City guides Amsterdam - Getting Around

Amsterdam City Guide

Ah, Amsterdam, a city reflected in 165 canals, singing with thousands of bicycle bells. A small city crammed with all the attractions of the biggest metropolis. Easy to explore but always more to discover. Museums, galleries, still more museums and the Anne Frank House. A glass of genever. A trip on a tram. Those canals, again. And plenty of events to enjoy all year round. We've picked out just a few, below.

Getting Around

Bus

Amsterdam operates a full bus network which will take you anywhere you have to go (within Amsterdam). And just like the trams, our old friend the OV chipcard can be used to pay for your journey.

Ferry

Behind Central Station, you can catch ferries across the River IJ, to the north of Amsterdam. Some specialist ferries also travel along the river to other districts of the city. That's pretty vague, isn't it?

For more detailed information on public transport visit www.gvb.nl
If you purchase an I amsterdam card, all your transport on the GVB public transport system in included. Which is very nice.

In & Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a small city, but with all the canals and narrow streets, trams snaking down roads and bicycles zipping past, it can be quite confusing to new visitors. And, on top of it all, they speak Dutch! Those crazy Dutch guys. Luckily for you however, it has some of the best public transport in the world and a multitude of ways to get around.

Metro

Amsterdam's metro runs underneath the centre, from Central Station to the outer districts. This can be a fast and efficient way to travel, though as it is underground you don't get to see the sights of the city. But you might glimpse the bottoms of the canal boats as they glide down the canals or the mythical underground city carved out of cheese.

Taxi-E