Welcome to the Venice of the North. As you step onto the cobbled streets of Amsterdam, you immediately notice two things: a sea of bicycles and the distinctive “ding-ding” of the blue-and-white trams. While walking offers a certain charm, the city’s public transport system—managed primarily by GVB—serves as your golden ticket to exploring every corner of this historic capital with ease.
This guide focuses on the two heavy hitters of Amsterdam transit: the Tram and the Metro (Subway). By the time you finish reading, you will navigate the city like a local, save money on fares, and reach the world’s most famous museums without breaking a sweat.
The Amsterdam Tram and Metro Subway Systems
Navigating the Fare System
Amsterdam has largely moved away from cash. You cannot buy a ticket from a driver with coins or bills. Instead, you have several convenient digital and contactless options.
OV-pay: The Simplest Way
The easiest way to travel is OV-pay. You simply tap your contactless debit card, credit card, or smartphone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) against the yellow card reader when you board and—most importantly—when you hop off. The system automatically calculates the fare based on the distance you traveled.
GVB Day Passes
If you plan to hop on and off multiple times a day, buy a GVB multi-day pass. These range from 24 hours to 168 hours (7 days). They offer unlimited travel on all GVB trams, buses, and metros.
- Pro Tip: These passes become cost-effective if you make more than three trips a day.
The I amsterdam City Card
Are you visiting the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum? The I amsterdam City Card includes entry to most major attractions and grants you unlimited access to the entire GVB transport network for the duration of the card’s validity.
Crucial Rule: Always “Check In” and “Check Out.” If you forget to tap your card against the reader as you exit the tram or metro station, the system may charge you a higher default fare or fail to close your journey.
The Tram: The Heartbeat of the City
The tram is the most iconic way to see Amsterdam. With 15 different lines, the tram network weaves through narrow streets and over 17th-century bridges. It offers a front-row seat to the city’s stunning architecture.
How to Use the Tram
You generally board the tram through the front door (near the driver) or the double doors located two-thirds of the way back (where a conductor often sits in a small booth). Look for the “Entry” and “Exit” signs on the doors.
Key Tram Lines for Sightseeing
| Line Number | Primary Route | Major Attractions |
| Line 2 | Central Station to Nieuw Sloten | National Geographic once called this one of the world’s best tram rides. It passes the Palace on Dam Square, the Flower Market, and the Museum District. |
| Line 12 | Central Station to Amstel Station | Use this line to reach the Museumplein and the trendy De Pijp neighborhood. |
| Line 13 & 17 | Central Station to West | These lines take you directly toward the Westermarkt, the stop for the Anne Frank House. |
| Line 14 | Centraal Station to Science Park | This is your primary line for the Jewish Quarter and the Zoo. |
Related: Learn How to Ride the Subway in Madrid
The Metro Subway: Speed and Efficiency
While the tram is for sightseeing, the Metro is for speed. Amsterdam’s subway system consists of five lines that connect the suburban outskirts to the historic center.
When to Take the Metro
Use the Metro if you need to travel long distances quickly, such as heading from Amsterdam Centraal to the Ziggo Dome, Johan Cruyff Arena, or the Zuid business district.
The North-South Line (Line 52)
The crown jewel of the Metro is Line 52. It runs deep under the city center, connecting the North (Noord) to the South (Zuid) in just 15 minutes. This line is incredibly clean, modern, and features impressive underground art installations at stations like Rokin.
Key Destinations and How to Reach Them
Navigating a new city feels daunting until you know your “anchor” stops. Use this list to find the best routes to Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks.
Amsterdam Centraal (Main Train Station)
This is your primary hub. Almost every tram line starts or ends here, and it serves as the junction for most Metro lines.
- Access: Trams 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24 and Metro lines 51, 52, 53, 54.
- What’s there: Ferries to Amsterdam North, trains to the airport, and the historic gateway to the city center.
The Anne Frank House
Located on the Prinsengracht, this emotional landmark is a short trip from Centraal Station.
- The Route: Hop on Tram 13 or 17 from the front of Centraal Station.
- The Stop: Get off at Westermarkt.
The Museum District (Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum & Stedelijk)
The Museumplein is the cultural heart of the city. Here you find the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum (modern art).
- The Route: Take Tram 2 or 12 from Centraal Station.
- The Stop: Exit at Museumplein or Rijksmuseum.
- Alternative: Take Metro 52 to the Vijzelgracht stop and walk about 7 minutes.
Dam Square and the Royal Palace
The center of the city’s civic life is just a few blocks from the station.
- The Route: You can walk, but if your feet are tired, take any tram heading south (2, 4, 12, 14, 24).
- The Stop: Exit at Dam.
The Heineken Experience
Experience the history of one of the world’s most famous beers in its original brewery.
- The Route: Take Metro 52 from Centraal Station.
- The Stop: Exit at Vijzelgracht. Walk east for five minutes along the canal.
- Tram Option: Tram 24 also stops nearby at Marie Heinekenplein.
Rembrandt House Museum
Step into the 17th-century home and studio where Rembrandt painted his masterpieces.
- The Route: Take Metro 51, 53, or 54.
- The Stop: Exit at Waterlooplein. Use the “Stadhuis” exit to find the museum nearby.
- Tram Option: Tram 14 stops at Waterlooplein as well.
Artis (Amsterdam Royal Zoo)
Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful urban zoos in Europe.
- The Route: Take Tram 14 directly from the city center.
- The Stop: Get off at the Artis stop.
The Concertgebouw
If you are attending a world-class classical performance, you will find this venue at the tip of the Museum District.
- The Route: Take Tram 2, 5, or 12.
- The Stop: Exit at Museumplein or Concertgebouwplein.
City Canal Cruises
Most major canal cruise operators (like Blue Boat or Lovers) depart from areas near the station or the nightlife hub of Leidseplein.
- The Route: For Leidseplein departures, take Tram 1, 2, 5, or 12.
- The Stop: Exit at Leidseplein and walk toward the water (Stadhouderskade).
De Pijp and the Albert Cuyp Market
For a taste of local life and the famous street market, head to this vibrant neighborhood.
- The Route: The fastest way is Metro 52.
- The Stop: Exit at De Pijp.
Essential Etiquette and Tips
To ride like a true Amsterdammer, keep these cultural norms in mind:
- Yield to the Exit: Always let people off the tram or metro before you attempt to board.
- Watch for Bikes: When you step off a tram, you often land directly in or next to a bike lane. Look both ways before stepping onto the pavement. A cyclist will not always stop for you.
- Keep it Quiet: Amsterdammers generally keep their voices low on public transport. Avoid loud phone calls or shouting across the carriage.
- Use the GVB App: Download the official GVB app or use Google Maps. Both provide real-time data on delays and exactly how many minutes until the next tram arrives.
- The Night Bus: Trams and Metros stop running around midnight. If you stay out late, look for the “N” lines (Night Buses). Your standard day pass works on these.
Final Checklist Before You Ride
Before you leave your hotel, run through this quick checklist:
- [ ] Do I have my contactless card or a GVB pass ready?
- [ ] Do I know which direction the tram is heading (check the destination on the front)?
- [ ] Am I prepared to “Check Out” as soon as I reach my stop?
Amsterdam’s transit system is designed to be intuitive. It rewards the curious traveler who isn’t afraid to hop on a blue-and-white tram and see where the rails lead. Whether you are chasing the masterpieces of Rembrandt or searching for the best stroopwafel in De Pijp, the tram and metro are your most reliable companions.
Related: How to Take a Bus in London
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member. Lastly, Randy worked in the transportation industry for nearly 25 years.
