Hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's public transport system revolutionized with chipcards

With effect from June 22nd, you can no longer buy paper tickets on trams and buses but only ov-chipcard, an electronic card that will eventually replace the card tickets. With this, Amsterdam’s public transport system has revolutionized its tickets system, though you can still buy strippenkaart tickets at the GBV tickets office in front of the Central Station.

These OV-chipcards look like bank cards that you activate by holding it in front of the check-in machines on every tram, bus and underground trains as well as on platforms. Like the London Oyster card you need to check in and out when changing trains, buses or trams or the ticket will lose its validity. The only difference is that unlike the Oyster card they only last a maximum of 24 hours.

There are three types for sale:
1. One-hour ticket
2. A ticket that can be used only twice in the course of one hour
3. 24-hour ticket that can also be used on night buses

These cards are valid in buses, trams and metros only within Amsterdam which means that you cannot use these cards on regional buses and railways.

GVB is the public transport company of Amsterdam providing metro, tram and bus services throughout Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. 24hour, 48hour and 72hour passes can still be purchased from GVB ticket offices located in Stations.