Bus Amsterdam: practical information, fares, routes and passes in 2025!

In this article, I present Amsterdam busesHere you'll find the main routes and useful information on how to get around easily using this means of transport.

Here you'll find

• Amsterdam's main bus routes
• The most convenient routes
• Useful information: fares, timetables, frequencies, Passes
• What you can see and do in Amsterdam by bus
• My tips for getting around the city
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about buses in Amsterdam, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

For those of you in a hurry:the I Amsterdam City Card allows unlimited use of public transport. Reservations are mandatory!
-> Click here to discover the advantages of the I Amsterdam city Card.

Amsterdam bus: article summary

Amsterdam bus: a practical way to get around the capital?

Getting around Amsterdam by public transportation is possible, although the bike is still the preferred method for locals. What about the bus in Amsterdam? Is it practical? Does it serve downtown ? is that we'll see together!

Amsterdam bus presentation

Visit visiting AmsterdamYou'll soon realize that the city has a rather atypical layout, especially in the center with its canals. In fact, buses are mainly used on the outskirts, with a fairly extensive network.

There are some thirty daytime bus routes in Amsterdam, 11 night routes and a convenient inter-city network for exploring the surrounding area.

More than 200 vehicles criss-cross the city day and night, making it a very practical means of transport to complement the solutions presented below.

Other practical means of transport

To get around Amsterdam, you can also borrow :

• StreetcarsThis is certainly the most convenient way to reach the main monuments, museums and Amsterdam Park
• Visit Amsterdam metrowhich serves the main districts
• The ferry is free of charge from Central Stationto make the crossing to the North district
• Visit cab / Uber, practical but very expensive in the city
• The two-wheeler, through a bike rental to get around like a native!

Good to know : this Interactive map will help you find your way around the capital.

What are the most useful bus routes in Amsterdam?

Here's a list of Amsterdam's different bus routes, and some that you might find particularly useful during your stay.

Classic buses

They run during the day and you can reach the city's most attractive spots on lines such as the 21, 43 or 48, which cross the city and pass near iconic monuments such as the Royal Palace.

You can consult all the lines and routes at the official GVB website which manages public transport.

Night buses

11 routes cover the city at night, including the N82, N85 and N93 from Amsterdam Central Station. Convenient for those who don't want to have to take a cab after a night out on the town. red-light district or in one of the nightclubs of the capital.

The tourist bus

Visit tourist bus - or Hop On Hop Off bus - passes through 10 stops and offers an ideal route to the most important monuments and attractions.

It will take you past the Rijksmuseumnear the Rembrandt House Museum or the Science Museum. NEMO.

Buses long-distance

If you're spending several days in Amsterdam, it might be a good idea to explore the city's beautiful surroundings. Buses leave from the bus station (at the Central Station) and serve superb spots such as :

• Volendam and Markenfor a combined visit and a fascinating dive into local folklore
• The Haguewith its impressive buildings and miniature park: the Madurodam
• The country's 4th largest city Utrecht !

How much does a bus ticket cost in Amsterdam?

Single ticket price in 2023 is 3.20 euros. That's expensive, especially if you're planning to take a lot of public transport during your stay.

There are several ways to save money:

• Visit daily tickets available in 7 versions: 1 day for 8 euros / 2 days for 13.5 euros / 3 days for 21 euros / 4 days for 26.50 euros / 5 days for 33 euros / 6 days for 37.50 euros / 7 days for 41 euros
• A Children's card 24h : 4 euros
• 1h30 unlimited ticket for 6.50 euros

Good to know These tickets can be used for all means of transport - streetcar, bus or ferries - managed by GVB.

The OV-Chipkaart card

A rechargeable card charged 7.50 eurosvalid for 5 years. You load it with the desired amount and then pay for your journeys according to mileage.

It quickly becomes much more profitable than buying a single ticket.

The Complete Pass for transport and activities

With a pass like I Amsterdam City CardYou'll have unlimited use of all the capital's public transport systems. What's more, you'll enjoy free visits to the main monuments, discounts on various attractions and even a canal cruise !

It's the simple choice, and comes at a very attractive price.

Where can I buy bus tickets in Amsterdam?

You can buy bus tickets easily at the following locations:

• With the vending machines available at some bus/tram stations and all subway stations
• At GVB sales outlets ; if you need information on schedules or routes, our staff will be able to help you.
• À Amsterdam airportas soon as you arrive
• Online, via the official GVB application

Amsterdam bus: useful information, timetables and frequencies

Here's what you need to know about the Amsterdam bus before using this means of transport.

Schedules and frequencies

By day, they circulate from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and run regularly. From 00:30 onwards, the night buses take over, running every 30 minutes / 1 hour, depending on the day. They are more frequent at weekends, when the entertainment is in full swing.

Useful information

If you opt for a day pass, you will need to validate your tickets on boarding and disembarking.

Is it possible to reach the city center by bus from Amsterdam airport?

Yes, several bus routes leave from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to reach the city center. You'll find

• the line 397 Connexxion, which makes the trip in 30 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost 11.75 euros and depart every 10 to 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or directly from the driver.
• the lines 197 and 370Interliner (5.20 euros/ticket) makes the trip during the day; buses 97 and 358 of the Niteliner company do it at night, for 6.50 euros

Other possible solutions include :

• a trip in shuttle private(most comfortable option)
• the express train which takes just 16 minutes to reach the station (the most convenient option)
• a cab or Uber (for around 40/50 euros)

 

What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?

Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.

It's free and in PDF format.

All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.

EDIT: you can't enter your email?

Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!