Can Children Use Amsterdam Travel Ticket

If you are traveling to Amsterdam with children, you may wonder whether children can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, whether they need their own ticket, whether there are discounts for children, and what the rules are for public transport in Amsterdam for kids. This is an important question for families, because transport costs can increase quickly if every child needs a full-price ticket, and many parents want to know what the cheapest and easiest option is for traveling around Amsterdam with children.

In this very detailed guide, we explain whether children can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, whether children need their own ticket, whether there are child discounts, and what the best transport option is for families with children in Amsterdam.


Can Children Use The Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

Yes, children can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, but the rules depend on the age of the child, because public transport in Amsterdam has different rules for different age groups.

Here is a simple overview:

AgeTicket Needed
0–3 yearsFree
4–11 yearsChild ticket
12+ yearsAdult ticket

So children can use public transport, but not all children need the Amsterdam Travel Ticket.


Children 0–3 Years – Free Travel

Children aged 0 to 3 years travel for free on public transport in Amsterdam if they travel with an adult.

This includes:

  • Tram
  • Bus
  • Metro
  • Train (Schiphol to Amsterdam)

So very young children do not need an Amsterdam Travel Ticket.


Children 4–11 Years – Child Tickets

Children aged 4 to 11 years usually need a child ticket, which is cheaper than an adult ticket.

For example:

  • Child day ticket is much cheaper than adult day ticket
  • Sometimes there are special tourist child tickets
  • In some periods, children travel free with an adult (special programs)

This means buying an adult Amsterdam Travel Ticket for a child is often not the cheapest option.


Children 12 Years And Older

Children aged 12 and older must usually pay the adult price, so they need their own Amsterdam Travel Ticket if they want to use this ticket.

So for teenagers, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket works the same as for adults.


Do Children Need Their Own Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

AgeOwn Travel Ticket Needed
0–3No
4–11Usually child ticket
12+Yes

So not every child needs the Amsterdam Travel Ticket.


Is The Amsterdam Travel Ticket Worth It For Children?

For children aged 4–11, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is often not worth it, because child tickets are cheaper.

For teenagers (12+), the Amsterdam Travel Ticket can be worth it if:

  • You use airport train
  • You use public transport often
  • You stay 2–3 days

Best Transport Option For Families With Children

Here is usually the best setup:

Family MemberBest Ticket
AdultsAmsterdam Travel Ticket
Children 4–11Child day ticket
Children 0–3Free

This is often the cheapest option for families.


Example Family Situation

Example:

  • 2 adults
  • 2 children (age 6 and 9)
  • 3-day trip

Best option:

  • Adults → Amsterdam Travel Ticket
  • Children → Child day tickets

This is cheaper than buying 4 Amsterdam Travel Tickets.


Important Tips For Families

Here are useful tips:

  • Kids under 4 travel free
  • Use child day tickets for ages 4–11
  • Teens need adult ticket
  • Always check in and check out
  • Stroller allowed in tram/metro
  • Avoid rush hour with kids
  • Metro is easier with stroller than tram sometimes

Can Children Use The Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

Children can use the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, but whether they need one depends on their age, because children under 4 travel for free on public transport in Amsterdam, children aged 4 to 11 usually use a cheaper child ticket instead of the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, and children aged 12 and older need their own Amsterdam Travel Ticket if they want unlimited travel and airport transport included, so for most families the cheapest option is usually adults using the Amsterdam Travel Ticket and children using child day tickets or free travel if they are very young.