Getting Around
The central area of Amsterdam is fairly compact and
easy to get around on foot. When going further a field, there is a
good, inexpensive network of trams, buses and metro lines that all
converge at Centraal Station, as well as canal boats and a free
ferry service across the IJ Canal. The GVB public transport office
at Centraal Station has route maps and a guide to the ticketing
system, which is based on zones with the same ticket valid on
buses, metros and trams. The I Amsterdam Card offers unlimited
transport on buses, trams and metro for up to three days including
massive discounts on museums, canal cruises and other attractions.
A one day pass costs EUR33 and a three day pass costs EUR53.
Another type of travel pass is the Strippenkart; a strip gets
stamped every time one boards and remains valid for unlimited
transfers within an hour (eight-strip day card: EUR6.40; 15-strip
card: EUR6.90; 45-strip card: EUR20.40). After midnight there are
night buses that run from Centraal Station to most parts of the
city. Taxis are among the most expensive in Europe and renting a
car or driving one's own to Amsterdam is not recommended; it is
better to park it outside the city and use public transport to get
into the centre and around. An ideal way to get around is the Dutch
way - by bicycle. There are several rental agencies around town
(about EUR7 daily or EUR30 weekly), but be aware that theft is
common and make sure that both the frame and a wheel is locked to
something fixed and solid.
