amsterdam public transport

Getting Around Amsterdam - Public transport

By Anne Delorean

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.

Anne Delorean
Go City Travel Expert

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things to do in amsterdam with teens
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Things to do in Amsterdam for Teens

Teens; the loveable, distracted youth are one of a kind. You may remember being them, but things have changed. Technology has reshaped the teenage landscape and altered the rules of engagement. So, how do you deal with them in the 21st century? Well, by winning their hearts, mind, and attention with the biggest and best entertainment you can find! So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, what are the best things to do for teens in the city? We'll tell you, right now. Including: THIS IS HOLLAND A'DAM LOOKOUT Moco Museum Pancakes Amsterdam Anne Frank House and more!   Nederland, but not as you know it Seeing a city from the ground is one thing, but exploring it from the sky is something else. Have you ever flown over a city like a bird? If you answered yes to that, you might need to speak to someone. Unless, of course, you've already taken a spin on THIS IS HOLLAND! This 5D flight simulation experience lets you soar over the Netherlands, looking down on its most famous landmarks. Even teenagers with remarkably short attention spans won't be able to look away. Thanks to state-of-the-art steam and wind technology, they'll feel the mist on their faces as they skim the ocean's surface. The wind will ruffle their middle parting as they duck and dive through a forest. They'll also learn about the country's past and present, but in a dynamic, exciting way, not a school way. Even if you trick them into the theater, they'll soon discover that learning can, in fact, be fun.   LOOKOUT below Speaking of seeing cities from unique perspectives, teenagers will love looking down on Amsterdam from above. After all, they probably think they're better than the average "old" person, right? Well, their prayers have been answered. Simply take your bundle of trouble up to the 360 Sky Deck at A'DAM LOOKOUT and let them live out their overlord dreams. Dance routines and pouty selfies for all! But if that wasn't enough, there's also 'Over The Edge'. What's that? Well, it's a giant swing that dangles over 320 feet in the air. And, if you're teen is a daring sort, they can sit on it and prove their bravery once and for all. Or, if they don't feel like this death-defying feat, they can hop on a VR rollercoaster through the city, and then learn about Amsterdam's history, thanks to a slew of brilliant interactive exhibits! Whichever challenge they choose to undertake, A'DAM LOOKOUT is easily one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teenagers!   Stencils in the stone Art has changed, there are no two ways about it. And rightfully so - art has always evolved through the centuries. From cave paintings to marble sculptures, art has evolved as we have. Art's current revolution has taken things to the streets, with art staining the very walls we call home. So, if you're teen's into the street art revolution, go get them immersed at the Moco Museum. Curated by none other than Banksy himself, the Moco Museum explores modern-day life through a critical lens. Featuring works from internationally-renowned artists like Damian Hirst, JR, Koons, Kusama, and KAWS, your not-so-little ones will spend a good couple of hours seeing all the sights and sound this eclectic museum has to offer. Plus, phone-savvy teens can even pull out their devices to interact with some exhibits, thanks to augmented reality (or AR). And that's not even mentioning the endless photo ops for the emaciated social following.   Everybody Loves Pancakes It doesn't matter how young or old you are, pancakes are universally loved by everyone. Absolutely everyone. If you don't like pancakes, you're going on the list. The simplest of ingredients combine to create mouth masterpieces. And one of Amsterdam's pancake houses is so good that they named it after the city. That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and your teen will love it. You'll get a free pancake tasting, where they can pick from myriad ingredients and toppings to make their own mouthwatering masterpiece. On us, of course, because we care. And, if one simply isn't enough, grab a table, pull out a menu, and order like a normal customer. Whether it's a morning treat, a midday snack, or a dinner replacement, your teen will dig the pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam. See what we did there? Dig? Yep, we're down. With them. Down with them. Exactly.   A must-visit Memorial On a more serious note, vacations are often fact-finding missions. You learn about another culture, immerse yourself in the local cuisine and customs, and discover a country's history while you're at it. Amsterdam has a lot of history, and not all of it is good. However, there's no denying that the Anne Frank House is worth a visit. Though she didn't live to tell the tale, Anne Frank's diary offered the world a candid view into the lives of Jewish people who struggled during the German occupation. Anne Frank was a teen herself when she hid, so it's easy for fellow teens to relate to the everyday struggles she faced on top of the very real threat to her life. In the house itself, they can learn about the family, their history, and the people that helped them hide. Easily one of the most thought-provoking things to do in Amsterdam for teens.   Nothing but the classics Even if street art is the de facto art form these days, nothing quite beats the classics. And if you want your fill of 8,000 classic artistic artifacts, head to the Netherlands' most famous museum - the Rijksmuseum. Discover famous masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including masterworks from Hals, Steen, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Show your young one how they did it way back when, and brace yourself for multiple age-related jokes. It's okay; after the first barrage, they'll subside. The art speaks for itself.   Bright games for brighter minds And finally, we end our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teens with some fun and games. And not just any games, but arcade games. At the TonTon Club, they'll discover a world of digital giggles. These days, every young person likely plays some videogames, so let them loose and try to keep up. They'll find classic arcade hits, more modern gems, and even just regular games like Mario Kart on offer. Buy them up some tokens and let them do their thing. Trust us, they'll appreciate it. And that was our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teens! We hope they enjoy their vacation as much as you do.
Dom Bewley
Amsterdam's Munttoren behind a canal
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Amsterdam in July

At the height of summer, Amsterdam in July positively oozes life and culture. Some of the largest crowds flock to the capital over the summer period to bask in the Dutch sun and explore the city’s cultural hubs, hedonistic pleasures and world-famous nightlife scene. So long as you’re prepared to put up with larger queues and busier streets, a trip in summer is sure to be a thrilling one. Visiting Amsterdam in July Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day It likely comes as little surprise that visiting Amsterdam in July – and just about anywhere else in Europe around this time – will land you amid one of the city’s most bustling periods. The Dutch capital positively brims with life throughout summer, as the waves of families and vacationers flock to see just what the country’s cultural center has to offer. Naturally, this comes at the cost of sharing the city with many more tourists than during the low season. Lines for attractions are likely to be longer, and accommodation rates will be at their highest. However, that also allows the nightlife scene to really come into its own, and the city as a whole will have a much more electric atmosphere. Your trip to Amsterdam in July will likely be complemented by overall mild to warm temperatures. While you aren’t guaranteed the same summertime heatwaves of more southern European destinations, July’s climate is prime weather for exploring the iconic streets and squares of the Dutch capital. That being said, it also wouldn’t be a terrible idea to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to Do in July No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in July offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in July Over Het IJ Festival Held on the waterfront of the River IJ in Amsterdam, the 10-day Over Het IJ Festival stands as a combined celebration of theater, art and culture. With the backdrop of Amsterdam’s iconic wharves, piers and shipping containers, the festival offers a variety of theatrical performances, visual arts and interactive installations for visitors to enjoy. The waterfront location allows for visitors to enjoy the festival’s jam-packed program of location-specific shows and activities while enjoying the best of the Dutch summertime weather. The event is publicly accessible for visitors to explore at their leisure, with a variety of delicious food stands and chill spaces scattered around the venue. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Milkshake Festival Organized as a collaboration between two of Amsterdam’s most prominent clubs, Air and Paradiso, the Milkshake Festival is a multi-genre music event built around central themes of inclusion and freedom of expression. The event promotes diversity in every sense of the word, as thousands of music fans flock to enjoy the festival’s many different stages and performances in a safe, open environment. North Sea Jazz Festival The North Sea Jazz Festival is the world’s largest indoor music festival. Hosted in Rotterdam, just over an hour away from Amsterdam by train, the event takes place over three days and features performances from various music genres. Although primarily considered the world’s most important jazz festival, the festival also offers blues, funk, hip hop and world music performances from local and international names both big and small. As many as 70,000 visitors flock to Rotterdam each year to enjoy live music from over 1,000 musicians performing across 15 stages.
Robert Heaney
Windmill and hot hair balloons over a field of tulips
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Outdoor Activities in Amsterdam

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Amsterdam on a particularly clear day, you’ll want to make the very most of the situation. As a city known for its gorgeous waterside architecture and iconic canals, no trip would be complete without giving yourself the chance to really explore its unique streets and squares. What’s more, there’s a plethora of outdoor activities in Amsterdam to help you make the most of a pleasant day. Whether you’re keen to explore some quaint Dutch markets or take a tour upon the city’s famous canals, there’s plenty to do for all types of visitors. Cycle Across the City Home to more bicycles than people, Amsterdam is a city literally built for cycling. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. What’s more, it doesn’t get much more authentically Dutch than exploring the capital on your own pair of wheels. If you’d like to make your visit a more active one, then you can pick up a bike at one of the many rental shops spread throughout the city. You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €10/day at most shops, while some may also offer weekly or hourly packages. Once you’re up and running, why not choose one of the city’s many stunning routes to follow for the day? Cruise Along the Canals Second only to the prevalence of bikes, Amsterdam’s canals are one of the most central symbols of the Dutch capital. Having been built originally for water management, defense and trade purposes, this labyrinth of canals makes up 25% of the city’s total surface area. While they’re certainly pretty to look at and make for a fantastic (if somewhat overdone) photo op, Amsterdam’s waterways are best experienced on the water itself. Naturally, the city is home to a huge boating industry, with countless companies offering all manner of excursions through the canals. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, then a hop-on, hop-off boat could be the ideal transportation for you. But where the city’s boating industry arguably shines brightest is in its canal tours, offering visitors an overview of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, complete with audio commentary to provide unique insights into their cultural and historical significance. Discover the ARTIS Royal Zoo One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden. Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection. Spare a Moment in Nature For a brief escape from the bustling streets of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés. Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year. If you happen to visit Amsterdam during the spring, then you should definitely consider a trip to the nearby town of Lisse. Only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam, Lisse is home to Keukenhof Park, sometimes known as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find the Netherlands’ best display of tulips and other flowers punctuated by the ever so iconic Dutch windmills. Grab Yourself a Bargain Those with a penchant for finding a bargain can rejoice at the fact that Amsterdam is home to over 20 regularly occurring markets. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, antiques or simple bric-a-brac, chances are one of these markets should scratch that shopping itch. For all things food, the Albert Cuyp Market takes place every weekday, as does the Marqt Farmer’s Market (excluding Fridays), while the Nieuwmarkt and Noordermarkt Farmers’ Markets take over on Saturdays with their selection of organic goods. Also popular is the Flower Market, which runs Monday to Saturday and offers a wide selection of rare flowers, seeds, bulbs and gardening equipment. Held each Wednesday and Saturday, the Postzegelmarkt is one for the history buffs, stocking all manner of old coins, medals, stamps and postcards. The Waterlooplein Flea Market is the best stop for antiques and second-hand clothes, open Monday to Saturday and very much open to bartering. For a unique gift, be sure to visit the Boekenmarkt op het Spui, stocking various books, maps, cards and engravings. Explore Another City If you find yourself with a spare day or two and want to see a little more than just Amsterdam, then there are plenty of nearby cities to explore. With most destinations throughout the Netherlands easily reachable within a couple hours by train, it’s perfectly doable to slot some excursions into your itinerary. The fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, Utrecht is often considered Europe’s most beautiful canal city – even overtaking Amsterdam! Known for mixing big city amenities with a provincial atmosphere, the city is home to both medieval architecture and one of the Netherlands’ largest shopping malls, Hoog Catherijne. Utrecht also serves as the embodiment of European café culture, with a vast selection of quirky bars and terraces. Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ chief port town and second-largest city, serving as the country’s main departure and arrival destination for international cruises and cargo ships. Having been heavily bombed during the Second World War, the city is now famous for its wealth of modern architecture, from its cube-shaped houses to its spaceship-like market hall. Particularly popular with younger groups is the city’s thriving nightlife scene, complete with many quirky nightclubs and bars. Home to both the Netherlands’ monarchy, the parliament and many major Dutch companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, The Hague is truly the seat of Dutch business and politics. The city is home to a wealth of royal architecture and palaces, alongside art galleries showcasing the works of Vermeer, Rembdrandt and Andy Warhol.
Robert Heaney

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