Travelling in Amsterdam by tram is not only fun, it is also cheap and very convenient. In fact, it is one of the best and fastest ways to get around Amsterdam. The trams in Amsterdam are very distinctive. They are painted white and blue and have bells that ring to attract the attention of cyclists and pedestrians. With a fleet of 200 trams on 15 tram lines, Amsterdam Tram is the largest tram network in the Netherlands. It is operated by GVB and has a track length of about 200 kilometres, with a route length of about 80.5 kilometres.
The Amsterdam Tram Routes and Map
Amsterdam’s Central Station is where most trams end. Apart from Central Station, there are two other stations within walking distance of Central Station. One is on the east side and the other on the west side of the station. All trams coming from these two stations pass through the centre of the city on their way to the various districts and neighbourhoods of Amsterdam. There are several tram stops in the city centre that are located near various attractions in the city. This allows people to see the sights of Amsterdam in a pocket-friendly way. The tram routes as of 2015 are as follows:
- 1 – Centraal Station – Leidseplein – Surinameplein – Station Lelylaan – Osdorp De Aker (Matterhorn)
- 2 – Centraal Station – Leidseplein – Hoofddorpplein – Nieuw Sloten (Oudenaardeplantsoen)
- 3 – Zoutkeetsgracht – Museumplein – Ceintuurbaan – Muiderpoortstation
- 4 – Centraal Station – Frederiksplein – Station RAI
- 5 – Centraal Station – Leidseplein – Museumplein – Station Zuid – Amstelveen (Binnenhof)
- 7 – Sloterpark – Leidseplein – Weesperplein – Flevopark
- 9 – Centraal Station – Plantage – Watergraafsmeer – Diemen (Sniep)
- 10 – Van Hallstraat – Leidseplein – Weesperplein – Rietlandpark – Java-eiland (Azartplein)
- 12 – Station Sloterdijk – Museumplein – Ceintuurbaan – Amstelstation
- 13 – Centraal Station – Rozengracht – Mercatorplein – Geuzenveld (Lambertus Zijlplein)
- 14 – Sloterpark – Rozengracht – Dam – Plantage – Flevopark
- 16 – Centraal Station – Vijzelstraat – Museumplein – De Lairessestraat – Amstelveenseweg – VU Medisch Centrum
- 17 – Centraal Station – Rozengracht – Kinkerstraat – Station Lelylaan – Osdorp (Dijkgraafplein)
- 24 – Centraal Station – Vijzelstraat – Museumplein – Beethovenstraat – Amstelveenseweg – VU Medisch Centrum
- 26 – Centraal Station – Rietlandpark – Piet Heintunnel – IJburg (IJburglaan)
Map of Amsterdam Trams showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Amsterdam Trams map in PDF format.
Amsterdam Tram Fares and Tickets
Like most public transport in Amsterdam, the tram uses the OV chip card. However, you can also buy disposable tickets from either the tram driver or the conductor. There are different types of tickets at different prices. The GVB hourly ticket costs €2.90, while the 24-hour ticket costs €7.50. Daily tickets for children aged 4-11 cost €2.50. Children under the age of 4 can travel for free.
If you are economically sensitive and would like to travel on cheaper fares, you can then use e-purses of personal or anonymous purchased OV chip cards. In Amsterdam, e-purse fares consist of a one-off boarding fee of €0.89 and a variable distance fee of €0.154 per kilometre, which is charged every 50 metres on board the tram. An OV chip card can be purchased at the Central Station for a one-off non-refundable fee of €7.50. This card can be used for up to five years. It is important to note that each time you need to travel, you must load the e-purse with at least €4 before you can board the tram.
Amsterdam Tram Timings
Just like the Amsterdam metro, the trams run from 6:00 am to midnight. There are some routes that run until half past midnight. On weekends, however, they start a little later, at 7:00 in the morning.
Amsterdam Tram Schedule
Tram timetables and maps are available at most tram stops. At major tram stops there are electronic boards with information about the next services. Depending on the tram line, the frequency is usually 5-10 times per hour.