Getting there and around
By plane
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Netherland’s national airport, is situated around 20 km from Amsterdam. You can reach the city from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in just half an hour by train, taxi or hotel shuttle. The Connexxion Amsterdam Tourist Ticket costs € 10,- round trip. The bus takes only 30 minutes from Schiphol Plaza to the centre of Amsterdam (Leidseplein). There are 6 to 8 buses each hour. For more info visit the Schiphol Airport website.
Schiphol train station is located directly underneath the airport. From here trains can take you to Amsterdam Central Station (city centre), Amsterdam Zuid-WTC (World Trade Center) and Amsterdam RAI (Exhibition and Conference Centre RAI). These stations are a maximum of 25 minutes away.
By train
Amsterdam has nine train stations. From every station it is simple to complete your journey with public transport or taxi. For more info visit the Dutch Railway (NS) website.
By car
In order to maintain the livability and accessibility in Amsterdam, the streets within the ring road A10 are a paid parking area. The parking spaces in the city centre are the most expensive. These fees can be rather considerable, as are the fines if the rules are broken. And it's simply not efficient to drive within central areas, as the narrow streets are too busy.
It is recommended to make use of the parking garages and park & ride facilities (link naar pagina met de vijf P+R, zie hieronder) outside of the central area. These offer excellent public transport links which enable you to reach your final destination quickly and efficiently.
Public transport in Amsterdam
Train
Trains in the Netherlands are typically used for longer journeys, either to another town or city, or to travel across Amsterdam. For example, a journey from Central Station to Amsterdam Zuid or World Trade Center will prove more efficient than traveling through the heart of the city.
Trams are common in Amsterdam, with routes heading out from the centre in all directions. Trams are ideal for short journeys around the city centre, as well as for traveling to other districts. More info on the GVB site.
Metro
Amsterdam's metro runs underneath the centre, from Central Station to the outer districts. More info on the GVB site.
Bus
Amsterdam operates a full bus network, which will take you anywhere you have to go. More info on the GVB site.
Night buses
A special network of 12 night buses serves all parts of Amsterdam. The night buses have their own fares structure which differs from the standard daytime fares system. If you are coming to Amsterdam for a night out in the city centre, it is often cheaper and more convenient to park your car at the edge of the city. You can then take a bus, tram or metro into Amsterdam and a night bus back. More info on the GVB site.
Stop/Go - Shuttle service
The Stop/Go is a shuttle service that runs along the Prinsengracht, between the Central Station and the Stadhuis/Muziektheater (Town Hall/Music Theatre) and stops at places where trams and buses don’t. The bus does not have fixed stops. Simply hold out your hand and the bus will stop for you. One-euro tickets are available from the driver. These tickets are valid for one hour, but only on the Stop/Go. You can also use or buy the regular bus/tram tickets on this shuttle bus. Starting point is at the westside of Central Station, near the taxi stand.
I Amsterdam Card
The I Amsterdam Card is the all-in-one pass. A ticket for unlimited travel on all tram, bus and metro (underground) services in Amsterdam for up to three days, plus vouchers worth more than € 90 in discounts for canal cruises, museums and other attractions. Available at GVB Tickets & Info and the Amsterdam Tourist Board, both on Stationsplein in front of Amsterdam Centraal station.
The GVB Tickets & Info desk on the Stationsplein opposite the Central Station can provide you with information on all the possibilities offered by public transport in Amsterdam. The desk also sells transport tickets and has maps and timetables for all Amsterdam bus, tram and metro routes.
Per 27 August 2009 only the chip card and I Amsterdam card are valid in the metro. Buses and trams still accept all other kind of tickets. The public transport chip card is an electronic travel pass of which there are various kinds: rechargeable chip cards, which can be recharged with money and travel products, and disposable chip cards, with a pre-determined validity (e.g. a set number of days or rides). The disposable public transport chip card is sold at all Ticket Vending and Add Value machines at metro stations and at GVB Tickets & Info. The card is also be available in GVB trams and buses.
Behind Central Station, five free ferries hustle their way across the River IJ, transporting passengers to various locations in the north of Amsterdam. Some specialist ferries also travel along the river to other districts of the city.
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at one of more than 50 official taxi ranks located around the city. The ranks, identifiable by blue boards, can be found near to tourist spots such as the Dam, Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.
Cycling is the most logical method to travel. The 17th century city centre isn’t really suitable for cars. The small streets and canals are most equipped for pedestrians, and cyclists. And if you add up all the cycling paths - with a total length of 400 kilometres - it is obvious that Amsterdam is a real cycling city. Bicycles can be rented in every part of the city. Especially near the Central Station, the Leidseplein and the Dam there are plenty of locations where you can rent a bicycle.
Hop on, hop off canal cruise
Canal Bus is the perfect way of getting around Amsterdam with its wealth of waterways. The comfortable boats offer a regular service along 3 routes with 14 stops located near the major museums, attractions and shopping areas. On board there are interesting commentaries on Amsterdam. With your day ticket, which is valid till 12 noon the next day, you can hop on and hop off all day long.