Is it easy to get around Amsterdam without a car?
If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, there is no need to worry about renting a car. The city is home to a top-notch public transportation system. Their network offers metros, buses, trams, ferries, and trains to help you get around the city. Related: The Most Instagrammable Locations In Amsterdam.
You can hop on a tram, bus, or metro train, all operated by the city's primary travel operator, Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB). Or you can explore the city like the locals: on a bicycle. As the GVB covers three modes of public transport—metro, tram, and bus—you only need one ticket to access them all.
Amsterdam by Car
Amsterdam is the sort of city where you don't really need a car at all. Nearly everything you require is likely to be on walking distance from your hotel. Amsterdam's public transportation system is excellent and will take you to all the sights and attractions of the city.
The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer. Being used on trams, buses and metros, the OV chip card (OV-chipkaart) is the easiest way to pay for all your travel about town.
After walking or biking, the Amsterdam tram is the most scenic way to travel through the city. Fifteen tram routes crisscross the city, and visitors can use their GVB OV-chipkaart to take a ride on the 200-some trams offered.
Boasting a whole range of transport opportunities, Amsterdam can take you where you need to go via a boat, bike, train, tram or bus.
Everything you need to know about getting around Amsterdam. Comfy footwear and a good sense of direction will get you far in Amsterdam – it's one of the easiest European cities to get around. The Dutch capital's center is very walkable as it's so compact – perhaps a little too much as it tends to get very crowded.
| First train | 00:08 |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 130 trains per day |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Price | From $6.67 |
| Train and bus operators | SNCB, NS, Amsterdam Airport Express, Eurostar |
It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable. The rail network in the Netherlands is quite extensive and the trains are modern and comfortable.
Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.
Is it a good idea to rent a car in Amsterdam?
Is it necessary to rent a car in Amsterdam? No, renting a car in Amsterdam is not necessary. You can easily get around the city by foot, bike, or using public transport. However, if you want to explore the surrounding cities or the countryside, renting a car might be a good idea.
People from all over the world come to Amsterdam to see the sights, experience the nightlife, and perhaps partake in some of the city's unique vices. But how safe is Amsterdam? Well, the good news is that it's considered one of the safest cities in the world, ranking 6th in The Economist's Safe Cities Index 2021.
Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Amsterdam
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Amsterdam. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
The fastest route to the city centre is by hiring an Amsterdam airport taxi. Though it will cost approximately 39€, it will only take 15-20 minutes to reach your destination. The quickest method of public transportation is the train. Train tickets cost 5.40€ and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the downtown area.
#1 Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397
The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus (Connexxion line 397) offers a cheap and direct connection from Schiphol Airport to the city center of Amsterdam. A return ticket costs €11.75 (2023) and can also be purchased online before the trip.
Yes, the tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink according to international standards. According to many Dutch people it's among the best in Europe. The local water provider Waternet continuously monitors water quality to ensure it meets high safety standards.
The total bus route takes about 60 to 70 minutes and you can hop on and off as many times as you like during 24 hours.
City Sightseeing Amsterdam offers the most convenient way to get around the city. Make use of the Hop On – Hop Off buses and boats to see all the best the city has to offer at your own pace. To make sure City Sightseeing Amsterdam fits your schedule you can choose between a 24- or a 48-hour ticket.
De Wallen is home to Amsterdam's oldest church, a great craft brewery, plenty of cool cafés and restaurants, and, of course, the famous Red Light District. This area is the heart of Amsterdam tourism and where you will find the vast majority of hostels and backpackers. If you want to be in the heart of it, stay here.
Amsterdam is home to so much culture!
Some of the museums you can visit on a tour to Amsterdam include the Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt house, where you can see works by some of the most famous Dutch painters. At Anne Frank House you can learn more about World War II and the effect it had on the Jewish people.
Is it safe to walk through Amsterdam at night?
Yes, Amsterdam is generally safe at night. The city has a low crime rate and is well-lit and well-patrolled by police. However, it is still important to take the usual precautions when out at night, such as avoiding dark alleys and being aware of your surroundings. Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travellers?
Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in the city. Amsterdam is quite small, so you don't have to be here for a long time to see all the best attractions. If you're wondering what to do in Amsterdam in 3 days, this is the article for you.
As a general rule, most travelers can plan on spending between 2-4 days in Amsterdam, depending on whether or not they take any day trips, and how long they plan to spend in the Netherlands overall.
Taxi price from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre
Getting from Schiphol to Amsterdam's city center will not cost you an arm and a leg when you pre-book with us. Prices for a transfer from the airport to the city center range from € 35 to approx. € 46.75. In contrast, a metered fare can be as high as € 75.
A hotel shuttle service enables you to travel to a number of large hotels that are situated in the airport area. The Connexxion Schiphol Travel Taxi connects Schiphol to over 170 hotels in Amsterdam.
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