Amsterdam public transportation guide
Friday, 30 September 2011
I realize all too well that it’s always a challenge, getting around in a city that you don’t know. Expats and visitors arriving in Amsterdam without any knowledge about the methods of transportation are understandably confused.
I'd like to give you a helping hand making your first steps in the city during your short stay in Amsterdam. Here are 10 transportation methods that will get you get from one end to the city to the other to get you started.
Bicycle – the all time favorite
A bicycle is the preferred transportation method for the Dutch. The average Dutch person owns 1,1 bicycle and cycles about 900 kilometers per year. As the Netherlands is basically a flat country without hills, and distances between cities and places are short, the bicycle is ideal in its usage.
If you want to feel that you belong, get yourself a bicycle, pick a rainy day, and head out to tour around town. You’ll feel baptized to Dutchism.
In Amsterdam city center you can rent bicycles on Dam Square, at ´Damstraat Rent a bike´. From normal city bikes to tandems and hybrid bikes, you can make your pick.
From Dam Square you’ll find yourself in any corner of town in about 10 minutes. And you will not feel alone, the streets are filled with co-cyclers. Be careful not to get caught in the tram rails with your wheels and watch out for all other traffic.
In need of a parking spot? Any wall, tree or fence will do. Do make sure you lock your bike. They’re wanted.
Canal boat
There are very few cities in the world like Amsterdam, where you can literally visit the entire city center by boat. Highly recommended for short stays, if you're up for a quick overview of the city center of Amsterdam in 1 or 2 hours, take the canal boat.
On most main roads in the city center you’ll find canal boat operators. There you can often choose based on timing, route and food and beverage options.
One of the more complete offerings you’ll find with the Canal Company on the Weteringschans. It offers not only canal tours with or without dinner, but also Canal Bikes (bicycles on the water), hop on hop off tours and open boat trips to reach parts of the city where most other boats are not allowed.
The Floating Dutchman
Walking along the canals of Amsterdam and you spot a blue bus in the water? Don’t panic. It is not an accident. It is the floating Dutchman.
This amphibious bus looks like a normal bus until it drives right into the water.
It transforms into what looks like a floating motorized shoebox with windows. It leaves from Schiphol Airport and shows the highlights of Amsterdam.
Taxi
There are about 3500 taxis in Amsterdam. Plenty for such a small city.
When in need of a taxi in Amsterdam, you can simply call TCA: +31 (0) 20 777 7777. I have a feeling you're not going to forget the number now that you've seen it.
There are alternatives to regular taxis, like bike taxis. Seating 2 persons maximum, they’ll take you on a tour or to the destination where you want to go. You can find them regularly around Dam Square.
Another taxi alternative is the Yellow Cab water taxi. The water taxis leave from the Stationsplein to your destination.
TukTuk
Original Thai taxis serve the central Amsterdam area. A unique and fun form of transportation that takes on up to three travelers. The TukTuk Company will bring you from square to square on Friday and Saturday night, from 22.00 till 03.00. They leave from the Leidseplein, the Rembrandtplein and the AlbertCuypstraat.
Ferry
Free ferries connect central station and the north side of Amsterdam.
Leaving every 5 minutes they offer an opportunity to offer a visit to the terraces on the other side of the city. Enjoy the views of Amsterdam mirroring in the water, brightened by the warm autumn sun while enjoying a drink. The feeling of the wind through your hair is a recipe for a moment of pure relaxation.
Car
To rent a car you will need a Dutch or EU driver license. There are several car rental companies in Amsterdam. The Netherlands is a very small country, easily traveled by car. With a car you can easily drive to any town in the country.
Tram
There are sixteen tramlines in Amsterdam where are driving two hundred sixteen trams on it every day.
Metro
There are four metro lines in Amsterdam. The metro drives partly in a tunnel and partly on a high track above the normal road. This makes the metro quick and easy to travel with.
Bus
There are 55 bus lines in and around Amsterdam, from the busy peak lines to the less frequent lines at the north side of the city. The busses are comfortable and perfect for medium long trips. Besides city buses there’s also a high speed system. For example the Zuidtangent is a high speed line that takes you from Htel Amsterdam to Amsterdam Airport in about 25 minutes.
Finding the best suitable method of transportation
For current information of the quickest public transportation route to your destination, you can fill in your departure and arrival info at www.9292ov.nl
This website will tell you how long the journey will take and what kind of public transfer is most suitable.
Tickets
At most station you’ll find ticketing machines. Bigger stations have ticket offices as well.
Enjoy all the trips you’ll make in and around Amsterdam!
With warm regards,
Judith Huizing
Htel Serviced Apartments
