Amsterdam transport cost calculator

Amsterdam transport options explained

Contactless bank card (easiest — recommended for most visitors)

Since 2022, you can tap in and out on all Amsterdam trams, metro and buses using any contactless Visa or Mastercard (or Apple Pay / Google Pay). The flat rate is €3.40 per journey within Amsterdam. No OV-chipkaart needed, no top-up, no deposit.

Does NOT work on: Schiphol–Centraal intercity train (use separate NS ticket or OV-chipkaart).

GVB day pass

A 24-hour pass covering unlimited GVB tram, metro and bus within Amsterdam costs €9–10. A 48-hour pass is ~€17, 72-hour ~€22, 96-hour ~€27. Best value if you take 3+ rides per day.

Buy at GVB ticket machines, Amsterdam Tourist offices, or the GVB app. Does NOT include Schiphol train.

OV-chipkaart (anonymous)

The national Dutch transit card. Costs €7.50 non-refundable deposit plus top-up. Fares are zone-based (~€1.10 check-in + €0.177/km for GVB). For short Amsterdam-only trips, the deposit makes it less attractive than contactless unless you plan to travel the Netherlands extensively.

Required for: NS intercity trains (including Schiphol → Centraal, ~€4.40 each way).

Schiphol → Centraal by train

~15 minutes, ~€4.40 each way. Buy a single NS ticket or use OV-chipkaart. Runs every 10–15 minutes 24/7. Far cheaper and faster than taxi (€45–60) or rideshare.

Tips

• Amsterdam's centre is highly walkable — the Jordaan, Grachtengordel and Museum Quarter are all within 20 minutes' walk of each other.
• Cycling (€10–20/day hire) often beats trams for short distances and is the most authentically Dutch way to travel.
• Night trams run until ~4 am on weekends — useful for nightlife.
• The I amsterdam Card includes a GVB city transport pass for its duration.