tourist card amsterdam

Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in the Netherlands

Getting Around the Netherlands

Cities to Visit

Complete Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Public Transportation

Essential Dutch Phrases

One Week in the Netherlands

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Getaways From Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in the Netherlands

Castles to Visit in the Netherlands

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Top Markets

Live Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums

Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens

Must-Try Food in the Netherlands

Craft Beer in the Netherlands

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Tourist Discount Cards

 ElOjoTorpe / Getty Images

When visiting Amsterdam, you'll come across expensive admission fees at many top museums and attractions. Fortunately, visitors can save with one of several tourist discount cards, which offer free and reduced-price admission to museums and attractions as well as other benefits. Find out which card will save you the most on your travels.

I amsterdam City Card

The popular I am sterdam City Card allows cardholders free access to over 50 museums and attractions, more than 60 discount offers at restaurants and attractions, a free canal cruise, and unlimited free public transit for the duration of validity. Cards are available for 24-, 48-, and 72-hour periods; each dual-purpose card is activated the first time it is used at an attraction, plus the first time it is used for public transit (the two features are activated independently). While the city card is valid for most major Amsterdam museums, there are some unfortunate omissions, the Anne Frank Huis in particular.

There is no special I am sterdam City Card for children (as opposed to the Amsterdam Holland Pass below). Parents are advised to check in advance whether it is worth it to purchase city cards for their children, as museums typically offer free or discounted admission fees for kids. However, it is worth consideration for children older than 12.

The I am sterdam City Card is available online from the I amsterdam website , or in person at several convenient points of sale: the Holland Tourist Information counter at Arrivals Hall 2 in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; the tourist information center at Stationsplein 10, opposite Amsterdam Central Station; the Uitburo Ticket Shop at Leidseplein 26; and several other locations (see website for complete list).

Best for: Tourists who want to cram in as much of Amsterdam, its museums, and attractions within one, two, or three days and for as little money as possible.

Amsterdam Holland Pass

The Amsterdam Holland Pass is more versatile than the I am sterdam City Card. The multiple "editions" of this pass allow visitors to make a choice based on the number of attractions on their itinerary. Passes are valid for two, five, or seven entrance tickets; fast-track entrance at several major attractions; and a discount card that fetches up to 50% discounts at selected museums, attractions, shops, and restaurants. The Holland Pass Kids is a special reduced-price card that's valid for five free entrance tickets.

Each Holland Pass also includes a ticket for free transportation that can be used for one of three options: 1) a 1.5-hour Amsterdam city tour, where tourists are taken on a whistle-stop bus tour of the major landmarks in town; 2) 24 hours of free public transportation in Rotterdam or The Hague ; or 3) a free bike rental in Utrecht .

One caveat is that the free entrance tickets bear different icons -- a tulip, windmill, or wooden shoe -- and are only redeemable at attractions marked with the same icon in the Holland Pass brochure (or website). Still, some attractions are marked with multiple icons, and others offer Holland Pass holders a discount even after their free tickets are exhausted. Visitors should be sure to plan their itinerary beforehand to make certain that their passes will cover all the attractions on their list. Note that the Holland Pass can be used toward the Rijksmuseum (unlike the I am sterdam City Card) but not toward the Anne Frank House.

The pass can be purchased either online from the Holland Pass website or in person at various locations. See the website for a complete list of sales locations.

Best for: Tourists who want to see a number of Dutch cities and a few museums and attractions, but don't plan to museum-hop too intensively.

Museumkaart ("Museum Card")

The National Museumkaart is a no-frills museum pass that is valid for nearly 400 museums across the Netherlands. By "no frills," we mean that the card offers no free city tours, no free transport, no discounts for other attractions, restaurants, and shops--just unlimited access to hundreds of museums for a 12-month period, and this alone can make the card a stellar deal indeed.

While the Museumkaart is a no-brainer for Netherlands-based museum lovers, it can also be ideal for short-term visitors whose passion for museums stretches the boundaries of the other tourist discount cards. For example, art lovers who will be in the Netherlands for upwards of a week and want to visit one or more museums, perhaps in various cities, every day of their trip. With the I am sterdam City Card restricted to the capital and the Holland Pass limited to a maximum of seven attractions, the Museumkaart is the one deal that often makes the most sense for culture lovers. And, since it's valid for a whole twelve months, the card is also excellent for the fortunate travelers who plan to be the Netherlands more than once in a twelve-month period.

The Museumkaart is available at hundreds of museums nationwide. For sales locations, see the Museumkaart website (Dutch only - otherwise, use an online translation tool, or email the Museumkaart Foundation at klantenservice@museumkaart.nl).

Best for: Tourists who want to museum-hop in various cities and travelers on an extended stay or who expect to return to the Netherlands multiple times within a 12-month period.

Exchanging Your Currency in Amsterdam

How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to City Center by Train, Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

I amsterdam Visitor Discount Card

July in Amsterdam: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Buying Tickets for the Colosseum in Rome

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Amsterdam

September in Amsterdam: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Guide to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

San Francisco on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips

Tips for Celebrating New Year's Eve in Amsterdam

Venice's Vaporetto Transportation System: A Complete Guide

February in Amsterdam: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

San Francisco CityPASS

Legoland California Tickets

Guide to San Diego Zoo Tickets

I Amsterdam Card

On this page you will find all the important information about the I Amsterdam Card: What services does the City Card offer and who is it suitable for? How long is it valid and where can you buy it?

You can get the City Card from our partner companies. We receive a small commission for the sale. The price remains the same for you, of course.

• 70+ free attractions
• Free public transport in Amsterdam
• Canal tour and hire bike included
• Validity from 24 to 120 hours
• Digital City Card in the free I Amsterdam Card app
• Save money in Amsterdam with the City Card!

How the I Amsterdam Card works

The Amsterdam Card is the official City Card of Amsterdam. It offers you numerous benefits during your visit to the city. We have summarised some of these benefits for you here:

• Free or discounted admission to over 70 museums and attractions
• Free use of public transport throughout Amsterdam
• Canal tour and bike hire included
• Free I Amsterdam app for digital use of the City Card

The City Card is available with a validity period of 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours. You can buy the card online and choose between a digital and a physical version. We recommend the digital version, as it is much easier to use and you don't have to collect the physical card on site.

To use the digital card, you need the free I Amsterdam Card app.

The physical card is activated the first time it is used at an attraction or on public transport. The use of discounts does not lead to activation. This only takes place for free offers. You can activate the digital City Card directly in the app.

Who is the I Amsterdam Card suitable for?

If you decide to stay in Amsterdam for several days, enjoy visiting museums and want to explore the city and its surroundings in depth, the I Amsterdam Card is the perfect choice. The free use of public transport also makes the City Card an attractive offer.

How much does the I Amsterdam Card cost?

The price of the I Amsterdam Card depends on its period of validity.

• 24 hours: 60,00 €
• 48 hours: 85,00 €
• 72 hours: 100,00 €
• 96 hours: 115,00 €
• 120 hours: 125,00 €

The price applies to adults aged 18 and over. Unfortunately, there is no discounted ticket for children and young people. However, children generally receive free or discounted admission to many attractions. Whether it is worth buying an I Amsterdam Card for children depends on the age of the child and the attractions you want to visit with them.

Discounts with the I Amsterdam Card

With the I Amsterdam Card you can take advantage of many free and discounted offers. You can find an overview of all discounts here: Overview of services I Amsterdam Card

This brochure also provides a good overview of all the services included: Flyer I Amsterdam Card

Free museums, sights and activities

Some museums and activities are available to you free of charge with the City Card.

• Rijksmuseum
• Moco Museum
• H'ART Museum
• Flight simulator This is Holland
• Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot
• Hello Amsterdam Walking Tour
• Canal cruise (one free tour)
• Rembrandt House
• NEMO Science Museum

Tip: The I Amsterdam Card does not entitle you to preferential admission. We therefore recommend that you check before your visit whether a reservation is required for the desired attraction. You can easily do this in the I Amsterdam Card app.

Unfortunately, the Van Gogh Museum is not included in the I Amsterdam Card. However, you can buy a ticket for the museum and the City Card as a favourable combination package: Combination ticket I Amsterdam Card + Van Gogh Museum

Public transport with the I Amsterdam Card

The I Amsterdam Card is also valid as a ticket for public transport. It allows you to use all buses, underground trains and trams operated by the GVB transport company in Amsterdam free of charge.

Journeys to the airport are not possible with the card.

Please make sure you hold your card up to the check-in sensor when boarding and disembarking. If you have purchased a digital ticket, simply hold the QR code on your mobile phone up to the scanner.

Is the I Amsterdam Card worth it?

The Amsterdam Card offers numerous discounts for museums and sights. As many attractions in Amsterdam are quite expensive, the City Card is worthwhile from just a few days' stay in the city. It is particularly worth buying the card if you also want to use public transport.

In our example, we assume that you are staying in Amsterdam for three days and buy an I Amsterdam Card with a validity of 72 hours.

The I Amsterdam Card is relatively expensive. But so are the admissions to the city. In three days you can visit several museums, enjoy a canal cruise, perhaps hire a bike and visit Muiderslot or Zaanse Schans by public transport. So the I Amsterdam Card pays for itself after just a few days.

The more often you use the I Amsterdam Card, the more it pays off!

Buy & collect I Amsterdam Card

You can buy the I Amsterdam Card online. You can choose between a physical and a digital card.

We recommend the digital card because of its ease of use. However, we present both methods here.

Digital City Card

If you have decided in favour of the digital City Card, first download the I Amsterdam City Card app download. Then follow the instructions in the app to add the card. As soon as you arrive in Amsterdam, you can activate your card directly in the app.

Physical card

If you have chosen a physical card when booking, you will first receive a voucher. You can print this out or save it on your mobile phone. Once you are in Amsterdam, you must exchange your voucher for a physical card. You can do this at the I Amsterdam Store (De Ruijterkade 28 B t/m D, 1012 AA Amsterdam). The I Amsterdam Store is open on weekdays from 10 am to 7 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 6 pm.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages of the i amsterdam card.

• You can use GVB public transport free of charge.
• The card allows free entry to many museums and sights.
• The City Card also includes a free canal cruise.
• There is also a digital version of the I Amsterdam Card so that it does not have to be collected separately.
• The validity is counted in 24-hour units instead of calendar days. This allows you to decide individually when you want to start sightseeing.

Disadvantages of the I Amsterdam Card

• Famous sights such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House are unfortunately not included in the scope of services.
• The airport cannot be reached free of charge by public transport.
• There is no discounted pass for children.
• For popular attractions, you must make your own reservation.

More offers in Amsterdam

If you do not opt for the I Amsterdam Card, you can also book individual tickets for many sights and tours. We would like to introduce you to some of them here:

• Entrance ticket Van Gogh Museum
• Tickets for public transport
• Winter Paradise admission ticket - exclusively now during the Christmas period
• Admission ticket Rijksmuseum
• Admission ticket ARTIS Zoo Amsterdam

Unfortunately, the Van Gogh Museum is not included in the I Amsterdam Card. However, there is an attractive combined ticket that you can use as an alternative:

• Combi-Ticket I Amsterdam Card + Van Gogh Museum

FAQ about the I Amsterdam Card

How does the I Amsterdam Card work?

You buy the I Amsterdam Card online and can use it as a digital or physical card. With a physical card, you have to collect it in Amsterdam. The digital card is available directly on your mobile phone via a free app. The card entitles you to numerous discounts and free use of GVB public transport.

Can I use public transport with the I Amsterdam Card?

Yes, with the I Amsterdam Card you can use all GVB public transport in Amsterdam free of charge. This applies to all means of transport such as metro, bus and tram. Airport transfers are not included.

How is the I Amsterdam Card activated?

To use the digital card, you need the free I Amsterdam Card app. You can activate the digital card directly in the app. The physical card is activated the first time you use it at a tourist attraction or on public transport. When using the card at attractions, it is important that it is free of charge. Discounts do not lead to activation.

Is the I Amsterdam Card worthwhile for families?

There is no I Amsterdam Card specifically for children and young people. Depending on how old your child is and what activities you are planning, it may be worth buying a separate card. However, it is usually cheaper not to buy a separate City Card for children, as in most cases they receive reduced admission anyway.

Here writes: Patrick

Patrick has visited various metropolises such as Amsterdam, London, Paris and Barcelona. Here he writes about the most important City Cards. His aim is to present detailed and up-to-date information for the official tourist maps of popular cities.

• Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Amsterdam City Pass: Which Amsterdam Tourist Card Should You Buy?

Europe , The Netherlands , Travel Essentials

A Complete Comparison for Tourists: I Amsterdam Card, Amsterdam Pass,  Museumkaart, Go City Amsterdam, and Holland Pass

Is I Amsterdam Card worth it? Oh, wait! What is Holland Pass? What is Museumkaart? Is Amsterdam City Pass the same as I Amsterdam Card? Which Amsterdam tourist card should I buy?

These were precisely the questions in my head when I was planning my Amsterdam trip. It is great to have many options; on the other hand, sometimes more options mean more research and headaches.  

I will explain and compare the five most popular Amsterdam City Pass es : I Amsterdam Card, Amsterdam Pass, and Go City Amsterdam, Museumkaart, and Holland Pass. This Best Amsterdam City Pass Guide should help you decide which card best fits your need and bring you the most savings for your itinerary.  

Spoiler:  I will show you how/why I ended up selecting Museumkaart for my trip. But I don’t think Museumkaart is for everyone. By following my process, you can choose the best option for yourself.

Table of Contents

Pin it for later!

Disclosure : This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you . Click here to read full disclaimer. 

Why buy an Amsterdam City Pass?

You are planning your Amsterdam itinerary and want to visit the most popular attractions in the city. In that case, an Amsterdam tourist card can save you money and time .

An Amsterdam city pass usually covers top Amsterdam attractions, such as Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam canal cruise, and more. Purchasing one of the Amsterdam passes typically comes out to be cheaper than getting an individual ticket. Also, you won’t need to waste your time lining up at every ticket office.

The question is, which Amsterdam City Pass should you buy?

Good to Know : Most Amsterdam museums require you to book your date and a time slot even if your admission is covered by an Amsterdam City Pass.   

I Amsterdam Card: Best for the First-Time Visitors

I Amsterdam Card (or I Amsterdam City Card) is the official all-inclusive city pass by the City of Amsterdam. This probably is the first tourist card to come up in search when you look into a discount card. And it is the most popular option and widely recommended for tourists .

I Amsterdam Card is the most comprehensive all-in-one pass for Amsterdam. Therefore, I think it provides the best value for first-time visitors as they most likely wish to hit up the  most popular Amsterdam museums»  and attractions. This card offers  free admissions and discounts to 70+ museums and top attractions .

Only I Amsterdam Card includes unlimited public transportations , such as tram, metro, bus, and ferry, for the period you purchased. This can be an advantage if you plan to take public transportation. Public transpositions are expensive, and the cost can add up quickly. For example, GVB 1-hour ticket is €3.20 or a day pass is €8.50.

Note that you can  buy GVB 1-7 Day Pass  without I Amsterdam Card. Although unlimited public transportation in Amsterdam was pretty appealing, I didn’t really need it. I purchased GVB one-day pass on my first day to take a tram to a hotel. I took advantage of the pass all day long. Amsterdam is small enough for me to walk, so I walked the following three days.

I’d recommend I Amsterdam Card if you visit Amsterdam only and have Amsterdam museums and attractions in your itinerary . If you don’t want to overthink, get this pass, as it most likely gives the best value for most Amsterdam travelers.

The longer your stay is, the better the value gets. Personally, the 24-hour pass doesn’t seem like a great value. But I’d consider anything above 48 hours. Let’s say, you visit Van Gogh Museum (€19) and Rijksmuseum(€20), take Amsterdam Canal Cruise (€19.5) and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (€21), and use GVB 2-day pass (€14.50). If you add one more activity to this itinerary, you are already saving money.

I Amsterdam Card Price (2022)

• 24 hours: €65
• 48 hours: €90
• 72 hours: €110
• 96 hours: €125
• 120 hours: €135

* Amsterdam GVB transportation one-day pass (€8.50) is expired 2 a.m. the next day.

What’s Included in I Amsterdam Card 

• Unlimited public transportations, such as tram, metro, bus, and ferry
• Free admission to most Amsterdam museums – including Rijksmuseum, MOCO, NEMO Science Museum, Rembrandt House, etc.
• Tickets to Amsterdam Canal Cruise, Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot, Hortus Botanicus, and Artis Royal Zoo
• Discounts for many Amsterdam attractions, including Heineken Experience, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, and Madame Tussauds
• Bike rental for one whole day
• Zaanse Schans Card (outside of Amsterdam)

What’s Excluded in I Amsterdam Card 

• Update: As of 1 June 2022, the Van Gogh Museum is no longer affiliated with the I Amsterdam City Card.
• Tickets to Anne Frank House and Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments
• Schiphol Airport Express

How to use I Amsterdam Card

• Purchase I Amsterdam Card online here
• Select the duration of your stay and order your card online. You may pick it up at a local store or download a digital City Card on your cell phone.
• Book your time slots for all museums and attractions in advance. (Select “I Amsterdam Card” at checkout.)
• The card is activated at first use.
• Show your card or scan your digital City Card.

Click here to purchase I Amsterdam Card >>

READ MORE | How best to use Amsterdam City Pass? Check my 4-day Amsterdam Itinerary  >> 

Museumkaart for Tourists: Best for Museum Lovers

Museumkaart (The Netherlands Museum Pass) provides free admission to museums only . What’s great about this pass is that you will have  unlimited access to 400 museums in the Netherlands , including Anne Frank House. 

Although Museumkaart is intended for Dutch residents to visit museums all year long, tourists can also enjoy the benefits for 31 days*. If you are interested in seeing all museums you can on your Netherlands trip, as I did, it might give you the best value. 

This pass does  not  offer any complimentary transportation or discounts on attractions in Amsterdam. But it is the only card that offers free admission to Anne Frank House and De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar) .

Therefore, I would not recommend it if your main interest lies in Amsterdam attractions. Other passes can give you much more savings if you plan to visit only a couple of museums and many other attractions in Amsterdam. 

Good to Know : Wait, but why 31 days only? My guess is that the temporary card you receive at the point of purchase is valid for 31 days. And probably that’s why they say Museumkaart for tourists is good for 31 days only. But as long as you can register with a Dutch address online to receive a physical card, it should be good for a year. 

Museumkaart Price (2022)

• €64.95 for adult
• €32.45 for age under 18

* Ticket price includes €4.95 administration fees.

What’s Included in Museumkaart 

• Free admissions to participating museums
• Unlimited access to 400 museums in the Netherlands, including Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum
• Free entrance to De Haar Castle
• Discounts at some museums such as Veneer Centrum Delft

What’s Excluded in Museumkaart 

• Public transportations
• Attractions & Activities
• Amsterdam Tulip Museum

How to use Museumkaart

• Purchase your card in person at any participating museum. (If you don’t have a Dutch bank account, you can’t buy online.)
• You will immediately receive a temporary card.   Your card is activated at purchase.
• Make sure to register your card online. The registration process is in Dutch. (Use Google translate. You can also try to figure out words similar to English.)
• Physical address in the Netherlands (I used a hotel address in my next destination)
• Digital photo of yourself (similar to a passport photo)
• Email address
• Phone number (I used my temporary French cell phone number)
• If not registered, your temporary card is still good for 31 days.

READ MORE | I almost gave up visiting Anne Frank House as the tickets were sold out. But I got this tip directly from the Anne Frank House personnel and successfully secured a spot. Read what you need to know before visiting Anne Frank House and tips to purchase tickets in high demand  >> 

The Amsterdam Pass: Best Basic Amsterdam City Pass

Amsterdam City Pass (or Amsterdam Pass) is a discount card for a limited number of attractions in the city. It offers free admission to select locations only and additional 10% discount vouchers at other attractions.

I think it works best for travelers who want to visit a few select museums and attractions. The quintessential Amsterdam experiences are covered in this basic pass – whether free admission or discounts.

However, if you are a traveler who likes to jam-pack your day with lots of museum visits and attractions, this pass might be too limited for your travel style.

Good to know : This is the only pass that includes the one-way airport train ticket.

Amsterdam City Pass Price (2022)

• Adult (age 19+) €71
• Adult (age 18): €45
• Youth (age 14-17): €19
• Children (age 4-13): €15

* Ticket price includes €1.75 processing fees.

What’s Included in Amsterdam City Pass 

• One-way train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station
• Skip-the-line tickets for Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum
• Canal Cruise tour
• Audio Guide App for Amsterdam City Tour
• Audio Guide App for Self-Guided Tour of Dam Square
• 10% discount on museums, including MOCO, NEMO Science Museum, FOAM, MOCO Museum, Amsterdam Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, etc.
• 10% discount on attractions, including Heineken Experience, Madame Tussauds, Bike Tours, Coffee Shop Tour
• 10% discount on day trips, including Rotterdam, Den Haag, Brussels, and Bruges

What’s Excluded in Amsterdam City Pass 

• Tickets to Anne Frank House

How to use Amsterdam City Pass

• Select your visit dates and order your Amsterdam City Pass online . (Note: I noticed that sometimes this pass goes unavailable. Try again in a few days if that happens.)
• Receive your tickets and discount code by email.
• Book your time slots  for all museums and attractions in advance. (Select Amsterdam City Pass at checkout.)
• Use your digital card on your smartphone.

Click here to purchase Amsterdam City Pass >>

READ MORE | 9 Unique Amsterdam Hotels + My Honest Review of a Reasonably-priced Luxury Hotel >> 

Go City Amsterdam: Best for Amsterdam Day Trippers

Go City Amsterdam (or Go Amsterdam Pass) is another all-inclusive city pass that offers free admission to 30+ attractions and activities in Amsterdam.

What’s great about this pass is that it also offers many excursions outside of Amsterdam. For the following 4 guided bus excursions, you can pick one with a 1/2/3-day pass, or two with a 5-day pass:

• Volendam, Edam & Windmills Bus Excursion
• Zaanse Schans Bus Excursion
• Alkmaar Cheese market Bus Excursion
• Keukenhof Bus Excursion

Or, you can even choose a Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague day tour from Amsterdam. By the way, I enjoyed my visit to Rotterdam ( click to read : 12 Fun Things to do in Rotterdam>> ) and  Delft  very much. I highly recommend exploring charming Holland towns beyond Amsterdam!

Go City offers the best value for day-trippers from Amsterdam . If you are interested in exploring the city and making day trips from Amsterdam, definitely worth considering Go City Amsterdam.

Go City Amsterdam Price (2022)

• 1 Day: €66 or €33 for age 4-12
• 2 Day: €91 or €46 for age 4-12
• 3 Day: €112 or €57 for age 4-12
• 5 Day: €145 or €74 for age 4-12

What’s Included in Go City Amsterdam 

• Free admission to Rijksmuseum, MOCO, Diamond Museum, and Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot
• Access to Jewish Cultural Quarter (Jewish Historical Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, National Holocaust Memorial and Museum, and Children’s Museum)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
• House of Bols
• Macbike rental for one full day
• Pedal Boat Rental
• Day trip bus excursions, including Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, Alkmaar, and Volendam/Edam/Windmills
• Zaanse Schans Card
• Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Day Tour

What’s Excluded in Go City Amsterdam 

• Anne Frank House admission
• Purchase Go City Amsterdam Pass online.
• Valid for 12 months after purchase. Once activated, you can use the pass for the duration of the period you purchased.

Click here to purchase Go City Amsterdam Pass >>

Holland pass: best for selective options in multi cities.

Important Update : At the time of writing, Holland Pass is not available. It is unclear whether this pass is discontinued for good or temporarily unavailable. I am sharing details from my past research for informational purposes.

Holland Pass (or Amsterdam Holland Pass) gives the most flexibility for travelers to the Netherlands. For one month, it can be used in multiple cities – Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. And you can purchase the level of tickets you need.

Holland Pass offers free admission to the attractions, including Heineken Experience, Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Madame Tussauds, Xtra Cold Ice Bar, Artis Royal Zoo, Hortus Botanicus, Keukenhof Garden, etc. For your comparison, I Amsterdam Card offers discounts on some of these while Museumkaart doesn’t cover any of these at all.

To get the most bang for the buck, you will need to research what’s gold vs. silver credits , then plan your spending accordingly. I personally find this tier system complicated to use. Say you want to visit Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum (both Gold Tickets). You have to purchase the Holland Pass Medium or Large. And, you need to plan to visit Rijksmuseum before Van Gogh as only your first Gold ticket can be redeemed at Rijksmuseum.  

Holland Pass Price (2020)

• Large: €80 (6 tickets = 3 Gold + 3 Silver)
• Medium: €60 (4 tickets = 2 Gold + 2 Silver)
• Small: €45 (3 tickets =1 Gold + 2 Silver)

What’s Included in Holland Pass 

• Free admission to most Amsterdam Museums
• Complimentary access to attractions such as Amsterdam canal cruise, Heineken Experience, Amsterdam Tourist Bus, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Madame Tussauds, Xtra Cold Ice Bar, Artis Royal Zoo, hurts Botanicus, etc. 
• Includes GVB 24hour pass
• Free admission to Keukenhof Garden
• Tickets to Amsterdam activities such as pub crawl, bike rental, and canal bike.  
• After using all your credits, more discounts are available for many museums, attractions, restaurants, and shops.

What’s Excluded in Holland Pass 

• Public transpositions in Amsterdam

How to use Holland Pass

• Purchase online for a physical card (pickup in Amsterdam) or digital pass
• Valid for one month after first use.
• Only the first Gold ticket is good for the Rijksmuseum.
• Use it in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht

READ MORE | 5 Best Amsterdam Museums Worth Visiting >> 

Bon Voyage!

The Van Gogh museum is not included with the Amsterdam pass anymore.

Hi Michelle – It sucks the Van Gogh Museum is excluded from the pass! Thank you for taking the time to share this recent update. I will reflect the change in my content. Hope you had a wonderful trip to Amsterdam. 🙂

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Hello, I'm Chloe!

I'm an aspiring world traveler, who moved across the Pacific Ocean twice. After leaving my PR career, I'm currently exploring Asia from Taiwan and learning Chinese. Follow my journey as I will share my travel experiences, tips & tricks and cultural insights.

Let's Connect!

• Asia Travel
• Europe Travel
• Where to Stay
• What to Pack
• What to Eat

Chloe’s Travelogue is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Disclosure & Privacy Policy

Amsterdam Tourist Pass: I Amsterdam City Card, Go City Amsterdam Pass and The Amsterdam Pass [2024]

Traveling in Amsterdam is not cheap, but you can travel smartly by choosing the best Amsterdam tourist card!

This post compares the three most popular travel cards for tourists in Amsterdam in detail, so you can easily pick the best one for yourself!

I will dive into each card in detail, but below is a quick overview in case you only have a little time.

Table of Contents

Complete comparison for Amsterdam tourist card: I Amsterdam City Card, Go City Pass, and The Amsterdam Pass

What is the best card to explore Amsterdam?

There’s no best pass since it depends on what attractions you want to visit.

Is the Go City Amsterdam Card worth it?

Suppose you want a card that covers all the popular attractions, like the Heineken Experience, Rijksmuseum, A’DAM LOOKOUT, Canal tour, House of Bols cocktail experience, etc. In that case, this is the best card for you. (you can see the complete list here)

Why is it so popular?

They have two options: All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass.

All-Inclusive Pass is sold like a day pass, available from 2-day to 5-day pass, while Explorer Pass is based on how many attractions you want to visit.

With Explorer Pass , if you enter 5 places in a day, it only costs EUR 18 per attraction.

If you buy them separately, it is EUR 22 on average per attraction. Most must-go attractions also open in the evening; you have over 12 hours to enjoy Amsterdam!

Who Should buy an Amsterdam City Pass?

Unlike Go City Amsterdam Pass, which covers only the most famous attractions, the I Amsterdam City Card covers more than 60 museums and attractions in Amsterdam.

If you want to visit museums not included in Go City Amsterdam Pass, I Amsterdam City Card is your best choice. Besides, the I Amsterdam City Card also includes public transportation in Amsterdam, so you can take the metro, tram, bus, and ferry for free.

Can I visit Van Gogh Museum with I Amsterdam City Card?

It is impossible to enter Van Gogh Museum with I Amsterdam City Card from 2022.

I Amsterdam City Card does not include Van Gogh Museum anymore. If you want to visit the museum, you can buy I Amsterdam City Card + Van Museum Tickets Special Deal . or check out The Amsterdam Pass or buys Van Gogh Museum and Canal Cruise Combination ticket .

What’s special about The Amsterdam Pass?

If Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Canal Cruise are at the top of your list of things to do in Amsterdam, The Amsterdam Pass is for you.

The Amsterdam Pass is Amsterdam’s only travel card guaranteeing a spot at the very popular Van Gogh Museum. Best choice for art lovers, so you can visit the world-famous The Night Watch by Rembrandt at Rijksmuseum and the masterpiece from Van Gogh at Van Gogh Museum.

What about Holland Pass

Not available after 2021, so you can only choose between the I Amsterdam City Card, Go City Amsterdam Pass, and The Amsterdam Pass.

Is there an Amsterdam travel pass that includes Anne Frank House?

Anne Frank House is the only channel selling the tickets; you cannot buy it anywhere else.

If you cannot buy the tickets on the official Anne Frank House website but still want to know more about it, here are your options . If you have more than six weeks before your arrival day in Amsterdam, be sure to read this post about how to buy the tickets and other visiting Anne Frank House tips.

Go City Amsterdam Pass is the only pass that includes The Life of Anne Frank Tour. If you cannot buy admission tickets, it might be an excellent choice to buy Go City Amsterdam Pass.

Complete comparison for public transportation cards in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Region & Travel Ticket (ARTT), Amsterdam Travel Card, and GVB Pass

Which day pass to have in Amsterdam?

If you only need unlimited travel by bus, tram, and metro in Amsterdam, the GVB day pass is your best friend.

Suppose you live at hotels close to Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Schiphol Airport. In that case, Amsterdam Travel Ticket is your best choice since it also covers train tickets . Taking the bus or metro from Amsterdam Central station takes much longer.

Traveling from Haarlem, Zaandam, Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket is ideal.

Go City Amsterdam Pass: best for people who only want to explore the famous attractions of Amsterdam

If you want to visit top tourist attractions, Go City Amsterdam covers it all. Let us tell you more!

Go City Amsterdam Pass worth it?

It’s definitely worth it.

You can enter top attractions and join popular tours (you will see all the attractions soon in this post) by showing your ticket on the app.

Some places need a reservation, but not difficult to get a spot, so no worries.

The best part is that the more places you visit, the cheaper it is!

Go City Pass Amsterdam price (2024)

There are two types of passes you can choose

How does the All-Inclusive Pass work & price?

• 2-Day Pass EUR 94
• 3-Day Pass EUR 114
• 5-Day Pass EUR 159

How does Explorer Pass work & price?

The price is based on how many attractions you want to visit.

After visiting the first attraction with your app, you can see the remaining attractions within 60 days.

This is perfect for people who want to take their time and don’t want to rush between attractions.

• 3 Choice Pass EUR 59 (EUR 20 per attraction)
• 4 Choice Pass EUR 74 (EUR 18.5 per attraction)
• 5 Choice Pass EUR 84 (EUR 16.8 per attraction)
• 6 Choice Pass EUR 99 (EUR 16.5 per attraction)
• 7 Choice Pass EUR 124 (EUR 17.7 per attraction)

What’s included in Go City Amsterdam Pass

There are more than 25 attractions and tours to choose from for the pass holders; below are the most popular ones:

• Amsterdam Canal Cruise – Recommended
• Heineken Experience [booking required] – Recommended
• A’DAM LOOKOUT – Recommended – Exclusive to Go City Pass
• Rijksmuseum [booking required] – Recommended
• House of Bols cocktail experience – Recommended
• The Life of Anne Frank and Neighborhood Tour – Recommended
• This Is Holland 5D [booking required] – Recommended
• MacBike bike Rental – Recommended
• Moco Museum
• Houseboat Museum
• Amsterdam Tulip Museum
• Diamond Museum Amsterdam
• Zaanse Schans Card

Click here to check the complete list of the places you can visit with the city pass.

What’s not included in Go City Amsterdam Pass

Public transportation is not included.

Suppose you want to travel unlimited by tram, metro, and bus in Amsterdam. In that case, the GVB day pass is your best option.

If you travel from other train stations in the Amsterdam area, like Amsterdam Bijlmer Area, Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, or Schiphol, plus tram, bus, and metro day pass in the city center, you need Amsterdam Travel tickets .

If you travel to or from nearby cities, like Zaandan, Haarlem, and Almere, purchase Amsterdam and Region Travel Tickets (ARTT) .

How does Go City Amsterdam Pass work

You can choose All-Inclusive Pass (Day Pass) or Explorer pass (choose from 3-7 attractions).

After paying, you will get the activation code; once activated, you can visit the attractions and tours by showing your app. It’s straightforward.

If you have an Explorer pass, you have 1 year to visit the attraction once the code is activated.

Important things to know when buying Go City Amsterdam Pass

Some attractions or tours need a reservation; generally, booking the time slot you want is easy.

How to fully utilize Go City Pass Amsterdam – My Tips!

Join the Anne Frank and Tulip tours, visit places like Heineken Experience, Rijksmuseum, A’DAM LOOKOUT, and Moco Museum, and rent a MacBike for the day to cycle in the city. You don’t need to pay for public transportation because you can travel freely by bike and experience what it is like to cycle in Amsterdam.

I Amsterdam City Card: the only card that combines museum tickets and public transportation, best for museum lovers

Is i amsterdam city card worth it.

Go City Amsterdam Pass only includes the popular attractions, but I Amsterdam City Card covers almost all the museums in Amsterdam; if you want to enter places like Artis Royal Zoo, Eye Film Museum, Muiderslot Castle, or other sites, I Amsterdam City Card is your best option.

I Amsterdam City Card price (2024)

• 24-hour pass EUR 60
• 48-hour pass EUR 85
• 72-hour pass EUR 100
• 96-hour pass EUR 115
• 120-hour pass EUR 125

What’s included in I Amsterdam City Card

You can visit many sites with this card; below is the summary:

• The card includes attractions, tours, and the GVB tram, metro, and bus.
• Admission to more than 60 museums, including top-rated places like Artis Royal Zoo, Nemo Science Museum, Rembrandt House, Eye Film Museum, Foam museum, Hermitage Museum, The National Maritime Museum, House Boat Museum, Pipe Museum, etc.
• Heineken Experience, House of Bols, and Fabrique des Lumières
• The Pancake Bakery and Blue Amsterdam Cafe.
• Cheese and Wine Cruise and The Amsterdam Dungeon.
• Canal Cruise, Hop-On, and Hop-Off Boat, multiple bike rental shop

What’s not included in I Amsterdam City Card

Entrance to Heineken Experience and House of Bols is not included, but you get 25% off with the city pass.

The Amsterdam Pass: best for people who only want to visit Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Canal Tours

Is the amsterdam pass worth it.

If Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Canal Cruise are the must-visit places in Amsterdam and you don’t plan to visit other attractions, yes!

The Amsterdam Pass price (2024)

The price is EUR 62.

What’s included in The Amsterdam Pass

• Entrance to Van Gogh Museum
• Entry to Rijksmuseum, a perfect place to enjoy the masterpiece from Rembrandt
• Canal Cruise Ticket
• Amsterdam City Audio Guide
• 10% discount code for any bookings on Tiqets. You can use it for The Rembrandt House Museum if you are a big art fan! It’s cheaper than buying it at the door or on their website.

What’s not included in The Amsterdam Pass

This card only includes the places listed above; if you want a public transportation card, you can have a GVB day pass , Amsterdam Travel Tickets , or Amsterdam and Region Travel Tickets (ARTT) .

If you love cycling, book a bike in Amsterdam!

Important things to know when using The Amsterdam Pass

Since this card guarantees your spots at Van Gogh Museum, you must choose the visit date upon purchase.

My pro tips for using The Amsterdam Pass

Be sure to use a 10% discount code to book other tickets on Tiqets, so you can make the most from your trip.

Have you decided which card to buy yet?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I Amsterdam City Card

The I Amsterdam City Card is a tourist pass which gives you unlimited access to the city’s transport system and entrance to most museums and landmarks .

The I Amsterdam City Card not only includes numerous landmarks, but it also offers various discounts for bars, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Attractions included

Among the attractions included with the I Amsterdam City Pass, the following stand out:

• Museum Van Loon
• Rembrandt House Museum
• Nemo Science Museum
• Nieuwe Kerk
• Rijksmuseum
• Tour of the Arena Stadium
• Allard Pierson Archaeology Museum
• Dutch Resistance Museum

And the I Amsterdam card allows use of the GVB public transport network, an includes discounts on theatres, transport and bike rental.

The only top attraction not included in the tourist card is The Anne Frank House .

You can purchase the card I Amsterdam City Card for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days . The best-priced card is the 4-day one, like most travel cards.

You'll activate your city pass when you first use it.

Is it worthwhile?

If you want to visit Amsterdam ’s main museums and monuments, then I Amsterdam is extremely worthwhile . If you discount the price of a travel card , the 72-hour I Amsterdam card is less than €16.50, which is a little more than what an entrance fee for one museum costs.

Where can I buy it?

If you want to skip the queues, you can purchase your I Amsterdam Card  online on our website. 

You may also be interested in

How to Save

Amsterdam is an expensive city, where you'll need all the tricks in the book to save money if you want to make sure your budget goes as far as possible. The most important thing is always to reserve your flight and hotel as far in advance as possible.

Amsterdam is a great place for shopping, with large international shopping brands, small vintage shops and curious shops with modern and original objects.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Which Amsterdam Tourist Pass or Card is Best?

Sometimes when we're guiding a tour group around Amsterdam, one or more guests will ask us about the best ways to save money on admission to popular attractions.

One of the most common and popular ways to save is by using a tourist pass. This article will provide details about each of the best Amsterdam passes available.

We include an analysis of reviews, prices, what is included in each card/pass, and the pros and cons of each pass.

The passes included in this post have exclusive savings and easy access to many of the most popular destinations in Amsterdam.

• Before You Buy
• All-Inclusive
• Pick Your Attractions
• Preset Package
• Museum Pass
• Nightlife Ticket

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Before you buy.

There are a variety of different passes to choose from, so it will be important to pick a tourist pass that best fits your plans while in Amsterdam. 

An all-inclusive tourist pass will typically provide admission to a lot of different locations for free, as well as several tours and transportation around the city.

Usually, these types of passes can save you the most money (up to 55% off), but it is also usually the most expensive option.

A  pick your attractions pass  will allow you to pick a specific number of attractions to see for one low price.

If you don’t feel like paying for a bunch of activities that you might not have time for, this may be a great way to select only the places you want to experience.

You can also choose a preset-package that includes access to a few specific locations.

These attractions are usually some of the most popular places to visit, but an all-inclusive pass may be a better option if you want to see more while in Amsterdam.

Finally, there is also a museum pass that focuses primarily on museums. If you’re more interested in the art and culture of Amsterdam, this is going to be your best bet.

That being said, this pass offers far less than the others and it is very limited in scope. 

Disclosure:  We think you should consider  our free tours , but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

ALL-INCLUSIVE PASSES

There are two passes that can be described as all-inclusive.

This option will allow you to visit several different locations in Amsterdam without paying admission. 

Go City Amsterdam Pass

This is a new all-inclusive pass that offers free admission to more than 25 different attractions in Amsterdam.

In addition to all of the different activities you can enjoy, you will also receive a hop-on-hop-off boat tour.

The Go City Amsterdam Pass is valid for 12 months after your initial purchase, so you can buy it ahead of time and still enjoy it many months later when you go on vacation.

Each pass comes with a digital guidebook to help you find your way around the city.

The main difference between the Go City Amsterdam Pass and the I Amsterdam City Card is the price tag and the attractions included.

In addition to a bus excursion to Zaanse Schans, this service also includes the Zaanse Schans Card, which provides access to Zaanse Museum, Zaanse Time Museum, Weaver's House, and Cooperage.

These two benefits alone would cost you more than a 2-day pass, so anything else you'd use the pass to do would essentially be free!

Prices 

The prices below are the full retail price.  The Go City Amsterdam Pass often runs special deals, so be sure to take a look on their website.

• Price per day: €52.50 - Adult | €27.50 - Child (age 4-12)
• Price per day: €41.67 - Adult | €23.33 - Child (age 4-12)
• Price per day: €35.20 - Adult | €22.20 - Child (age 4-12)

More information or to purchase . 

What’s Included

• Hop-on-Hop-off Boat Tour
• Rijksmuseum
• Moco Museum
• House of Bols
• Johan Cruijff Stadium Tour
• Volendam, Edam & Windmills Bus Excursion
• Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Tour
• Keukenhof Bus Excursion
• Zaanse Schans Bus Excursion
• Zaanse Schans Card
• Pedal Boat Rental
• THIS IS HOLLAND
• Macbike Bike Rental

I AMSTERDAM CITY CARD

If you are planning to visit a lot of different locations in this city, the I Amsterdam City Card may be the best option for you.

Included with this card is access to over 70 museums and attractions.

You also get unlimited rides on the GVB buses, trams, and metros for the period of time you purchased. However, the card does NOT include train travel.

You’ll also enjoy lower rates to a host of restaurants and cafés in the city + a free canal cruise – arguably the best way to see Amsterdam.

The attraction pass also comes with a downloadable map detailing savings at each attraction.

The biggest difference you will notice between this card and other all-inclusive passes is the price tag.

The I Amsterdam City Card is much more affordable than the other option on our list, and it may be a better value for some travelers.

That being said, there are services available with the Amsterdam Pass which are not included with this card such as the hop-on/hop-off bus, Amsterdam boat tour, the Heineken Experience, and Madame Tussauds.

• 24-hours: €60
• 48-hours: €85
• 72-hours: €100
• 96-hours: €115
• 120-hours: €125

Purchase an I Amsterdam City Card . 

• Unlimited use of GVB public transport (bus, tram, and metro)
• Canal cruise
• Van Gogh Museum
• Stedelijk Museum
• Rembrandt House Museum
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Nemo Science Museum
• Hermitage Amsterdam
• Detailed city map 

Additional Information

After you purchase your card online, you will receive an email confirmation.

You can choose to have the card delivered to your home for an additional shipping cost or you can pick up your card in Amsterdam at either the Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

There is no special price for children, but many of the attractions offered are very kid-friendly, so it may still be worth the price.

It is recommended to plan ahead with the purchase of this card.

The downloadable map includes the hours of operations at each destination, so it is best to gauge how long you intend to spend at each location and group together activities in the same area.

Reviews for I Amsterdam City Card

The I Amsterdam City Card comes highly recommended by both the TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide community.

Reviews are extremely positive, with many declaring the card simplifies the hassle of waits for attractions and transport around the city.

Users agree the card is well worth the price, so don’t be deterred from the initial sticker shock.

An overwhelming majority suggest the card makes traveling to the city much more affordable and stress-free.

PICK YOUR ATTRACTIONS PASS

This type of tourist pass allows you to choose a specific number of attractions to enjoy for one low price. You can typically choose from between 3 - 7 activities.

If you're concerned that you won't be able to take full advantage of an all-inclusive pass, this is an excellent alternative that gives you more control over how much money you'll save.

GO CITY AMSTERDAM EXPLORER PASS

In addition to their all-inclusive option, this company also offers an Explorer Pass which allows you to choose between 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 different attractions for one low price.

Unlike their all-inclusive pass, this option is active for a total of 60 days, which means you have plenty of time to use it at your own pace.

Although most of the attractions you'll find on this pass are exactly the same as you'll find on the all-inclusive service, they do offer 7 attractions that are only available on their Explorer Pass.

This is an excellent option for anyone who either lives in the area or plans to spend at least a week in the area.

Depending on which activities you choose, chances are you'll save anywhere from 30% - 50% off general admission prices.

Here are a few of the best attractions included with the Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass:

• Rotterdam, Delft, & The Hague Guided Tour | €105
• Volendam, Edam, & Windmills Bus Tour | €65
• Keukenhof Garden w/ Transportation | €79
• Zaanse Schans Bus Excursion | €42.50
• Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour | €25
• Zaanse Schans Card | €23.50
• Amsterdam Pedal Boat | €25
• Heineken Experience | €21
• THIS IS HOLLAND | €21
• Rijksmuseum | €20

Here are the prices you can expect to pay for each pass:

• Price per activity: €21.67/Adults | €14.67/Children
• Price per activity: €20.25/Adults | €13.50/Children
• Price per activity: €19.20/Adults | €12.80/Children
• Price per activity: €18.50/Adults | €12.33/Children
• Price per activity: €20.14/Adults | €11.29/Children

Purchase the Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass .

Things to Consider

No matter which pass you choose, if you use it for the tour of Rotterdam, Delft, & The Hague, you'll already be saving a lot of money.

At just €43 for the 3-choice pass, there are several other tours and activities included that are typically more expensive on their own than the price of the pass.

This is a great pass for just about anyone, but it's especially good for visitors who plan to take multiple tours in and around Amsterdam.

If you're planning to take any day trips outside of the city, this is an especially good tourist pass for an excellent price.

PRESET PACKAGE PASS

These tourist passes include only a specific selection of attractions for free.

In addition to the preset package they provide, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy deals at several additional locations.

For more details on this type of pass, read our before-you-buy section. 

AMSTERDAM CITY PASS

This pass is a bare-bones service that includes a few attractions that you are very likely to visit while in Amsterdam.

By bundling these items into a pass, you will save some money on admission to specific locations and receive 10% off at many other attractions.

This option is best for people who are only planning to visit a few attractions and prefer the convenience of having your pass before you even arrive in Amsterdam.

Once you have completed booking your pass, you will receive your tickets by e-mail as well as the 10% off promotional credit for your additional attractions.

You can use your smartphone as your ticket, so there is no need to carry a paper pass or a card around.

One thing to note is that the 10% credit on other attractions requires you to book tickets for those attractions here .

What's Included

• Skip-the-line ticket for the Rijksmuseum (Normal price €22.50)
• Skip-the-line ticket for the Van Gogh Museum (Normal price €22)
• Ticket for a 1-hour Canal Cruise (Normal price €19)
• 10% off tickets to a dozen museums, including:
• The Stedelijk Museum
• Amsterdam Museum
• NEMO Science center
• FOAM and more

10% credit towards attractions and activities including:

• Heineken Experience
• Madame Tussauds
• BODY WORLDS
• Ripley's Believe it or Not!
• Amsterdam Bike Tours
• Coffee Shop Tour

10% off out-of-town trips including:

• Adults (18+) | € 66
• Teens (12-17) | €21
• Children (5-11) | €15
• Infant (0-4) | €1
• All ticket prices above include a ticket processing fee of €1,75.

Click here to purchase the Amsterdam City Pass .

Dutch Countryside Card

This digital pass includes an Amsterdam & Regional Travel ticket which gives you access to the following services:

• Unlimited travel by train (2nd class) between select stations in Amsterdam and the Dutch Countryside.
• Unlimited travel on all trams, buses, night buses, and metros run by GVB, EBS, and Connexxion, including Airport Express Bus 297 and N97.
• Access to Arriva and Connexxion lines 852, 858, and 50 which will take you to Keukenhof.

This ticket is an absolute must for anyone who wants to leave the city and see more of the beautiful Dutch countryside.

In addition to the ticket, you'll also get a ticket for a 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise and an audio tour.

This pass also includes a 10% promotional credit on several other fun activities in and around Amsterdam.

If you're planning to travel outside of the city, here are a few attractions or services you might want to use your 10% credit on:

• Keukenhof Gardens
• The Zaans Museum
• World of Windmills
• Teylers Museum
• Experience Volendam Museum
• €44/Adults (14+)
• €42/Child (4-13)
• €54/Adults (14+)
• €52/Child (4-13)

Purchase this pass or learn more .

Tulip Festival Card

This is a relatively new tourist pass, and it's clearly designed for use during the Tulip Festival at Keukenhof Gardens.

While the pass will only be available for a few months, it's still worth considering if you're interested in seeing all the most beautiful flowers during this event.

Here are the services currently included with the pass:

• Amsterdam & Regional Travel Ticket
• Tulip Festival Digital Guide
• Amsterdam City Audio Guide
• 10% off Other Activities

As with the Amsterdam City Pass, this 10% credit can be used on several different popular attractions and activities in and around the city, including the following:

• Zaanse Schans Tour
• Windmill Amsterdam Sloten
• Keukenhof Bike Tour
• Tulip Farm Tour + Flower Parade
• 1-Day Pass: €55/Adults | €45/Children
• Price per day: €33/Adults | €28.50/Children
• Price per day: €26/Adults | €22/Children

Purchase the Tulip Festival Card or learn more .

MUSEUM PASSES

Unlike the other options, this tourist pass only provides free admission to museums.

The Museum Pass does not include transportation of any kind or deals on any additional attractions.

That being said, it does give you free admission to museums that are not included with any other pass. 

MUSEUMKAART

The Museumkaart (National Museum Card) is a unique opportunity for museum lovers visiting the Netherlands.

This card provides free access to 33 museums spread across the Netherlands, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.

While this card does not include any other low rates for attractions throughout Amsterdam, it is ideal for travelers who plan to spend much of their time in museums.

The card is valid for one year! Unlike other passes, this card is unique in that you can visit the same museums an unlimited amount of times.

Because you have an entire year, you might want to take advantage of that opportunity.

The card can only be purchased once you are in Amsterdam. The Museumkaart is available at museums listed below.

It is easy to purchase; you only have to fill out a form, bring your passport with you and your card will be created.

Museums Included (and where you can purchase the card):

• Anne Frank House
• Joods Historisch Museum (JHM) (Jewish Historical Museum)
• Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
• Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)
• Scheepvaartmuseum Amsterdam (Maritime Museum)
• Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum)
• And over 20 more!

For more information about these and other attractions throughout the city, check our post covering 60+ Museums in Amsterdam .

• Adults: €75
• Youth (13-18): €39
• Children (12 and younger): €39
• Each pass includes a €4.95 administration fee

Get more information or to purchase .

Reviews for Museumkaart Card

The biggest difference in reviews for the Museumkaart and its competitors is whether or not buyers intend to visit many of the museums while on their stay in the Netherlands.

Many of the reviews from the TripAdvisor community suggest that this is the best option with that in mind.

Some users express frustrations that the card does not include similar deals for other attractions like the I Am Amsterdam or Holland Pass does.

Therefore it is not recommended for tourists looking for deals beyond the scope of museums. 

AMSTERDAM NIGHTLIFE TICKET

If you're a fan of clubs and late nights, then the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket is for you.

With this ticket, you get two days of unlimited access to over 30 clubs plus more nightlife experiences and drink deals.

This pass is very specifically targeted and perfect if you prefer to stay up until dawn, or even if you just want to make the most of your early evenings.

Some other interesting perks of this card include a €10 Uber ride and €10 Uber Eats credit for first-time use of those services, a free make-up makeover, and late-night games. 

Some Clubs and Experiences Include:

• Chicago Social Club
• Air Amsterdam
• Club Escape
• Blue Ivy Nightclub
• Club John Doe
• Club Panama
• Free Drink Included
• 2-for-1 Cocktails
• Powerzone Bowling Deals
• 2 for 1 Laser Tag and Mini Golf
• €10 for 1 Day
• €12 for 2 Days
• €20 for 7 Days
• There is a €1 fee per ticket purchased.

Although we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to make an informed decision about buying a tourist pass, we also understand the concern that we might be biased.

Thankfully, we have a really great Facebook Group called Amsterdam Travel Tips where our users will often discuss this exact subject.

Don't believe it? Well, we've collected a few of the best comments from this group as proof!

A lot of people recommend getting a tourist pass to save money on popular attractions, but even when they do, it's also common for them to recomment planning out how you want to use the service.

This is really good advice, and we agree wholeheartedly, because it's very easy to run into a situation where you aren't saving any money if you don't plan things out.

As Robin notes, not only are there other ways to save money while visiting Amsterdam, but it helps to have a strategy to get the biggest possible discount from any tourist pass.

This is another excellent suggestion, because there's always a chance that the pass you want to use doesn't have any of the attractions that you want to visit.

Planning out your trip and the attractions you want to visit before buying a pass is the best way to make sure you're going to get a good deal.

For more helpful advice, make sure to check our Amsterdam Travel Tips group on Facebook.

RELATED POSTS:

• Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses
• Free Walking Tours
• Where to Store Your Luggage

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

And much, much more, north america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Amsterdam: Public transport tickets & Passes Overview, current prices (2024)

Whether you are looking for a single ticket, a day pass or an Amsterdam Travel Card, here you will find all the information you need. In this guide we present the most important tickets for visitors. So you can easily find the right ticket for your stay in Amsterdam.

Important information about buying tickets:

• You cannot buy tickets on buses and trams from the driver.
• Many of the tickets are available online and can be purchased before your trip. You will find more information below.
• Almost all public transport in Amsterdam is organized under the tariff system of the municipal transport company GVB “Gemeente Vervoer Bedrijf”. This makes it much easier for passengers, as a day ticket is valid on the metro, trams and GVB buses.

#1 Single rides with the OV chip card / “e-purse” or OVpay

If you are staying in amsterdam for a longer period of time but do not want to use public transport very often.

A charger for the OV-chip card – credit card fees may apply (image: travelguide.amsterdam)

The OV card / e-purse system is not that simple, especially if you don’t visit the Netherlands often.

How does the OV card / e-purse work?

The OV card works like a prepaid cellphone card. You can load the card with a certain amount of money at a machine and then use it up.

For a single ride, you will pay a fixed base price plus a set amount per kilometer driven. Thus, you are paying for the distance traveled. The distance is measured exactly every 50 metres and charged accordingly. There is no such thing as a classic one-way ticket , which costs a certain amount regardless of the distance travelled (flat rate). The OV chip card / e-purse can be used in trams, buses, as well as the Metro.

• Every passenger over the age of 4 must have a chip card.
• The card must be topped up with at least €4 before each journey to ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover the fare.

E-purse – prices

A rechargeable and anonymous chip card, without personalisation with a passport-type photo, costs €7.50 (without adding credit). There is a €2.50 service charge for withdrawing any remaining balance.

Standard fare: base price: €1.08 per trip plus 19.6 cents per kilometer traveled

Children (4–11 years) get a discounted fare: base price: 71 cents per trip plus 12.9 cents per kilometer traveled

Another payment system was introduced in 2023: OVpay. You can pay for a single journey on local public transport directly with your credit or debit card. All you have to do is present your payment card to a scanner when boarding and alighting. The fare will be automatically debited from your account.

Paying with OVpay – important information:

• You must always check in and out with the sa me bank card. Otherwise, the billing system will not be able to determine the correct fare.
• For single journeys, you will need a separate payment card for each passenger.
• In addition to the fares, credit card or exchange rate fees may also apply.
• A journey with an age discount (e.g. children’s fare) is not yet possible with OVpay.
• Don’t forget to check out with your payment card when you get off the bus. The fare depends on the distance traveled. If you do not check out, you will be charged an incorrect, usually higher fare.
• There is no daily limit, as there is in London. This means that you can pay significantly more per day with OVpay than with a day ticket (see below).

#2 GVB single day ticket or multi-day-ticket: Easy & affordable – ideal for visitors & tourists – optional Airport Express bus

Cheap & easy: the single-day-ticket with a validity of 1 – 7 days. Buy online and save time and stress in Amsterdam.

GVB single and multi-day tickets are popular with visitors to Amsterdam. They are easy to use and affordable.

What does this ticket offer?

• This ticket gives you unlimited travel on all GVB trams, city buses and the metro (day and night) throughout Amsterdam and you don’t have to keep an eye on your balance like you do with the e-purse.
• It is flexible in terms of time. Tickets are available for a single day and for up to 7 days , from 24 to 168 hours. The clock starts ticking at the time of first use.
• There is a day ticket, especially for children aged 4 to 11. The kids’ ticket is only valid for a single day. You can purchase more than one child’s day ticket if required.
• You can buy the ticket online before your trip (no surcharge – click here) .
• This ticket is not valid for other regional bus companies, such as Connexxion or EBS, or in trains of the Dutch railway company NS

GVB Day Ticket + Airport Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ City Centre

→ You can find more information about the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

→ More information about the various options for airport transfers, including travel times and prices

Current prices for GVB day and multiple-day tickets

Prices are at the lower end for a European city. The longer the validity, the lower the price per day.

Fares (2024) :

Children’s ticket (4–11 years) for 1 day / 24h: €4.50 – multiple tickets can be purchased for longer stays.

Standard fare:

1 day / 24h: €9 2 days / 48h: €15 3 days / 72h: €21 4 days / 96h: €26.50 5 days / 120h: €33 6 days / 144h: €37.50 7 days / 168h: €41 (€5.85 per day)

Our tip: buy online to save time and stress You can buy your ticket online before your trip via the English-language website of the authorised GVB ticket seller without having to pay a surcharge (click here) . This will save you stress later, as you won’t have to deal with the fare system and ticket machines after your flight. If you are travelling via Schiphol Airport, you can also buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online (day ticket for local transport + airport transfer by express bus or train).

GVB Ticket Child

Children aged 0-3 travel free on Amsterdam’s public transport. For children between 4 and 11 years of age, the GVB children’s day ticket is available at a reduced price.

Children aged 0–3 years can use public transport in Amsterdam free of charge. There is a reduced day ticket for children between the ages of 4 and 11. It currently (2024) costs €4.50. There is no multi-day pass for children.

If you need a children’s ticket for several days, the easiest way is to buy several one-day children’s tickets. You can buy GVB children’s day tickets online together with adult tickets.

Where is the GVB day ticket valid?

The GVB day ticket is valid on the entire GVB tram, underground and bus network.

→ Map / city map Amsterdam: GVB day ticket coverage

If your destination or accommodation is outside the validity area, you might be interested in the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket (see below). This ticket is valid for the entire region around Amsterdam.

# 3 Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Trips around Amsterdam + airport transfer included

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket entitles you to:

• Unlimited use of all GVB streetcars, city buses, metro (day and night) and ferries . This allows you to travel within the city of Amsterdam in the same way as the GVB Day Ticket (see above).
• In addition, you can also use the buses of the Connexxion and EBS companies . These bus companies serve destinations outside the Amsterdam city area. The GVB day ticket (see above) is not valid on these buses. This also includes the Airport Express Bus 397 (shuttle bus to the airport) .
• Trains  in the Amsterdam region with the national railroad company NS are included.

You can buy this ticket before your trip via the GVB authorized ticket portal (click here) . This will save you time and stress during your stay in Amsterdam.

Current prices for the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (2024)

With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you can travel in a much larger area than with a GVB day pass. Therefore the price is higher.

Current prices for the “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” Valid for 1 day: €21 Valid for 2 days: €31.50 Valid for 3 days: €40.50

The validity period is different from the GVB day ticket. The “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 04.00 a.m. after the last valid day (depending on whether you have the 1, 2 or 3 day version). The day starts at midnight.

For example: If you use a 2-day ticket for the first time from midnight on Wednesday, then your ticket will be valid until 04:00 on Friday morning.

Where is the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket valid?

Here is a map showing the area covered by the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.

→ Map / Plan: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

#4 Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT)

Day ticket + transfer by train or bus to schiphol airport.

The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” – day ticket for public transport + airport transfer – online booking saves time and avoids stress

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT) is an extension of the GVB single day or multi-day-ticket described above. It can be considered an extension because with this ticket you also have the option of using the following unlimited times for your transfer to and from Schiphol airport :

• Unlimited 2nd class rail travel between train station “Schiphol Amsterdam” Airport and any train station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Station , Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrecht)
• The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) operated by Connexxion and the Niteliner (bus N97).

This ticket also entitles you to unlimited travel on all GVB trams, (night) buses, metro and ferries in the whole of Amsterdam. However, its validity is regulated differently. The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 4 AM following the last valid day (depending on whether you have booked the 1, 2 or 3 day option). The day starts at midnight. For example: if you start using a 2-day ticket at midnight on Wednesday, then it will be valid until 4 AM on Friday.

Please note: This ticket is not valid on buses that are operated by other transport companies such as EBS and Arriva or on any bus other than the Amsterdam Express (bus 397) and the Niteliner (bus N97) operated by Connexxion.

Our tip: buy online and save time and stress abroad

You can buy the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” via this English-language website This will save you stress on arrival. You won’t have to deal with ticket machines after your flight.

Current pricing for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Prices are higher than a simple day ticket as it includes your airport transfer. A return trip from the airport to the city centre on the Airport Express Bus 397 currently costs €11.75. Taking this into account, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is affordable.

 Current fares for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Validity 1 day:   18 Euro Validity 2 days: 24 Euro Validity 3 days: 30 Euro

Tickets with longer validity are not currently available.

→   Overview: Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam city centre – all transport options (bus, train, taxi,…) incl. journey times and current prices.

#5 “I Amsterdam” card: Day ticket + discount card for sightseeing

Day ticket for public transport + free / reduced entry to attractions.

The I Amsterdam card is the official sightseeing pass for the city of Amsterdam. It is designed to help visitors navigate the maze of public transport fares and entrance tickets. The name is derived from the play on words “I am Amsterdam”. If you are also planning to visit the attractions and famous sights of the city, then the ‘I Amsterdam’ card may be of interest to you. It is a combination of day passes for public transport and discounted admission to tourist attractions.

The “I Amsterdam” card is a combination ticket and offers the following benefits:

“I Amsterdam” – just one ticket for public transport + free admission to attractions

Tip: Buy the ‘I Amsterdam’ card, GVB day ticket or entrance ticket online without paying a surcharge.

Insider tip: you can purchase the “I Amsterdam” card via this English-language website before your trip. This will save you the hassle and possibly even the credit card fees that you might incur if you pay on arrival.

Pricing for the “I Amsterdam” card (as of 2024)

1 day – 24 hours: €60 2 days – 48 hours: €85 (€42.50 per day) 3 days – 72 hours: €100 (€33.33 per day) 4 days – 96 hours: €115 (€28.75 per day) 5 days – 120 hours: €125 (€25 per day)

#6 Overview: Day tickets in Amsterdam

#7 group tickets for travel groups or school trips.

In addition, these tickets can be purchased online at no extra cost via this English language website .  There is no need to handle a large sum of money at a local ticket machine while your group waits impatiently. You will receive a receipt for your online purchase, which makes accounting for a group much easier.

#8 GVB 1 hour ticket

With the GVB 1 hour ticket, you can use all GVB lines within one hour. The ticket is unfortunately not available online. Current price 2024: €3.40 for adults

#9 FAQ 2024

Local transport Amsterdam: How much does a day ticket cost 2024?

The prices for the day ticket are very reasonable for a European metropolis. With a longer period of validity, the price per day decreases significantly.

Regular fare 2024: 1 day / 24 hours: 9 € 2 days / 48 hours: 15 € 3 days / 72 hours: 21 € 4 days / 96 hours: 26,50 € 5 days / 120 hours: 33 € 6 days / 144 hours: 37,50 € 7 days / 168 hours: 41 € (5,85 € per day)

More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

Which public transport ticket is best for Amsterdam tourists?

The day or multi-day ticket of the city’s public transport company GVB is very popular with visitors to Amsterdam. With this ticket, you can easily use local transport (metro, bus, tram) in the Amsterdam city area . It is very cheap compared to other European metropolises. More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

How much does a single ticket cost for public transport in Amsterdam?

There is no classic single ticket for Amsterdam public transport. Single journeys can be paid for with the “OV / E- Purse card”. It works in a similar way to a prepaid mobile phone card. You can load an amount of money onto this card at a machine. You can then use this credit to pay for local transport. A reloadable, anonymous e-purse card (without passport photo) costs 7.50 euros (without credit).  It is easier to use local transport with a day or multi-day ticket.

Where can I buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam?

You can buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam at vending machines or sales points of the local transport company GVB. You can also buy many tickets online. This saves time and stress in Amsterdam. You can find more information and our tips on buying tickets in our Amsterdam travel guide.

Is the GVB Day Ticket Amsterdam valid on the Schiphol Airport Express Bus 397?

The regular GVB day pass does not include the airport transfer by express bus or train. However, you can buy a combined ticket consisting of a day ticket for public transport + airport transfer (express bus or train). This combined ticket is called the “ Amsterdam Travel Ticket ”.

Is an airport transfer included with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

With the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” you can use the following unlimited transfer options to and from Schiphol Airport :

• Train travel in 2nd class on NS trains between Schiphol Amsterdam station and any station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Central Station, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Science Park, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrech)
• Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) and Niteliner (Bus N97)

I was a tourist in Amsterdam and lived in the DAM square area from 28th September 2019 to 1st October 2019. I request you to please issue a 12 hour ticket for 4.0 Euro. The 24 hour ticket which I bought for 8 Euro becomes a bit redundant since trams are not there in the late hours up to early morning. We usually party till about 2 am and then the walk back from Bull Dog Palace at Leidseplein Square to Dam Square becomes arduous and dangerous since we are not in our senses. I used line 2, 14, 24 and 26 extensively during our stay there.

good information

Liebes Amsterdam Travel Guide Team,

erstmal Kompliment! Sehr gute Seite mit hilfreichen und übersichtlichen Informationen.

Wo finde ich eine Liste aller Teilnehmer wie Geschäfte, Kultureinrichtungen und Restaurants usw. die den 25% Rabatt durch die I Amsterdam Karte geben? Gibt es eventuell eine App oder ähnliches um auch die Standorte auf einer Karte zu sehen und eine gute Reise Route finden zu können? Falls nicht, wie kann ich Teilnehmer herausfinden? Oder muss ich in jedem Laden vor Ort einzeln nachfragen?

Vielen Dank im voraus! 🌷

Hallo Egga, vielen Dank für Dein Kompliment. Das ist eine tolle Motivation, weiter an unserem Reiseführer zu arbeiten.

Es gibt eine App “I amsterdam city card” für Apple und Android Geräte. Diese kann man nach dem Kauf herunterladen und sieht dann alle teilnehmenden Geschäfte / Restaurants.

Viel Spaß in Amsterdam!

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Amsterdam » Amsterdam Discount Cards

Amsterdam City Passes

It can be a little stressful or confusing to organise your trip. To make your planning and visit easier and cheaper, have a look at offered Amsterdam city passes.

I Amsterdam card

Includes free access to many Amsterdam museums and tourist attractions, also the use of Amsterdam public transport. Added is a canal cruise and some other benefits.

GoCity Amsterdam city pass

A very good deal that includes many Amsterdam attractions and museums. And transport to them. Inside and outside of the city. There ara two versions counting time or visits.

Amsterdam region travel ticket

Includes the use of Amsterdam public transport inside the city and the use of trains in the broader Amsterdam region. Also includes transport from airport but only by bus. Which is not as easy as transport from airport by dedicated train.

Dutch countryside card

Includes the Amsterdam and Region travel card plus a 1 hour canal cruise plus Amsterdam city audioguide app.

Museumkaart

Museumkaart is not intended for tourists. It is intended for local residents. And can be ordered only to local address by a local resident.

Tulip Festival card: Includes the Amsterdam and Region travel card plus the entrance ticket to the Keukenhof toulip gardens plus Amsterdam city audioguide app.

The Amsterdam Pass: Includes the train transport from the Amsterdam Schiphol airport but not back, a canal cruise, entrance to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum, and Amsterdam city audioguide app.

Public Transport Tickets in Amsterdam 2024 (Complete Guide)

Choosing the right transport ticket in Amsterdam has become a rather complicated affair for both visitors and locals. In this guide we take a detailed look at all available Amsterdam public transport tickets and how they work.

We give you our top choices to help you pick the best one or to purchase a combination of different tickets to get the most from your stay in Amsterdam.

Our top Amsterdam public transport ticket recommendations are the following multiday tickets which can offer excellent value if used well:

Public transport within Amsterdam is run by city transport company GVB – from trams which criss-cross the city to the metro and buses which travel further out.

In addition there are trains operated by NS (Dutch Railways) which connect Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport and the rest of the Netherlands.

Regional buses (Connexxion/EBS/Arriva) can take you on excursions to some nearby places of interest.

Note, every traveller aged 4 or over must have their own ticket. When making a journey you are required to check-in (when boarding) and check-out (on exiting) by holding your ticket against one of the card readers or scanning a valid QR-code.

In Amsterdam this applies for trips on trams, trains, the metro and buses – the GVB city ferries are free!

Now let’s look at each type of Amsterdam public transport ticket in more detail – prices are for 2024.

1. GVB Day/Multi-Day Tickets

Best Value & Validity

GVB day tickets are valid from 1 to 7 days and allow you unlimited travel on the GVB network in Amsterdam day and night (GVB buses, metro and trams). It is the best value ticket available for Amsterdam transport. You can buy the GVB Multi-Day Tickets online here

GVB tickets are activated on first check-in and the validity is on a 24 hours basis – so you can handily use them over 2 consecutive calendar days within the 24 hour period.

When activating GVB day tickets, don’t forget to note your first check-in time.

GVB day tickets can get you to all the main sights in and around Amsterdam.

This includes Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Artis Zoo, Albert Cuyp Market/Heineken Brewery, Leidseplein, Museumplein (Rijksmuseum/Van Gogh Museum), Olympic Stadium, RAI Convention Centre, Westergas; stations at Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA (Johan Cruijff ArenA/Ziggo Dome), Amsterdam Noord, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuid; and further afield to Amstelveen/Amsterdamse Bos and IJburg beach.

These tickets are great for exploring around different Amsterdam neighbourhoods and will help you get around easily if you have a pre-planned city itinerary.

GVB tickets are NOT valid on NS trains – so you cannot travel to destinations in the region or other Dutch cities! They are not valid on the airport train .

They are also not valid on any Connexxion/EBS/Arriva regional bus services.

These are the prices of the GVB day tickets available:

The GVB tickets are now downloaded and used through the GetYourGuide app as a QR code. This saves the need from having to pick-up physical tickets at one of the GVB ticket offices.

The GVB Child Day Ticket is valid for 24 hours for those aged 4-11 . Children must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. It is currently not available for advance purchase online.

Children aged 0-3 travel free, children 12 or over must buy the standard adult ticket.

Note, only the 24 hours ticket can be purchased on board a tram – by card payments only, cash is not accepted. At ticket machines in metro stations only the 1-4 day cards are available.

We therefore recommend purchasing online in advance to secure your choice of card – particularly if you want the better value cards with longer validity.

GVB Day/Multi-Day Ticket: Summary

The GVB multiday tickets offer really great value and allow visitors to move around freely on trams, buses and the metro in Amsterdam.

• Excellent value with low cost-per-ride if used well
• Flexible choice of validity at 1-7 days
• Valid for 24 hour segments
• Reduced price child day ticket available
• Not valid on airport train or 397 airport bus
• Not valid for travel outside Amsterdam

Order GVB multi-day tickets here

GVB airport ‘loophole’

Note, it is technically possible to travel between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the city using a GVB-only card by taking GVB bus 369 from Schiphol Airport/Plaza to Amsterdam Sloterdijk. This has a journey time of 30 minutes.

Connections at Sloterdijk are GVB bus 22 (Central Station) or GVB tram 19 (to Diemen Sniep via Leidseplein).

We do however recommend you take the much faster train to/from the airport!

Group Travel in Amsterdam

Travelling with a large group around Amsterdam? Whether you are here with a student group or have a large group of visitors to a conference or work event – the GVB day tickets can be a convenient and economical way to get around.

Please note that every individual must have their own ticket and check-in and check-out accordingly.

For group travel you can purchase up to 30 GVB multi-day tickets in one transaction here – however these now need to be used through the GetYourGuide app.

If you want to pick-up physical tickets then you can also pre-purchase up to 99 tickets in one transaction of the following: Amsterdam Travel Ticket and Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (both these include a GVB ticket component).

TIP: For very large groups travelling together it is probably better to take the metro if possible. See our  Metro Map of Amsterdam

2. Amsterdam Travel Ticket

Best for airport trip and using trains around Amsterdam

This is an all-in-one product which includes a 1, 2 or 3 day GVB unlimited travel card plus travel between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam – valid on NS trains or 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus. You can buy the 1/2/3 day Amsterdam Travel Ticket online here

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket in 2024 is priced as follows: 1 day ( €18.00 ), 2 day ( €24.00 ) and 3 day ( €30.00 ).

Please note that this product has validity on a “calendar day basis” rather than 24 hours, so the card expires at 0400 in the morning after the last valid day.

TIP: You always get more potential value activating the card earlier in the day.

So for example, if you activate (check-in) a 1 day card anytime on a Wednesday (0000-2359) the card will expire Thursday at 0400. If only activating the card late in the evening (and before midnight) you would have wasted most of the day’s potential use.

The NS train portion is valid in 2nd class for unlimited travel between Schiphol Airport and any of the following stations in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Centraal, Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA, Duivendrecht, Amsterdam Holendrecht, Amsterdam Lelylaan, Amsterdam Muiderpoort, Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam Science Park, Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Zuid.

One hidden benefit is that you can also use it for unlimited train journeys (2nd class) between any of the above Amsterdam stations .

For more info on Schiphol travel see Getting from Schiphol to Amsterdam

In addition it is valid for unlimited travel on the 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus operated by Connexxion. You must always make your final journey back to the airport (bus or train) before the card expires.

The GVB portion of the ticket can be used on GVB Amsterdam trams , buses, metro and night buses in the Amsterdam metropolitan area. Note, it is NOT valid for travel further around the region or to other Dutch cities.

The 3 day ticket is the best value and works out at a very reasonable €10.00 per day.

If you are staying longer than 3 days you can either consider using consecutive Amsterdam Travel Tickets successively or mixing/matching with other ticket types.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is an OV-chip smart card so you are required to check-in and check-out for each journey.

Basically this ticket is handy for anyone on a short visit to Amsterdam who is arriving/departing from Schiphol Airport. Because of the train component, it is also really good for those staying in and around Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena as you can jump onto the train to Amsterdam Central whenever needed.

Most payment methods are accepted and after booking you can always cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans happen to change.

You receive a voucher and simply pick up your pre-purchased tickets at the following points: Public transport machines (grey, blue and red) at Amsterdam Schiphol airport (24 hours); NS ticket & service desks at at Amsterdam Schiphol airport , Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk ; at the GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid , Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena or Amsterdam Noord .

You can also purchase this ticket over-the-counter (subject to availability) at the following at Schiphol Airport: NS Tickets & Service desk, Iamsterdam visitor centre (Schiphol Arrivals 2) or AKO newsagent.

Amsterdam Travel Ticket: Summary

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket can be a good value choice for those on a shorter visit needing the airport trip included. It is recommended if you are staying around Schiphol Airport, Sloterdijk or Bijlmer Arena.

• Includes unlimited airport train and bus
• Hidden benefit: Unlimited train use between any Amsterdam stations
• Valid on all GVB Amsterdam transport
• Calendar day validity rather than 24 hours
• No child tickets available

Order the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

3. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

Best for Excursions

This is a 1 day ( €21.00 ), 2 day ( €31.50 ) and 3 day ( €40.50 ) ticket which is valid on all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region . This includes NS trains (2nd class), all regional buses (Connexxion, EBS and Arriva Keukenhof services) and all GVB Amsterdam buses, metro and trams. You can buy the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online here

Like the above Amsterdam Travel Ticket, this product is valid on a “calendar day basis” only rather than 24 hours. The card is activated on first check-in and expires at 0400 in the morning after the last valid day. Once again, you must check-in and check-out for each journey taken.

This ticket is a little more expensive than the GVB multiday tickets and Amsterdam Travel Ticket due to its larger catchment validity area.

This ticket is recommended if you plan to make side trips to various places of interest around the greater Amsterdam region. It is valid to the following destinations:

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Hoofddorp, Haarlem, Old Holland area (Waterland fishing villages like Edam, Volendam and Marken/Zaanse Schans windmills/Zaandam), Amsterdam Beaches (Ijmuiden/Zandvoort), Flowers of Amsterdam (Aalsmeer/Keukenhof), Castles & Garden area (Muiden/Naarden/Hilversum) and the New Land area (Almere/Lelystad).

This handy Amsterdam & Region Ticket map (opens as a pdf) from Iamsterdam shows the valid travel area and transport options:

Again the 3 day ticket is the best value and works out at only €13.50 per day. As a comparison, the standard fare (2024) for a return day trip by train from Amsterdam Central to Lelystad would already set you back €23.60.

So if you plan your itinerary well then the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket could save you quite a bit of money.

TIP: If you have an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket and want to travel to destinations outside the catchment area – like Utrecht, Leiden, Delft, Den Haag, Rotterdam and Kinderdijk – then use your ticket to travel to the outer edge of the zone and buy your onward tickets from there (rather than from Amsterdam Central). For example, for Utrecht travel from Hilversum or Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena.

Most payment methods are accepted. After booking you can always cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans happen to change.

You receive a voucher and simply pick up your pre-purchased tickets at the following points: Public transport machines (grey, blue and red) at Amsterdam Schiphol airport (24 hours); NS ticket & service desks at at Amsterdam Schiphol airport , Amsterdam Central Station , Amsterdam Sloterdijk ; GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid , Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena or Amsterdam Noord .

The ticket may also be purchased (subject to availability) at I amsterdam Visitor Centres and main ticket offices of Connexxion, EBS, GVB and NS.

TIP: If you plan to stay longer than 3 days you could consider buying multiple tickets for consecutive use or mixing and matching with GVB multi day tickets.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Summary

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket can be very useful if you plan to make excursions outside of Amsterdam. Because it is valid on numerous transport providers it also saves you from having to buy separate tickets each time.

• Despite the higher price, good value can be extracted from this ticket
• Valid on all GVB transport in Amsterdam
• Valid on airport train and bus
• Unlimited transport around entire Amsterdam region
• Not valid for travel outside region (eg – to Rotterdam, Leiden, The Hague, Utrecht)

Order the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket here

4. GVB 1 Hour Ticket / Bus Tram Metro (BTM) 1.5 Hour Ticket

In Amsterdam the single can be bought as a disposable OV-chip card and is valid for 1 hour travel on GVB public transport (bus/metro/tram) including any transfers. It costs €3.40 and is activated on first check-in.

Single tickets should only really be considered if you are going to make just 1 or 2 trips in a day. It will usually be slightly cheaper to use the distance fare rate using OVpay (contacless debit card) or credit on an OV-chip card .

If you plan to make 3 or more trips then buy a 1 day GVB ticket or a multi-day ticket.

The GVB single can be bought at GVB sales desk/ticket machines (cash/debit/credit cards accepted) or on board trams/buses from drivers/conductors (no cash accepted on board, debit/credit cards only).

Check-in and check-out using the card readers is required, including when making a transfer to another form of transport.

Note, the GVB 1 hour ticket is NOT valid on the Schiphol airport train, 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus nor on any GVB night bus service.

There is also a 1.5 hour Bus Tram Metro (BTM) ticket which costs €6.50 and is good for travel during the day around Amsterdam and the region on GVB (bus/metro/tram) plus Connexxion and EBS bus services. It is not valid on night buses.

5. Holland Travel Ticket

This ticket was introduced to make it easier for visitors to navigate the Netherlands on one single ticket. It is valid for 1 day on all Dutch public transport in the country including trains (2nd class), buses, trams and metro. You can buy this disposable OV-chip card ticket at service desks and ticket machines at NS rail stations.

The ticket is activated on first check-in and you must check-in and check-out for each journey leg.

The standard Holland Travel Ticket costs €70 and can be used anytime during the day.

The off-peak Holland Travel Ticket costs €48 and is only valid for travel after 0900 (Mon-Fri). It is valid all day at weekends and public holidays.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling in the Netherlands on a single day (either in terms of distance or using different forms of transport) then this ticket could offer good value as well as not having to buy separate tickets.

For example, a standard day return from Amsterdam to Maastricht costs around €60 – so using the off-peak Holland Travel Ticket can save some money and allow multiple stopovers.

TIP: To maximise this ticket buy the off-peak version and use it at the weekend, starting out as early in the day as possible.

However, it is certainly not a good option if you just plan to remain in and around the Amsterdam area. There is no 1st class option available.

6. Amsterdam Airport Bus Tickets

Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 operates between Schiphol and Elandsgracht in central Amsterdam. It does not run to/from Amsterdam Central station.

A single Bus Tram Metro (BTM) ticket costs €6.50 , a child (4-11) day ticket costs €1 .

You can also buy a single or return ticket online here

7. Waterland Day Ticket

Head out of Amsterdam and visit historic Dutch fishing villages such as Edam, Volendam, Monnickendam and Marken. A Waterland day ticket costs €12.50 for adults, €3 for children 4-11 and is valid the entire day (until 0100) on all EBS buses serving the Waterland and Zaandam area. It is not valid on Connexxion buses or night buses.

EBS buses now depart from Amsterdam Noord or Noorderpark station which can be reached by metro line 52.

Waterland tickets can be bought at the public transport desk of the OV Servicewinkel shops at Amsterdam Central, EBS bus drivers or the I amsterdam tourist information at the front side of Amsterdam central station. The card is activated on first check-in, with check-in and check-out required for each trip.

For more see our Waterland Amsterdam page

However the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket gives a lot more options, including using the metro and visiting other places of interest.

8. OV-Chip Card – pre-paid credit

The re-usable OV-chip card is a plastic smart card (like London’s Oyster Card) where you can add travel credit onto its “e-purse” and use it for journeys on any mode of Dutch public transport .

We don’t recommend this card for short-term visitors – use singles or the above multi-day cards instead.

There are 2 types of OV-chip card available: a so-called anonymous OV-chip card (anyone can buy/use this) or the personal OV-chip card (a personal photo card for Dutch residents). Note, see OVpay below for direct payment using contactless debit/credit cards/mobile.

An anonymous card with zero credit costs €7.50 (non-refundable) and will last 4-5 years.

The anonymous OV-chip card can be purchased at any NS train station (including Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central) and at other transport providers such as GVB. It can also be purchased at newsagents and supermarkets – some cards can be bought already pre-loaded with credit.

When purchasing an “empty” card from a transport provider, you should load some credit (at least €10-€20, maximum allowed is €150) onto the e-purse of the card – it can then be used for travel on any form of public transport in Amsterdam or the Netherlands. Note that some cards may need to be pre-activated for use on the rail network at a NS ticket desk or machine.

OV-chip card fares are calculated at fixed rates based on distance travelled. Travelling with the e-purse on buses/metro/trams tends to be a little cheaper than buying single tickets. You will need a minimum of €4 e-purse credit which is taken off as a deposit on check-in; at check-out the €4 is refunded and the standard fare is deducted from the card balance.

For GVB travel in Amsterdam, there is a fixed boarding fee of €1.08 and then a variable distance fee of €0.196 per km which is actually calculated to every 50 metres of travel.

What this means is a 3km journey will cost about €1.67; a 10km trip costs €3.04 – cheaper than the €3.40 disposable 1 hour ticket above.

If you need to make a transfer you must check-out and then check back in – if this is within 35 minutes you do not pay the boarding fee again.

For train travel, the standard one-way fare is charged. You need a minimum of €20 e-purse credit on the card to check-in at a station. As above, the €20 is initially taken off as a deposit and is returned on check-out with the one-way fare taken off the card balance. If you fail to check-out you will lose the €20.

The anonymous OV-chip card may be suitable for visitors who plan longer stays in the country with lots of public transport trips or those planning multiple visits to the Netherlands.

The OV-chip card can be useful in not having to buy separate tickets each time. You do need to keep a careful eye on the e-purse balance to ensure that minimum credit is available, especially for train travel.

The anonymous card can also be used by other people though not at the same time – everyone travelling together must have their own card.

9. OVpay – check-in/out by contactless debit/credit card

It can be used using the following foreign (non-Dutch) cards: Maestro, V pay, Mastercard and Visa.

As with the OV-chip card, standard one-way fares will apply for your journey . At the end of the day the transport company will debit your total use with them in one transaction.

This option makes the OV-chip card effectively redundant for visitors. However, if you have a non-euro contactless payment card then you may want to check your provider’s forex transaction fees before using.

Paying the standard one-way fares is fine for a small number of journeys. However if you want to maximise value then consider purchasing day and multi-day tickets as described above.

10. NS Train Tickets

There are a number of train stations in Amsterdam (see: train network map of Amsterdam ) and the railway can sometimes be a fast and useful way to travel around the periphery of the city as well as getting to the airport.

There are various ticket format options for travel on NS Dutch Railways:

• disposable tickets – either one-ways or day returns in OV-chip format – for travel that day or on a future specified date up to 1 week ahead. A €1 fee for a disposable ticket is charged on top of the standard fare.
• using a personal or anonymous OV-chip card
• buying an e-ticket or mobile ticket online which has a barcode to go through barriers

Children aged 4-11 can buy a Rail Runner ticket which costs €2.50 and is valid the entire day on any train in 2nd class (or in 1st class if accompanied by a 1st class adult ticket holder).

The standard fare between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central is €4.90 + a €1 fee for a disposable ticket.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket mentioned above offers unlimited travel between all Amsterdam stations as well as Schiphol airport.

For a detailed overview of rail tickets check our How to Buy a Dutch Train Ticket guide.

11. I amsterdam City Card (GVB transport + attractions)

For those who like the idea of a combined transport ticket and free entry to attractions, the I amsterdam City Card could be an option. Aimed at visitors, this official pass offers unlimited GVB transport within Amsterdam and entry to the likes of the Rijksmuseum, Johan Cruijff ArenA Tour and A’DAM Lookout. (Note, Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum not included) .

A free canal cruise and 1 day bike rental are also included.

Validity options are 24 hours ( €60 ), 48 hours ( €85 ), 72 hours ( €100 ), 96 hours ( €115 ), 120 hours ( €125 ). Although not cheap if used carefully it can lead to savings – and you avoid the hassle of buying tickets each time.

You can book the I amsterdam City Card online here

The 120 hour (5 day) card offers the greatest value coming in at €25 per day. Read our full I amsterdam City Card review here on how to maximise the card.

Amsterdam Travel with Discounts

Apart from some child products, non-resident visitors are NOT entitled to any discounts on public transport. Discounts are only available for eligible residents with a personal OV-chip card – those aged 4-11 and 65+ will automatically receive a 34% discounted fare rate when using the e-purse on their card.

Cheap child day tickets are available with GVB transport, NS trains and Connexxion/EBS buses. Note that the Amsterdam/Amsterdam & Region/Holland Travel Tickets do not have a discounted child version. It may be cheaper to buy separate child tickets instead as a substitute.

For residents with a personal OV-chip card who are regular travellers there is the Altijd Korting (Always Discount) product option available to purchase for  €21.55 per month or  €215.50 per year. It gives the holder a 20% discount on bus/metro/tram travel throughout the Netherlands whilst students aged 12-18 get a 40% discount. It is not valid for discounts on NS trains.

GVB Flex is a monthly subscription product from GVB which gives discounted travel in Amsterdam. The main feature is that you can travel anywhere in the Netherlands without the need of using the balance on an OV-chip card. Instead you are invoiced each month. There are 4 products:

• Easy Flex costs  €1.00 per month and gives 10% discount on GVB all day.
• Start Flex costs  €3.00 per month and gives 20% discount on GVB only between 2000-0400.
• Flex costs €5.50 per month and gives 20% discount on GVB all day.
• Extra Flex costs €15.00 per month and gives 40% discount on GVB all day.

It is possible to switch subscriptions each month.

The Net Abonnement (Network Season Ticket) subscription offers unlimited travel on bus, tram and metro throughout the Netherlands. It is not valid on trains. It costs  €335.45 per month or  €3,354.50 per year.

Other Amsterdam Public Transport Ticket Types

Night Bus Tickets – A single ride on a GVB night bus costs €5.40 . It can be bought from the driver (no cash accepted) as a disposable OV-chip ticket or added as a product onto an anonymous or personal OV-chip card. The card is valid for 90 minutes and includes transfers to other GVB night buses.

GVB Group Ticket – This allows a group of 5 people 1 day’s travel on the GVB network. Unfortunately this is a restricted ticket in that it can only be bought and used via the GVB app. The group must always travel together and each traveller has a unique barcode which has to be managed via the purchaser’s phone – so checking-in and -out is not a particularly seamless process. It costs €25 .

GVB Bicycle Ticket – Bikes can be taken onto tram 26 or the metro but only outside the rush hour (0700-0900/1600-1830). A bicycle ticket costs  €2.20 and is valid for the entire day. It can be added as a supplement to a personal or anonymous OV-chip card. Alternatively there is a disposable 1 hour card + bicycle which costs €5.60 .

NS Bicycle Ticket – Bikes can travel on trains outside the weekday rush hours; and at anytime at weekends and during July and August. A bicycle ticket ( €7.50 ) is required which is valid for 1 day. You must store your bike in the special carriages labelled with the bike sign. Folded bikes can be carried for free.

Don’t forget, you also need a valid train ticket for travel as well!

GVB Ticket Offices

You can purchase any GVB public transport ticket type at the “GVB Tram Bus Metro Ferry” Service & Tickets office at Stationsplein outside Amsterdam Central station (city side). Opening hours are daily 0830-1900.

This is also where you can pick-up some pre-purchased online tickets.

There are similar GVB Service & Tickets offices at the following stations:

• Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA (open 0830-1900 Mon-Fri, 1000-1800 Sat-Sun)
• Amsterdam Zuid (open 0830-1900 Mon-Fri, 1000-1800 Sat-Sun)
• Station Noord (open daily 1000-1800)

Some GVB tickets can also be purchased over-the-counter at service points at the following shops/newsagents: Primera, Bestseller, Vivant, Techador and Cigo .

GVB automatic ticket machines accept cash (coins and notes) and debit/credit cards and can be found at all metro stations and stops. There are also GVB vending machines along some tram stops – these only accept card payments.

There are also special public transport ticket machines and GVB ticket machines located at Amsterdam Central:

Buy your GVB tickets online here

This article was first published in 2010 and has been continuously updated since then. Last update 6 March 2024.

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

Related Articles

How to Get to RAI Amsterdam

How To Buy Dutch Train Tickets

NS Dutch Railways Discount Cards (Explained)

How to Get Cheap Train Tickets on NS Dutch Railways

Amsterdam bans new hotels and puts limit on overnight tourists

Amsterdam continues to crack down on overtourism by prohibiting the development of new hotels and limiting the number of travelers allowed to stay overnight in the city. 

“We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” the Netherlands city said in an announcement last week. 

Amsterdam has had strict policies for new hotels since 2017, but the new initiative seeks to “ensure that the number of hotel stays does not increase even further,” according to the announcement.

Under the new regulation, a new hotel may only be built “under certain conditions, if a hotel closes elsewhere,” the city said. This way, the number of accomodations in the city will stay stagnant. The hotel must also “be better,” like being more sustainable. 

Traveling to Europe soon? Barcelona is another popular European city increasing its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Twenty-six previously approved hotel projects will proceed with their construction as planned, according to the announcement. New hotels are being encouraged to be built outside the city center. 

Along with the hotel ban, the city is also limiting the number of overnight stays to 20 million for the year. 

The limit comes after residents complained of the effects of the high number of tourists. In 2023, the city experienced 20,665,000 overnight stays in hotels alone, not reflecting holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts and cruise nights. 

The regulation is the latest in a string of moves by the popular European destination to address rowdy visitors and mass tourism. This year, the city’s tourist tax increased from 7% to 12.5% – the highest in Europe. The city also banned guided tours through its famous Red Light District in 2019.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .