Testing the “I Amsterdam” card – is a purchase worth it?

What exactly is the “I Amsterdam” card? Will the purchase of the “I Amsterdam” card pay off for you?

We tested this offer for you and did the math. Here you will find the most important information and tips.

“I Amsterdam” card – what is it? How does it work?

The “I Amsterdam” card is the official sightseeing pass of the city of Amsterdam. It aims to assist visitors with the hodgepodge of public transport tariffs and admissions to attractions.
The name is derived from the word play „I am Amsterdam“.

The “I Amsterdam” card offers the following benefits

“I Amsterdam” – only one ticket for public transport + free admission to attractions

1 free and unlimited use of the public transportation system operated by the GVB. This includes the Metro, city buses, and trams. Ferries are generally free of charge.

2 free admission to currently more than 50 attractions and museums, among them FAMED attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, the Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the NEMO science museum, the Amsterdam tulip museum or a free canal cruise … (more details below)

325% off the regular ticket price to many events (opera, ballet…), attractions, bike rental, and at participating restaurants

“I Amsterdam” card – is a purchase worth it for you?

We punched the numbers for this offer using a 72-hour card. Let’s take a closer look at what the “I Amsterdam” card has to offer.

The “I Amsterdam” card includes the free and unlimited use of public transportation. This is comparable to the single-day ticket offered by the GVB, which is currently priced at €21 for a 72-hour time-frame (as of 2023).

The “I Amsterdam” card with a validity of 72h (3 days) costs €110. Compared to the 3-day-card of the GVB, for an additional €89 you will receive free or reduced admission to approximately 50 sightseeing highlights.

Example – 3 days Amsterdam

We used classic attractions and museums for this example. We left some room in the itinerary and planned diverse activities such as a boat ride on the canals as well as a tour of the stadium of Ajax Amsterdam.

Admissions alone would total €143 in our sample. It would only cost you €89 (€110 – €21 for the public transport ticket) when taking advantage of the “I Amsterdam” card. Thus, you would save €54 per person.

Our conclusion:

→  compared to the basic public transport ticket, the additional cost for the “I Amsterdam” card pays off quickly if you are planning on visiting some of the attractions that Amsterdam has to offer.

→ If you only need a ticket for public transportation, then you are better off with a GVB single-day-ticket. Just like the “I Amsterdam” card, this day-ticket for public transport can be purchased online before your trip without having to pay a surcharge – click here –.

→ In case you want to visit only a few of the main sights, then you will fare better by purchasing a GVB single-day-ticket and paying for the admission at each of the attractions. → More information: Sights and Skip the line tickets

Tip – bypass queues:
purchase the “I Amsterdam” card, GVB single-day-ticket or admissions online

Insider tip: you can purchase the “I Amsterdam” card, the GVB day-ticket for public transport, as well as admission tickets to local attractions before your trip online. In some cases, you will even be able to book “skip the line” – tickets that allow you to bypass the queue. That avoids stress and makes trip planning much easier. Plus, you won’t have to figure out how to operate the ticketing machines after your long trip.

1 day – 24 hours: €65
2 days – 48 hours: €90(€45 per day)
3 days – 72 hours: €110 (€37 per day)
4 days – 96 hours: €125 (€31 per day)
5 days – 120 hours: €135 (€27 per day)

The price per day drops sharply with longer use, from €65 per day to €27 per day.

Period of validity:

The validity period for the “I Amsterdam” card is divided into two different parts, public transportation and attractions. The period of validity for public transport begins at the time of first use. When it is first used for sightseeing, such as a visit to a museum for example, then the start of the validity period for attractions is being triggered.

Upon first use, the ticket is valid for public transportation and attractions respectively, for either 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.

“Iamsterdam” card – all discounts

Download the brochure: Brochure/ Guide

There is an official brochure with 44 pages for the Iamsterdam Cards. There you will find all the discounts of the card in detail.

→ Download (*.pdf)

Iamsterdam Card – free entrance

Free and unlimited use of public transport in Amsterdam

With the Iamsterdam Card you can use all GVB trams, city buses, metro (day and night) and ferries unlimited and for free.
This also saves time, as you don’t have to constantly queue at ticket machines and deal with the fare system.

Amsterdam is a pioneer of a car-free city centre. As a result, the local transport system is modern and fast. Ideal for discovering Amsterdam. (Picture: travelguide.amsterdam)

Free admission to major art museums –
Regular admission €20 per museum

Since the Dutch have had a close connection to art and painting for centuries, it is not surprising that the collected objects fill several art museums in Amsterdam.

The Rijksmuseum (Imperial Museum), the MOCO Museum (2023 with Banksy exhibition) and the Stedelijk Museum (Municipal Museum) are all located around the spacious Museum Square (Museumplein).

Museumsplein: There are several art museums here – instead of e.g. 20 euros for a Rijksmuseum ticket (Rembrandt), entry is free with the Iamsterdam card (Image: R. Boed, CC 2.0 license)

Artis Royal Zoo Amsterdam –
regular admission €25 –
with I amsterdam Card: free admission

Amsterdam Zoo is home to more than 750 species and more than 8,000 animals. It was founded in 1838 and is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Europe.
As the zoological garden is constantly being modernized, it is very popular with visitors to the city.

Entrance fees 2023

Adults (13+): €27.50 at the ticket office, €25 online ticket, free with Iamsterdam Card
Children (3-12 years): €23.50 at the ticket office, €21 online ticket, free with Iamsterdam card

The Royal Amsterdam ARTIS Zoo is not only popular with families (Image: rente42, N.Swales, CC 2.0 licence)

Het Scheepvaartmuseum – Dutch Maritime and Naval Museum -.
regular entrance €17,50 –
with I amsterdam Card: admission free

The Dutch Maritime Museum has one of the most important maritime collections in the world. The exhibition is very interesting and modern. The highlight for many visitors is the walk-on historic tall ship anchored in front of the museum.
Not only for children and rainy days an interesting sight.

An exciting maritime museum. With the Iamsterdam Card you save 17,50 € entrance fee. (Image: travelguide.amsterdam)

Tip – bypass queues:
purchase the “I Amsterdam” card, GVB single-day-ticket or admissions online

Insider tip: you can purchase the “I Amsterdam” card, the GVB day-ticket for public transport, as well as admission tickets to local attractions before your trip online. In some cases, you will even be able to book “skip the line” – tickets that allow you to bypass the queue. That avoids stress and makes trip planning much easier. Plus, you won’t have to figure out how to operate the ticketing machines after your long trip.

1 day – 24 hours: €65
2 days – 48 hours: €90(€45 per day)
3 days – 72 hours: €110 (€37 per day)
4 days – 96 hours: €125 (€31 per day)
5 days – 120 hours: €135 (€27 per day)

The price per day drops sharply with longer use, from €65 per day to €27 per day.

Iamsterdam card – frequently asked questions – FAQ 20223