How to Get Aroung Amsterdam

On foot, by bike, by tram, by metro, by bus? There are many ways to get around Amsterdam. But the best way to see Amsterdam from a different perspective is to take a ferry. You'll enjoy spectacular views and it's all free!

But remember that the city's public transport system, GVB Amsterdam, is completely cash-free. I'll explain each form of transport in detail below.

Unlike other urban areas in Europe, Amsterdam is a wonder to get around on foot thanks to its flat nature and relatively compact layout.

There are several walking tours in the Dutch capital, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air, especially in the parks.

However, because pedestrians share the pavement with bicycles and scooters, you need to watch out not only for cars, but also for these modes of transport and respect their space, as well as the various signs. If you're not used to this, it can be a bit of a shock at first.

Most of the blue and grey trams run along most of the city's main streets. There are 14 tram routes, 9 of which (lines 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24 and 26) start and end at Central Station, so you can always return to that point of origin if you get lost and have to start again.

Lines 2, 3, 5 and 12 are useful for visiting Amsterdam's most important museums, i.e. the south of the city and Museumplein. If, for example, you want to visit Dam Square, the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals, Leidseplein and the Rijksmuseum, look for line 2.

To get off the tram, you may have to press a button with a "doors open" graphic. The tram doors close automatically, and close fairly quickly, so don't take too long.

Although the Dutch prefer to travel by tram, Amsterdam also offers the option of getting around the city by public bus, both during the day and at night. Although during the day I don't recommend it as a tourist, as it is more interesting to use the tram, at night things change. Besides, the price is the same as the tram.

Also, I leave you in this link a map with all the routes of public transport in Amsterdam so that you know their stops.

However, what I do recommend as a tourist is to book the Amsterdam tourist bus that passes through the most emblematic areas of the city and allows you to get on and off wherever and whenever you want.

The GVB ferries are free for all passengers and connect the city centre with Amsterdam-Noord (North), via the IJ waterway. If you can't book a boat tour of Amsterdam, you have this option. Less comfortable and luxurious, but free.

Most ferries depart from Waterplein West, behind Centraal Station.

• The main route will take you to Buiksloterweg (for attractions such as the Eye Film Institute and A'dam Tower). Trips take just over 5 minutes and shuttles run every 4 to 12 minutes throughout the day.
• The second most famous route will take you to NDSM-Werf, a 14-minute trip with ferries running from 6:45am to midnight Monday to Friday, and from 7:15am on weekends.
• The third route of possible interest will take you to IJplein, a more easterly point and on the north coast, with ferries running between 7 and 15 minutes and in action from 6:30am to midnight.

In this case, it's best to find one of the taxi ranks. These are dotted around the city, usually near the luxury hotels, on the main squares such as Dam, Spui, Rembrandtplein, Westermarkt and Leidseplein and, of course, at Centraal Station.

Taxis are metered, have roof signs and usually have blue number plates. The hotel reception staff can also hail you a taxi if you need one.

Fares are regulated equally throughout the city and the meter starts at €3.19 and there is a charge of €2.35 per kilometre. If you don't see a taxi stand, you can call Taxi Centrale Amsterdam (tel. 020/777-7777), the fare includes a tip.

UberBLACK is also available in the city to and from Schiphol Airport.

In general, airport fares are a bit cheaper with an UberBLACK than by taxi (around 35 €-40 € compared to 45 € -50 €). In any case, I recommend a post for more information on transfers between the airport and Amsterdam.

There is no point in renting a car if you intend to stay in Amsterdam for one day or two days, as the public transport system is very efficient and most attractions are within walking distance of each other.

In addition, the streets are narrow, many are one-way, there is limited paid parking and all are full of cyclists. In short, driving around the city is a nightmare. However, if you're travelling outside Amsterdam, it's usually cheaper to book a rental car.

Try AutoSlash, one of the most recommended options in Amsterdam. If you want to find out about excursions from Amsterdam, this post will be useful. And if you insist on parking in the city, I recommend two car parks: Waterlooplein (Valkenburgerstraat 238) or Beursplein 15 and they charge between 3 € to 8 € per hour.

Important advice

Don't risk leaving your car on the street for longer, as public parking in the city is very tightly controlled. If you commit an offence, it is very likely that your car will be towed away, and you will then have to pay a fine of up to 373 € (cash payments are not accepted).

If, unfortunately, your car is towed away, the collection area is at Daniël Goedkoopstraat 9 and is open every day all day long.

Cycling is a very common activity in Amsterdam, as there are hundreds and hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths. The city is a breeding ground for bicycles. In addition, you can book a bike tour in Amsterdam, there is a great variety and they are very useful for visiting the top sights.

One of the most common names you will see in Amsterdam when it comes to bike rentals is MacBike. With several reserved spaces around the city, MacBike is a great option for renting a bike if you fancy seeing the city on two wheels.

Normally, you can rent a bike from 9am to 6pm for as little as €5 per hour; however, bikes must be returned during opening hours. On the other hand, if you have one of Amsterdam's tourist passes, you can enjoy a 25% discount on almost any bike you rent.

• Locals use the electronic plastic OV-chipkaart to pay for public transport. It's not the best option for a short-term stay, as it costs €7.50. But if you plan to travel to Amsterdam for 5 days or more, you may find it useful.
• If you plan to use public transport very frequently, the best option is to buy a 1-day or multi-day card: 24 hours (€8), 48 hours (€13.50), 72 hours (€19), 96 hours (€24.50), 120 hours (€29.50), 144 hours (€33.50) and 168 hours (€36.50). Reduced fares are available for children aged 4-11 years and children under 3 years travel free of charge.
• Public transport in the city is also free when you buy the I Amsterdam City Card. With either card, simply hold your card up to the electronic reader at the start and end of your journey.
• The central information and card sales points for GVB Amsterdam are GVB Tickets & Info, Stationsplein, opposite the Central Station and next to the Amsterdam Tourist Information Office. They are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm, Saturday from 8am to 9pm and Sunday from 9am to 9pm.
• GVB Amsterdam cards are available at GVB and Netherlands Railways ticket offices in metro and train stations, at ticket machines in metro and train stations, and at selected stops along tram line 2.
• The tram network, buses and the Metro are in service from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Night buses are also available between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• If you're concerned about your impact on the environment and don't like to cycle, you can use a rickshaw (bicycle taxi) to get around the city. They are clean, relatively comfortable and can easily glide through busy streets. You can also order your eco-taxi in advance from Amsterdam Fietstaxi (tel. 065/348-1860).