How to use the Amsterdam Metro in 2024 – and other public transport
A full guide to the Amsterdam Metro System and other Public Transport from a local who knows it inside out!
Having spent over 20 years living in the Amsterdam area, I have used nearly every inch of the Amsterdam Metro and other public transport systems. So I decided to put together a quick guide to help visitors navigate the city a little easier.
Compared to other cities – like London or New York – Amsterdam is not that big. But still too big to do everything on foot. I can understand you’d like to use the Amsterdam Metro system, or other public transport to get around the city.
The public transport infrastructure of Amsterdam is great, there are metros, buses and trams everywhere. In fact, there are so many options, that I can imagine it is a little overwhelming.
In this post, I’ll explain;
- How to board and pay for the Metro and other public transport in Amsterdam
- How to get from Amsterdam Airport to Centraal Station
- The cost of different journeys
- How to plan your trips around Amsterdam
So let’s dive right in…
How to use the Amsterdam Metro & other public transport
Using public transport is relatively straightforward, once you know how. So allow me to explain;
The Public Transport Company
There is one company that runs all the local public transport in Amsterdam, the GVB. This company operates the Amsterdam metro, trams, ferries and buses that stay within the city (so not the regional buses!). The buses are easy to recognise, they’re the only ones that are white and blue.
How to board the Public Transport
As of 2023, all you have to do is check-in and out with a bank card that is activated for contactless payments. Simply hold your card in front of the scanner to check in, and out! According to the GVB website, the only card that is not yet accepted is American Express.
When you get to a metro station, there will be gates that only open when you check-in. It is that Easy!
When you board a bus, you have to board at the front door, next to the driver. There will be an obvious scanner, against which you hold your bank card or day pass.
***Make sure to CHECK OUT as you exit all forms of transport, to avoid being charged all the way to the end of the line.
Getting From the Airport to Amsterdam Central Station
When you arrive at Schiphol Airport, it’s best to not take a taxi. Taxis are incredibly expensive in Amsterdam, and generally unnecessary. Use a train instead! These trains are NOT operated by the GVB, so a separate ticket is needed.
They’re available for purchase all over the Schiphol train station, but since 2023 you can also check in with your bank card.
The screens will tell you exactly which platform to use, and when the train leaves. Make sure to check in at one of the obvious yellow posts ABOVE ground, before heading down to the platform.
Different types of Transport Cards
As mentioned before, checking in and out has never been easier. You can just use your bank card.
But if you’re staying for a few days it is best to get an unlimited travel card. They’re available in 1 to 7 days and give unlimited travel in the Amsterdam metro, buses and trams. A great option!
🚃 Get your public transport day pass HERE!
If you don’t know what to use all this unlimited travel for, this is what we locals use it for.
It’s also worth mentioning that ALL metro stations are wheelchair accessible.
Amsterdam Metro Prices
I’ll mention a few prices to give you an idea of how much you’ll be spending. And to help you decide if a day pass is worth it or not.
Prices of Day Passes
Starting with the multi-day cards, the prices are:
- €9 for 1 day
- €15 for 2 days
- €21 for 3 days
- €26.50 for 4 days
- €33 for 5 days
- €37.50 for 6 days
- €41 for 7 days
These cards are valid for the chosen amount of hours, starting at the time of the FIRST CHECK-IN. So not from the time of purchase.
The cards are available at the GVB ticket machines located at Central Station, Schiphol Airport, and most metro stations. You can also buy these in almost all of the trams.
Paying per Journey
The prices when paying by bank card are a bit more complicated, but I’ll mention them anyway:
- The starting price for any trip is €1.08
- The price per kilometre is €0.196
To give a few examples from Central Station:
- To Museum Square will cost around €1.61
- Getting to Leidse Square will cost around €1.73
- Want to go to the Ajax Football Stadium? This will set you back €3.10.
If you’re spending a day moving to and from multiple busy areas in Amsterdam, you’ll probably end up using public transport around 5 or 6 times.
How to plan your trip on the Amsterdam Metro
Planning a trip with public transport is incredibly easy. The website 9292.nl will tell you exactly which bus, tram or metro to take, how long the journey is and how much it will cost if you use your bank card to check-in.
This website is up-to-date and will navigate you around any known disruptions. 9292 is also available as a convenient app that uses your current location.
It’s possible to use 9292 to plan your trip ahead, which is handy if you need to be somewhere at a certain time!
Additional ways to get around Amsterdam
Amsterdam has Uber, which could be a good option at night since public transport is not 24-hour. During the day, using public transport is a lot cheaper, though!
There are trains and regional buses connecting Amsterdam with the surrounding towns, villages and other major cities in the Netherlands. Great if you’d like to go on any day trips!
Amsterdam North is split off from the rest of Amsterdam by a body of water called the Ij. To get to this part of Amsterdam you can use any of the FREE ferries from the back of Central Station.
