With its charming canals and bustling streets, Amsterdam offers a unique experience for every visitor.
And when it comes to getting around this vibrant city, nothing beats the convenience and charm of the tram.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently ride Amsterdam’s trams, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Top tickets
# Amsterdam GVB Public Transport Ticket
# Amsterdam City CardWe highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. These tickets offer unlimited travel on all GVB routes, regardless of distance, both day and night.
What’s ahead
Understanding the tram network
Amsterdam has a well-developed tram network that spans the city, connecting popular attractions, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs.
With 15 distinct lines and over 500 stops, you can easily reach almost any destination within the city.
Key points to remember
GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf): GVB operates Amsterdam’s public transportation, including trams, buses, metros, and ferries.
Frequency: Trams run frequently, typically every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and 3-4 times per hour during off-peak times and weekends.
Operating hours: Trams usually operate from 6 am to midnight, with slight variations depending on the specific line and day.
Planning your tram journey
Before you hop on a tram, planning your route is essential. This will save you time and potential confusion. Fortunately, several resources are available to help you:
Maps: You can find printed tram maps at GVB offices and tourist information centers or download them from the GVB website.
Apps: Apps like 9292, Citymapper, and Google Maps provide real-time information on tram routes, schedules, and estimated travel times. They are invaluable for navigating the city efficiently.
Purchasing your tram ticket
A crucial aspect of riding the tram is knowing how to purchase and validate your ticket. Amsterdam’s public transport system, including trams, is entirely cashless.
This means you’ll need to use one of the following payment methods:
OVpay (Contactless Payment): This is the most convenient option for tourists making occasional trips. Upon entering and exiting the tram, you tap your contactless debit or credit card or phone on the card reader. The system automatically calculates the fare based on the distance traveled.
OV-chipkaart: For frequent travelers or longer stays, the OV-chipkaart is a cost-effective option. It’s a reusable card you can load with credit and use on all public transport modes across the Netherlands. You can purchase and top up the card at NS ticket machines, kiosks, or online.
Day or multi-day tickets: These tickets offer unlimited travel on trams, buses, metros, and ferries within Amsterdam for a specified duration. They are available online, at GVB ticket offices and machines, or on the tram (but only for 1- or 2-day tickets). Book now!
IAmsterdam city card: This tourist card provides unlimited public transport within Amsterdam and free entry to museums and attractions. It’s a great value if you plan on visiting many attractions. Book now!
Avoid purchasing single-ride tickets for each journey, as they are generally more expensive than the other options. Invest in a day or multi-day ticket or use OVpay for optimal savings.
Boarding the tram: Finding the right door
Locating the correct door for boarding a tram is essential to avoid delays or confusion. Amsterdam trams have designated doors for entry and exit:
Entry doors: Look for doors with a “Welkom” (Welcome) sticker. These are typically located at the front near the driver and the double doors toward the back, usually staffed by a tram host.
Exit doors: All other doors are for exiting the tram.
Be mindful of other passengers when boarding. Avoid crowding the doorways and allow those exiting to disembark first.
Validating your ticket
Once you board the tram, it’s crucial to validate your ticket. This informs the system that you’ve started your journey. Failure to check-in can result in fines if caught by a ticket inspector.
OV-chipkaart & contactless payment: Tap your card or phone on the card reader next to the entry doors. You’ll hear a beep sound, and the reader might display “Goede Reis” (good journey).
Ensure you check out when you exit the tram by tapping your card or phone on the reader again. This registers the end of your journey and calculates the correct fare.
Day or multi-day tickets & IAmsterdam city card: Follow the instructions on your ticket for validation. You should scan a QR code or tap it on the reader.
Requesting a stop and exiting the tram
To signal your intention to get off at the next stop, press the red button located throughout the tram. Additionally, you can press the green button near the exit doors.
Exiting: Wait for the tram to come to a complete stop and the doors to open. On the way out tap your card or phone on the reader to check out.
Accessibility: Most trams have designated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers. Look for the symbols indicating these areas.
Tram etiquette in Amsterdam
Observing proper tram etiquette ensures a pleasant experience for everyone:
Priority seats: Seats marked in red are reserved for passengers with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with injuries. Offer your seat if someone needs it.
Baggage: Keep your belongings close to you and avoid blocking aisles or doorways. Remove your backpack if the tram is crowded to avoid bumping into others.
Noise level: Maintain a reasonable volume when talking on the phone or with your companions. During rush hour, you notice a quieter atmosphere.
Pets: Dogs are permitted on trams but should not occupy seats. Most dogs in Amsterdam are well-behaved and will lie under the seat.
If you need someone to move, a simple “pardon” is sufficient and commonly used in Amsterdam.
Sightseeing from the tram
Riding the tram offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam’s streetscapes and canals. Take advantage of this opportunity to:
Sightseeing: Tram line 2 is particularly popular for sightseeing, passing by iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Dam Square, Leidseplein, and Museumplein.
Observe local life: Get a glimpse of everyday life in Amsterdam as you ride through various neighborhoods.
Relax and enjoy: Sit back, relax, and soak in the city’s charming atmosphere.
