Public transportation in Amsterdam (as in many European capital cities) is first class.
GVB operates the metro, tram and bus networks in Amsterdam.
Offices
For information about public transportation, to get a map of the network or to buy tickets, visit one of the info desks:
-at Stationsplein, opposite Central Station
-at Metrostation Central Station
-at Bijlmer Station
-at Zuid Station
- at Lelylaan station
Hours
The tram, metro and bus run from approximately 6AM until 12.30AM. During the night, you can use the night bus. Service starts at approximately 1am.
Tickets
-For trams and bus (but not GVB nightbus), you can use a "strippenkaart". When you enter a tram or bus you have to stamp your strippenkaart for the amount of zones (strippen) that you will go through, plus one. If you have a map of the network, you can check that, otherwise ask the driver. Make sure to always stamp your strippenkaart (in one of the machines) otherwise your card is not valid and you could get fined in case of control. For the same reason, do not get rid of your strippenkaart before having reached your final destination. Once you have stamped one, two or three strippen, you can travel on all GVB network for one hour. 2-strippen, 3-strippen and 8-strippen cards cost Euro 0.80 per strip but if you plan to use public transportation a lot, it might be worth to get the cheaper cards for 15 strippen (Euro 6.80) or even 45 strippen (Euro 20.10). Passes can be purchased on the tram or bus or at Central Station in the white building on the east end of the building, once you have a pass, show the conductor or the driver and have a sit, passes are explained below.
-For unlimited travel on the GVB network (including on night buses) during 24 hours, you can buy the 24 hour Ticket (Euro 7.0). There are also tickets valid for 48 (Euro 10.50), 72 hours (Euro 13.50) and 96 hours (Euro 17.50). Tickets are valid from the moment you stamp(small yellow box usually located in the back , just stick your ticket in the slot) them, so if you stamp a 24 hour ticket at 10am, it's valid until 10am the next day.
- In July 2008, the Dutch national railways (NS) and the public transport company of Amsterdam (GVB) started to sell a new ticket at the airport Schiphol. The Amsterdam All in one ticket is specially developed for people visiting Amsterdam and arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This ticket consists of a return trip from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam together with a 24-, 48-, 72- or 96 hours ticket for unlimited travel on the GVB network in Amsterdam. Prices for the Amsterdam All in one tickets are for the 24 hours € 12.95 48 hours € 17.00, 72 hours € 19.70 and for the 96 hours € 22.40. The Ticket is only sold at the Airport at the Holland Tourist Information desk. for more info on the ticket visit this link Amsterdam All in 1 Travel Ticket
-Nightbus single tickets (Euro 3) or 12-journeys ticket (Euro 25): only way to travel on the night bus, exceptif you have the 24 hour ticket.
-With the "I Amsterdam pass", you get unlimited travel on metro, tram and bus + discounts to canal cruises, museums and other touristic attractions. 1-day pass costs Euro 33, 2-day Euro 43 and 3-day Euro 53.
All tickets can be bought from the info desks, post offices and many other stores in town. It is worth buying it in advance because drivers only sell the more expensive cards for 2, 3 or 8 strippen, as well as the 24-hour card.
To view a map of the network, check the nearest stop to a museum or attraction or find more info about the public transportation system in Amsterdam, visit the website of the GVB at http://www.gvb.nl/english/
