Alternatively, you can buy a Strippenkart,
which charges per trip according to the number of zones passed
through. They are available from GVB offices, newsagents,
post offices and a number of supermarkets. Single trip tickets
can be bought onboard but will you cost much more.
There is a national public transport information service
you can call on 0900-9292 - you say when and where you want
to go, anywhere in the Netherlands, and they
tell you how to get there.
Trams
Trams are the best way of getting around Amsterdam and run regularly until 12:15am. Trams are frequent, fast and reliable. If you have a 'strippenkaart you stamp it on entry. On some trams a conductor stamps your ticket for you. Once stamped, a ticket is valid for an hour, regardless of how often you change tram. Several people can travel on one strippenkaart, you stamp one time for each person. You need to hail a tram to let the driver know you want to get on. If the tram has a conductor you must use the rear door to get on.
Buses
Buses are mainly used to reach outlying suburbs and after the trams have stopped running. There are night buses running from midnight until 7am connecting to Central Station, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein.
Metro
The Metro is used for travelling outside the city or to the Amsterdam Arena. There are a number of lines combined with a rapid train system.
Canal bus
The Canal Bus runs every forty minutes from 9:50 until 7:25 with fourteen stops along three different routes. 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. So apart from transporting you around this is a major tourist experience.
Museumboot
The Museumboot costs €14.25 per day with stops at Central Station, Prinsengracht, Leidseplein, Herengracht, Muziektheater and the East Dock. Tickets for the Musemboot include half-price entry to most city museums.
Bicycle
The most popular method of transport in Amsterdam is the bicycle.
There are dedicated cycle paths throughout the city and with
Amsterdam being so flat it makes for easy cycling, even for
the less fit. Numerous companies offer bicycle rentals for
about €8 per day with discounts for longer rentals. Dutch
bikes only have back pedal brakes. When hiring a bike, you
need to pay a deposit, and show a form of identification.
Bike City, Bloemgracht 68 (Westerkerk),
6263721
Damstraat Rent a Bike, P Jacobszoondwarsstraat 11 (Dam), 6255029.
Macbike, Leidseplein (next to Paradiso) 528 7688, Mr. Visserplein
2 (Waterlooplein), 6200985, and Central Station, 625 3845
Taxis
Taxi stands are available at a variety of locations including Leidseplein, Dam Square and Central Station. Hailing a taxi is difficult and it’s best to call ahead on 0900 677 7777.
Bicycle taxis
Bicycle taxis are to be found throughout the city. They can carry up to two people and are much cheaper than a conventional taxi.
Car rental
Driving in Amsterdam is not recommended, but if you want to
travel further afield, you can easily rent a car from Schiphol
Airport and in the city center along Overtoom Straat near
Vondlepark. Parking is difficult and expensive in the city,
with parking regulations strictly enforced.
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