Is transit in Amsterdam free?

Amsterdam public transportation tickets can be used on any kind of public transports for given time duration. A simple ticket is called a 'one hour ticket', costs €3,20 and can be used for an hour as long as you don't forget to check in and out, no matter the length of your journey within an hour.



Public transit in Amsterdam is not free for the general public or tourists, but there are specific exceptions. Every traveler aged 4 or over must have a valid ticket to use the city's extensive network of trams, buses, metros, and trains. The primary municipal operator is GVB, and they offer various multi-day passes (ranging from 1 to 7 days) that provide unlimited travel. However, the GVB ferries that cross the IJ River to Amsterdam North are completely free for all passengers, including pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders; you do not need a ticket or an OV-chipkaart to board these. For tourists in 2026, the "I amsterdam City Card" includes "free" transit as part of its purchase price, though the card itself is quite expensive. Most residents and savvy visitors now use OVpay, which allows you to "check-in" and "check-out" using a contactless debit or credit card, with a daily spending cap (currently around €10 for GVB) that ensures you never overpay for your urban travels within the city center.

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A simple ticket is called a 'one hour ticket', costs €3,20 and can be used for an hour as long as you don't forget to check in and out, no matter the length of your journey within an hour. But if you plan of using only the public transport this option can quickly be expensive. Children under 4 can travel for free.

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Bus routes and tickets Payment by debit or credit card is possible, as well as your public transport chip card. The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is also excellent value if you plan to explore the region.

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The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking, as the city is one of the most walkable in the world.

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The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station is the fastest and cheapest way to the city center. The train runs 24 hours a day, with departures scheduled for every 10–15 minutes between the hours of 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. (they depart every hour during other times).

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At Schiphol Airport, taxis are available at the airport's exit. Depending on the traffic, a taxi can take you to the city centre in half an hour. One-way rides between the airport and downtown range from €35 to €55.

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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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Amsterdam, Netherlands With speed limits of just 30 km/h, Amsterdam prioritises people and active transport, making it one of the most walkable cities in the world.

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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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Generally you can expect to pay anywhere from €40 to €55 for a one-way ride from the airport into Amsterdam, depending on the exact location of your rental apartment, hotel or wherever else you are staying on your trip.

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Once you clear customs, you're free to leave the airport. Amsterdam is about 25 miles from Schiphol. If your layover is four or more hours, you can take the train, taxi, or private car into the city. I'd stick to the canal belt area (Grachtengordel) and see the sights in that area.

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There is a train station in the airport connecting with several of the in-city train stations. Cost about 6 euro. And also express busses on dedicated roads for the same price. Uber exists, as do licensed, electric taxis for about 50 euro.

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Train travel from the airport Train travel is not included with the City Card, such as the journey from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station.

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Booking options at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport SIXT offers you a variety of Amsterdam airport shuttle options, from our budget-friendly sedans to the luxurious First-Class service. For larger groups and families, SIXT offers a van service with both Standard and Business Class options.

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Catch the train at Schiphol to travel directly to many destinations in The Netherlands. The NS train station is located directly below the terminal building. Take the escalator or lift downstairs and board the train. The train gets you for instance to Amsterdam Central Station in 14-17 minutes.

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Catch the train at Schiphol to travel directly to many destinations in The Netherlands. The NS train station is located directly below the terminal building. Take the escalator or lift downstairs and board the train. The train gets you for instance to Amsterdam Central Station in 14-17 minutes.

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