Getting Around in Amsterdam

Getting around in Amsterdam is easy thanks to its extensive public transport system consisting of buses, trams, trains and a metro.

The road signage is clear, abundant and helpful in traffic for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists alike. All bus and tram stations have maps, schedules and lists of stops.

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Public transport in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's public transport is based on zones, and costs get higher with distance, especially when crossing zones. There is an equal base price for any trip, and additional costs are added to that.

The OV-chipkaart smartcard system can be used for payment on all kinds of public transport in Amsterdam. There are different types of subscriptions available, ranging from daily to yearly options.

It’s important that expats remember to check in and out with their cards when getting on and off public transport. This is done by holding their OV card up to the card readers when they board and get off.

With the help of an app such as Google Maps, navigating Amsterdam's public transport is made easy.

Trams and buses

An extensive tram network covers central Amsterdam, with trams arriving frequently and reliably. However, during peak traffic times, this can be a slow way to travel.

The bus network in Amsterdam mostly covers the city’s periphery and extends beyond it to other cities. Some streets are only covered by buses.

Day buses and trams stop running around midnight, after which night buses take over on some routes. Night bus tickets are pricier and waiting times are longer than for daytime transport.

Metro

The metro system in Amsterdam is well maintained, but isn’t as extensive as trams or buses and doesn't cover the whole city. It is, however, the fastest way to get around.

Train

Trains in Amsterdam are useful for regional and international travellers, with the line connecting central Amsterdam to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol being especially popular. There are also trains linking Amsterdam to surrounding Dutch towns as well as international destinations such as Belgium, France and Germany.

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Taxis in Amsterdam

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Cycling in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a bicycle-friendly city and cycling is one of the best ways to get around. The so-called bakfiets are popular – these cargo bicycles have an open or enclosed box that’s used to carry children, pets and shopping bags.

While bikes are available for rent, expats who choose to buy a bicycle usually agree it's a good investment. Both first and second-hand bikes can be found for sale.

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Walking in Amsterdam

Walking around Amsterdam is easy. It isn’t a big city, and most of the time the distance between places can be covered on foot.

When they’re walking, expats should make sure they don’t confuse cycle paths with the sidewalk or pavement. This is a common mistake newcomers make. The difference between the two is always the colour used for the pavement. Cycle paths are usually crimson or marked with a bicycle sign. Expats should look out for these signs, as cyclists are generally in a hurry and don't stop for anyone, which leads to collisions.