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Buses in Amsterdam will connect every corner of the city and driving you to and from it surrounding regions.
Operated mainly by GVB, Connexxion (R-Net), and EBS, the network facilitates seamless travel within Amsterdam and to destinations beyond the city limits.
Think of Central Station as the heart of Amsterdam’s bus network. From here, you can hop on a bus to pretty much anywhere in the city, making it super easy to start your adventure.
And if you’re itching to see what lies beyond Amsterdam, the bus network’s got you covered. The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is your best buddy for this.
A couple of these lovely day trips from Amsterdam are:
Volendam and Marken: These picture-perfect fishing villages offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. Don’t forget to try some fresh herring or get your photo in traditional Dutch attire!
Edam: Famous for its cheese, Edam is a cute little town with beautiful canals and a rich history waiting to be explored.
Busroutes Amsterdam and tickets
With an array of routes at your disposal, navigating the city and its surroundings becomes an adventure in itself. The main bus companies provide a variety of options tailored to every traveler’s needs:
- Single-journey and one-Hourly tickets: Ideal for quick trips or those who prefer to take it one ride at a time.
- Multi-day tickets (24-, 48-, 72-, 96-hour): Perfect for tourists wanting to explore at their own pace, these tickets offer unlimited rides on GVB services within their validity period. Buy them here
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: The best pick for extensive explorations, valid on regional services by EBS and Connexxion, as well as all GVB transport.
- I amsterdam City Card: Travel for free within Amsterdam with this City card, just tap in and out! Read more about the I amsterdam City card here
- Bank card: Going for a single trip? Your bank card does the trick as well. But be aware that due to currency exchanges a ticket might come out more expense.
All buses are equipped with check-in and check-out ports, where you have to tap in, AND out. This allows travelers using the public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) to pay only for the distance traveled, making every journey cost-effective.
Accessibility Amsterdam Buses
Amsterdam takes pride in its efforts to make public transport accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges. GVB, the city’s main public transport operator, has taken significant steps to ensure that buses, trams, and metros are accessible:
- Accessibility features: Many bus routes are serviced by vehicles equipped with low floors and ramps, making boarding and alighting easier for everyone, including wheelchair users and those with strollers.
- Information accessibility: Route folders, timetables, and the GVB website provide detailed information about the accessibility of specific routes and stops, ensuring that everyone can plan their journey with confidence.
- Continuous improvements: Amsterdam is constantly working on enhancing the accessibility of its public transport network, striving to make every bus stop and route welcoming and usable for all passengers.
Night buses in Amsterdam
For night owls and party animals, Amsterdam’s night buses are a godsend. Operating routes across the city, they ensure that the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down.
These night buses (look for the “N” in their route number)and night buses run from 00:30 to 7:00 AM.
If you live further out, keep an eye on the night trains which connect our large cities.
Book your public transport tickets
How do you pay on the bus in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam’s buses have gone cashless, which means you can pay with a debit or credit card, or even better, with an OV-chipkaart (public transport card). You can also use mobile payment options or the I amsterdam City Card for tourists. Easy peasy!
What is the best public transport card for Amsterdam?
The best public transport card for Amsterdam depends on your travel needs. For tourists, the I amsterdam City Card is fantastic as it not only covers unlimited travel on GVB public transport (trams, buses, and metro) but also offers free entry to many museums and attractions. For residents or longer stays, a personal or anonymous OV-Chipkaart would be more suitable, as it can be recharged and used for most forms of public transport across the Netherlands
How many bus lines are there in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam loves keeping things interesting with a bunch of bus lines crisscrossing the city. Last I checked, there were around 35+ GVB bus lines. This includes day buses, night buses, and even some special routes taking you to less urbanized areas.
Where are the night buses going to?
You can find all night buses via this map
Traveling to Amsterdam offers something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re after efficiency, comfort, adventure, or value, there’s a route that fits your travel style
Checklist trip to amsterdam
Be fully prepared for your next Amsterdam holiday
- Find the cheapest flights to Amsterdam
- Book your hotel in Amsterdam
- Book your parking in Amsterdam
- Book your Amsterdam transport tickets
- Book a canal cruise in Amsterdam
- Book your airport transfer from Schiphol
- I amsterdam City Card for free museums, transport, and more!
- Order a prepaid creditcard to avoid fees
