7 June 2025·5 min read
Getting Around Amsterdam: Tram, Metro, Canal Bus & Bike Guide (2025)
Amsterdam's tram network covers the whole inner city for €2.00/trip. Cycling is faster for most journeys. Here's the complete 2025 transport guide.
Amsterdam is small enough to walk across in 40 minutes — but the tram network (15 lines, 80 stops) and city bikes cover the entire metro area cheaply and efficiently. An OV-chipkaart handles trams, buses, metros, and national trains on one card.
Amsterdam Transport Options (2025)
Tram (GVB)€2.00/trip with OV-chipkaart or contactless; 1-hour transfer included; day pass €8.50
Metro (4 lines)€2.00/trip; North/South line (M52) connects Central Station to De Pijp and Amstelveen
Bus€2.00/trip; same OV-chipkaart; night buses (N-lines) run when trams stop
Canal Bus / Hop-on ferry€26/day (tourist hop-on); free IJ ferries behind Central Station are better value
MacBike / Donkey Republic (rental bike)€15–18/day; fastest option for distances 1–5km; follow cycle lane rules strictly
Schiphol Airport → Central StationTrain: €4.50, 17 min; Taxi: €40–60; no tram connection
Cycling in Amsterdam: What Tourists Must Know
- •Red/pink lanes are cycle lanes — pedestrians walking in them will be rung at firmly and without apology
- •Always lock your bike with both the frame lock AND a chain lock to a fixed object; Amsterdam has the world's highest bike theft rate
- •Cycle on the right, signal with your hand, and do not use your phone while riding — fines apply
- •Tram tracks are a genuine hazard — cross them at right angles to avoid your wheel slipping into the groove
- •The free GVB ferries across the IJ (behind Central Station) are bicycle-friendly and run 24/7
💡
The OV-chipkaart (€7.50 card + loaded credit) is worth it for any stay of 3+ days. Buy at Schiphol Airport train station or any GVB service point. Alternatively, tap your contactless bank card directly on GVB readers — it works on all trams, metros, and buses and automatically applies the correct fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to cycle as a tourist in Amsterdam?
Yes — the infrastructure is world-class. The city is flat, cycle lanes are clearly marked, and bike rental shops are everywhere. The learning curve is understanding the traffic hierarchy: trams have absolute right of way, cyclists have priority over pedestrians. Stick to the cycle lanes and you'll be fine within 30 minutes.
How do I get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city?
The Amsterdam Centraal train from Schiphol takes 17 minutes and costs €4.50 using a single-use OV ticket or contactless card. Trains run every 10–15 minutes, 5am–midnight, and every 30 min overnight. This is by far the best option — the taxi queue at Schiphol can be 20+ minutes and costs €40–60.
Book a pre-arranged transfer in Amsterdam
Fixed price · no meter disputes · book in advance
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Go prepared — know the fair price before you land
Check real taxi fares and local tipping customs for Amsterdam — so you never overpay on your first ride or leave an awkward tip.