranger to its fair share of festive events and Christmas markets. If you’re looking for traditional markets, then the Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is the event for you, offering just about everything you’d expect – mulled wine, local artisan crafts and unique festive gifts galore. In the same vein, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market also offers up two festive-themed editions of its Westergasfabriek market throughout December. The first runs alongside or slightly ahead of Sinterklaas, and the other takes place shortly before Christmas Day. Alongside their regular assortment of stalls, these editions of the Sunday market are also host to various holiday treats and gifts made by local artists and designers. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with impressive light displays by designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city. One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals. New Year’s Eve As one of the most popular European cities for tourists to ring in the new year, Amsterdam offers a whole host of events to cater for all manner of preferences. You’ll find everything from black tie events to buzzing raves to rooftop parties taking place throughout the city. Many restaurants and bars also offer special bookings as a more intimate way to see out the year. Among some of the most widespread New Year’s traditions in the Netherlands is the consumption of oliebollen (fried dough balls) dipped in icing sugar and washed down with a hearty glass of champagne. You’ll find street stalls selling these treats all over Amsterdam on December 31. If you’re feeling really adventurous, head to the likes of Zandvoort aan Zee just west of Amsterdam early on January 1, where thousands of locals and visitors alike get ready to take part in the New Year Swim in the North Sea. This freezing dip is considered a refreshing way to celebrate the New Year, after which you can grab a hot cup of pea soup to restore your shivering spirits.
Robert Heaney
New Year's Eve fireworks over Amsterdam
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New Year's Eve in Amsterdam - Things to do

New Year’s Eve is a magical time in Amsterdam. Trees festooned with fairy lights glitter along the canal paths, the streets are filled with happy people munching traditional oliebollen (little Dutch donuts), and fireworks light the sky from morning till midnight, and indeed beyond. It’s party central here, with dozens of club nights, warehouse raves and unofficial street parties taking place right across town, and you’re never far from the fun.  Pro-tip: don’t go anywhere in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve without a booking. Make reservations for dinner and book ahead for any ticketed events. Oh, and be sure to sort your accommodation well in advance if you don’t want to end up paying top dollar for some suburban shack miles from the action. With that in mind, dive in for our whistlestop guide to spending New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam: Things to Do in the Morning That old saw about the early bird catching the worm has perhaps never been truer than when sightseeing in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. Our advice? Rise with the lark and be prepared for attractions to close early (or indeed not open at all). This is a great time to see Amsterdam from the water on a classic cruise, with Christmas lights shimmering and rippling across the surface of the canal as you sail serenely past landmarks including Anne Frank’s House and the Westerkerk. At this time of year, there will also be cruises specifically designed to route past highlights of the enchanting Amsterdam Light Festival (of which more later). Amsterdam isn’t short of a museum or two either. The Rijksmuseum – five floors of European masterpieces including Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s Night Watch – is certainly the most essential. But there are plenty of weird and wonderful alternatives if you’re just not that into staring at old paintings. Hit up the Amsterdam Tulip Museum for a fragrant dive into one of the country’s national emblems. Peruse the private collection of one of the most dedicated pipe enthusiasts on the planet. You’ll be feline just fine at cat-crazy KattenKabinet and you can check out art of a more contemporary stripe at the bleeding-edge Moco Museum.  Staying in town a little longer? Consider an attraction pass from Go City to save $$$ on things to do in Amsterdam, including top tours, attractions, activities and more. Afternoon: Seasonal Events in Amsterdam There are two essential activities to get involved in when spending New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. First up: the humble oliebol. This scrumptious little Dutch snack literally translates as ‘oil ball’, so you just know it’s not going to be a health food. You’ll find street vendors hawking these fried dough balls dusted with sugar on every square, by every canal and on every street corner. Well, almost. They’re a favorite festive snack of the Dutch so expect queues that only get longer as the day progresses. It’s also customary to stuff your face with handfuls of oliebollen at midnight on New Year’s Eve, so while this afternoon oliebol might be your first, we can guarantee it won’t be your last. This tasty tradition is said to ward off evil spirits so, if you need to justify that second bagful to yourself, now you can! Look out too for the oliebol’s fruitier cousin, the appelbeignet, also available just about everywhere in Amsterdam at this time of year. It gets dark early in Amsterdam in December – perfect timing, in other words, for the visual extravaganza that is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Brightening the long Dutch winter between December and January, this eye-popping open museum of illuminated artworks and installations takes place in and around Amsterdam’s historic center and includes unique pieces by contemporary designers, artists and architects from the Netherlands and beyond. Join a guided walking tour or take a gentle stroll around the exhibits at your own pace. Simply wait until the sun starts to set and follow the light…  Evening: New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam What you’ll also have noticed is that, come dusk, there are firecrackers, rockets and roman candles going off everywhere. Amsterdam’s fireworks laws are, shall we say, more relaxed than other parts of the world, so don’t be surprised to see kids and adults setting them off in the street. Fear factor aside, it makes for quite the spectacle, especially as the clock ticks inexorably towards midnight. It also means you can skip the official midnight display – usually held at the Kop van Java – because, trust us, you can see fireworks literally everywhere already. In fact, you’ll likely see some of the very best on the banks of the Amstel, as locals go wild with their own colorful launches. The Dutch dress to the nines for New Year’s Eve, so no slouching in baggy pants and sweaters! Bust out the glad rags and glam it up for a night out at some of Amsterdam’s glitziest addresses. Start with one of the decadent dinner packages at the likes of the opulent Grand Café Krasnapolsky or the Michelin-starred White Room. These and many other flashy (and not so flashy) Amsterdam restaurants offer multi-course packages that come (more often than not) with a glass of fizz to toast the New Year at midnight. And remember: advance booking is essential! There will be literally hundreds of club nights and parties to choose from in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. Dance yourself dizzy at Madam on the 20th floor of the iconic A’DAM Tower (Amsterdam’s highest nightclub, no less), shimmy the night away at the annual Awakenings bash at Gashouder, or just hit up the nearest public square. You’ll find some of the best unofficial New Year’s parties taking place on Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. Don’t forget to bid fellow revelers a hearty ‘Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!' through mouthfuls of oliebollen as the bells peal out. And Finally… It’s the morning after the night before, so what could be more natural than joining thousands of brave Dutch men and women in the time-honored tradition of dashing into the icy waters of Zandvoort aan Zee. Anyone can take part in this crazy New Year’s Day activity – you just need to register online first. Shivering participants are rewarded afterwards with a certificate and a much-needed cup of hot pea soup. Enjoy! Save on activities and attractions in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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A Guide to King’s Day | Amsterdam Pass

Guide to King's Day in Amstedam A Kings Day Amsterdam experience should be on everyone’s bucket list and here’s why Visiting Amsterdam during Kings Day (Koningsdag) will be a time to remember, guaranteed. Join in the national celebrations as locals and tourists alike gather for the biggest street party of the year and carry on the festivities in local pubs and bars when the sun goes down. The best bit – you’ll never have seen so much orange in your life! Amsterdammers are known for their partying, and any stay in the city will offer you countless opportunities for a night out, but the best party of the year is the annual Kings Day which falls on the 27 th April in 2019. For a glimpse of the King and Queen on Kings Day Netherlands locals will also be awaiting the arrival of the royal family at the appointed city. A yearly tradition, the royals take it in turns to visit a different location around the country each birthday. You might catch a glimpse of their appearance on TV. History of Kings Day To set the scene, Kings Day, named after the current head of the royal family King Willem-Alexander, is a celebration of the King’s birthday in 1967. While this date has only been in place since 2014, the tradition dates back over a century when the first Koningsdag (only called Koninginnedag – Queen’s Day) was celebrated in 1885 in honour of Queen Wilhelmina. The exact day it is celebrated may have changed over the years, as well as the royals, but the exuberance and joviality has stayed consistent – if not grown more fervent! As a tribute to the House of Orange-Nassau it’s an unspoken rule that on this day you should dress up in orange - only. Head to toe is encouraged. It’s no small matter, this orange theme. From bright orange attire, to dyed hair and face paint, people sipping on orange-coloured drinks and wearing orange inflatable crowns, with some even dressing up as the king and queen themselves, it really is an occasion to let go of any inhibitions and join in the mass – in orange. Kings Day Celebrations The day’s activities start out civilised and you’ll find the streets bustling in a never-ending jumble sale with residents selling second-hand items called locally, the vrijmark, or free market. If you’re visiting this vibrant capital with your kids, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, too, with street games, face painting and the free family-friendly Bredeweg Festival in the Oost District, which has fairground rides and performances taking place over the weekend. The streets will be packed full of nationals and tourists alike joining in on the festivities and it doesn’t stop there. Head to the canals for a big daytime dance party and to witness thousands of boats, decorated for the event. If you can’t manage to get onto a boat (usually its VIP only) try and squeeze onto the bridges for the best view. If big crowds aren’t your thing – and it’s no exaggeration, these crowds are big; thousands come in from towns and cities around the country to the capital – use this time to visit the handful of museums that aren’t closed on this historic day. It’s actually one of the best times to visit Anne Frank Huis , usually one of the sights with the longest queues, as well as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum in the Museumplein. You can still show solidarity by turning up in orange, though. To fully make the most of your Kings Day Amsterdam experience, there will be plenty of opportunities to party from day and well into the night. While most of the street parties and activities kick off around midday, head to Westerstraat, Prinsengracht or Reguliersdwarsstraat once things wind down. This national holiday is a great time to see big name DJs headlining at the clubs, or just enjoy the high spirits with some Dutch craft beer, well into the early hours, with your new local friends. If all of that seems a bit overwhelming and you’re not quite sure what you’ll end up doing when the time comes, download the Kings Day App when you get there, where you’ll find all the up-to-date information on the day. It’s no small feat, this fun-filled event feels more like a festival than a national holiday! Tip: accommodation will book up fast during this weekend, so it is advised to book well in advance to ensure you get a room. Also, note that most businesses and services around the city will be closed on the 27 th April as it is a public holiday. Public transport is also affected and routes may be altered.
Go City Expert

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