How to Get Around Amsterdam on the Cheap

Pracomet

Editor

posted on 14 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

9
views

If you are arriving to Amsterdam through Schiphol Airport, the train is the cheapest option into the city. When you are ready to see the sights, there are several ways to get around Amsterdam on the cheap. Many locals use bikes to get around the rather small capital city. Bikes can be rented for little money, but you may find it unnerving if you aren't accustomed to biking in city traffic. Most attractions are no further than a 30-minute walk from Central Station (the central railway station), but using tram, bus and metro services will get you where you want to go in less time and without spending a lot.

Steps

Take the train if arriving through Schiphol Airport. You can purchase a 1-way, second-class ticket for 3.70 Euro from the automated machines. The ride to Central Station is about 15 minutes. Got to the Netherlands Railways website at NS.nl to get up-to-date fare information.

Purchase a public transportation pass for a 1- to 7-day period, which gives you unlimited use of trams, buses and the subway from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (You will have to buy a separate pass to use the night buses, which operate after 12:30 a.m.) Here are the 2013 rates for GVB tickets: 1-day pass for 7.50 Euro 2-day pass for 12.00 Euro 3-day pass for 16.50 Euro 4-day pass for 21.50 Euro 5-day pass for 26.00 Euro 6-day pass for 29.50 Euro 7-day pass for 32.00 Euro

Rent a bike starting around 9.50 Euro for a single day. The per-day price drops for a multi-day rental. Expect to pay a deposit around 50 Euro too. The three main rental companies in Amsterdam are MacBike.nl, Bikecity.nl and RentaBike.nl. There are bike lanes and bike racks throughout Amsterdam.

Save money on area attractions with the "I amsterdam Card." It costs more for unlimited travel on all GVB tram, bus and subway services, but it also includes discount vouchers worth nearly 100 Euros at Amsterdam attractions. The 2011 prices are as follows: 1-day ticket for 38 Euro 2-day ticket for 48 Euro 3-day ticket for 58 Euro

Buy a tram ticket for 2.60 Euro, if you only want to ride the tram for a single trip. The ticket gives you unlimited travel for up to 1 hour.

Get a night bus ticket for travel after 12:30 a.m. (when other public transportation ceases). There are 12 night buses that operate until 7:30 a.m. A single ride costs 4 Euro, or you can purchase 12 rides for 30 Euro.

Use any of the 5 ferries for free. Tourists will be most interested in crossing the IJ Channel to North Amsterdam. Both pedestrians and bikers are permitted on the ferries.