Your complete guide to Amsterdam and Netherlands transportation. Real-time NS rail departures, GVB local networks, trip planning, and travel tips to navigate like a local.
121 physical ticket machines have been removed. Travel is now fully digital with contactless payments, the GVB app, and traditional OV-chipkaart.
New barcode ticketing system across all transport modes. No more showing tickets to drivers - simply scan and travel.
15 lines connecting the city center with neighborhoods
5 rapid transit lines for longer distances
40+ routes including regular, airport, and night services
Amsterdam public transport is completely cashless in 2025. You can pay using: 1) Contactless payment with any debit/credit card or mobile wallet (tap in/out), 2) GVB App with digital tickets and barcode scanning, or 3) Traditional OV-chipkaart. With GVB Max, contactless payment is capped at €10 per day for unlimited travel.
Amsterdam has four major railway stations: Amsterdam Centraal (main hub in city center), Amsterdam Zuid (business district with international connections), Amsterdam Sloterdijk (western hub), and Amsterdam Amstel (eastern connections). All stations are integrated with local GVB transport networks.
Intercity trains run frequently: Utrecht (every 15 minutes, 30-minute journey), Haarlem (every 10 minutes, 15-minute journey), Rotterdam (every 15 minutes, 40-minute journey), and Den Haag (every 15 minutes, 50-minute journey). During peak hours, services run every 10-15 minutes to most major destinations.
Yes, Amsterdam has night buses (N81-N93) that operate from 00:30 to 05:00 daily. All night buses depart from Centraal Station and run hourly. You can use the same payment methods as regular transport. Check the GVB app for real-time night bus departures.
For tourists, the best option is using contactless payment (credit/debit card) with GVB Max, which caps daily travel at €10. Alternatively, you can buy day passes ranging from €6.10 to €9.50 through the GVB app. For longer stays (4+ days), consider an anonymous OV-chipkaart with credit loaded.
Use the NS app or website for journey planning with real-time information. Our transportation page shows live departures from all Amsterdam stations. For tickets, use the NS app for mobile tickets, OV-chipkaart for domestic travel, or buy international tickets online. Always check for disruptions before traveling.
Yes, Amsterdam public transport is largely accessible. All metro stations have elevators, newer trams (lines 1, 2, 5, 13, 17) have low floors, and all buses are wheelchair accessible. Station staff can provide assistance. The GVB app indicates accessible routes and vehicles.
Peak hours in Amsterdam are weekdays 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-6:30 PM. During these times, trams, metros, and trains can be very crowded. If possible, travel outside these hours for more comfortable journeys. Metro lines 52, 53, and 54 offer the fastest service for longer distances during rush hour.
Download the GVB app for real-time schedules, route planning, and mobile tickets. Your Amsterdam adventure starts with smart transportation.
