Amsterdam Public-Transport

Amsterdam Public-Transport information

Trams

Trams are part of the Amsterdam landscape and as soon as you emerge from Centraal Station you'll see them criss-crossing the square. They are an excellent way of getting around the city. With just 17 lines they are easy to navigate on short acquaintance and are excellent for sightseeing. Tram 20 is a special circle trip for tourists, which passes most of the museums and sights, and travels as far south as the Sarphati Park before looping back to the centre. Ordinary tickets and passes can be used on the tram and are available onboard. If you want to hop on and off, your best bet is to purchase a day ticket (as above).

Buses

You could be forgiven for not noticing the buses in Amsterdam. Most tourists will choose the trams over the bus network and not many attractions require that you take the bus to access them. Should you do so they are rather more complicated than the trams mainly as it is hard sometimes to predict where you should alight until you've gone past your destination. However, they are clean and punctual.

Driving

Amsterdam is a motorist's nightmare - the city is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, sharp corners and tiny bridges. Happily, nothing is far enough away to justify driving anywhere. If you do drive to Amsterdam, parking is available on the streets, in underground public car parks, and at some hotels, but it is expensive. If you are coming in just for a day there are park and ride schemes on the city outskirts. Depending on exact location of the car park, rates are from EUR14.50, getting you a day's parking and public transport to and from the centre. There are more than 20 car rental agencies in Amsterdam - which might explain the traffic. You will need to bring your own national driving licence if planning to drive while in the Netherlands. If your licence is not in English it is advisable to hold an International Driving Licence. The minimum driving age is 18. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left-hand side. The driver and all passengers in the front and rear of the car must wear seat belts if fitted. Children under 3 years old must travel in a safety seat in the rear of the car, while those aged 3-12 can travel in the front only with a special safety seat. Be aware that lanes in the centre of two-way streets are reserved for trams and buses, and cyclists are given priority over cars. The speed limit on highways is 120/100km per hour (75/70mph), on the open road it is 80km per hour (50mph), and in urban areas 50km per hour (30mph).

Taxis

Taxis are expensive and often get caught up in the city's traffic jams making them a slow way to travel around the city centre. It is illegal to hail a taxi in the street (although certainly not unheard of). There are quite a few taxi ranks though, with your best bet being one of the pleins (squares), near any of the city's major attractions, or in front of Centraal Station.

Canal Boats

The Canal Bus (www.canal.nl) runs every 40 minutes from 9:50 until 7:25 with 14 stops along three different routes throughout the city. Day passes cost €16 and are valid until 12:00 the next day. All of Amsterdam’s major attractions are on the route and historical commentary is provided along the way. The Museumboot (Museum Boat) is a similar concept for €14.25 per day with stops at Central Station, Prinsengracht, Leidseplein, Herengracht, Muziektheater and the East Dock. Tickets includes half-price entry to most city museums.

Bicycles

Bicycling in Amsterdam is a way of life for most Dutch and still the best way to get around. There are dedicated bike paths throughout the city and few hills to conquer. A number of companies offer bicycle rentals for around €8 per day with discounts for longer rentals.

Rent a Car

If you prefer to drive around Amsterdam yourself, Click Here for great deals on car rentals in Amsterdam.