By bus, streetcar & metro through Amsterdam - stress-free & affordable
Whether from the airport to the city center or to the highlights of the city: with the right local transport ticket, you can travel flexibly and comfortably in Amsterdam. Compare the best tickets for tourists here and book directly online.
GVB tickets for public transport
Rating: 4,2 (41811 Reviews)
Price: from 9,50 EUR per person
The GVB ticket is suitable for regular journeys within Amsterdam. It is valid for all GVB transport within the city area, including metro, streetcar and bus. Journeys to and from the airport are not included.
The ticket is available for 1 to 7 days in full 24-hour units.
Buy your GVB ticket online and use it digitally on your phone with the free GetYourGuide app.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
Customer satisfaction: 4,5 (2052 Reviews)
Price: from 21,00 EUR per person
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is valid for travel in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, including the airport, Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, Volendam, etc. You can use all means of transportation of GBV + Connexxion + EBS + NS Railway.
The card must be collected from a ticket counter or ticket machine. There are ticket machines at Schiphol Airport, Central Station and many other train stations in Amsterdam. You will receive all the necessary information for collection after purchase.
Amsterdam Travel ticket with airport
Customer satisfaction: 4,4 (4512 Reviews)
Price: from 18,00 EUR per person
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is suitable for regular journeys in Amsterdam with transfers from Schiphol Airport to the city center. You can use all GVB transportation (see GVB ticket) and additionally the Airport Express Bus 397 + Niteliner N97 + NS Railway in Amsterdam.
The card must be collected from a ticket counter or ticket machine. There are ticket machines at Schiphol Airport and at many other train stations in Amsterdam. You will receive all the necessary information for collection after purchase.
I Amsterdam City Card
Customer satisfaction: 4,4 (4060 Reviews)
Price: from 65,00 EUR per person
The official Amsterdam City Card not only gives you free travel on public transport in Amsterdam, but also free entry to around 60 museums and attractions (including the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, A'DAM Lookout, This is Holland).
After purchase, you can download and use the Amsterdam Card immediately with the free I Amsterdam app.
Airport transfer by express bus
Customer satisfaction: 4,4 (4575 Reviews)
Price: from 6,50 EUR per person
With this digital bus ticket, you can use the Airport Express Bus 397 from the airport to the city center. The return journey can also be booked online. Bus 397 departs every 7 to 8 minutes from bus stop B17 at the airport. The Niteliner N97 departs every 60 minutes (between 01:00 and 05:00). Your online ticket will be scanned when you board the bus.
Why a public transport ticket for Amsterdam is worthwhile
Amsterdam is a compact but lively city with an excellent public transport system. Whether you want to travel from Schiphol Airport to the city center, explore different districts or go on excursions in the surrounding area - with the right ticket, you can get around quickly, cheaply and easily.
The GVB streetcars, buses, metros and ferries will take you reliably to almost anywhere in Amsterdam. Even better: you can buy many tickets online in advance - saving you time on the spot, avoiding unnecessary waiting times at ticket machines and often benefiting from better prices.
On this page you will find an overview of the most popular Amsterdam public transport tickets for tourists. We will also show you which ticket best suits your travel plans and give you useful tips on using public transport in the Dutch capital.
Which public transport ticket for Amsterdam is right for me?
Choosing the right ticket depends on how long you are staying, where you are traveling and whether you are arriving from the airport. Here is an overview of the most important ticket options:
| Ticket name | Valid for | Airport included? | Price from | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GVB day pass | Bus, streetcar, metro (Amsterdam only) | ❌ No | 9,50 EUR | Only within Amsterdam |
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Bus, streetcar, metro + train Schiphol | ✅ Yes | 18,00 EUR | From the airport + public transport in the city |
| Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket | Greater Amsterdam area incl. Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, etc. | ✅ Yes | 21,00 EUR | Excursions in the region |
| OV-chipkaart | All public transport connections according to consumption | ❌ Optional | individual | Locals, long-term users |
Typical travel scenarios - and the right ticket
| Travel scenario | Recommended ticket | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| I stay in Amsterdam for 2-3 days and travel via Schiphol. | Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Incl. train Schiphol ↔ center + all GVB lines |
| I only explore Amsterdam (no airport, no excursions). | GVB day pass | Cheapest option for trips within the city |
| I would also like to go to Zaanse Schans and Volendam. | Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket | Covers region + local transport in the city |
| I am in Amsterdam for 1 week and only drive occasionally. | OV-chipkaart | Flexible, only pay when you use it - worthwhile for a few journeys |
| I arrived by train from Germany and stayed for 1 day. | GVB day pass | No airport transfer necessary, ideal for exploring the city |
| I am traveling with children (under 4 years old). | GVB day pass (adults only) | Children <4 travel free of charge - no extra ticket required |
| I have a hotel near the airport (e.g. Hoofddorp). | Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket | Also valid outside the city limits |
Tip: If you're not sure which ticket is right for you - base your decision on the starting point, duration and whether you're planning any excursions. At the bottom of this page we show you exactly how to travel with each ticket.
How public transport works in Amsterdam
Public transport in Amsterdam is reliable, well organized and easy to understand - especially if you know a few basics. Here you can find out how to get around the city easily by bus, streetcar, metro and ferry.
What means of transportation are available?
In Amsterdam you mainly use:
All means of transport mentioned are operated by the GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf) operated - your ticket is usually valid for everyone at the same time.
How to use your ticket
In Amsterdam, you useA one-way ticket, day pass or Amsterdam Travel Ticket: the system is based on check-in and check-out..:
Tip: Always have your ticket ready - it will be checked regularly.
Zones & Validity
You don't need to know any zones within Amsterdam, as the GVB tickets are valid for a flat rate. Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket and OV-chipkaart are valid beyond the city limits (e.g. to Zandvoort, Haarlem, airport).
Important: Tickets are time-based, e.g. "24 hours from first use", not "until midnight".
