Public transport

Amsterdam has a great public transport system. As it is, there are several means of travel available to tourists – metro, tram, or the bus. GVB is the company that operates all 3 networks in Amsterdam.

Tickets

There are quite a few options when opting for public transport. They are:

1. OV-Chipkaart (Smart Card)

OV-Chipkaart is the most recent means of purchasing a transport fare and can be used for buses, trams as well as the metro. Here you get the choice of an anonymous OV-Chipkaart or a once-off card.

The ‘anonymous’ option is a plastic card onto which you can upload your travel fare. When you purchase it, there is a once-off fee of Euro 7.50. Thereafter, all you have to do is recharge your card which can be done at various GVB ticket offices, the counters in various metro stations or through the machines at such stations. So every time you use the Metro, tram or bus all you have to do is swipe when getting in and swipe once again when jumping off at your stop.

The once-off card is a disposable ticket that you can buy from the ticket machines at the station.

The anonymous card can be purchased from GVB ticket offices (listed on the site), ticket offices or vending machines at the Metro.

Check the GVB website for details on ticket fares. The 2008 prices ranged from Euro 2.50 for one trip to Euro 4.80 for two trips.

2. Strip Card

A strip card or Strippenkaart is basically a ticket with strips that can be stamped. You can get 2, 3, 8, 15, 45 strip card options. As you probably guessed, the number refers to the number of ‘stampable’ strips on the card. The price range for the strip card is Euro 3 – 21.

With a strip card, here’s what you have to do. Strip cards are charged according to the area zone so check the map at the metro, tram or bus stop (most stops have a handy map). Note the route, see how many zones you pass through. The rule is, you have to stamp the last strip as well a strip for every zone that you pass through. To stamp the card, you can use the machines located on the trams (in the metro, it’s right before you get on the tube) to do it yourself or the conductor on the tram can stamp it for you.

Where can you buys strip card? Check out the GVB website for a list of outlets that sell strip cards. You may also purchase one at the office, major supermarkets or newspaper shops.

Strip cards can be used on trams, buses and the metro.

3. GVB 24/48/72/96 hour ticket

This is an unlimited travel ticket for the number of hours stated on the card. You can use this on the metro, buses (including night buses) and the tram. To use the card, all you have to do is stamp it as you get on your preferred means of transport.

Here’s a rough idea of the prices – the 24 hour ticket is Euro 7 while the 96 hour one falls just under Euro 8.

Here are the places where you can buy them. GVB ticket offices (check website for outlets), hotels, VV Amsterdam Tourist Offices, tram and bus conductors as well as the machines in the metro station.

4. Amsterdam All in 1 Travel Ticket

This is a relatively new feature and is only available from Schipol airport in July and August. Basically, it is an unlimited travel ticket of 24/48/72/96 hours which also includes a return ticket from Schipol.

These tickets can be purchased only from the Holland Tourist Information desk in Schipol and prices range from Euro 13-23.

Now that you know about the ticket system, what about the various public transport options themselves?

Metro

The Metro (tube) is quick, efficient and punctual. Since there are a number of other, cheaper options available for traveling within a smallish area, the Metro is preferable for traveling to the outlying suburbs, to access more industrial regions or, if you are looking to hop over to the next city, to catch a train at the relevant station.

Trams

This is the best means of traveling short distances, especially if you are exploring the city centre. You have to wait a little bit longer for the tram, especially on a Sunday but it is still one of the easiest and affordable ways to move around.

Buses

Buses are excellent method of traveling in between suburbs. The good news is that they available way after the trams have stopped for the night. If you’ve been partying all night and need to catch the bus back, look for the night buses which run from midnight to 7 am.

To purchase the night bus ticket you can try the vending machines at the metro station or simply ask the night bus conductor. You can also use the GVB 24/48/72/96 hour tickets for the night bus.

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