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Everything you need to know about the GVB Amsterdam Pass

What is the GVB Amsterdam Pass?

The GVB Amsterdam Pass offers unlimited travel across the city's extensive public transport network, including trams, buses, ferries, and metros. Whether you want to visit the Rijksmuseum or the A'DAM Lookout, this pass bundles your travel into one smart purchase. Multiple duration options are available to fit any itinerary, from a quick 24-hour layover to a full 7-day holiday. With the GVB pass, you can hop on and off as much as you like without worrying about extra costs or ticket balances.

GVB Amsterdam Pass types

The GVB Amsterdam pass is designed to be flexible, offering several duration options to suit different travel needs. Each pass works on a 24-hour basis rather than calendar days, giving you maximum value.

GVB Day Pass

  • Overview: A single-day pass for unlimited travel on all GVB transport.
  • Who is it for: Ideal for day-trippers or travellers with a short layover.
  • Pass duration options: 24 hours.
  • Validity period: Valid for 1 year before activation. Once scanned, it lasts exactly 24 hours.
  • What’s in it?: Unlimited access to GVB trams, buses, metros, and ferries.
  • Savings: Save up to 40% compared to buying 3 individual 1-hour tickets.
  • Key advantages:
    • Perfect for squeezing in 5+ sights in one day
    • No need to carry cash for bus fares
    • Includes all-night bus services for late-night returns

GVB Multi-day Pass (2–7 days)

  • Overview: A pass providing unlimited transport for up to 1 week.
  • Who is it for: Best for tourists staying 2 or more days in Amsterdam.
  • Pass duration options: 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, or 168 hours.
  • Validity period: Stays valid for 1 year from purchase; activates upon first use.
  • What’s in it?: Full access to the entire GVB network across Amsterdam and nearby suburbs.
  • Savings: Save over 60% on travel costs if you use transport 4 times daily.
  • Key advantages:
    • Lowest cost per day for long-term stays
    • Flexibility to change plans and hop on any GVB transport mode
    • Covers travel to Amstelveen, Diemen, and Weesp

Top attractions accessible with your GVB Amsterdam Pass

The GVB Pass gets you to the doorstep of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks. Use the extensive tram, bus, ferry, and metro network to reach these popular spots effortlessly.

Museums

  • Rijksmuseum: Reach this world-famous art museum via Tram 2, 5, or 12 for Dutch masterpieces.
  • Van Gogh Museum: Hop off at Museumplein to explore the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s work.
  • Stedelijk Museum: Discover modern art and design just a short walk from the Tram 2 stop.
  • Anne Frank House: Take Tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt to visit this historic and moving site.

Landmarks & views

  • A'DAM Lookout: Take the free GVB ferry from behind Central Station for 360-degree city views.
  • Royal Palace Amsterdam: Use any tram to Dam Square to see the heart of the city.
  • Heineken Experience: Ride Tram 24 to Marie Heinekenplein for a fun, interactive brewery tour.

Outdoor & tours

  • Vondelpark: Use Tram 1, 2, or 3 to access the city's most beloved green space.
  • Albert Cuyp Market: Take Tram 4 or 24 to browse Europe’s largest daily outdoor market.
  • NDSM Wharf: Board the GVB ferry to North Amsterdam for street art and cool cafes.

Is the GVB Amsterdam Pass worth it?

Save over 50% on daily travel

A single 1-hour ticket costs €3.40, while a 24-hour GVB pass is only €9.50. If you take 3 or more trips, the pass pays for itself instantly.

Seamless travel for first-timers

Navigating a new city is easier when you don't have to buy a new ticket every time. Just tap your GVB card and go.

Ultimate flexibility for explorers

Want to escape a sudden rain shower or rest your legs? The GVB travel card lets you jump on any passing tram without a second thought.

How to use the GVB Amsterdam card

Step 1: Choose your duration

Pick a GVB Pass based on how many days you will be exploring the city.

Step 2: Download the app or collect your card

Use the digital GVB app or pick up a physical chip card at Central Station.

Step 3: Always check in and out

Scan your GVB Pass at the yellow card readers every time you enter or exit public transport.

Step 4: Track your time

Your hours start counting from the very first scan, so plan your trip wisely.

Tips to make the most of your GVB Amsterdam Pass

  • Ride Tram 2 for a cheap scenic tour; it passes the Royal Palace and Museumplein.
  • Always check out when leaving a tram or bus to keep your card active. Check in at the back or middle doors of trams, but always exit through the designated gates.
  • Download the GVB app for real-time departure data and platform changes at every stop.
  • Use the GVB night buses after 12:30am; they are fully included in your day pass.
  • Take the ferry to Amsterdam Noord for a free scenic boat ride across the IJ river.
  • The GVB pass does not cover NS trains, so don't try it for the Schiphol airport train. However, you can use Bus 369 from Schiphol Airport to Sloterdijk Station; it is the only GVB airport link.
  • Visit the Zaanse Schans windmills by taking a train first, then using local GVB buses nearby.
  • Keep your physical GVB pass away from coins or magnets to avoid damaging the chip.

Other City Cards

Card nameAttractions includedTransport includedValidityPrice rangeBest forNot ideal for
GVB Amsterdam Pass

None (Transport only)

Full GVB network (tram, bus, metro, ferry)

24–168 hours

€9.50 – €43

Budget travellers focused on getting around the city

Travellers who want museum or attraction entries included

Iamsterdam City Card

70+ museums, canal cruise, bike rental

Full GVB network (tram, bus, metro, ferry)

24–120 hours

€65 – €135

Travellers looking for museum and culture exploration, plus transport included

Fans of "tourist experiences" like the Heineken Experience or Van Gogh Museum

GoCity All-Inclusive Pass

35+ attractions & tours

None

1, 2, 3, or 5 days

€79 – €209

Tourists wanting to see "everything" in a few days

Tourists who want to visit 10+ sights in a short weekend

GoCity Explorer Pass

Choice of 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions

None

60 days

€49 – €109

Travellers who only want to see a few specific top sites

Slow-paced travellers

Frequently asked questions about the GVB Amsterdam Pass

Where can I buy a GVB card?

You can purchase your pass online, via the GVB app, or at GVB Service & Tickets offices. These are located at Central Station, Station Zuid, and Bijlmer Arena.

Do I need a physical card, or can I use my phone?

You can choose either! The GVB card is available as a physical chip card at service points or as a digital barcode in the GVB app, which can also be added to your Apple or Google Wallet.

Can I share one GVB pass with multiple people?

GVB passes are personal and cannot be shared.

What is the difference between the GVB pass and tapping my credit card (OVpay)?

Tapping a credit card (OVpay) caps your daily GVB spend at €10.00. However, a multi-day gvb day pass is much cheaper, with the 3-day option costing only about €7.15 per day, saving you significant money over a weekend.

Does the GVB Amsterdam Pass include the train from the airport?

No, the GVB Pass does not cover NS trains to Schiphol. You must buy a separate train ticket or use GVB Bus 369 to reach the city centre.

How can I use the GVB travel card to get to the airport?

While the GVB Amsterdam Pass does not cover trains, you can use it on GVB Bus 369. This bus runs frequently between Schiphol Airport and Sloterdijk Station, providing a budget-friendly airport transfer fully covered by your pass.

Can I use the GVB pass on regional Connexxion or EBS buses?

No, this pass is only valid on blue and white GVB vehicles.

Is the ferry to Amsterdam North included in the GVB pass?

The GVB ferries across the IJ river are actually free for everyone. You do not need to scan your GVB pass to board these ferries.

Is the GVB Amsterdam Pass valid on night buses?

Yes, the GVB pass is fully valid on all GVB night bus lines. This is a huge advantage for travellers staying late in the city centre, as night bus fares are otherwise more expensive than regular daytime tickets.

Does my 24-hour pass expire at midnight?

No, the GVB day pass is valid for 24 consecutive hours from your first check-in. If you start at 2pm, it stays valid until 2pm the next day.

Do children need their own GVB travel card?

Children aged 4 to 11 can use a discounted GVB day pass for €5.00. Children under 4 years old travel for free on all GVB public transport.

What happens if I forget to check out with my GVB Pass?

If you forget to check out with a digital GVB Amsterdam Pass, your ticket remains active for its duration. Always try to check out at the metro gates to ensure the barriers open and to avoid potential inspection issues.