Like most of Europe, the best way to get out of the airport and into the city is via public transportation. Amsterdam’s public transportation system is quick and relatively cheap. The railway system has a direct line that connects Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport to Centraal Station. Tickets can be purchased in the airport at kiosk machines. Be warned, however, the most kiosk machines only accept debit cards (e.g. Dutch Postbank). The train trip takes approx. 20 minutes and there are a couple of stops in between Schiphol and Centraal Station (not with every train, 3 max). The single fare is 3.60 Euro (correct Dec 06), if you have the correct change in coins or the right debit card you can buy the ticket from a machine at the airport and avoid the big ticketdesk queues. Remember to stamp the ticket in the yellow stamper before you go down to the platform. The carriages are double-decker. If you’re travelling with lots of luggage there is ample room to stand in the entrance/door area of the carriage rather than try to struggle with your bags up or down the steep and narrow stairs to the seats. Most people are able to continue their journey from Centraal Station to their hotels by either walking or catching a tram from immediately outside the station. A taxi rank is also immediately outside Centraal Station. Some taxi drivers will ask you where you are going and quote the fare in advance, which is usually a rip-off. Metered taxis are also available and are almost always the better option.
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Amsterdam Public Transportation
Public transportation in Amsterdam (as in many European capital cities) is first class.
GVB operates the metro, tram and bus networks in Amsterdam.
Offices
For information about public transportation, to get a map of the network or to buy tickets, visit one of the info desks:
-at Stationsplein, opposite Central Station
-at Metrostation Central Station
-at Bijlmer Station
-at Zuid Station
- at Lelylaan station
Hours
The tram, metro and bus run from approximately 6AM until 12.30AM. During the night, you can use the night bus. Service starts at approximately 1am.
Tickets
-For trams and bus (but not GVB nightbus), you can use a "strippenkaart". When you enter a tram or bus you have to stamp your strippenkaart for the amount of zones (strippen) that you will go through, plus one. If you have a map of the network, you can check that, otherwise ask the driver. Make sure to always stamp your strippenkaart (in one of the machines) otherwise your card is not valid and you could get fined in case of control. For the same reason, do not get rid of your strippenkaart before having reached your final destination. Once you have stamped one, two or three strippen, you can travel on all GVB network for one hour. 2-strippen, 3-strippen and 8-strippen cards cost Euro 0.80 per strip but if you plan to use public transportation a lot, it might be worth to get the cheaper cards for 15 strippen (Euro 6.80) or even 45 strippen (Euro 20.10).
-For unlimited travel on the GVB network (including on night buses) during 24 hours, you can buy the 24 hour Ticket (Euro 6.50). There are also tickets valid for 48 (Euro 10.50), 72 hours (Euro 13.50) and 96 hours (Euro 16.50). Tickets are valid from the moment you stamp them, so if you stamp a 24 hour ticket at 10am, it's valid until 10am the next day.
-Nightbus single tickets (Euro 3) or 12-journeys ticket (Euro 25): only way to travel on the night bus, except if you have the 24 hour ticket.
-With the "I Amsterdam pass", you get unlimited travel on metro, tram and bus + discounts to canal cruises, museums and other touristic attractions. 1-day pass costs Euro 33, 2-day Euro 43 and 3-day Euro 53.
All tickets can be bought from the info desks, post offices and many other stores in town. It is worth buying it in advance because drivers only sell the more expensive cards for 2, 3 or 8 strippen, as well as the 24-hour card.
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