Purchasing single-use one-hour tickets is cumbersome and requires unnecessary waiting in line. Buying a disposable OV-chipkaart from stations and establishments like supermarkets is recommended.
More info at: https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/en
- Find OV card selling points – OV chipkaart website
- GVB Public transport Amsterdam – More info
- Dutch National Railway Company – More info
- Amsterdam Airport Express Bus – More info
- Sales and Information at Amsterdam Central Station – More info
- Donkey Republic Bicycles – More info
TL-DR
Amsterdam Schiphol – Amsterdam Centraal Station
- Bus – Airport Express Bus – 6€-10€, a budget option. More info.
- Taxi – Taxi, Uber and Bolt – Most comfortable offer, also you can split the trip and can be cheaper overall.
- NS Train – 5€ to 10€, also a budget option and the best overall. More Info
Importance of efficient public transportation in navigating the city
Public transport in Amsterdam operates from around 6 am to midnight, with some lines running throughout the night. Visitors can purchase various ticketing options, including single trip tickets, day passes, and multi-day passes, depending on their travel needs.
Using public transport is important in Amsterdam as it helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while providing a convenient way to explore the city’s attractions. To make the most of the system, visitors should familiarize themselves with the different modes of transport, plan their routes in advance, and consider purchasing a multi-day pass for cost-effective travel. Overall, public transport offers a reliable and efficient way to navigate Amsterdam and experience all that the city has to offer.
Arriving at Schiphol Airport
If you came by plane then you arrived at Schiphol Airport probably. Travelers have several options for getting to Amsterdam Central Station. The most convenient and cost-effective option is to take the train, which departs from the airport’s train station and arrives at Amsterdam Central Station in just 15-20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport train station or online, and the cost is around €5-10.
Bus – Airport Express Bus
Another option is to take the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus, which also departs from the airport and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Amsterdam Central Station. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at the airport or directly from the bus driver, and the cost is approximately €6-10, so if you are on a budget this is a good option.
Taxi – Taxi, Uber and Bolt
For those looking for a more private and direct option, taking a taxi or an Uber from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station is also possible. Taxis can be found outside of the airport’s arrivals hall, and Uber are outside on the right and the journey takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost for a taxi or Uber ride is approximately €40-60. Although it’s reducing the number, beware of fake taxis, they are usually outside, and approach asking if you need a taxi, just politely say no and proceed.
Taking the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station from Schiphol Airport
To take the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station from Schiphol Airport, travelers have the option of using the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains.
The travel time from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal Station is approximately 15-20 minutes, with trains departing every 10-15 minutes during peak hours.
Tickets can be purchased at the NS ticket machines located at Schiphol Airport, and there are also ticket counters available for assistance. Travelers can choose from single-use or reusable OV-chipkaart tickets for the journey.
For travelers with strollers, elevators are available at both Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal Station, making it accessible for families with young children. The elevators provide convenience for stroller users, ensuring a hassle-free journey to and from the train platforms.
In conclusion, taking the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station from Schiphol Airport is a quick and convenient option with frequent departures and easy ticket purchasing options and one of the cheapest options at around 5€-10€.
Amsterdam City Card
The Amsterdam City Card offers visitors an all-in-one solution for exploring the vibrant and historic city. With access to over 70 museums and attractions, unlimited use of public transportation, and a free canal cruise, the card provides unmatched convenience and savings for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Amsterdam. Whether you’re interested in world-class art at the Van Gogh Museum, taking a leisurely bike ride along the canals, or immersing yourself in the city’s rich history at the Anne Frank House, the Amsterdam City Card is the perfect way to see and experience everything this iconic city has to offer. With the flexibility to choose between a 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120-hour card, visitors can customize their experience to fit their schedule and interests. Plus, with additional discounts at select restaurants and shops, the Amsterdam City Card is the ideal companion for a memorable and hassle-free trip to Amsterdam. The price range goes from 60€ to 125€.
Benefits of purchasing an Amsterdam City Card
The Amsterdam City Card offers a multitude of benefits to its holders. With the card, visitors gain free entrance to over 70 museums and attractions in the city, providing them with the opportunity to explore and experience the culture and history of Amsterdam without the burden of additional entrance fees. The card also provides unlimited access to the city’s public transport system, allowing for convenient and easy travel throughout the city. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy a free canal cruise, providing a unique perspective of Amsterdam’s iconic waterways.
In addition to these benefits, the Amsterdam City Card also offers exclusive discounts at various restaurants, attractions, and concerts, allowing visitors to save money while enjoying the city’s offerings. These discounts enhance the overall value and appeal of the card, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to make the most of their time in Amsterdam. Overall, the Amsterdam City Card provides a comprehensive and convenient way for visitors to explore and enjoy the city’s attractions, making it a worthwhile investment for any tourist.
Inclusions such as unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on tourist attractions
The Amsterdam City Card offers unlimited travel on public transport within the city for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours. It provides free access to over 70 attractions including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and a canal cruise. Additionally, the card offers discounts of up to 50% on various tours, excursions, and restaurants. We only recommend this card if you plan of visiting a lot of museums and use transports. If you plan on walking through the city and just get lost and admire the city, this card is not the most suitable.
On the other hand, the Holland Pass provides unlimited travel on public transport throughout the country for one day. It includes free access to over 100 attractions such as the Keukenhof Gardens, Muiderslot Castle, and the Heineken Experience. The pass offers discounts of up to 50% on various museums, cruises, and bike rentals.
In summary, the Amsterdam City Card offers unlimited travel on public transport for up to 96 hours and discounts on over 70 attractions, while the Holland Pass offers one day of unlimited travel and free access to over 100 attractions with discounts of up to 50%. Both cards are convenient options for exploring Amsterdam and the Netherlands while enjoying significant savings on popular tourist attractions.
Public Transport Network
Overview of Amsterdam’s extensive public transport system
Amsterdam boasts an extensive public transport system operated by GVB, which includes trams, buses, and metros. The GVB provides convenient and reliable services throughout the city and its surrounding areas. Travelers can use the OV-chipkaart, a contactless smart card, to pay for their journeys on all GVB vehicles. The card can be purchased at various points of sale and can be easily topped up with credit for seamless travel.
For tourists, the I Amsterdam City Card offers unlimited use of the GVB public transport system along with free entry to major attractions and discounts at various restaurants and shops. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for exploring the city.
The tram network is an iconic part of Amsterdam’s public transport system, providing a convenient way to traverse the city center. Meanwhile, the bus and metro services offer connections to different neighborhoods, making it easy to explore all that Amsterdam has to offer. Overall, the GVB’s public transport system provides a comfortable and efficient way to get around the city for both locals and visitors.
Types of transportation available (trams, buses, trains)
Buses in Amsterdam are also operated by GVB, covering routes not directly serviced by the tram network. The buses operate on a comprehensive schedule, connecting different neighborhoods and outer areas of the city. Both trams and buses offer ticketing options including single-use tickets, day passes, and multi-day tickets for unlimited travel.
For longer journeys, the Dutch national railway company, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), operates trains in and around Amsterdam. The trains connect the city with other major cities in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. NS schedules can be accessed online or through their app, with various ticket options available including single-use tickets, day passes, and discounted railcards for frequent travelers. With the diverse range of transportation options and convenient schedules, getting around Amsterdam is both easy and efficient.
Navigating Central Station
Tips for navigating Amsterdam Centraal Station
Amsterdam Centraal Station offers various transportation options, including tram, bus, and metro lines operated by GVB. Trams and buses are conveniently located just outside the station, and metro lines can be accessed from within the station.
Tickets for GVB transportation can be purchased at the GVB office located outside the station, as well as at ticket machines inside the station. These machines have an English language option for convenience. For frequent travelers, using a plastic OV-chipkaart is recommended as it offers a more convenient and cost-effective option for longer periods. It can be loaded with credit and easily scanned at the beginning and end of each journey, making it a hassle-free choice for regular commuters.
Overall, Amsterdam Centraal Station provides a range of transportation options operated by GVB, with convenient ticket purchase options and a recommended plastic card for frequent travelers to streamline their journeys.
Connecting to other parts of the city from the station
To connect to other parts of the city from Centraal Station in Amsterdam, you can make use of the extensive network of trams, buses, and ferries available. Ferries to Amsterdam Noord are free and don’t require a OV chipkaart. Trams are a popular choice for navigating the city, with several lines departing from the station and covering different areas. Buses also provide easy access to various neighborhoods, while ferries across the IJ river connect to Amsterdam-Noord. When using public transportation in Amsterdam, it’s important to remember that the OV-chip card is the primary payment method. This card can be used for trams, buses, and ferries, and can be topped up with credit for easy use. With the convenient options of trams, buses, and ferries available at Centraal Station, getting around the city is made easy and accessible for both locals and visitors.
Night Buses and Routes
Night Bus Routes
Night buses in major cities often follow similar routes to their daytime counterparts, allowing passengers to access key areas throughout the night. These routes typically focus on connecting residential areas with nightlife hotspots, transportation hubs, and late-night work locations. In addition to regular bus routes, some cities also offer dedicated night bus services that operate on specific routes catering to the late-night crowd. Understanding the different night bus routes available in your city can be crucial for planning safe and convenient late-night travel. Perfect also to come back after having one to many of your favourite sips.
Information on night bus routes in Amsterdam
Night bus routes in Amsterdam include N71, N72, N73, N74, N75, and N91. These routes operate from midnight to 5 am and offer a convenient way for passengers to travel after the regular public transportation has stopped. Tickets for night buses can be purchased from the bus driver, and validation is required upon boarding.
The ticket prices for night bus routes are the same as those for day routes. However, day and night bus tickets are not interchangeable. Day tickets are only valid for travel on regular buses and trams from 6 am to midnight, while night tickets are only valid for travel on the night bus routes.
To find the most up-to-date route information for night buses in Amsterdam, passengers can visit the official GVB website or use the GVB app, which provides real-time information on bus schedules and routes. Additionally, physical route maps and schedules can be obtained from GVB service points and selected tourist information centers.
Getting Around in the City
Already mentioned buses, trains, trams, ferries, metro, as a wide range of transportation in Amsterdam to get you from the airport to Amsterdam and to your hotel. If you are like me, love short walking the city and getting the most out of it and feel every corner of the city, every sense, smell, noise, I do recommend walking and biking in the city. If you have enough time, walking will take you through every street and allow you to slowly collect every experience as Amsterdam is not a big city, it is concentrated around the rings, you will get a lot to see and do. To get a Dutch experience and cover more places, biking is the way to go, not only you will experience the most popular Amsterdam way of transport but also will make you cover more places for your memories. Most hotels offer a bike rental for a fee, others offer for free (depending on the availability). You can also use a rental service like Donkey Republic which is sometimes much more affordable than the Hotel fee itself. I myself do usually take shortwalks and most of times use Donkey Republic bicycles when I am in a hurry or need to do long distances. Using their app is also great since it is available in more countries which makes perfect for my travels.