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Thinking about taking a tram in Amsterdam? Well, you’ve clicked on the right page! Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tram travel in this picturesque city.
Trams in Amsterdam are not just a convenient way to zip around; they offer a charming way to see the city’s beautiful streets, especially when you want to give your feet a little break. Operated by GVB, the city’s public transport company, Amsterdam boasts a fleet of 227 trams, painted in a distinctive blue and white, ready to take you on your next urban adventure.
The tram network stretches across 15 lines with over 500 stops and a total track length of 200km. Seven lines start from Amsterdam Centraal Station, with stops conveniently located on both the eastern (A stops for south- and east-bound trams) and western (B stops for south- and west-bound trams) sides.
Tram tickets
With an array of routes, navigating the city by tram and its surroundings becomes an adventure in itself. Here are the ways to pay at the GVB trams in Amsterdam
For hopping on and off Amsterdam trams, the GVB Multi-day ticket is a gem. Offering unlimited travel from 1 to 7 days, prices range from a sweet deal of €9 for a day to €41 for a whole week. This ticket isn’t just your key to the trams but also to the metro and GVB buses, making it a top pick for exploring every corner of Amsterdam
- 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 trams 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 trams
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:
Every tram in Amsterdam is equipped with designated wheelchair spaces and priority seating to ensure accessibility. The newer trams feature wide doors for wheelchair access and have level entry into the tram carriage, which you can spot by the wheelchair sign on the door. While the older tram models might have steps, there’s always one low entrance in the middle of the vehicle to accommodate access.
Timetable trams
For night owls and party animals, the tram runs from 06.00 AM and stops running at 12.30 AM. However, 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.
The best tram route for touristic sights
Did you know? National Geographic Traveler magazine highlighted Amsterdam’s tram route 2 as one of the most scenic in the world! Yep, Amsterdam is in the same league as cities like New Orleans, Budapest, and Berlin for having stunning tram journeys.
Why not take a leisurely ride on tram 2? From the Central Station all the way to Hoofddorpplein, this route is a treasure trove of must-see spots. You’ll glide past the lush Vondelpark, cruise alongside the iconic canals, and catch glimpses of major attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gogh museums. Check out the map below for a visual guide and consider grabbing a day pass
Besides the famous Tram 2, the following tram lines aren’t bad either:
Tram 12: Shares its journey with Tram 2 up to Museumplein before darting towards the Amstel area, letting you dive deeper into Amsterdam’s charm.
Trams 13 and 17: Perfect for those aiming to visit the Anne Frank House, with both lines making a stop at Westermarkt.
To see all tram routes of Amsterdam, click here
Book your public transport tickets
How do you pay for trams in Amsterdam?
You can pay for your tram journey using an OV-chipkaart (public transport chip card), buying a single-use ticket from the driver or at a ticket machine, or by grabbing an Amsterdam Travel Ticket for unlimited travel across various days.
How does the tram work in Amsterdam?
Hop on, and let the tram take you on a tour! Trams run along designated routes, marked on any Amsterdam tram map. Check the route and stops on the tram map Amsterdam offers, tap in with your ticket or card when boarding, and tap out when you’re done exploring
Are trams 24 hours in Amsterdam?
While the idea of a midnight tram ride sounds magical, trams in Amsterdam typically run from early morning until just past midnight. For those late-night adventures, you might want to look into night buses.
Is the tram in Amsterdam free?
We wish! But no, trams aren’t free. However, with the I amsterdam card, travel is included! So kind of for free!
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
