The tram in Amsterdam:
info, tickets, route plan & tips for passengers
Compared to the Metro, the tram in Amsterdam has a much denser network of lines and stops. The tram is operated by the municipal transport company GVB which also operates the other mass transit options, Metro, city buses, and ferries.
The blue and white trams are a good option for traveling from the central train station (Centraal Station) to downtown as well as the various districts of Amsterdam.
The tram network: lines and network map
The tram network has been expanding since 1875 and nowadays encompasses 15 lines and approximately 200 km of rail lines.
→ Download: map – tram lines in Amsterdam / route network plan (as of 2022 / 2023):
The tram network is well developed in Amsterdam. The tram is a good way to discover the city. Thanks to a dense network of stops and lines, you can reach many destinations. (Image: travelguide.amsterdam)
Tips for passengers & sightseeing via the tram
- Since March 26th, 2018 cash purchases of tickets onboard the tram are no longer possible. You will find more info under “Which ticket option is best for me?” (see below).
It is worth it to research tickets for mass transit ahead of time. That saves time and money later. - A not-so-secret-anymore tip is the tram line number 2. It is popular with sightseeing tourists, as many of its stops are nearby attractions. This line will get you to the flower market, Royal Palace on the dam, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Stedelijk museum for example and passing through all the canals of Amsterdam’s famous Canal Belt.
- Getting on and off: You may only enter the tram at the front door by the driver or at the double doors at the back. The other doors are for exit only. After entering the tram, you have to validate your ticket on the checking device. A valid ticket is also required to exit.
Only the doors with the “Welkom” sticker are for entry. (Image: travelguide.amsterdam)
After boarding, you must present your ticket here. The validity is checked (Image: travelguide.amsterdam)
Tickets for the public transport system in Amsterdam:
Which ticket option is best for me?
Whether single ride via e-purse, also referred to as OV-card, all-day ticket, “I Amsterdam Card”, or “Amsterdam Travel Card”, you will find detailed information for all, as well as current fares here.
It allows you to quickly and easily find the right ticket option for your stay in Amsterdam. Researching all options upfront and knowing which ticket option works best for you, will save you money and time after arrival and prevent stressful situations.
Our advice – when you don’t want to deal with the tariff system and ticket machines:
The single-day or multi-day tickets that are available for the public transport system in Amsterdam are typically the best choices for visitors.
These tickets allow unlimited use of the Metro (subway), GVB bus system, trams, as well as ferries for the entire period of validity (1 – 7 days).
These tickets are rather inexpensive for a European metropolitan city.
For 2023 fares range between €5.85 and €9 a day, depending on period of validity
Convenience:
You can purchase these tickets online before your trip without additional fees via the English-language 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.
That saves time and nerves – after all, you will have better things to do in Amsterdam…
Tram lines in Amsterdam – overview:
| line | from – to | important stops |
| 1 | Muiderpoortstation – Osdorp De Aker (Matterhorn) | Weesperplein, Leidseplein, Surinameplein, Station Lelylaan |
| 2 | Centraal Station – Nieuw Sloten (Oudenaardeplantsoen) | Leidsestraat, Museumplein, Hoofddorpplein |
| 3 | Zoutkeetsgracht – Flevopark | Museumplein, Ceintuurbaan, Muiderpoortstation |
| 4 | Centraal Station – Station RAI (Drentepark) | Utrechtsestraat, Frederiksplein |
| 5 | Westergasfabriek (Van Hallstraat) – Stadshart Amstelveen | Leidseplein, Museumplein, Station Zuid |
| 7 | Slotermeer (Sloterpark) – Azartplein | Mercatorplein, Leidseplein, Weesperplein, Rietlandpark |
| 12 | Centraal Station (Hauptbahnhof) – Amstelstation | Leidsestraat, Museumplein, Ceintuurbaan, Churchill-laan |
| 13 | Centraal Station – Geuzenveld (Lambertus Zijlplein) | Rozengracht, Mercatorplein |
| 14 | Centraal Station – Flevopark | Dam, Plantage, Borneostraat |
| 17 | Centraal Station – Osdorp Dijkgraafplein | Rozengracht, Kinkerstraat, Station Lelylaan |
| 19 | Station Sloterdijk – Diemen Sniep | Admiraal de Ruijterweg, Leidseplein, Weesperplein, Watergraafsmeer |
| 24 | Centraal Station – VU medisch centrum (De Boelelaan/VU) | Vijzelstraat, Ferdinand Bolstraat, Ceintuurbaan, Beethovenstraat, Stadionweg, Amstelveenseweg |
| 25 | Station Zuid – Amstelveen Westwijk | Buitenveldertselaan, Beneluxbaan |
| 26 | Centraal Station – IJburg (Pampuslaan) | Passagiersterminal, Rietlandpark, Piet Heintunnel |
| 27 | Surinameplein – Osdorp Dijkgraafplein | Station Lelylaan |
FAQ 2023
Is there a tram in Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam has a well-developed tram network. The tram is a good way to discover the city. Thanks to many stops and lines you can reach many destinations. You can find more tips and information in our travel guide.
How much does a tram ticket cost in Amsterdam 2023?
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.
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