What is the easiest way to get around Amsterdam?

You can hop on a tram, bus, or metro train, all operated by the city's primary travel operator, Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB). Or you can explore the city like the locals: on a bicycle. As the GVB covers three modes of public transport—metro, tram, and bus—you only need one ticket to access them all.



The easiest and most efficient way to get around Amsterdam in 2026 is by utilizing its world-class public transport network, specifically the trams and bicycles. For the majority of visitors, the tram is the most convenient option for navigating the historic canal ring and reaching major museums; the system is entirely cashless, allowing you to simply "check in" and "check out" using your contactless credit or debit card. For those who want the true local experience, renting a bicycle is the fastest way to travel short distances, thanks to the city's extensive network of dedicated bike lanes. Walking is also highly recommended for exploring the central "Jordaan" and "De Wallen" districts, which are compact and pedestrian-friendly. For longer trips to the outskirts or the airport, the metro and regional trains provide rapid connections. To simplify travel, the I amsterdam City Card offers unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions, making it a "no-brainer" for tourists who want a seamless, stress-free transit experience in the Dutch capital.

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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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Check in and out with your contactless debit card, credit card or mobile to travel by bus, tram, metro or train. No registration is necessary. You pay the same travel fares you would if you were using an OV-chipkaart.

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The Dutch capital's center is very walkable as it's so compact – perhaps a little too much as it tends to get very crowded.

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Amsterdam ranked the priciest destination in Europe Indeed, together with Venice, the Dutch capital was ranked the most expensive destination in Europe, particularly due to the high price of accommodation.

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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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Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus The Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off tour makes it easy to enjoy the best this enthralling city has to offer. Valid for 24 hours, you are free to hop on and off at any of the stops, all close to top attractions. You can also sit back and enjoy a loop around the entire city.

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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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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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Price. The price of a single journey is € 3.20 ( US$ 3.40).

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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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Typically, February (right before tulip season) is the cheapest time of year to visit Amsterdam.

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At todays value it's possible to live on EUR 600,— easily. that will give you EUR 20,— a day. There will be days you spend at home. First and most important: Find another apartment.

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