Amsterdam Getting Around

Getting from Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam’s superb Schipol airport is extremely well connected. The best way from Amsterdam airport to the centre is the train, which arrives at Centraal station, a focal point for public transport. Other good options for getting to Amsterdam airport include local buses, taxis and a hotel shuttle bus.

Walking
By far the best way of getting around Amsterdam. The city is flat, manageably compact, pedestrian friendly and wonderfully picturesque. Crisscrossing the countless bridges of the canal rings is a constant delight. Most Amsterdam attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. Organised Amsterdam walking tours are a popular way to learn about the city. It is perfectly feasible to return from a short break in Amsterdam without having used public transport, but taking Amsterdam canal boats and trams is all part of the experience.

Canal Bus
By far the most romantic way of getting around Amsterdam. The regular, colour-coded Amsterdam Canal Bus services are particularly convenient for visiting museums. Tickets remain valid until midday the next day and you can get on and off as you like. There are stops at Rijkmuseum, Anne Frank House, Rembrandthouse, NEMO Maritime museum and Tropenmuseum for example. Tickets include substantial savings at museums, attractions and even restaurants.

Public Transport
Tickets are sold in strips called strippenkaart, available in different quantities. They are valid for metro, bus and trams. You can buy them at supermarkets, tobacconists, newsagents and tourist offices as well as stations. Day tickets and period tickets are available. Tickets need to be stamped by conductors or machines. Amsterdam public transport operates a zone system. Good maps are freely available. The system is cheap by British standards. The Amsterdam Card offers a package of transport, free museum entrance and discounts of various kinds. One, two or three day cards are sold at tourist offices and hotels.

Tram
The most useful transport for getting around Amsterdam. The special No. 20 Tram was created with tourists in mind. This circular Amsterdam tram route connects the most popular Amsterdam attractions. Regular trams run throughout the day. You can get on and off as much as you like in one day. Circle-tram tickets are also valid on trams, buses and metro lines. Well over a dozen Amsterdam tram lines fan out from Centraal Station.

Bus & Metro
Amsterdam buses, which do longer journeys, are of limited use to tourists. Few Amsterdam places of interest are beyond the reach of the trams. Night buses run half hourly at weekends. Amsterdam metro has four lines and is good for trips to the Zuidoost neighbourhood.

Taxis
Amsterdam taxis are reliable but rather expensive. Find them at taxi stands, flag them down or get your hotel to call.

Bicycle
There are hundreds of thousands of bicycles in Amsterdam. Renting a bicycle in Amsterdam is easy and fun but make sure you lock up the bike well if you want to be able to return it!

Amsterdam City Breaks  Getting Around Amsterdam

Things To Do In Amsterdam  Amsterdam Weather