Getting there and around
Getting there
Amsterdam's Schiphol International airport is 18km (11mi) southwest of the city centre. An inexpensive train service to Centraal Station leaves every 15 minutes, taking 15-20 minutes.
Getting around
Amsterdam's main train station is Centraal, which has regular and efficient connections throughout the country and to all neighbouring countries. Amsterdam has 550,000 bicycles and this is an ideal way to get around. You can reach most places in Amsterdam on foot, but there's also an efficient public transport system. It covers almost the whole city (though the canal belt can be tricky as trams and buses stick to 'spoke' roads). Centraal Station is the hub of it all, where tram, bus, train and metro lines converge.
Amsterdam's Schiphol International airport is 18km (11mi) southwest of the city centre. An inexpensive train service to Centraal Station leaves every 15 minutes, taking 15-20 minutes.
Getting around
Amsterdam's main train station is Centraal, which has regular and efficient connections throughout the country and to all neighbouring countries. Amsterdam has 550,000 bicycles and this is an ideal way to get around. You can reach most places in Amsterdam on foot, but there's also an efficient public transport system. It covers almost the whole city (though the canal belt can be tricky as trams and buses stick to 'spoke' roads). Centraal Station is the hub of it all, where tram, bus, train and metro lines converge.
Tickets
The GVB Tickets & Info desk on the Stationsplein opposite the Central Station can provide you with information on all the possibilities offered by public transport in Amsterdam. The desk also sells transport tickets and has maps and timetables for all Amsterdam bus, tram and metro routes.
The GVB Tickets & Info desk on the Stationsplein opposite the Central Station can provide you with information on all the possibilities offered by public transport in Amsterdam. The desk also sells transport tickets and has maps and timetables for all Amsterdam bus, tram and metro routes.
I Amsterdam Card
The I Amsterdam Card is the all-in-one pass. A ticket for unlimited travel on all tram, bus and metro (underground) services in Amsterdam for up to three days, plus vouchers worth more than € 90 in discounts for canal cruises, museums and other attractions. Available at GVB Tickets & Info and the Amsterdam Tourist Board, both on Stationsplein in front of Amsterdam Central station.
The I Amsterdam Card is the all-in-one pass. A ticket for unlimited travel on all tram, bus and metro (underground) services in Amsterdam for up to three days, plus vouchers worth more than € 90 in discounts for canal cruises, museums and other attractions. Available at GVB Tickets & Info and the Amsterdam Tourist Board, both on Stationsplein in front of Amsterdam Central station.
Bus/tram/metro
Only the OV-chip card and I Amsterdam card are valid in the metro, buses and trams. The OV-chipcard is an electronic card with a built-in chip for use on all public transport in Amsterdam. The chip card is sold at all Ticket Vending machines at metro stations and at GVB Tickets & Info (for example opposite Central Station). There are two different Cards: the personalized OV-chipkaart and the anonymous OV-chipkaart. You can reload the e-purse on both of these cards, and you can travel anywhere with both of these cards.
Only the OV-chip card and I Amsterdam card are valid in the metro, buses and trams. The OV-chipcard is an electronic card with a built-in chip for use on all public transport in Amsterdam. The chip card is sold at all Ticket Vending machines at metro stations and at GVB Tickets & Info (for example opposite Central Station). There are two different Cards: the personalized OV-chipkaart and the anonymous OV-chipkaart. You can reload the e-purse on both of these cards, and you can travel anywhere with both of these cards.
Ferry
Behind Central Station, five free ferries hustle their way across the River IJ, transporting passengers to various locations in the north of Amsterdam. Some specialist ferries also travel along the river to other districts of the city.
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at one of more than 50 official taxi ranks located around the city. The ranks, identifiable by blue boards, can be found near to tourist spots such as the Dam, Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.
Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at one of more than 50 official taxi ranks located around the city. The ranks, identifiable by blue boards, can be found near to tourist spots such as the Dam, Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.
