Capital city in North Holland, Netherlands
Getting around Amsterdam
How to get around Amsterdam
Walk and cycle in the center; trams, metro and buses fill the gaps. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card or OVpay; most trains are fast and frequent.
Ways to get around Amsterdam
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tram, metro and bus (GVB) | From about 1 EUR plus per km with OVpay | Check in and out with the same contactless card |
| Bicycle rental | About 12–20 EUR a day | Fastest way across the center; lock it with two locks |
| Free ferries to Noord | Free | From behind Centraal station, for pedestrians and bikes |
| NS trains | Varies | Sloterdijk, Zuid and Amstel stations ring the center |
Ride-hailing apps in Amsterdam
A 5 km ride costs about €15–25 ($17–28).
- Taxis are expensive and mostly for the airport or late nights. Use trams or a bike for short trips; official taxis have meters.
Arriving in Amsterdam
Schiphol (AMS)
Direct train to Amsterdam Centraal 15–20 min, about 6–7 EUR; taxi 50–65 EUR; Uber or Bolt about 35–50 EUR.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for visitors; an IDP is advised with non-EU licences, especially in non-Latin scripts.
- Onward travel in Netherlands: Trains run every 10–30 minutes between cities; nowhere is more than about three hours away. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card (OVpay) on all public transport.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Amsterdam?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Bolt.
What's the best way to get around Amsterdam?
Walk and cycle in the center; trams, metro and buses fill the gaps. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card or OVpay; most trains are fast and frequent.
How do I get from the airport to Amsterdam?
Direct train to Amsterdam Centraal 15–20 min, about 6–7 EUR; taxi 50–65 EUR; Uber or Bolt about 35–50 EUR.
Is Amsterdam walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Amsterdam
Going to Amsterdam solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.