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What is the cheapest way to get around Amsterdam?

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



The absolute cheapest way to get around Amsterdam is walking, as the city center is compact and many major attractions are within a 20-minute stroll of each other. If you need to travel further, cycling is the second most cost-effective and authentic method, with bike rentals costing around €10 to €15 per day. For those preferring public transit, the most economical option is a multi-day GVB travel pass (ranging from 1 to 7 days), which provides unlimited access to all GVB trams, buses, and metros; a 24-hour pass costs roughly €9. Using the city's free ferries from behind Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord is another great "budget hack." If you are arriving from Schiphol Airport, the train is the cheapest way into the city at approximately €5.20 for a single ticket. Avoid taxis or Ubers for short city trips, as they are exceptionally expensive due to the city's narrow streets and traffic restrictions. For visitors staying several days, using a contactless card or the "OV-chipkaart" ensures you only pay for the distance traveled, which is much cheaper than buying individual one-hour paper tickets.

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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.

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FAQs about Amsterdam Trip Cost The average daily budget for a trip to Amsterdam can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. However, a rough estimate for a budget traveler would be around €60-80 per day, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around €100-150 per day.

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Dutch currency Many shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.

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The “I Amsterdam” card offers the following benefits 1 free and unlimited use of the public transportation system operated by the GVB. This includes the Metro, city buses, and trams. Ferries are generally free of charge.

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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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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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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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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 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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