The Best Ways to Get Around
By Bicycle 🚴
Amsterdam has 800km of dedicated cycle paths and more bikes than people. Renting a bike (€10–15/day) is the fastest, cheapest, and most enjoyable way to explore. Key rules: stay in the red bike lanes, give way to trams, and always use two locks.
On Foot 🚶
Amsterdam’s historic centre is surprisingly compact. From Centraal Station to the Rijksmuseum is about 25 minutes on foot. Comfortable shoes are essential — cobblestones are uneven.
By Tram 🚋
Amsterdam’s tram network is fast and frequent. Pay by tapping with a contactless bank card or OV-chipkaart. Key tourist lines: 2 & 5 (Museumplein), 1 & 7 (Leidseplein).
By Ferry ⛴️
GVB ferries cross the IJ river and are completely free. The Buiksloterweg ferry from behind Centraal takes you to the A’DAM Lookout Tower in just 2 minutes. Runs 24/7.
From the Airport
The Intercity Direct train from Schiphol reaches Amsterdam Centraal in just 17 minutes (€5.30). Taxis cost approximately €35–50. Find flights at the best prices via our flights page.
Day Trips from Amsterdam
- Keukenhof Gardens — 45 min by bus (March–May)
- Haarlem — 15 min by train
- Delft — 60 min by train, famous for blue pottery
- Rotterdam — 40 min by train, stunning modern architecture
- Utrecht — 30 min by train, beautiful medieval canals