q AND A

How Do I Get Around Amsterdam and Amstelveen During a Short-Term Stay?

If you are planning a work assignment or temporary stay in Amsterdam or Amstelveen for one to six months, one of the most practical questions you will face is: How will I get around?Both cities are known for their excellent transportation infrastructure, but if you are new to the Netherlands, the system can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that once you understand the basics, navigating Amsterdam and Amstelveen is simple, efficient, and often enjoyable.
This guide covers all the essential transport options and practical tips for short-term residents, so you can get where you need to go from day one.

1. Public Transport: The Most Convenient Choice

Amsterdam and Amstelveen are well-connected by a network of trams, buses, metro lines, and trains. Public transport is usually the easiest and most reliable way to move around, especially for daily commuting.

OV-chipkaart: Your Travel Essential

The OV-chipkaart is a rechargeable travel card used for nearly all public transport in the Netherlands, including trams, buses, metro services, and trains. You can buy one at train stations, GVB ticket offices, or selected shops.
Once you have the card, simply tap in when boarding and tap out when leaving. You can top up the card online or at ticket machines.

Tip: If you are staying for a few months, consider buying a personal OV-chipkaart linked to your bank account for automatic top-ups and monthly travel subscriptions.

2. Monthly Passes and Subscriptions

If you plan to use public transport frequently, monthly subscriptions can save you money and make commuting easier.

  • GVB Flex: Unlimited tram, bus, and metro travel within Amsterdam for a monthly fee.
  • Connexxion subscriptions: Cover buses connecting Amstelveen, Schiphol, and surrounding areas.
  • NS season tickets: Useful if you plan to travel by train to other Dutch cities for work or leisure.

Most subscriptions require a personal OV-chipkaart, so plan ahead if you want to use this option.

3. Cycling: The Local Way to Travel

Cycling is an essential part of life in Amsterdam and Amstelveen and often the fastest and most flexible way to travel. The cities have extensive bike lanes and safe cycling infrastructure, and almost everyone uses a bicycle daily.

Tips for Short-Term Residents:

  • Buy or rent a bike: A second-hand bicycle costs around €100 – €200, while monthly rentals start around €15 – €30.
  • Follow traffic rules: Cyclists follow the same rules as cars and must signal turns.
  • Secure your bike: Always use a strong lock, as bike theft can be common.

Cycling is not only convenient but also a great way to explore both cities and enjoy Dutch culture up close.

4. Trains: Best for Intercity Travel

If your work or weekend plans take you beyond Amsterdam and Amstelveen, the Dutch rail network makes it easy to reach other cities. The main train company, NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), connects Amsterdam to Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and many more destinations in under an hour.
You can pay for train journeys with your OV-chipkaart or buy single tickets online and through the NS app.

5. Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are widely available but are relatively expensive compared to public transport or cycling. Popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt operate in Amsterdam and Amstelveen and can be convenient for late-night journeys or airport transfers.
For business travelers, many companies also offer corporate taxi accounts or pre-arranged transfers, which can be helpful if you travel frequently for meetings.

6. Car Rentals and Car-Sharing

While most short-term residents don’t need a car, renting or sharing one can be useful if you need to travel outside the city or transport equipment. Services like Greenwheels, ShareNow, and MyWheels offer flexible short-term car-sharing options without the need for long-term contracts.
If you plan to rent a car, check whether your driver’s license is valid in the Netherlands or if you need an International Driving Permit.

7. Tips for a Smooth Commute

  • Download transport apps: The GVB, NS, and 9292 apps show real-time schedules and route planning.
  • Use contactless payments: You can now tap in and out with a contactless bank card instead of an OV-chipkaart.
  • Plan for peak hours: Trams and metros are busiest between 7:30–9:30 and 17:00–18:30.
  • Combine cycling and public transport: Many people cycle to a tram or metro stop for the fastest door-to-door journey.

Make Transportation Effortless During Your Stay

At Htel Serviced Apartments, we help short-term residents settle into Amsterdam and Amstelveen with ease. Our centrally located apartments are well-connected to public transport, business districts, and cycling routes, so you can spend less time commuting and more time enjoying your stay.
Whether you need help understanding transport options, renting a bicycle, or finding the best route to work, our team is here to support you.

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