How to get around Amsterdam

Are you ready for the holiday of a lifetime in Amsterdam? Don’t waste valuable time getting lost. Follow our guide to the best ways to get around in Amsterdam, and you’ll be able to pack even more fun into your trip.

Public transport in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a great public transport network that connects the entire city with trains, buses, trams and a metro system. These are easy to navigate and are used by locals and visitors alike. If you’re planning to travel by public transit in Amsterdam, be aware that paper tickets are not used. You can travel with a rechargeable public transport chip card, which can be bought at a station or ordered online. Alternatively, travellers might want to use the I Amsterdam City Card. This is valid for periods of 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours. As well as public transport, the city card includes entry to some museums and attractions, as well as discounts at restaurants and concerts. This makes it a good choice for the well-organised traveller.

Amsterdam by ferry

Amsterdam is a city built on water, so travelling by boat is a daily occurrence. Ferries in the city generally depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station and go to outlying areas like Buiksloterweg, IJplein or the NDSM Wharf. A full guide to the city’s ferries is useful for any boat lover. Best of all, these ferry trips are free. Many are very short, only taking a few minutes, and they serve as both a fun attraction for tourists and an essential service for the city’s commuters.

Amsterdam by bike

Of course, if you want to spend your time in Amsterdam like a true local, there’s only one way to do it – get on your bike! The capital of the Netherlands is famous for cyclists and is perhaps the world’s most bike-friendly city. The Amsterdam Bicycle Network covers a massive 476 miles (767 km) of almost totally flat terrain, and even the city’s police officers are often found on two wheels. Amsterdam has dozens of bike rental businesses. If you buy an I Amsterdam card, you’ll be able to use it for bike rental. As well as this, many hotels offer their own bike rental service, so be sure to ask at yours.

Amsterdam on foot

The centre of Amsterdam is very walkable. The city is flat and compact, making it a good destination for anyone who prefers to get around on their own two feet. However, it’s worth considering your footwear before you start: many of the streets are cobbled, which can cause discomfort unless you’re prepared. The area around the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly walkable. A great way to start seeing Amsterdam on foot is by following Damrak, one of the city’s main streets, which runs from Centraal Station to Dam Square. This will take you past many historic buildings and give you a real flavour of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam by train

Most visitors start their holiday by flying into Schiphol Airport. If this is the case, you can hop right onto the train, which runs 24 hours a day. It departs every 10 to 15 minutes from 6 AM to 1 AM, then every hour. Tickets cost €4.60, and the train takes 15 minutes to reach Amsterdam Centraal Station. If you’re staying in the city centre, it’s the fastest and most convenient way to get in. Trains are also useful if you’re planning to take a day trip outside Amsterdam or explore other parts of the Netherlands. Head to Centraal Station, where you’ll find connections to get out of the city.

Amsterdam by taxi

Because Amsterdam is so compact and has such a great network of public transport, taxis are not as common here as in other capitals. Don’t try to hail a taxi in the street – it’s usually illegal for them to stop and pick up a passenger. Instead, you’ll need to head to one of the city’s official taxi ranks, which can be seen on this map or call in advance. A taxi between the airport and the city centre will cost around €45 – €60, while a trip from Centraal Station to the RAI convention centre will be around €15 – €25. Culturally, tips are appreciated, but they are not essential. If you want to tip, the most common way to do this is just to “”round up”” your fare to the next whole number.

Amsterdam by ride shares and car-hailing apps

Like most other major cities, Amsterdam has several car-hailing apps available. International companies like Uber, Lyft, and Cabify operate in Amsterdam, providing a service that is generally cheaper than the city’s taxis. Uber even offers a special UberBIKE option, which will allow you to order a car fitted with a bicycle rack. This could be a good choice if you find that you’ve cycled too far and you’re now too tired to get home!

Amsterdam by hire car

Car rental in Amsterdam costs an average of €60 a day. You can rent a car at the airport, and it’s a good option for travellers who want to follow a larger Dutch itinerary around the country. Within the city, travelling by car can be frustrating and slow due to traffic. An alternative to big car rental firms is the Netherlands’ very own SnappCar app. This Dutch car-sharing platform allows users to rent out their cars, vans and other vehicles and is a popular choice for many locals.

Amsterdam by canal cruise

Amsterdam is known for its extensive canal network. In fact, the Canal Ring has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and plays a starring role in many visitors’ itineraries. What better way to see it than from the water? There are several private companies that offer canal cruises. Before you start, consider what kind of cruise you’d like. This could be anything from a romantic cruise by candlelight, an informative guided tour or a hop-on-hop-off cruise that will allow you to get out and explore the sights.

Amsterdam by private boat

Want something more intimate than a cruise? There are plenty of boat rental companies that will allow you to rent your own vessel and explore the canals in style. Boat rental is expensive, with some companies charging up to €200 for an hour. More expensive rentals often include special historic boats, onboard meals and a captain. The most basic, no-frills boats, which usually seat about 6 people, cost around €80 – €100 for three hours, depending on the day of the week and time of the day. It’s cheaper if you want to rent a boat on a weekday morning. No boating licence is required, but you should familiarise yourself with canal safety guidelines (for example, boats should travel on the right-hand side of the canal, just like cars on the road). If you’re going down this route, be responsible. Amsterdam’s Waternet police will fine anyone drunk in charge of a boat.