How to Use Public Transportation in Amsterdam and the Netherlands: The 2025 Traveler’s Guide
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Mar 15, 2017
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Planning a trip to Amsterdam and thinking of skipping the rental car? Smart choice. Driving in Amsterdam isn’t just unnecessary—it’s stressful. Between bikes, mopeds, pedestrians, trams, one-way streets, and sky-high parking fees, most locals leave the car at home. Fortunately, public transportation in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands is safe, reliable, and easy to use—once you know the system.
This complete guide will help you travel like a pro using trains, trams, buses, and metros across Amsterdam and beyond.
✅ Want a local’s help navigating the Netherlands without the stress? Contact me to book a private tour or build a custom travel itinerary that works at your pace.
🚆 Public Transportation in the Netherlands: What You Need to Know
The Dutch public transport system is clean, efficient, and extensive. It covers cities, towns, and even smaller villages. However, for destinations that are harder to reach, like Giethoorn, consider a combination ticket of direct transport and boat trip, it is more convenient.
Dutch public transport key operators:
NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen): National trains.
GVB: All public transport within the city of Amsterdam.
Connexxion / EBS / RNET: Regional buses and airport express buses.
Travelling as a family
Using a contactless debit card is an easy way for families to travel in the Netherlands, as it works directly on all public transport (train, bus, tram, metro) without buying separate tickets. Each person, including children, must use their own, unique debit card or device (smartphone/smartwatch) to check in and out.
Key Details for Family Travel:
Individual Cards: You cannot use one debit card for multiple people at the same time. Each family member needs their own debit card, linked to a separate physical card or digital wallet (phone/watch).
Check-In/Out: Everyone must check in at the start and out at the end of every journey using the same card or device.
Supported Cards: Most contactless debit cards (Maestro, V PAY), credit cards (Mastercard, Visa), and mobile devices (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) are accepted.
Alternatives: If you lack enough cards, buy your tickets for each transport mean in advance. See below.
📌 Planning trip as a family? Here are my detailed guides: Amsterdam with Kids and Teens – Family Travel Guide and Holland with Kids and Teens: The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide.
Ensure everyone has their card ready, and if using a phone, make sure it is charged for both checking in and checking out.
🚄 Taking the Train in the Netherlands
Dutch trains fall into two main categories:
Intercity: Fast, fewer stops, between major cities.
Sprinter: Local trains that stop at smaller towns.
💳 Train Tickets (2025)
Buy at NS ticket machines (yellow machines at stations). Pay with chip-enabled credit cards (Visa/MasterCard), Dutch debit cards, or contactless. Cash is rarely accepted.
E-tickets (QR code) are cheaper and can be bought via NS.nl or the NS app.
First and second class options available.
No onboard ticket sales. Don’t board without a ticket—you risk a fine.
➡️ Plan your train journey: NS Trip Planner
🚌 Riding the Bus
City and regional buses connect Amsterdam to smaller towns and neighborhoods. Regional buses are essential for reaching places like Zaanse Schans or Volendam.
Tickets can be bought on the bus via card only (no cash)
Stops are announced and displayed
Press the red button to request a stop
🚇 Amsterdam Metro System
Amsterdam’s five metro lines (50–54) serve the outer boroughs and connect efficiently to the city center via Line 52 (North-South) and Line 53.
Modern, wheelchair-accessible trains and stations
Buy tickets at machines or use GVB day passes
Don’t forget to check in/out at the gates
🚋 Using the Tram in Amsterdam
Trams are one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam’s center and neighborhoods.
Enter at the front or 4th door (conductor)
Tickets available from the conductor/driver – card only
Press green buttons to open doors and request stops
Most trams operate 6:00 AM – 12:30 AM
🗺️ View and download the GVB Amsterdam Public Transport Lines Map here.
🎟️ Public Transport Ticket Options (2025)
🚍 GVB Day & Multi-Day Tickets
Valid on all GVB buses, trams, and metros within Amsterdam. Not valid on trains or regional buses (Connexxion, EBS, RNET).
Ticket Type | Price (Adult) | Validity |
1 day (24 hrs) | €9.50 | Unlimited travel from first check-in |
2 days (48 hrs) | €15.50 | " |
3 days (72 hrs) | €21.50 | " |
✅ 4–7 day tickets available at similar value rates.
👧 Children under 4 travel for free.
🛒 Buy your tickets online here and have a stress free vacation or at GVB website or vending machines, onboard trams/buses or at the GVB Tickets & Info office near Central Station.
✈️ Public Transport Travel Ticket: Airport 🔁 Amsterdam
Return travel between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam - depending on your hotel location you can use the bus or the train:
🚃 Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket
This ticket is valid for all public transportation within the region of Amsterdam, including buses, ferries, subway, trains and trams.
Duration | Price (2025) |
1 Day | €21.00 |
2 Days | €31.50 |
3 Days | €40.50 |
🛒 Buy your Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket online here.
📱 Recommended Transit Apps
NS App – For train tickets, live updates, and planning
GVB App – Plan Amsterdam travel, buy tickets, track schedules
9292 App – Nationwide journey planner for all transport modes
Google Maps – Great for real-time route suggestions
✅ Download via Google Play or Apple App Store.
🚕 Taxis & Uber in Amsterdam
Taxis
Marked with “Taxi” signs and blue plates
Pick up at designated taxi stands (e.g., Central Station, Rijksmuseum)
Fares combine a start rate, per km rate, and time rate
Ask for a printed receipt after your ride
Drivers may charge extra for luggage or late hours
💡To calculate an estimation of your taxi fare, please click here.
🚨 Tip: Make sure your credit card is chip-enabled, contactless, and set for use in Europe. AmEx and Discover are not always accepted, cash is usually accepted but check with your driver before the ride.
Uber & Bolt
Uber and Bolt operate in the Netherlands, including in Amsterdam. You can also use them to travel to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Fares vary based on type of car, time of day and demand
When rainy weather you are less likely to get an Uber or Bolt
Final Tips for How to Use Public Transportation in Amsterdam and the Netherlands
Each person needs their own card or mobile device for tap-in/out.
Back-up option: Buy your transport tickets in advance.
E-tickets (QR code) are better value than paper tickets.
Not sure where to hop off? Ask a local—most are friendly and happy to point you in the right direction.
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
🧳 Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Let’s plan your perfect vacation!
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