On arrival at the airport (Schiphol), the city center is around a 25 minute car ride. We highly recommend taking the train from the airport entrance (more information here) to Amsterdam Centraal Station. It’s quicker and cheaper than a car. Additionally, Uber taxi, bus or tram are all easy options.

When traveling around Amsterdam the main modes of transport to consider are tram, train, metro, bus and bicycle. There are 5 metro lines, 44 bus lines, and 18 tram lines, and various payment methods in order to use them. As a visitor it’s cost effective to check in (and out!) with your contactless bank card or phone, or download the OVpay app.

We recommend renting a bicycle if you feel comfortable enough. The city is small enough that you can get anywhere within 20 minutes by bike, and as you will notice, everyone is on one! Although it may seem daunting, you do get the hang of it fast.

There are four lanes of traffic, you may think you are on the sidewalk but you could be on a bike lane so be aware of incoming cyclists. The center in general is quite fast paced, so stay alert when walking around, even at zebra crossings.

If you need a taxi, Uber and Bolt are both readily available for pick-ups within the city.