Amsterdam: Public transport tickets & Passes
Overview, current prices (2024)
Whether you are looking for a single ticket, a day pass or an Amsterdam Travel Card, here you will find all the information you need. In this guide we present the most important tickets for visitors.
So you can easily find the right ticket for your stay in Amsterdam.
Important information about buying tickets:
- You cannot buy tickets on buses and trams from the driver.
- Many of the tickets are available online and can be purchased before your trip. You will find more information below.
- Almost all public transport in Amsterdam is organized under the tariff system of the municipal transport company GVB “Gemeente Vervoer Bedrijf”. This makes it much easier for passengers, as a day ticket is valid on the metro, trams and GVB buses.
#1 Single rides with the OV chip card / “e-purse” or OVpay
if you are staying in Amsterdam for a longer period of time but do not want to use public transport very often
A charger for the OV-chip card – credit card fees may apply (image: travelguide.amsterdam)
The OV card / e-purse system is not that simple, especially if you don’t visit the Netherlands often.
How does the OV card / e-purse work?
The OV card works like a prepaid cellphone card. You can load the card with a certain amount of money at a machine and then use it up.
For a single ride, you will pay a fixed base price plus a set amount per kilometer driven. Thus, you are paying for the distance traveled. The distance is measured exactly every 50 metres and charged accordingly.
There is no such thing as a classic one-way ticket, which costs a certain amount regardless of the distance travelled (flat rate). The OV chip card / e-purse can be used in trams, buses, as well as the Metro.
- Every passenger over the age of 4 must have a chip card.
- The card must be topped up with at least €4 before each journey to ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover the fare.
E-purse – prices
A rechargeable and anonymous chip card, without personalisation with a passport-type photo, costs €7.50 (without adding credit). There is a €2.50 service charge for withdrawing any remaining balance.
Standard fare:
base price: €1.08 per trip plus 19.6 cents per kilometer traveled
Children (4–11 years) get a discounted fare:
base price: 71 cents per trip plus 12.9 cents per kilometer traveled
OVpay
Another payment system was introduced in 2023: OVpay. You can pay for a single journey on local public transport directly with your credit or debit card. All you have to do is present your payment card to a scanner when boarding and alighting. The fare will be automatically debited from your account.
Paying with OVpay – important information:
- You must always check in and out with the same bank card. Otherwise, the billing system will not be able to determine the correct fare.
- For single journeys, you will need a separate payment card for each passenger.
- In addition to the fares, credit card or exchange rate fees may also apply.
- A journey with an age discount (e.g. children’s fare) is not yet possible with OVpay.
- Don’t forget to check out with your payment card when you get off the bus. The fare depends on the distance traveled. If you do not check out, you will be charged an incorrect, usually higher fare.
- There is no daily limit, as there is in London. This means that you can pay significantly more per day with OVpay than with a day ticket (see below).
#2 GVB single day ticket or multi-day-ticket:
Easy & affordable – ideal for visitors & tourists – optional Airport Express bus
Cheap & easy: the single-day-ticket with a validity of 1 – 7 days. Buy online and save time and stress in Amsterdam.
GVB single and multi-day tickets are popular with visitors to Amsterdam. They are easy to use and affordable.
What does this ticket offer?
- This ticket gives you unlimited travel on all GVB trams, city buses and the metro (day and night) throughout Amsterdam and you don’t have to keep an eye on your balance like you do with the e-purse.
- It is flexible in terms of time. Tickets are available for a single day and for up to 7 days, from 24 to 168 hours. The clock starts ticking at the time of first use.
- There is a day ticket, especially for children aged 4 to 11. The kids’ ticket is only valid for a single day. You can purchase more than one child’s day ticket if required.
- You can buy the ticket online before your trip (no surcharge – click here).
- This ticket is not valid for other regional bus companies, such as Connexxion or EBS, or in trains of the Dutch railway company NS
GVB Day Ticket + Airport Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ City Centre
The regular GVB day pass does not include the airport transfer by express bus or train.
However, you can buy a combined ticket consisting of a day ticket for public transport + airport transfer (express bus or train). This combined ticket is called the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”.
→ You can find more information about the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here
→ More information about the various options for airport transfers, including travel times and prices
Current prices for GVB day and multiple-day tickets
Prices are at the lower end for a European city. The longer the validity, the lower the price per day.
Fares (2024):
Children’s ticket (4–11 years) for 1 day / 24h: €4.50 – multiple tickets can be purchased for longer stays.
Standard fare:
1 day / 24h: €9
2 days / 48h: €15
3 days / 72h: €21
4 days / 96h: €26.50
5 days / 120h: €33
6 days / 144h: €37.50
7 days / 168h: €41 (€5.85 per day)
Our tip: buy online to save time and stress
You can buy your ticket online before your trip via the English-language website of the authorised GVB ticket seller without having to pay a surcharge (click here).
This will save you stress later, as you won’t have to deal with the fare system and ticket machines after your flight.If you are travelling via Schiphol Airport, you can also buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online (day ticket for local transport + airport transfer by express bus or train).
GVB Ticket Child
Children aged 0-3 travel free on Amsterdam’s public transport. For children between 4 and 11 years of age, the GVB children’s day ticket is available at a reduced price.
Children aged 0–3 years can use public transport in Amsterdam free of charge. There is a reduced day ticket for children between the ages of 4 and 11. It currently (2024) costs €4.50. There is no multi-day pass for children.
If you need a children’s ticket for several days, the easiest way is to buy several one-day children’s tickets.
You can buy GVB children’s day tickets online together with adult tickets.
Where is the GVB day ticket valid?
The GVB day ticket is valid on the entire GVB tram, underground and bus network.
→ Map / city map Amsterdam:
GVB day ticket coverage
If your destination or accommodation is outside the validity area, you might be interested in the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket (see below). This ticket is valid for the entire region around Amsterdam.
# 3 Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Trips around Amsterdam + airport transfer included
If you want to go on a day trip to the coast (Amsterdam Beach, Haarlem, Zaandvoor or Bloemendaal) or to the tulip paradise Keukenhof, then the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is for you. This ticket is an extension of the GVB day ticket (see above).
The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket entitles you to:
- Unlimited use of all GVB streetcars, city buses, metro (day and night) and ferries. This allows you to travel within the city of Amsterdam in the same way as the GVB Day Ticket (see above).
- In addition, you can also use the buses of the Connexxion and EBS companies. These bus companies serve destinations outside the Amsterdam city area. The GVB day ticket (see above) is not valid on these buses. This also includes the Airport Express Bus 397 (shuttle bus to the airport).
- Trains in the Amsterdam region with the national railroad company NS are included.
You can buy this ticket before your trip via the GVB authorized ticket portal (click here). This will save you time and stress during your stay in Amsterdam.
Current prices for the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (2024)
With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you can travel in a much larger area than with a GVB day pass. Therefore the price is higher.
Current prices for the “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket”
Valid for 1 day: €21
Valid for 2 days: €31.50
Valid for 3 days: €40.50
The validity period is different from the GVB day ticket. The “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 04.00 a.m. after the last valid day (depending on whether you have the 1, 2 or 3 day version). The day starts at midnight.
For example: If you use a 2-day ticket for the first time from midnight on Wednesday, then your ticket will be valid until 04:00 on Friday morning.
Where is the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket valid?
Here is a map showing the area covered by the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
#4 Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT)
Day ticket + transfer by train or bus to Schiphol airport
The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” – day ticket for public transport + airport transfer – online booking saves time and avoids stress
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT) is an extension of the GVB single day or multi-day-ticket described above. It can be considered an extension because with this ticket you also have the option of using the following unlimited times for your transfer to and from Schiphol airport:
- Unlimited 2nd class rail travel between train station “Schiphol Amsterdam” Airport and any train station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Station, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrecht)
- The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) operated by Connexxion and the Niteliner (bus N97).
This ticket also entitles you to unlimited travel on all GVB trams, (night) buses, metro and ferries in the whole of Amsterdam.
However, its validity is regulated differently. The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 4 AM following the last valid day (depending on whether you have booked the 1, 2 or 3 day option). The day starts at midnight.
For example: if you start using a 2-day ticket at midnight on Wednesday, then it will be valid until 4 AM on Friday.
Please note: This ticket is not valid on buses that are operated by other transport companies such as EBS and Arriva or on any bus other than the Amsterdam Express (bus 397) and the Niteliner (bus N97) operated by Connexxion.
Our tip: buy online and save time and stress abroad
You can buy the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” via this English-language website
This will save you stress on arrival. You won’t have to deal with ticket machines after your flight.
Current pricing for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”
Prices are higher than a simple day ticket as it includes your airport transfer. A return trip from the airport to the city centre on the Airport Express Bus 397 currently costs €11.75. Taking this into account, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is affordable.
Current fares for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”
Validity 1 day: 18 Euro
Validity 2 days: 24 Euro
Validity 3 days: 30 Euro
Tickets with longer validity are not currently available.
#5 “I Amsterdam” card:
Day ticket + discount card for sightseeing
Day ticket for public transport + free / reduced entry to attractions
The I Amsterdam card is the official sightseeing pass for the city of Amsterdam. It is designed to help visitors navigate the maze of public transport fares and entrance tickets. The name is derived from the play on words “I am Amsterdam”.
If you are also planning to visit the attractions and famous sights of the city, then the ‘I Amsterdam’ card may be of interest to you. It is a combination of day passes for public transport and discounted admission to tourist attractions.
The “I Amsterdam” card is a combination ticket and offers the following benefits:
“I Amsterdam” – just one ticket for public transport + free admission to attractions
1 Free & unlimited use of the GVB public transport system. This includes the Metro, city buses, as well as the trams. Ferries are generally free of charge.
2 Free entrance to more than 50 sights and museums, including TOP attractions like the Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt), the Royal Zoo Artis, the NEMO Science Museum or the Tulip Museum Amsterdam… (see below for details)
3 25% off the regular ticket price for many events (opera, ballet…), attractions, bike rental, and at participating restaurants
→ More information about “I amsterdam” city card – Test: “I Amsterdam” card – is a purchase worth it for you?
Tip: Buy the ‘I Amsterdam’ card, GVB day ticket or entrance ticket online without paying a surcharge.
Insider tip: you can purchase the “I Amsterdam” card via this English-language website before your trip. This will save you the hassle and possibly even the credit card fees that you might incur if you pay on arrival.
Pricing for the “I Amsterdam” card (as of 2024)
1 day – 24 hours: €60
2 days – 48 hours: €85 (€42.50 per day)
3 days – 72 hours: €100 (€33.33 per day)
4 days – 96 hours: €115 (€28.75 per day)
5 days – 120 hours: €125 (€25 per day)
#6 Overview: Day tickets in Amsterdam
|
GVB day
ticket |
Amsterdam
Travel Ticket |
Amsterdam
& Region Travel Ticket |
I amsterdam
Card | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Amsterdam city: unlimited use of public transport (GVB) | ||||
| Amsterdam region: Connexxion & EBS buses, train | ||||
| Airport transfer by Express Bus 397 | ||||
| Airport transfer by train | ||||
| free admission & discount at attractions | ||||
| Price: 1 day |
9 €
|
18 €
|
21 €
|
65 €
|
| Price: 2 days |
15 €
|
24 €
|
31,50 €
|
90 €
|
| Price: 3 days |
21 €
|
30 €
|
40,50 €
|
110 €
|
| Price: 4 days |
26,50 €
|
–
|
–
|
125 €
|
| Price: 5 days |
33 €
|
–
|
–
|
135 €
|
| Price: 6 days |
37,50 €
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
| Price: 7 days |
41 €
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
#7 Group tickets for travel groups or school trips
A group ticket for larger travel groups or school trips etc. is no longer available. Many travel groups take advantage of the GVB day-ticket (see here). It is uncomplicated and allows unlimited use of public transport. Each member of the group gets their own card and can make individual journeys.
In addition, these tickets can be purchased online at no extra cost via this English language website. There is no need to handle a large sum of money at a local ticket machine while your group waits impatiently. You will receive a receipt for your online purchase, which makes accounting for a group much easier.
#8 GVB 1 hour ticket
With the GVB 1 hour ticket, you can use all GVB lines within one hour. The ticket is unfortunately not available online.
Current price 2024: €3.40 for adults
#9 FAQ 2024
Local transport Amsterdam: How much does a day ticket cost 2024?
The prices for the day ticket are very reasonable for a European metropolis. With a longer period of validity, the price per day decreases significantly.
Regular fare 2024:
1 day / 24 hours: 9 €
2 days / 48 hours: 15 €
3 days / 72 hours: 21 €
4 days / 96 hours: 26,50 €
5 days / 120 hours: 33 €
6 days / 144 hours: 37,50 €
7 days / 168 hours: 41 € (5,85 € per day)
More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide
Which public transport ticket is best for Amsterdam tourists?
The day or multi-day ticket of the city’s public transport company GVB is very popular with visitors to Amsterdam. With this ticket, you can easily use local transport (metro, bus, tram) in the Amsterdam city area. It is very cheap compared to other European metropolises.
More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide
How much does a single ticket cost for public transport in Amsterdam?
There is no classic single ticket for Amsterdam public transport. Single journeys can be paid for with the “OV / E- Purse card”. It works in a similar way to a prepaid mobile phone card. You can load an amount of money onto this card at a machine. You can then use this credit to pay for local transport. A reloadable, anonymous e-purse card (without passport photo) costs 7.50 euros (without credit). It is easier to use local transport with a day or multi-day ticket.
Where can I buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam?
You can buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam at vending machines or sales points of the local transport company GVB.
You can also buy many tickets online. This saves time and stress in Amsterdam. You can find more information and our tips on buying tickets in our Amsterdam travel guide.
Is the GVB Day Ticket Amsterdam valid on the Schiphol Airport Express Bus 397?
The regular GVB day pass does not include the airport transfer by express bus or train.
However, you can buy a combined ticket consisting of a day ticket for public transport + airport transfer (express bus or train). This combined ticket is called the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”.
→ You can find more information about the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here
→ More information about the various options for airport transfers, including travel times and prices
Is an airport transfer included with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?
With the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” you can use the following unlimited transfer options to and from Schiphol Airport:
- Train travel in 2nd class on NS trains between Schiphol Amsterdam station and any station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Central Station, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Science Park, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrech)
- Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) and Niteliner (Bus N97)
I was a tourist in Amsterdam and lived in the DAM square area from 28th September 2019 to 1st October 2019. I request you to please issue a 12 hour ticket for 4.0 Euro. The 24 hour ticket which I bought for 8 Euro becomes a bit redundant since trams are not there in the late hours up to early morning. We usually party till about 2 am and then the walk back from Bull Dog Palace at Leidseplein Square to Dam Square becomes arduous and dangerous since we are not in our senses. I used line 2, 14, 24 and 26 extensively during our stay there.
good information
Liebes Amsterdam Travel Guide Team,
erstmal Kompliment! Sehr gute Seite mit hilfreichen und übersichtlichen Informationen.
Wo finde ich eine Liste aller Teilnehmer wie Geschäfte, Kultureinrichtungen und Restaurants usw. die den 25% Rabatt durch die I Amsterdam Karte geben? Gibt es eventuell eine App oder ähnliches um auch die Standorte auf einer Karte zu sehen und eine gute Reise Route finden zu können? Falls nicht, wie kann ich Teilnehmer herausfinden? Oder muss ich in jedem Laden vor Ort einzeln nachfragen?
Vielen Dank im voraus!
🌷
Hallo Egga,
vielen Dank für Dein Kompliment. Das ist eine tolle Motivation, weiter an unserem Reiseführer zu arbeiten.
Es gibt eine App “I amsterdam city card” für Apple und Android Geräte. Diese kann man nach dem Kauf herunterladen und sieht dann alle teilnehmenden Geschäfte / Restaurants.
Viel Spaß in Amsterdam!