How to get around Amsterdam without a Car?

Amsterdam is a great city to explore without a car. Despite the lack of a personal ride, there are plenty of sustainable transport options available. This guide will help you get around Amsterdam in style, without the hassle of taking a taxi, driving a car, or getting lost.

Public Transport

The Amsterdam public transport system is efficient and quite extensive. The city is connected by buses, trams, metro and ferries. You can also purchase tickets for 24 hours, 48 hours and a whole week. For those wanting to explore the city, a 7-day GVB pass is the most suitable option.

Fares for one-journey are €3.20 (incl. tax) if you buy the ticket from the ticket machines at the stations or metro stops. If buying from an Agent (ticket office or counter), the cost is €3.90 and €4.90 if bought from the bus driver.

The fares for all public transport (trams/metros, busses/night busses, ferry) for 1 day are:

• Adults: €8.50
• Children 4-11 years: €4.20
• Children 0-3 years: Free

For the elderly (over 65 years old), students, mental disabled and people with an OV-Chip card can get discounts.

The GVB buses also offer an unlimited Travel day ticket for €13.50 that can be used in a 24-hours period and is valid on all public transport services (ferry services excluded). The passes are available at GVB info points, vending machines and from tobacco shops.

If you are planning to stay in Amsterdam for more than 7 days, you can consider the IAmsterdam Card which includes free airport transfers and offers free admission to some museums and attractions and free canal cruise rides, as well other discounts.

Cycling in Amsterdam

Cycling around Amsterdam is also a great way to explore the city. Amsterdam offers well-maintained bicycle paths and designated lanes throughout the city and is seen as the best way to get around town quickly. Bicycles in Amsterdam come in all shapes and sizes, from singles to couples. Bike rental shops are in almost every corner of the city making it an easy and hassle-free way to explore the city by bike. Bike rental rates vary depending on the type of bike and rental period but usually starts at €10 per day. It is recommended to wear a helmet when cycling around in Amsterdam for safety reasons.

Walk or Take a Taxi

If you are not comfortable with riding a bike, you have the option to walk around the city or take a taxi. There are kilometres of canals and streets throughout Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods so it can be a great experience just to wander around and explore what it offers without taking any particular direction or plan.

If you don’t feel like walking, you always have the option to take a taxi ride but it can be expensive compared to any other public means of transport but if you do need one there are plenty of good taxi companies that offer quality standard of service found in Amsterdam such as Amsterdam Taxi Pick-up.

As you can see there are plenty of ways to get around Amsterdam without needing a car from public transports like buses and trams to cycling or walking as well as taking a taxi rides when necessary. Each one of them has its advantages and disadvantages so you can choose whichever of them suits your needs best for exploring this beautiful city of Amsterdam.

An Insider’s Guide to Getting Around Amsterdam Without a Car

Amsterdam, the stunning city of canals, bicycles, and leisurely walkers, is an ideal location for exploring on foot or by bike. Due to its compact size, getting from one point to another is relatively easy. However, if you plan to visit without a car, you need to know how to get around. So, here is an insider’s guide to traveling in Amsterdam without a car.

Explore the City on a Bike

One of the most popular modes of transportation in Amsterdam is biking, and the city is incredibly bike-friendly, with over 800,000 bicycles and more than 400km of bike paths. Renting a bike is a great way to see the city like a local. Several shops and bike rental companies offer bikes for rent at reasonable prices. The cost of renting a bike is around €15-20 per day.

Amsterdam is home to some incredible landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and the Vondelpark. Biking to these landmarks is highly recommended. With a biking guide book or map of the city, you can quickly get around town and stop at various significant locations and attractions.

Use Public Transportation

If you don’t want to bike, public transportation is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around Amsterdam. The public transportation system is handled by GVB, which operates trams, buses, ferries, and metros throughout the city.

A single-use ticket costs €3.20, and it allows you one-hour transportation with any number of changes, except with GVB Night buses. For those who plan on staying in Amsterdam longer, getting an Amsterdam City Card is recommended. The card provides unlimited access to public transport as well as entry to over 60 attractions across the city.

Try the local food

Amsterdam’s food scene is exceptional, with an excellent mix of local and international cuisines available in every corner of the city. If you want to experience Dutch cuisine and taste the traditional Dutch snacks, try some bitterballen, stroopwafels, and kroketten. Amsterdam is also famous for its pancakes, and there are several restaurants in the city that serve them in different styles.

Engage in the Local Culture

While traveling to Amsterdam, don’t forget to explore the city’s culture. Amsterdam has a myriad of museums and cultural sites that showcase the city’s rich history. It’s also a great place to get a sense of Dutch art and culture. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank’s House are some of the top cultural destinations in the city.

Additionally, Amsterdam is a diverse city with a vibrant nightlife scene. There are lots of local bars, live music venues, and nightclubs that you can explore to experience the Dutch culture through the celebrated scene.

Get off the Beaten Path

While there are plenty of top-rated tourist destinations in Amsterdam, it’s worth wandering off the beaten path to discover some hidden gems. Some of these hidden attractions include the Albert Cuyp Market, the Electric Ladyland, and Blue Amsterdam. If you want to discover Amsterdam’s alternative side, consider taking a food tour, street art tour or a trip to the beautiful parks on the outskirts of the city.

Conclusion

Even if you don’t arrive with a car, Amsterdam provides ample means for getting around and experiencing the city. From biking to public transportation, experiencing local cuisine, culture and off-beat ideas, you can enjoy Amsterdam like the locals do, while avoiding the added stress and costs that come with a car.