Using the Amsterdam Metro
2024 guide to the Amsterdam metro, tickets, prices and maps
Buying Amsterdam metro tickets, for what is not necessarily the first immediate form of transport you think of when getting around Amsterdam, can seem odd. With so many canals, trams and bikes rushing through the city, it is easy to assume there is not a rail system underground available.
The Amsterdam metro began operation in 1977 and is run by GVB who is also responsible for the other public transport in Amsterdam, buses and trams. This is good as it means tickets are easier to understand and easier to use.
Learn about all the public transport ticket options in Amsterdam with our specialist page.
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How do you pay for the Metro in Amsterdam
GVB’s ticket system is all-encompassing. If you buy a ticket thinking you want a tram ride, that ticket will also allow you to use the metro. The tickets are created based on time rather than the journey.
GVB has a one-hour ticket that gives you unlimited rides on trams, buses or metro within that hour. You need to check-in and check out on each trip you take but can take multiple trips and use different forms of transport within that hour.
Additionally, there is the GVB day tickets. These last for 24-hrs, 48-hrs and so forth up to 7-days in length. They start from the moment you first check-in on your first journey. Many visitors to Amsterdam will choose the corresponding ticket to their length of stay to cover all their needs.
OV-chipkaart – a card preloaded with cash so you can travel with ease
The OV-chipkaart is a card system which you pre-load with money and then use as you make your way through the city. Each journey taking a sum from your account. Much like an oyster card in London. For the visitor, there is an anonymous OV-chipkaart which you pay an upfront fee for, currently €7.50, and then add money to the card so you can use then use this in the same way a resident might use the standard OV-chipkaart.
These anonymous cards last five years so if you are a regular visitor to Amsterdam, say on business or you just fall in love with the city and want to return again and again – not uncommon. Then one of these cards will be a good way to go, as you’ll save both money on fares and time on buying tickets over and over again. That is not to say you cannot return the card and reclaim your unspent cash at any point, but the process involves some form filling.
First-time visitor using the Amsterdam metro
For the first time visitor who is staying for a couple of days, buying one of the day tickets is easy, practical and a good alternative, although the day tickets can work out more expensive if you are staying in the city for more than a short break.
Further details on OV-chipkaart and public transport tickets
GVB 1-day travel ticket
- Unlimited travel on all GVB routes both day and night. The ticket is valid for 24-hrs from your first use.
GVB 1-day ticket child
- Identical to the standard day ticket but with a large discount for children from 4-11 years.
GVB multi-day ticket (2-7 days)
- Includes unlimited travel on all GVB routes both day and night. Valid from first use and based on hours not days, so 48-hrs, 72-hrs etc.
2-days €15 • 3-days €21 • 4-days €26.50 • 5-days €33 • 6-days €37.50 • 7-days €41
Amsterdam travel ticket
- Arriving at Schiphol Airport and visiting for a day or two then this ticket includes train transfer and public transport usage throughout your stay.
1 day €18 • 2 days €24 • 3 days €30
Amsterdam metro is a modern, clean underground. With so many other transport options for the visitor, you’ll find it surprisingly quiet too.
Is the metro in Amsterdam 24-hrs
The metro runs from 6am-12am. Metro trains will make their last journey before midnight but may not reach their final destination till later, around 1am in some circumstances.
Once the metro has stopped running, Amsterdam is served by a night bus network that carries on throughout the night. So public transport in Amsterdam is classed as 24-hrs but only when you include the night buses in the equation.
Does Amsterdam Metro go to the airport
Currently, the metro line does not reach out as far as Schiphol Airport. There is the possibility that line 52 could someday stretch out to the airport but that is something for the future.
Arriving at the airport, your options are to use the direct train into Centraal Station, use one of the buses – Amsterdam Airport Express (397) and Niteliner N97 from Connexxion or book a private transfer into Amsterdam.
In terms of tickets, you can purchase a train ticket or bus ticket or you can use the Amsterdam travel ticket.
The Amsterdam Travel ticket
This includes transfer from Schiphol Airport using bus or train. You gain unlimited travel on NS Railway, can use the Amsterdam Airport Express bus (397) and Niteliner N97 from Connexxion. You then also get unlimited travel on all GVB’s public transport during your day in Amsterdam. These tickets come in 1, 2 and 3-day varieties.
IAmsterdam card
This card is an all encompassing tourist card that includes public transport on GVB network for the length the card is valid. It also gains you free and discounted entry to a host of the biggest and best attractions in Amsterdam. A canal cruise is included but it does not include a transfer from Schiphol Airport.
Where can I buy Amsterdam metro tickets
There are many outlets in Amsterdam where you can buy your GVB daily tickets from, including at Centraal Station, hotels, ticket machines in the metro and from drivers on the buses and trams.
You can also buy your ticket in advance online or buy an anonymous OV-chipkaart either online or at one of the outlets.
Using the Amsterdam metro
The Amsterdam metro makes up a major part of the public transport network, including the trams, buses and ferries. There are five lines defined by numbers. 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54. There are 54 stations in all, although 19 are part of the light rail so strictly speaking there are only 39 metro stations.
Each line has it’s own colour so it is easy to navigate using the map. Line M50 is green, runs from Gein to Isolatorweg and is the busiest and longest line on the metro. M51 is coloured orange and runs north from Centraal station to Westwijk. M52 is the newest line and runs north-south and is light blue. M53 is red and starts at Centraal Station ending at Gaasperplas. M54 is yellow and overlaps with line 50 ending at Centraal station.
Much like most major city’s subways or underground, there are barriers to entry and exit and you use your ticket to open the barriers.
Once on the train, you’ll find that the route map lights up as you go. A nice touch that lets you know which station is next, as the light will go out once the station is behind you.
Amsterdam Metro Map
View the pdf of the 2024 Amsterdam Metro map with all routes shown and use this to help you plan your trips in advance.
View the maps and routes of the other Amsterdam public transport service.
Amsterdam metro and accessibility
As the metro is the youngest for capital cities in Europe, it has a good design for accessibility. The five lines all have step-free access and the gaps between the train an platform are small so most users should not have too much trouble getting on board.
GVB who run the metro have a page on accessibility of the Amsterdam metro with certain restrictions in place for electric scooters so it is worth checking if you use one of these.
Sage travel has an excellent post on amsterdam accessible tips that is well worth reading.
