In today’s post, I will talk a little bit about the different forms of public transport in Amsterdam. This post is a sequel to my previous post, where I explained the types of tickets we use in the Dutch public transport system.
Tram
These trams cross the cities from north to south, east to west. The trams are the most commonly seen form of transportation in Amsterdam and they are very easy to spot. They are small, blue and white electric-powered trains from the company GVB.
Photo: Willem_90 [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
The doors are free to enter, but you must always check-in and out. You can do that in the yellow machines right next to the door, usually, at your left and right.
You can’t pay for the ticket in cash, so you need to buy a ticket inside the tram (check the different types of public transit tickets) with your debit card, or in advance in a train/subway station.
Subway
It is certainly the fastest way to move around. The subway also crosses the entire city and the stations are always located in the busiest spots, which makes it easier to find them. To use them, you must check-in at the ratchets using your daily ticket or transit card.
Subway station at Amsterdam’s Central Station. Photo: ovpro.nl
Bus
Yes, they also have buses here, and it is a great option to reach places that aren’t covered by the tram or subway. The buses also don’t accept cash, and you can pay for them by debit card, daily ticket, or a previously purchased transit card. In order to pay with a debit card, you must tell the driver where you are doing and they will charge you accordingly.
Some of the operating companies are: GVB (the same one as the Trams), Conexxion, and R-Net.
Boat
This is a bonus option for those who want to see Amsterdam from another angle! The boat rides through Amsterdam’s canals are a must, and you can purchase group or private tours. Speak to Rota Amsterdam, they have a special package with Dutch drinks and snacks. You get to appreciate the city AND stuff your face with snacks!
Bike
As we saw, there are many ways to move around Holland, but we can’t forget the most widely used form of transportation in the country: the bike!
You can rent bikes for a set amount of time or even by day. Some hotels offer this service, so it’s worth asking your concierge. But there are many rental shops around the city and they’re really easy to find. Some of the shops are: BicMac, AmsterBike, Yellow Bike, among others. But if you want to see Amsterdam without getting lost and visiting the coolest spots in the city, get a tour in Amsterdam from Route Amsterdam Tours!
But if you really want to get to know Amsterdam, I recommend that you walk like there is no tomorrow. The city has the advantage of being 100% flat, which makes walking much easier. Not only it’s the healthiest way to go around, but you will also see places and things that you would never see in the subway. I suggest the “Best of Amsterdam” tour from Rota Amsterdam. While you visit Amsterdam’s main spots, the super nice and fun private guides will tell you a bit about the city’s history and fun facts! You can’t miss it!Either by transit or walking, Amsterdam is delightful and I’m sure you will experience amazing days in this beautiful city!
– Cecilia Dantas –
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