Buses in Amsterdam 2026:
GVB, Connexxion, Hop-on Hop-off, Routes and Tickets 🚍
Buses play an important role in Amsterdam’s public transport system. For many typical journeys in the city centre, the tram and metro are often easier to use, but buses are especially useful for trips to outlying districts, Amsterdam Noord, Schiphol Airport or for travelling at night.
- This travel guide gives you an overview of routes, tickets (2026 prices) and important practical tips specifically for tourists.
- With our ticket tips, you can save both time and money.
What kinds of buses are there in Amsterdam in 2026?
In Amsterdam in 2026, there are not only buses operated by the municipal transport company GVB, but also regional routes run by other operators. This is relevant for tourists because there are important differences in routes, ticket validity and areas of operation.
GVB buses in Amsterdam
- GVB operates buses, trams, the metro and ferries in Amsterdam.
- GVB buses are especially important in areas without a direct tram or metro connection.
- Night buses are also part of the network, so buses are particularly important outside the normal operating hours of other forms of public transport.
Other operators: Connexxion, EBS and regional routes
Besides GVB, other operators also run services in Amsterdam and the surrounding region.
- For visitors, Connexxion is especially important because it operates the Amsterdam Airport Express bus between Schiphol Airport and the city.
- For journeys into the wider region, tickets that are valid across several transport networks are also important.
- The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is a typical example. It is valid on services operated by GVB, Connexxion, AllGo and EBS, as well as on selected NS regional train services.
Blue-and-white GVB buses mainly operate within the Amsterdam city area, while the red buses of private operators connect the city with the surrounding region.
Tickets for buses in Amsterdam in 2026 🎫
When it comes to bus tickets in Amsterdam in 2026, the most important question is:
Which operator are you travelling with?
That determines which ticket is the best choice. For many tourists, this is the key issue, because it is where the biggest differences between city transport and regional transport become clear.
Amsterdam city area – GVB
If you are travelling within Amsterdam, you will usually be using the services of the municipal transport company GVB
Our tip: if you do not want to deal with the fare system and ticket machines
Single-day and multi-day tickets for Amsterdam’s public transport system are usually the best option for visitors.
- These tickets allow unlimited use of the metro, GVB buses, trams and ferries for the entire period of validity (1–7 days).
- Compared to other major European cities, these tickets are reasonably priced. For 2026, fares range from €6.15 to €10 per day, depending on the length of validity.
Convenience:
You can purchase these tickets online before your trip at no additional cost 👉 via the website of the authorised GVB ticket seller – click here –. You will not have to deal with ticket machines or the tariff system upon your arrival.
This means you won’t have to deal with ticket machines or fare systems after arrival. Your ticket will already be available on your smartphone.This saves time and reduces stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying your stay in Amsterdam.
Where is the GVB day ticket valid?
The GVB day ticket is valid across the full network of trams, metro services and GVB buses.
⬇️ Map / city map of Amsterdam: Area covered by the GVB day ticket
Amsterdam region: city and surrounding area
If your destination or accommodation is outside the GVB validity zone, the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket may be a good option for you.
This day ticket is valid for both the city of Amsterdam and the entire surrounding region.
It is available for 1, 2 or 3 days and is valid on bus, tram and metro services operated by several companies, as well as on certain regional train services.
Where is the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket valid?
Here you will find a clear map showing the area covered by the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
⬇️ Map / plan: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
Our tip:
You can also buy this ticket online before your trip. This saves time and stress during your stay in Amsterdam.👉 Buy the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online (website authorised by GVB)
More information about Amsterdam public transport tickets
Whether you need a single ticket via E-purse / OV card, a day ticket or an Amsterdam Travel Card:
➡️ here you will find important information and current prices.
Which bus routes are especially useful for tourists in 2026? Route map & network map
Not every bus route is equally relevant for visitors. However, some services stand out because they make typical tourist journeys much easier.
Amsterdam Airport Express 397 and N97 ✈️
The best-known bus connection for tourists is the Amsterdam Airport Express operated by Connexxion.
- The 397 runs between Schiphol Airport and the city, while the N97 operates at night.
- During the day, the 397 departs every 10 minutes from bus stop B17 at the airport and takes passengers directly to places such as Museumplein, Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein.
- The N97 runs hourly at night.
More information in our travel guide
➡️Amsterdam Airport Express 397 and N97 bus: route, ticket prices 2026, online ticket…
➡️Schiphol Airport transfer ↔ Amsterdam city centre: bus, train, taxi, Uber – journey times and prices
Connexxion route 397 offers a fast and comfortable connection between Amsterdam city centre and Schiphol Airport.
Buses in Amsterdam Noord and outer districts
For districts outside the historic centre, buses are often more important than they are in the Old Town itself. This is especially true for connections to outer districts or as a supplement to the metro. In Amsterdam Noord, however, it is often also worth comparing the free GVB ferries, as depending on your destination they may be the quicker or more pleasant option.
Regional destinations around Amsterdam
If you are planning day trips into the surrounding area, regional buses quickly become more important than the classic GVB city buses. For these journeys, a ticket that is valid across several networks makes sense. The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket was designed specifically for this purpose.
Popular bus routes to destinations outside Amsterdam city limits
- Route 80 (Connexxion), which runs from Amsterdam Elandsgracht to Haarlem and Zandvoort
- Routes 800 and 801 (EBS), which are especially relevant for tourists and provide direct links to Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam
- For trips to Volendam, Edam, Hoorn, Marken and Monnickendam, routes 314, 315, 316 and 111 are particularly important
- Towards IJmuiden, routes 382 and 385 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk play a central role
- Routes 357, and seasonally 852 and 858, for destinations such as Royal FloraHolland, the Cobra Museum and Keukenhof
For trips into the Amsterdam region, the bus is often a very good option – for example to the attractive city of Haarlem
Route and network map
Hop-on-hop-off Sightseeing Busse in Amsterdam
- Hop-on hop-off buses do exist in Amsterdam, but they are much less prominent here than in many other major cities.
- The main reason is that the city centre is compact, and many areas with their narrow streets, bridges and canals are not suitable for classic sightseeing buses.
- Typical of Amsterdam instead are canal cruises, which often fit the cityscape and the style of sightseeing much better.
- In addition to standard sightseeing cruises, there are also hop-on hop-off boats, which allow you to reach several attractions flexibly via the canals. These boats complement the hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses and go where buses cannot.
There are also boats for hop-on hop-off tours in Amsterdam.
(Photo: © travelguide.amsterdam)
Night buses in Amsterdam 🌙
Night buses are especially important in Amsterdam when the tram and metro are no longer running or only operate on a limited basis.
GVB runs its own night bus network, connecting many parts of the city with the centre during the night as well.
For tourists, night buses are especially practical after a restaurant visit, a concert or an evening out in Amsterdam’s nightlife districts.
- According to the official 2026 fare list, a single ticket for a GVB night bus costs €5.70 and is valid for 1.5 hours on all GVB night buses.
- Another practical option is the affordable ➡️ GVB day and multi-day tickets, which are also valid on GVB night buses.
- As individual routes and timetables can change regularly and at short notice, it is best to check the exact connection shortly before travel using an up-to-date route planner.
FAQ 2026
Can dogs travel on GVB buses in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam’s public transport operator GVB is very pet-friendly. Pets, including dogs, can travel free of charge on GVB services. They must be carried in a bag or pet carrier, sit on your lap, or be kept on a short leash.
Do only GVB buses operate in Amsterdam?
No. In addition to GVB buses, there are also regional buses operated by other companies, especially Connexxion, as well as further regional transport networks.
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