Amsterdam Bus Tickets

Posted on Posted in Amsterdam Travel Ticket

msterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is world-renowned for its canals, bicycles, and vibrant urban culture — but behind the scenes, its public transport network is the real hero of city mobility. While trams and metros are popular, buses in Amsterdam offer a convenient and reliable way to travel, especially to areas outside the city center, like Amsterdam North, Schiphol, and neighboring towns such as Amstelveen or Haarlem.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, understanding how Amsterdam bus tickets work can save you both time and money.

🚌 Types of Bus Services in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s bus system is operated primarily by the GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf), the municipal transport company. However, several other operators cover regional routes. These include:

  • GVB – Local city buses within Amsterdam
  • Connexxion – Regional buses to Schiphol, Amstelveen, Haarlem, and more
  • EBS – Services to the Waterland region, including Volendam and Edam
  • Arriva – Some routes extending to outlying regions

🎫 Types of Bus Tickets Available

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Amsterdam offers several ticket types, depending on the duration of your stay and how frequently you plan to use public transport.

1. GVB 1-Hour Ticket

  • Valid for unlimited travel within the GVB network (bus, tram, metro) for 60 minutes.
  • Costs around €3.40.
  • Transfers allowed within the hour, but not on other transport providers (e.g., Connexxion).

2. GVB Day & Multi-Day Tickets

Ideal for tourists and short-stay visitors:

  • 1-day ticket: €9.00
  • 2-day ticket: €15.00
  • 3-day ticket: €21.00
  • Up to 7-day options available
  • Unlimited travel on GVB buses, trams, and metro, but not valid for Connexxion, EBS, or NS trains.

3. Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT)

  • Includes unlimited travel on GVB, NS trains (Schiphol ↔ Amsterdam), and regional buses like Connexxion and EBS.
  • 1-day: €18.00
  • 2-day: €24.00
  • 3-day: €30.00
    Perfect if you’re traveling between Schiphol and the city, or exploring nearby towns.

4. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT)

  • Includes unlimited travel in the greater Amsterdam region: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Haarlem, Schiphol, and more.
  • 1-day: €21.00
  • 2-day: €31.50
  • 3-day: €40.50
    Great for day trips beyond the city.

5. OV-chipkaart (Reusable Smart Card)

  • Load balance and pay per kilometer.
  • Can be used across all Dutch public transport.
  • Ideal for locals or long-term visitors.
  • Card costs €7.50 (non-refundable, card only valid for 5 years).

6. Children’s Tickets

  • Kids aged 4-11 can travel with a children’s day ticket for only €4.50.
  • Kids under 4 travel free.

🛒 Where to Buy Bus Tickets

You can purchase Amsterdam bus tickets from:

  • GVB ticket machines (at stations and some stops)
  • GVB service points and offices
  • Onboard (only on regional buses, not GVB – cash not accepted)
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
  • Hotels and tourist information desks
  • Online or via apps like 9292 or GVB Travel App

Tip: Always check in and out with your card or ticket when boarding and leaving the bus.

📲 Using Apps for Route Planning

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To make navigating the bus system simple, download one of the following apps:

  • GVB App – For real-time schedules and mobile ticket purchasing
  • 9292 App – National planner for all public transport in the Netherlands
  • NS App – Useful for combining train journeys with buses

These tools show live departure times, route maps, delays, and platform info, making trip planning seamless.

🧭 Popular Bus Routes for Tourists

Some of the most useful and scenic routes include:

  • Bus 397 (Connexxion): Airport Express from Schiphol to Museumplein and Leidseplein
  • Bus 38: Connects Central Station with North Amsterdam (via Buikslotermeer)
  • Bus 21: From Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Central Station
  • Bus 314 (EBS): To Edam, Volendam, and Marken (waterland region)

🧾 Tips for Bus Travel in Amsterdam

  • Board at the front door and check in with your ticket or card.
  • Most GVB buses do not sell tickets onboard, so plan ahead.
  • Buses operate from 6:00 AM to midnight, with limited night services after.
  • Night buses (from midnight to 6 AM) require separate night tickets or sufficient OV-chipkaart balance.

🚫 Avoiding Fines

Always check in and check out with your ticket or OV-chipkaart. Failing to do so may result in a fine of up to €50. Even with day passes, scanning is mandatory for each journey.

✈️ Getting to/from Schiphol by Bus

The Bus 397 Airport Express is one of the best ways to reach central Amsterdam directly from Schiphol Airport. It departs every 7-10 minutes and takes about 35 minutes to get to the city.

✅ Final Thoughts

Amsterdam’s bus system is a reliable, safe, and affordable way to explore not only the city but the greater region. Whether you opt for a simple 1-hour GVB ticket or a comprehensive regional pass, there’s a solution that fits every traveler’s itinerary.

To make the most of your stay, consider combining bus tickets with museum passes or other public transport deals, especially if you’re planning a full schedule of sightseeing.