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Public transport in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam has a considerable transport system, trains, buses, including trams, ferries and also metros. Nearly all public transportation in Amsterdam is operated by the GVB. In case you intend to journey frequently by public transportation, it’s ideal to purchase month season ticket.

The city is split into traveling zones, therefore you have to ensure the ticket of yours covers the appropriate zones because of the journey you generally take – likely between the home of yours and the primary place of yours of study. Or else, we recommend you buy a multiple use OV-Chipkaart.

The GVB site offers complete details of ticket types, points and prices of sale, in addition to maps, other info and timetables. Pupils aren’t permitted to the discount on public transportation tickets.

Go on the recognized public transport site of the GVB Find tips on using public transportation

Night buses in Amsterdam

A night bus network works after the standard buses and trams stop working at about midnight. Services are less frequent plus more costly, however. Additionally they take various routes – so beware for getting off at the correct stop, or near the typical stop of yours. Through the night bus line numbers begin with an “N”.

Trains

The Netherlands has a considerable rail network, with quick and regular connections to all main cities and lots of smaller towns. The rural network within the city is a great substitute for the tram and also metro for several commuters. Timetables are published on yellow notice boards in station halls and also on platforms.

Household tickets

Domestic tickets are purchased online or perhaps at facilities – the fares will be the exact same. But in the station it’s safer to utilize a ticket machine (payment by credit or maybe debit card only), as you pay a surcharge (€0.50 per ticket) in case you purchase at the kitchen counter.

Overseas tickets

Amsterdam has immediate rail links with Belgium, Germany and France. International tickets are often cheaper in case you purchase well ahead of time.

Taxis

Taxis are very pricey in the Netherlands, though you are able to keep down the price by sharing with other people. This’s a great choice at night, when there’s little public transport. Even though you may possibly be ready to hail 1 in the road, it’s far better to purchase a cab in advance (in Amsterdam, call +31 (0)20 777 7777), and go to an official taxi stand. Insist the car owner make use of the meter. Dutch taxis are legally required to have license plates with dark lettering over a pink background.

Vehicles without those plates aren’t licensed to carry passengers.
Cycling: the proper way to get around in Amsterdam

The Dutch love the bicycles of theirs as you’ll very quickly discover. A lot of people personal a minimum of one, and they utilize it for daily travel in addition to recreation.

The advantages of cycling in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, biking is generally quicker compared to public transport. On a motorcycle you are able to reach places where no automobiles are allowed as well as the buses and trams can’t take you.

Nearly all streets have specific cycle lanes or perhaps paths. For parking, you will find countless cycle racks, as well as exclusive garages, and also when things fail you’re never far from a mechanic shop.

What bike type will you require?

Any bike is going to do in Amsterdam. Numerous individuals favor an old design, as newer ones tend to be more apt to be stolen. Nevertheless, the braking system, lighting fixtures along with bell must work, or else you risk a fine. Wearing a helmet isn’t compulsory, and not many people do.

To protect the bike of yours against theft

A huge number of bicycles are stolen each year, therefore good locks are crucial.
Consistently use no less than two: the perfect combination is a heavy chain with a solid padlock along with a ring lock fitted on the back wheel.
If you park, attempt to chain the bike of yours to something fixed as a rack or maybe railing so it can’t be easily taken out. And ensure the front wheel is protected, and the frame, since it’s very easily detached and taken separately.

To park the bike of yours

Although it might appear like folks leave the bikes of theirs anyplace, there’s limitations and those parked incorrectly could be eliminated. Watch out for signs containing the words hier geen fietsen plaatsen svp (no bicycles please).

Buying a bike

You are able to purchase second hand bicycles at almost all repair shops. At the start of every semester, a selection of UvA pupil organisations organise bicycle lotteries. And also the ASVA pupil union has a bicycle sale every Thursday.

By no means purchase a bicycle out of a stranger in the street: it’s virtually definitely been taken and also you chance getting arrested for receiving stolen goods.

Overseas ferries

With much maritime tradition and several of the very best ports-of-call in the planet, the Netherlands remains immediately and easily accessible by ferry. Travelling by ferry carries with it the benefit of having the ability to take the own car of yours and will usually be an enjoyable adventure in itself.

Air flow travel

By much, the majority of international flights reach the biggest airport of the Netherlands, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and that is approximately 15km from the Amsterdam city center. It’s well connected by train (NS) or maybe bus (Connexxion bus 397) to central Amsterdam or by AMS airport taxi.

Please remember that certain flights within Europe might reach the reduced Rotterdam Airport, or maybe Eindhoven Airport, but these 2 locations are far further from Amsterdam (resp. 70km and 130km).