Amsterdam: Public Transport Tickets & Passes
Overview and Current prices (2025)
Amsterdam’s public transport system is the best way to explore the city, offering convenience and accessibility. But with so many ticket options, how do you choose the right one?
From single-ride tickets to day passes and all-inclusive options like the “Iamsterdam Card”, this guide provides everything tourists and visitors need to know to save both time and money.
Important Information About Buying Tickets
No tickets from the driver:
Tickets cannot be purchased from bus or tram drivers.- Save time with online purchases:
Many tickets can be bought online in advance, helping you avoid queues and reducing stress during your visit (see tips below). - Unified fare system – easy to change between metro, bus and tram:
Most public transport in Amsterdam—such as the metro, trams, and GVB buses—operates under the unified fare system of the municipal transport company, GVB (Gemeente Vervoer Bedrijf).
For example, a GVB Day Pass is valid across all these modes of transport, making travel simpler and more convenient for passengers.
#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
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?
- Prepaid system: Load credit onto the card at a machine, which is deducted per trip.
- For a trip, you pay a fixed base price plus a fixed rate per kilometer traveled. So you pay for the distance you travel.
- The kilometers are measured and billed to an accuracy of 50 meters. There is no such thing as a classic single ticket with a fixed price regardless of the distance traveled.
- Validity: The OV chip card / e-purse is valid, for example, on trams, buses and the metro.
- Each passenger older than 4 years needs their own chip card.
- Minimum balance: Before each trip on local public transport, there must be at least 4 euros credit on the card so that you can pay at the end of the trip.
- Fewer ticket machines: From January 1, 2025, 121 outdated loading and ticket machines will be removed without replacement. GVB recommends using electronic tickets / e-payments (see below).
A charger for the OV-chip card – credit card fees may apply.
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: €1.12 per trip plus 20,7 cents per kilometer traveled
Children (4–11 years) get a discounted fare:
base price: 74 cents per trip plus 13,7 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:
- Use the same card to check in and out: otherwise, the system won’t calculate 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 Transfer
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 (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
Cheap & easy: the single-day-ticket with a validity of 1 – 7 days. Buy online and save time and stress in Amsterdam.
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 (2025) – Standard fare:
1 day / 24h: €9.50
2 days / 48h: €15.50
3 days / 72h: €21.50
4 days / 96h: €27
5 days / 120h: €34
6 days / 144h: €38.50
7 days / 168h: €42.50 (€6.10 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).
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.
GVB Ticket Child
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 (2025) costs €5. 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.
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.
# 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.
- The Amsterdam & Region Travel 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 (2025)
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
Validity period
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
This ticket combines local transport and an airport transfer – ideal for travellers who want to start their trip directly from Schiphol Airport.
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT) is an extension of the GVB day or multi-day ticket mentioned above. It also allows you to use the following options for transfers 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.
Unlike the ‘Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket’, you cannot use the other Connexxion buses (e.g. to the coastal towns) or the buses to Keukenhof.
The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” – day ticket for public transport + airport transfer – online booking saves time and avoids stress.
Validity
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.
- The I amsterdam Card combines sightseeing and public transport in one handy pass and is designed to help visitors to the city find their way around the maze of public transport fares and admission tickets.
- The name is derived from the play on words “I am Amsterdam”.
For whom does the purchase of the Iamsterdam Card make sense?
- If you also want to visit some of the city’s attractions during your stay in Amsterdam, the “I amsterdam” can save you money.
- 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:
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?
“I Amsterdam” – just one ticket for public transport + free admission to attractions
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 2025)
1 day – 24 hours: €65
2 days – 48 hours: €90 (€45 per day)
3 days – 72 hours: €108 (€36 per day)
4 days – 96 hours: €123 (€30.75 per day)
5 days – 120 hours: €135 (€27 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 |
9.50 €
|
18 €
|
21 €
|
65 €
|
| Price: 2 days |
15.50 €
|
24 €
|
31.50 €
|
90 €
|
| Price: 3 days |
21.50 €
|
30 €
|
40.50 €
|
108 €
|
| Price: 4 days |
27 €
|
–
|
–
|
123 €
|
| Price: 5 days |
34 €
|
–
|
–
|
135 €
|
| Price: 6 days |
38.50 €
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
| Price: 7 days |
42.50 €
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
#7 Group tickets for travel groups or school trips
A special group ticket for larger tour groups or school classes is no longer available. The best alternative is the GVB day ticket, which offers the following advantages:
- Easy to use:
The ticket allows unlimited travel on all public transport in the GVB network (tram, bus, metro, ferries). - Flexibility for group members:
Each member of the group receives their own card and can travel individually without being tied to the whole group. - Convenient advance online ordering:
- Save yourself the hassle of handling large sums of money at the ticket machine while your group waits impatiently.
- When you purchase your tickets via this English language website you will receive a collective invoice that makes settling your group travel bill 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 2025: €3.40 for adults
#9 FAQ 2025
Local transport Amsterdam: How much does a day ticket cost 2025?
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 2025:
1 day / 24 hours: €9.50
2 days / 48 hours: €15.50
3 days / 72 hours: €21.50
4 days / 96 hours: €27.50
5 days / 120 hours: €34
6 days / 144 hours: €38.50
7 days / 168 hours: €42.50 (€6.10 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” or “OVpay”. The E-purse cardworks 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!
Dear Sir / Madam, good morning. Myself, my spouse and daughter aged 12 will be travelling to Netherlands in April 2025. We are likely to stay in holiday Inn express Sloterdijk r holiday inn arena towers. We have booked organized tour for Giethroon village ( tour starts from Amserdam central area ) , Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken Tour ( tour starts from Main Entrance of The Bowling Alley “ALOHA”, in front of the river-cruises) and amsterdam hop on hop off tour. Separately, we plan to visit Gouda village and Amsterdam: Keukenhof Flower Park. I would like to know, which ticket r combination of ticket I should buy, if I have to take local transportation for organized tours and also to visit Gouda village, keukenhof flower park plus airport transfer. Your advise will be highly appreciated