‌

Navigating the trams in Amsterdam with the GVB Pass

Exploring the streets with trams in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city designed to be seen from the window of a tram. With 15 different lines stretching across the historic centre and modern outskirts, trams in Amsterdam are the lifeblood of urban travel. They offer a unique vantage point of the narrow canals and gabled houses that cars simply cannot reach. Whether you are heading to a world-class museum or a quiet neighbourhood cafe, the tram network is your most reliable companion.

Why choose a GVB Pass for trams in Amsterdam?

Unlimited travel for total freedom

With a GVB Pass, you never have to worry about the number of trips you take in a single day. You can hop on a tram for just one stop to save your legs, or cross the entire city multiple times. This eliminates the stress of calculating fares or deciding if a short journey is 'worth the price' of a single ticket.

Significant cost-effectiveness

A single 1-hour tram ticket costs €3.40. In contrast, a 24-hour GVB day pass costs just €9.50. If you take at least three tram rides in a day, the pass has already paid for itself. For longer stays, the 7-day pass offers even better value, bringing your daily travel cost down to roughly €6.00.

Total flexibility for your schedule

Unlike calendar-day tickets, the GVB Pass works on a 24-hour clock. If you scan your 24-hour pass for the first time at 2pm on a Tuesday, it remains valid until 2pm on Wednesday. This allows you to tailor your transport window to your specific arrival and departure times without wasting any value.

Seamless night access

When the regular trams in Amsterdam stop running around 12:30am, you aren't stranded. Your GVB Pass is fully valid on the entire GVB night bus network. This is a major benefit for those staying in neighbourhoods further from the centre, as night bus fares are typically higher than standard daytime fares.

Ultimate peace of mind

Using a pre-paid GVB travel ticket means you don't have to navigate complicated ticket machines every time you travel. You also avoid the risk of 'fare creeping' associated with tapping a credit card (OVpay), where multiple small trips can quickly add up to more than the price of a daily cap.

Popular tram routes in Amsterdam

Tram in Amsterdam near Royal Palace on Dam Square, part of GVB Public Transport Pass.

Here are the top lines for sightseeing:

  • Tram 2: Often called the most beautiful tram route in the world, it passes the Royal Palace and the Museum District.
  • Tram 12: This line connects Central Station directly to the Rijksmuseum and the trendy De Pijp area.
  • Tram 17: Perfect for visiting the Anne Frank House, this route cuts through the heart of the historic Jordaan.
  • Tram 14: Take this to reach the ARTIS Royal Zoo and the botanical gardens in the leafy East district.
  • Tram 4: Use this route to explore the Rembrandtplein and the local Albert Cuyp Market.

Operating hours 

The tram network in Amsterdam is designed to keep the city moving almost around the clock.

  • Operating hours: Most trams start running at 6am on weekdays and 7am on weekends.
  • Last call: Services typically end at 12:30am, after which the night bus network takes over.
  • Frequency: During peak hours, trams arrive every 5–10 minutes; in the evening, they run every 15 minutes.

How to use a GVB Pass on trams in Amsterdam

Step 1: Buy your GVB Amsterdam tickets

  • Online: Purchase your digital GVB ticket in advance to receive a mobile voucher instantly.
  • GVB app: Buy a barcode ticket directly in the official GVB app.
  • Service points: Visit GVB Multimodal Service & Tickets offices at Amsterdam Central Station, Station Zuid, or Station Bijlmer Arena for physical cards.
  • Vending machines: Use the yellow and blue GVB machines located at all metro stations and major tram hubs.

Step 2: Redeem and activate your pass

  • Digital barcode: If you have a mobile ticket, there is no need to visit a kiosk. The pass is 'redeemed' the moment you scan the QR code at a tram scanner or metro gate.
  • Physical chip card: If you have a voucher from an online booking, swap it for a physical chip card at a GVB Service & Tickets desk or a designated redemption machine.
  • Activation: Your validity period only begins at the moment of your first check-in on a tram, bus, or metro.

Step 3: Check-in and check-out

  • Boarding: Locate the yellow card reader near the tram door. Hold your card or phone screen against the scanner until you hear a clear beep and see a green light.
  • Exiting: Before you step off the trams in Amsterdam, you must 'check out' by tapping the same reader. The screen will briefly show how much time you have left on your pass.
  • Transferring: If you switch from one tram line to another, you must check out of the first and check in again on the second.

Entry and exit rules:

  • Front vs. back: On older trams in Amsterdam, you can enter through any door. On newer models, you should enter through the front door (near the driver) or the double doors near the conductor's booth at the rear.
  • Exit only: Doors marked with a 'no entry' sign are for exiting passengers only to help manage the flow of commuters.

Tips for using trams in Amsterdam

  • Board in the middle: Most trams in Amsterdam have a conductor booth in the back half; board there if you have questions.
  • Press the button: Trams do not stop automatically at every station; press the 'Stop' button to signal your exit.
  • Watch for bikes: When stepping off a tram, always look both ways for cyclists before crossing the street.
  • Use the GVB app: It provides live departure times and platform changes for all trams in Amsterdam.
  • Stand clear: Avoid standing in the accordion-like middle section of the tram as it pivots during turns.

Frequently asked questions about trams in Amsterdam

Yes, your GVB Pass works on every tram line operated by GVB. This covers all the standard blue and white trams you see in the city centre.