Best Public Transport Option Amsterdam For Tourists
If you are visiting Amsterdam, one of the first things you need to figure out is what the best public transport option is, because Amsterdam has several ways to pay for public transport, including contactless payment, day tickets, travel passes, and tourist cards, and choosing the right option can save you a lot of money during your trip. Many tourists automatically buy an unlimited travel pass, but that is not always the cheapest option, and in some situations simply paying per ride is actually better.
In this very detailed guide, we explain the best public transport option in Amsterdam for tourists, including all ticket types, prices, when each option is best, and common mistakes tourists make.
Overview – Public Transport Options In Amsterdam
Tourists in Amsterdam usually choose between these options:
| Option | What It Is |
|---|---|
| OVpay (contactless payment) | Pay per ride with bank card |
| GVB Day Ticket | Unlimited city transport |
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Airport + city transport |
| Amsterdam & Region Ticket | City + regional transport |
| I amsterdam City Card | Transport + museums |
Each option is best for a different type of tourist.
Option 1 – Contactless Payment (OVpay)
For many tourists, the best and easiest option is contactless payment, also called OVpay. You simply tap your bank card, credit card, or phone when entering and leaving public transport.
How it works:
- Tap when you enter
- Tap when you leave
- Price is calculated automatically
- There is a daily price cap of about €10 per day
- After that, you travel unlimited for the rest of the day
Important:
- The daily cap applies to tram, bus, and metro
- The train from Schiphol Airport is not included in this cap
This is often the cheapest option for tourists who stay in the city center and don’t travel too much.
Option 2 – GVB Day Ticket (Unlimited City Transport)
The GVB Day Ticket gives unlimited travel on:
- Tram
- Bus
- Metro
- Night bus
- Ferry
Prices:
- 1 day: €10
- 2 days: €16
- 3 days: €21.50
This is one of the best value tickets if you use public transport many times per day.
Option 3 – Amsterdam Travel Ticket (Airport + City)
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes:
- Train Schiphol ↔ Amsterdam
- Tram
- Bus
- Metro
- Airport Express Bus
- Night buses
Prices:
- 1 day: €20
- 2 days: €27
- 3 days: €34
This is the best option if you need airport transport and city transport combined.
Option 4 – Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
This ticket includes:
- Amsterdam public transport
- Regional buses
- Trains
- Travel to places like Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Haarlem
Prices:
- 1 day: €23
- 2 days: €34
- 3 days: €44
This is best for tourists who want to explore outside Amsterdam.
Option 5 – I Amsterdam City Card
This card includes:
- Unlimited public transport
- Free museums
- Canal cruise
- Discounts
Prices:
- 24h: ~€65
- 48h: ~€90
- 72h: ~€110
This is best if you visit many museums and attractions.
Price Comparison Per Day
| Option | Price Per Day | Airport Included |
|---|---|---|
| OVpay | ~€10 | No |
| GVB Day Ticket | €7–€10 | No |
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket | €11–€20 | Yes |
| Region Ticket | €15–€23 | Yes |
| City Card | €35–€65 | No |
Best Option Per Type Of Tourist
| Tourist Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Budget traveler | OVpay |
| City explorer | GVB Day Ticket |
| Airport traveler | Amsterdam Travel Ticket |
| Day trips | Region Ticket |
| Museum visitor | City Card |
Common Tourist Mistakes
Tourists often:
- Buy expensive unlimited ticket but walk everywhere
- Buy GVB ticket but forget airport train
- Buy OV-chipkaart for short trip
- Forget to check out
- Use different bank card for check in and out
Avoid these mistakes to save money.
What Most Tourists Should Choose
For most tourists:
- Staying in city center → OVpay
- Staying 2–3 days → GVB Day Ticket
- Airport + city → Amsterdam Travel Ticket
- Day trips → Region Ticket
So the best public transport option depends on your trip, but for most tourists visiting Amsterdam, contactless payment (OVpay) is the cheapest option for city travel, the GVB Day Ticket is the best option for unlimited travel in Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is the best option if you need airport transfer included, and choosing the right option depends on how much you travel, where your hotel is located, and whether you plan to travel outside the city.