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, as 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, and 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

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

Public Transport

Tickets are sold in strips called strippenkaart, available in different quantities, and are valid for metro, bus and trams. You can buy them at stations, supermarkets, tobacconists, newsagents and tourist offices, and day tickets and period tickets are available, with the system being cheap by British standards. Tickets need to be stamped by conductors or machines. Amsterdam public transport operates a zone system. The Amsterdam Card offers a package of transport, free museum entrance and discounts of various kinds.

Tram

Trams are the most useful form of transport, and the special No. 20 Tram was created with tourists in mind. This circular Amsterdam route connects the most popular Amsterdam attractions, and regular trams run throughout the day. You can get on and off as much as you like in one day, and 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 metro has four lines and is good for trips to the Zuidoost neighbourhood. Buses, which make longer journeys, are of limited use to tourists, as few places of interest are beyond the reach of the trams. Night buses run half hourly at weekends.

Taxis

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, and renting a bicycle is easy and fun.