GVB public transport
It is a practical option for many urban journeys. For short or repetitive trips, compare the actual route with walking, cycling and distance-based fares before deciding which is best.
AmsterDuPractical guide
Transport in Amsterdam
Compare bikes, trams, metro, ferries and trains to choose what works best for each trip based on time, cost and convenience.
How to choose
- When cycling is the best option
- When tram or metro makes more sense
- How transport fits your neighborhood and routine
2026 guide
Transport in Amsterdam in 2026: fares, passes and mobility options
In 2026, Amsterdam mixes distance-based fares, fixed-time tickets and tourist passes with strong alternatives such as bikes, taxis, ride-hailing and car sharing. The real difference between paying well and paying badly usually comes down to check-in/check-out discipline, picking the right pass and knowing when a bike beats public transport.
GVB 1 hour
€3.40
Direct urban ticket for GVB tram, bus and metro.
GVB 24h
€10.00
GVB travel for 24 hours; compare it with the cost of the journeys you actually plan to make.
Airport Express 397/N97
€6.50
Current Connexxion fare for a one-way trip between Schiphol and central Amsterdam.
OV-fiets
€4.80/24h
Requires a personal OV-chipkaart with the free OV-fiets subscription or NS Flex; it is not a simple contactless rental.
September 2026 update: since 1 September, several IJ ferries — including Oostveer and Distelwegveer — have been running later and/or more frequently. Check GVB for the live timetable for your crossing.
Executive summary
GVB remains the urban core with trams, buses, metro and city ferries. For visitors, useful reference products include the 1-hour ticket, 24h to 7-day passes, the Airport Express and OV-fiets. For Schiphol trains and multi-operator journeys, check the exact route and fare in a planner before buying.
How to pay without mistakes
When travelling with OVpay, stored balance or products that require validation, check in and out correctly. A missed check-out can trigger a correction fare. In 2026, options include OVpay by card or phone, the OV-pas and specific tickets or passes; conditions vary by product and operator.
Numbers that matter
Product2026 priceBest use
ProductGVB distance fare
2026 price€1.16 + €0.217/km
Best useA few short rides in one day
ProductGVB 1-hour ticket
2026 price€3.40
Best useMultiple GVB boardings or transfers within 60 minutes
ProductGVB Day Ticket 24h
2026 price€10.00
Best useGVB travel for 24h; compare with distance fares for your itinerary
ProductGVB 2–7 days
2026 price€16.00 to €43.00
Best useFrequent GVB use during the validity period
ProductAirport Express 397/N97
2026 price€6.50
Best useAirport to centre without train
ProductAmsterdam Travel Ticket
2026 price€20 / €27 / €34
Best useWhen airport + city travel belong in one pass
ProductAmsterdam & Region Ticket
2026 price€23 / €34 / €44
Best useRegional day trips beyond Amsterdam
OVpay and OV-pas
Anonymous OV-chipkaarts have not been sold since 1 July 2026. Existing cards still work; new travelers can use a bank card, phone or OV-pas. Some travel products still require a personal card.
OVpay / contactless
The easiest choice for many people in 2026: tap with your bank card, credit card or phone and let the fare settle afterwards.
Missing check-out
GVB applies a €4 full-fare correction when check-in or check-out is missed. NS correction amounts depend on the payment method and product; for example, a missed check-out with a bank card or OV-pas can result in €33.30. Check the rule for your payment method.
When each option makes sense
Train and airport links
For Schiphol and regional connections, trains are often direct and frequent, but compare the exact itinerary with bus or taxi when destination, time, luggage or group size changes the decision.
Bike, taxi and cars
Cycling can be very efficient on short routes, but weather, traffic confidence and parking matter. Taxis, ride-hailing and car sharing should be compared by route, time, luggage and group size.
Useful official links
GVB prijzen ↗GVB — ponten IJ update Sep 2026 ↗NS ↗Airport Express ↗Amsterdam Travel Ticket ↗Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket ↗OVpay ↗OV-chipkaart → OVpay ↗Taxi maximumtarieven ↗OV-fiets ↗Greenwheels ↗
Updated: 15 September 2026Methodology: Official fares published by operators
Before you decide
Prices, schedules and rules can change. Use the official links on this page to confirm time-sensitive details before buying, booking or travelling.
Simulator
Which transport makes sense for you?
Pick origin, destination and frequency — compare options, then confirm times and fares with the official planner.
Where you live
Where you work/study
Frequency
Most useful guides
Living in Amsterdam
Cost of Living in Amsterdam 2026: Rent, Insurance, Transport and Expenses
Free-sector rent above €2,000, mandatory Dutch health insurance and groceries: the real monthly numbers of paying bills in Amsterdam in 2026.
Life in Amsterdam
Day Trips from Amsterdam: Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden and More
In under 35 minutes by train, swap Amsterdam for medieval courtyards in Haarlem, split-level canals in Utrecht or North Sea dunes.
Transport
Cycling Routes from Amsterdam: Waterland, Amstel, Amsterdamse Bos and Muiden
Leave city traffic behind in 15 minutes on two wheels: Waterland dikes, quiet Amstel riverbanks, Amsterdamse Bos and medieval Muiderslot.
Transport
Amsterdam Transport Prices 2026: GVB, OVpay & Tickets
Your updated 2026 guide to tram, metro, and bus prices in Amsterdam. Master OVpay, GVB passes, and learn how to save money on every trip.