Best Transport Ticket Amsterdam For Families
If you are visiting Amsterdam with your family, choosing the right public transport ticket is very important, because families travel differently than solo travelers or couples, and the cost of public transport can increase quickly when you need tickets for multiple people, especially if you are traveling with children. The good news is that Amsterdam actually has several family-friendly public transport tickets, including special child tickets, group tickets, and unlimited travel passes, which can make public transport much cheaper for families if you choose the right option.
In this very detailed guide, we explain the best transport tickets in Amsterdam for families, including prices for children, group tickets, unlimited travel passes, and which option is best depending on your family trip.
Important First – Public Transport Prices For Children
Before choosing a ticket, it is important to understand how child tickets work in Amsterdam, because this can save families a lot of money.
- Children 0–3 years travel for free on public transport in Amsterdam. (Amsterdam Travel)
- Children 4–11 years can use a child day ticket with a much lower price (about €5 per day). (Amsterdam Explorer)
- From July 2025 to January 2027, children aged 4–11 can travel free on GVB transport when accompanied by an adult (special program). (Amsterdam.nl)
- Children 12+ pay adult price. (Amsterdam Travel)
This means families with younger children often pay much less for transport than they expect.
Best Transport Tickets For Families – Overview
| Family Situation | Best Ticket |
|---|---|
| Family staying in Amsterdam | GVB multi-day ticket |
| Family with airport transfer | Amsterdam Travel Ticket |
| Family with young children | Child day ticket |
| Family traveling together | GVB Group Ticket |
| Family doing day trips | Amsterdam & Region Ticket |
So the best ticket depends on your trip.
Option 1 – GVB Multi-Day Ticket (Best For Families In Amsterdam)
The GVB multi-day ticket is often the best option for families staying in Amsterdam because it gives unlimited travel on:
- Tram
- Bus
- Metro
- Night bus
- Ferry
This ticket is valid for 1–7 days and is considered very good value if you use public transport multiple times per day. (AmsterdamTips.com)
For families, this is useful because:
- You don’t need to buy single tickets every time
- Kids can use child tickets
- You can travel unlimited without calculating costs
This is usually the best ticket for families staying in the city.
Option 2 – Amsterdam Travel Ticket (Best For Airport + Family Trips)
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is a good option for families if:
- You arrive at Schiphol Airport
- You stay 2–3 days
- Your hotel is not in the city center
- You use public transport often
This ticket includes:
- Airport train
- Tram
- Bus
- Metro
- Night bus
For families, this can be convenient because everything is included in one ticket, and you don’t need to buy separate airport tickets for each person.
Option 3 – Child Day Ticket (Very Important For Families)
The child day ticket is one of the most important tickets for families.
- Price: about €5 per day
- Valid for 24 hours
- Unlimited tram, bus, metro
- For children age 4–11 (Amsterdam Explorer)
If you compare:
- Adult day ticket ~ €10
- Child day ticket ~ €5
A family with 2 adults + 2 children saves a lot of money.
And in some periods (2025–2027), children may even travel free on GVB transport when accompanied by an adult. (Amsterdam.nl)
Option 4 – GVB Group Day Ticket (Best For Families Traveling Together)
There is also a GVB Group Day Ticket:
- Valid for up to 5 people
- Valid for 24 hours
- Unlimited tram, bus, metro
- All travelers must travel together (GVB)
This can be a very good option for families because group tickets are often cheaper than buying individual tickets.
This is especially useful for:
- Families with teenagers
- Families traveling together all day
- Short city trips
Example – Family Transport Cost Comparison
Example family:
- 2 adults
- 2 children (age 6 and 9)
- 2 days in Amsterdam
| Ticket | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Single tickets | Expensive |
| Adult day + child day | Cheap |
| GVB group ticket | Cheap |
| Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Good with airport |
| Region ticket | Good with day trips |
Most families choose:
- GVB multi-day ticket + child tickets
- Or Amsterdam Travel Ticket if airport included
Best Areas Where Families Use Public Transport A Lot
Families often use public transport more if they visit:
- NEMO Science Museum
- ARTIS Zoo
- Rijksmuseum
- Amsterdam Noord
- Parks
- Different neighborhoods
So unlimited tickets are often better for families than single tickets.
Tips For Families Using Public Transport In Amsterdam
Here are some practical tips:
- Kids under 4 travel free
- Use child day tickets for ages 4–11
- Use group ticket if traveling together
- Use multi-day ticket if staying 2–3 days
- Use Amsterdam Travel Ticket if arriving at Schiphol
- Activate tickets later in the day for more value
- Always check in and check out
These tips can save families a lot of money.
Which Transport Ticket Is Best For Families?
The best transport ticket in Amsterdam for families depends on your situation, but in general the GVB multi-day ticket combined with child day tickets is usually the cheapest option for families staying in Amsterdam, while the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is often the best option for families arriving at Schiphol Airport who want airport transfer and unlimited public transport in one ticket, and the GVB group day ticket can be a very good option for families traveling together for one day, especially if you want unlimited travel without buying individual tickets for each person.