How do you pay for trains and buses in Amsterdam?

In Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, the public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) is a rechargeable card used for travel on trams, buses, metros and trains. Residents typically own a personalised card that can be loaded up with credit.



In 2026, paying for public transport in Amsterdam (GVB, NS, and Connexxion) is almost exclusively done through OVpay, a contactless system that eliminates the need for a physical "OV-chipkaart" for most tourists. You simply tap your contactless debit card, credit card, or smartphone (Apple Pay/Google Wallet) on the yellow card readers when boarding a bus, tram, or metro, and tap out when you exit. The system automatically calculates the lowest fare and debits your account the following day. Cash is no longer accepted on any buses or trams in Amsterdam. For those who prefer a fixed-cost option, the "I amsterdam City Card" remains popular, providing unlimited travel for 24 to 120 hours. Another option is the digital "GVB Day Pass," which can be purchased through the GVB app and stored as a QR code on your phone. Note that if you are taking a train (NS) from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central, you can also use OVpay, but you must ensure you "tap in" at the platform gate before boarding.

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As of 2023, all domestic trains, metros, trams, and buses in Amsterdam (and nationwide) accept payment from contactless methods including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. As long as your card has an OV chip in it, you should be able to use it to pay for your fare.

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You can now check in and out on the train, bus, tram and metro throughout the Netherlands with your debit card, credit card or mobile phone. Pay for your trip just as easily as your groceries in the store. Handy, because: you no longer need a separate OV-chipkaart.

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The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer. Being used on trams, buses and metros, the OV chip card (OV-chipkaart) is the easiest way to pay for all your travel about town.

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The free GVB app (for iOS and Android) is the app for travelling by tram, bus, night bus, metro and ferry in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. It's your go-to travel app for frequent travellers or for just a visit.

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Tickets for the bus and tram can be purchased onboard from the driver. You can also use tickets obtained at metro stations to hop onto either a bus or tram as long as it is still valid. Metro tickets can be purchased either on-site at a metro station or online with a day pass.

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Using credit and debit cards in the Netherlands Major credit cards and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in the Netherlands at restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations. Although some small shops may charge a fee of anywhere from 2-6% if you use them.

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OV-chipcard or tickets Throughout the Netherlands, the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used to travel by public transport. If you're in Amsterdam for a longer period of time and use public transport regularly, buying an OV-chipkaart is the best way to go.

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That's because, in the Netherlands, there is no social or written requirement to tip a restaurant worker. However, if you received good service or thoroughly enjoyed the food, it's customary to give a small tip — around 5-10% of the bill. If your service was just average, round up the bill or leave some change.

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In Amsterdam, as well as in all the Netherlands and many other countries of European Community the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, ?), no other currencies are commonly accepted, so you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens, etc to Euros.

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