People usually think of bicycles or trams when they think of getting around in Amsterdam. But buses are also a big part of how people get around in the city.
I didn’t really get how the bus system worked when I first went there. I wasn’t sure how to get a ticket, if I could pay with cash, or if I needed a special card.
I figured out that the bus system is actually pretty easy to use after a few times. This guide will give you some useful tips on how to use buses in Amsterdam, especially if this is your first time in the city.
When Is It Best to Use Buses in Amsterdam?
Most tourists use trams because they go through the middle of the city. But buses are still very helpful in a lot of situations.
For instance, buses can help you when you want to:
- go to neighborhoods that aren’t in the city center
- go to places where there are no trams
- take night buses to travel late at night
- get to neighborhoods or suburban areas
Many bus routes connect to metro stations, train stations, and tram lines, which means they are all part of the same transportation system.
Step 1: Know How to Pay for the Bus
The first thing you need to know before you learn how to use buses in Amsterdam is how to pay for them.
Using contactless payment is the easiest way to pay these days.
Paying With a Card Without Touching It
You can just tap your:
- debit card
- credit card
- Apple Pay or Google Pay
When you get on the bus, tap your card on the reader. When you get off the bus, tap again to check out.
The system figures out how much your trip will cost and charges your bank account for it.
In the Netherlands, this system works on all forms of public transportation, including buses, trams, metros, and trains.
This is the easiest choice for most visitors because they don’t need to buy a special card for transportation.
Tip: Use the Same Card
A lot of people who travel don’t know that you have to check in and out with the same phone or card.
The system will think you took two different trips if you tap in with a debit card and then tap out with Apple Pay or another card.
Step 2: Get Your Tickets and Day Passes
You could also use public transport tickets instead of paying with a card.
Some common choices for tickets are:
Ticket for One Hour
- good for buses, trams, and the metro
- allows transfers at any time during the hour
- not good for buses at night
Day Passes for GVB
You can also buy passes that let you travel as much as you want, like:
- ticket for 24 hours
- ticket for 48 hours
- ticket for 72 hours
- up to 120 hours
With these tickets, you can ride trams, buses, and the metro as much as you want within the GVB network.
You can buy them from:
- machines for tickets
- the GVB app
- points of service for transportation
- a few hotels or stores
If you’re planning to use public transport often, you might want to compare GVB tickets with the Amsterdam Card.
Step 3: Getting on the Bus
It’s very easy to take the bus in Amsterdam.
When the bus gets to the stop:
- Go through the front door.
- Put your card or ticket on the reader next to the driver.
- Wait for the beep that says it’s okay.
This beep means that you have checked in.
Your trip isn’t valid if you don’t check in, and you could get a ticket during inspections.
Step 4: Riding the Bus
You can sit or stand anywhere on the bus once you’re on it.
Most buses have:
- digital screens that show the next stops
- announcements in audio
- maps of routes
These things make it simple to tell when your stop is coming.
Most of the time, buses in Amsterdam are comfortable and on time. But they are usually slower than trams because they have to share the road with cars and other traffic.
Step 5: Getting off the Bus
Before your stop, head toward the door.
You need to do two things:
1. Hit the Stop Button
You have to press the stop button to let the driver know, just like on most buses in Europe.
2. Tap Out
Before you get off the bus, tap your card or ticket on the reader again.
This is called checking out, and it makes sure you pay the right amount.
If you forget to check out, the system might charge you a higher default price.
Buses at Night in Amsterdam
The night bus system in Amsterdam is one interesting thing about the city’s buses.
Normal public transportation runs about between:
- 06:00
- 00:30
After that, night buses keep running until the early morning.
If you need to, night buses are helpful if you:
- stay out late
- go home from bars or clubs after midnight
- need a ride when the trams and metro stop running
There may be a different price for night rides, but day passes usually still work.
Mistakes Tourists Often Make
There are a few mistakes that come up a lot in online travel discussions.
Attempting to Pay in Cash
One of the biggest shocks for tourists is that most buses don’t take cash.
You usually have to pay with a debit or credit card if you buy a ticket on the bus.
Not Remembering to Check Out
Another common mistake is not tapping out when you get off the bus.
In this case, the system might charge more than the actual distance traveled.
Letting More Than One Person Use the Same Phone Ticket
Some people try to keep more than one ticket on their phone, but this can be a pain because each passenger has to scan or show their ticket separately.
It’s usually easier to use separate cards.
A Little Tip That Helped Me
This is one thing I learned on my trip:
When you plan your bus route, use Google Maps or the GVB transport app.
These apps show:
- bus routes
- times of departure
- the best way to get from one place to another
The information is usually very accurate, which makes it much easier to use public transportation.
Is Taking the Bus the Best Way to Get Around Amsterdam?
Tourists don’t always choose buses first, but they can be very helpful in some situations.
They are great for:
- going outside of the historic center
- getting to neighborhoods
- taking transportation at night
Trams are usually easier to use in the city center. But once you get the hang of the system, buses are another easy way to see Amsterdam.
Last Thoughts
The public transportation system in Amsterdam might seem confusing at first. But once you know the basics, it’s easy to use buses.
Keep these steps in mind:
- When you get on the bus, tap in
- To stop, press the stop button
- When you leave, tap out
After a few rides, taking the bus in Amsterdam will feel very natural. It can also help you get to places that trams don’t go.