Getting Around Amsterdam: A Practical Guide
Transportation in Amsterdam is characterised by bicycles and public transport. The city government actively discourages car use through steep parking fees and road closures in the city centre. Most visitors will find that a combination of walking, cycling, and public transport is the most convenient way to explore the city.
Bicycles
Amsterdam is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and is a centre of bicycle culture. Most main streets have dedicated bike paths, and bike racks are found throughout the city. Cycling is an excellent way to navigate Amsterdam and experience the city like a local.
Public Transport: Metro, Tram, and Bus
Public transport in Amsterdam consists of metro, tram, bus and ferry routes operated mainly by GVB, the city-owned public transport operator. The GVB Tickets & Info office, located just outside Amsterdam Centraal, offers a free public transport map to help you navigate the system.
The tram network includes 16 different routes, while the metro system has five routes. Regional buses and some suburban buses are operated by other companies including Connexxion and EBS.
To use public transport, you'll need an OV-chipkaart (a reloadable smart card) or a disposable ticket. These can be purchased at stations and various points throughout the city.
Water Transport
Amsterdam has a large collection of over 150 canals crisscrossing the city. In addition to GVB ferries, there are privately operated water taxis, water buses, boat sharing operations, electric rental boats, and canal cruises that transport people along Amsterdam's waterways. While historically canals were the main transportation routes, today they are primarily used for these leisure and specialist services.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Traditional taxis are available in Amsterdam, though they are not advisable for long-distance journeys from other cities (for example, a taxi from Rotterdam to Amsterdam costs approximately €120, and from Eindhoven approximately €200). For city travel, ride-hailing services and water taxis offer alternatives to traditional taxis.
Walking
Amsterdam's compact city centre is very walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. The city is divided into approximately 90 mini-islands connected by over 1,000 bridges, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Getting from Schiphol Airport to the City
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station. The airport is the largest in the Netherlands and handles millions of passengers annually.
By train: Train service is the most convenient option from Schiphol. Direct trains connect the airport to Amsterdam Centraal and other major stations including Amsterdam Zuid. Tickets can be purchased at airport ticket offices or online. Journey times are short, making this the preferred option for most visitors.
By bus: Regional bus services operate from Schiphol Airport, and international coach services (such as Flixbus) also depart from the airport, offering connections to cities across Europe.
By car: Car rental is available at the airport, though driving into central Amsterdam is not recommended due to congestion, expensive parking, and pedestrian-priority streets. If you do rent a car, consider using a P+R (Park and Ride) facility on the A10 Ring motorway, where you can park and transfer to public transport to reach the city centre. Daily rates at P+R facilities range from €8-13.
Alternative Airports
Budget airlines sometimes use Eindhoven Airport or Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which are cheaper alternatives to flying into Schiphol. Both airports have regular train connections to Amsterdam Centraal, though journey times are longer and connections are required. From Eindhoven, take a local bus to Eindhoven Centraal station, then a train to Amsterdam (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes total). From Rotterdam The Hague Airport, take a city bus to Rotterdam Centraal station, then a train to Amsterdam (approximately one hour total).
Arriving by Train
Amsterdam Centraal is the main international train station, architecturally stunning and built in 1889 on an artificial island between the medieval centre and the IJ waterfront. Regular international rail services connect Amsterdam to Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Other important stations include Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, and Amstel.
Ticketing options vary by operator. Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) is the main domestic operator, while international services are operated by various companies including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, and others. Most tickets are sold online, and advance booking often offers cheaper fares. Tickets can also be purchased at international ticket offices at Amsterdam Centraal and Schiphol Airport.
Arriving by Bus
International coach services operate from several stops in Amsterdam:
- Amsterdam Sloterdijk: The main intercity bus station, reachable by Bus 22, tram 19, trains, and metro lines 50 and 51
- Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA: An alternative intercity bus stop located outside the bus station under the train and metro platforms
- Schiphol Airport: Serves international and domestic coaches
Major operators including Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus, and RegioJet offer frequent services to cities across Europe, with connections to Germany, Belgium, France, and beyond.
Arriving by Car
Amsterdam is connected to the Dutch national freeway network via the A10 Ringroad. Main roads (numbered S101 through S118) lead radially into the city from this ring road. However, driving into central Amsterdam is discouraged and impractical due to congestion, expensive parking, and numerous car-free streets.
If arriving by car, use one of the P+R (Park and Ride) facilities located around the A10 ring road. These allow you to park your car and transfer to public transport to reach the city centre. To access discounted parking rates (€8-13 per day), you must use an OV-chipkaart or disposable GVB ticket; QR-tickets and OVpay are not accepted for this benefit.