Amsterdam is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, with world-class transport facilities. There are a number of ways to get into and around the city. Hordes of travellers from all over the world fly into Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, which is renowned for its award-winning service. Travelling into the city by train is an inexpensive and convenient way to get around, as the Dutch rail network is second to none. Not forgetting the road network, which provides convenient access to the city for visitors who prefer to travel by bus or car.
Amsterdam’s public transport system is equally impressive and includes trains, ferries, trams, buses and metro services to get you around the capital of the Netherlands. Operated by the GVB, the transport system is integrated and can be accessed via a single card system recently introduced by the public transport operators. However, the wide range of transport options and conflicting information from different sources about the use of cards and tickets often leave commuters in a dilemma about the city’s transport system.
Let us take a look at the various means of public transport in Amsterdam and how they can be used to get around the city and to visit its many tourist attractions.
Amsterdam Tram Map
Map of Amsterdam Tram showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Amsterdam Tram map in PDF format.
Getting around in Amsterdam by foot
Because the city of Amsterdam is quite small compared to some of Europe’s other capitals, and because all the major tourist attractions are concentrated in and around the city centre, Amsterdam is easily explored on foot. It is also a great way to explore the charms of this wonderful city. It is best to take a map with you as the network of canals, streets and bridges can be a little confusing at first. Also, make sure you are not walking on one of the cycle paths; if you need to cross one, look for an oncoming cyclist before proceeding.
The roads and pavements are mostly made of bricks and cobblestones, so if you do not have proper, sturdy footwear for walking, there is a good chance that you will end up with a stubbed toe or some other form of foot damage. Also, keep your eyes on the ground rather than looking up at the skyscrapers around you. The people of Amsterdam are very fond of dogs the size of Shetland ponies and you may regret stepping on one!
Tram service in Amsterdam
While walking along Amsterdam’s canals is half the fun of living in the city, the other half is fulfilled by riding the sleek grey and blue trams that roll through most of the city’s major streets. Amsterdam has no less than sixteen different tram routes. While ten of them originate at Centraal Station, another route passes through the square, so if you get lost and have to start your journey all over again, you can always return to this point.
The doors on most trams open automatically. While boarding is usually through the rear door, indicated by a flashing signal on the outside, there are some vehicles that do not have this signal and you can board through any of the doors. You will need to press a button to open the door before you get off. Tram doors tend to close quietly and quickly, so if you dawdle you may regret your missed opportunity.
Bus network in Amsterdam
GVB operates an extensive bus network in Amsterdam to complement the city’s tram services. Like the trams, most of the bus routes start and end at Centraal Station. Although it is much quicker to travel by tram, there are a number of places in the city that can only be reached by bus. Intercity and regional bus services also operate from Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has up to thirty different bus lines in the city and if you need to travel to the northern areas, this is the best way to get around. You have to get on at the front of the bus and show or buy a ticket from the driver. It is better and cheaper to buy a ticket in advance if you want to use public transport in the city.
Subway Network in Amsterdam
While the metro network in Amsterdam pales in comparison to the labyrinthine structures of other European cities such as London and Paris, the city does boast its own underground system. There are four lines in operation, bringing people in from the suburbs, while there are services from Central Station that can be used to reach central Amsterdam districts such as Waterlooplein and Nieuwmarkt. While the metro is best used for sightseeing, there are a number of attractions along these lines that are well worth a visit. The Metro Noord-Zuidlijn, a line that will connect the north to the south of Amsterdam, is currently under construction. This line, which will run to Central Station, is expected to be completed by 2015.
Taxi service in Amsterdam
It is usually expensive to take a taxi in the city. The minimum fare you pay is only for the first two kilometres of the journey. Fares are usually displayed both inside and outside the taxi. Please note that if you hail a taxi from one of the city’s taxi ranks, you should not be refused a short trip – this was very common until a few years ago. Finding a taxi can be difficult, especially at weekends, but if you book one in advance you should have no problem.
If you want to get a real Dutch feel for taking a taxi, consider a bicycle taxi. They are pedal-powered and can carry up to two people at a time. They are also much cheaper to use than conventional taxis.
Waterways in Amsterdam
Now that cycling has become a popular way to get around Amsterdam, the waterways have not found many takers. However, the canal bus is one of the most effective ways to get around the city. Although it is relatively cheap compared to some of the other forms of public transport in Amsterdam, it is a picturesque and fun way to travel. Ferry services are also available in the city, with the free service from behind Central Station to Amsterdam North being the most notable.
Conclusion: Renting bicycles to get around the city of Amsterdam has become one of the most popular means of public transport, as the well-defined cycling routes provide cyclists with an easy means of travel. Hiring a car is also popular, although the high parking fees are often a deterrent for tourists.
There are also some people who think that swimming is the best and healthiest way to get around Amsterdam, which may be due to the fact that they visit the many ‘coffee shops’ too often. Truth be told, this is not the case! While it is true that the water in the canals has been cleaned up considerably in recent years and that the water quality is the best that the current generation of Amsterdammers has ever seen, the liquid that fills the water bodies still seems to resemble a brew from a witch’s cauldron: pour some down your throat and you may soon have to have a close encounter with a stomach pump in a nearby hospital.