What is the best public transport card for Amsterdam?

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.



In 2026, the best public transport option for most visitors to Amsterdam is OVpay, which allows you to "tap and go" using your contactless debit or credit card (or smartphone wallet) directly at the readers on all trams, buses, and metros. This eliminates the need for a separate physical card. However, for tourists planning heavy use of the GVB network, the GVB Multi-Day Ticket (valid for 1 to 7 days) offers excellent value with unlimited travel starting at roughly €10 for 24 hours. If you also plan on visiting many museums, the I amsterdam City Card remains a top choice, as it includes a 24 to 120-hour transport pass along with free entry to over 70 attractions. For regional travel—including the train to the airport or a trip to Zaanse Schans—the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is the most comprehensive choice, covering all transport modes within the greater metropolitan area.

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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.

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The Validity of the I Amsterdam City Card The card is valid for one person and can be purchased locally at various points of sale or at a discounted price from us online.

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Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in the Dutch retail space; American Express tends to be accepted only by major retailers in the Netherlands who have an international client base – although Amex acceptance is growing.

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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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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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You can choose between a personal or anonymous OV-chipkaart, both of which cost € 7.50. If you sign up for a 1-year NS season ticket, you'll receive a free personal OV-chipkaart (except for Flex Basis and Flex Weekend Voordeel). You can also opt for a single-use chipkaart, which is a paper ticket with a chip.

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You can only buy a ticket in the tram from the conductor and pay with a debit or credit card. This can be done contactless or with a pin. You can also pay for your travel on the North Sea channel ferries with a PIN payment card or contactless.

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Travel using the e-purse on metro/trams/buses is generally cheaper than buying single 1 hour tickets, especially for shorter trips. Travel on trains with the anonymous card saves paying the €1 disposable ticket surcharge.

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The I amsterdam City Card offers a unique way to explore Amsterdam. You get access to all major highlights and more than 70 museums, city-wide public transport, a canal cruise and bicycle rent.

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In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. We tend to pay with our debit card, but credit cards are still a good option for renting cars, booking rooms in hotels, or reserving airline tickets.

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