Amsterdam Public Transport Guide: OVpay vs Card, Trams, Metro, Buses

The Amsterdam public transport system is one of the best in the world, but for visitors, it used to be a headache of plastic cards and top-up machines.

That changed with OVpay.

Here is everything you need to know to get around the city without buying a useless piece of plastic.

1. The Golden Rule: OVpay (Don't Buy the Card)

For years, the OV-chipkaart (that blue and pink card) was the only way to use Amsterdam's public transport system. Today, Amsterdam public transport is simpler with OVpay. Do not buy one.

• The Cost: The card itself costs €7.50. This is a non-refundable administrative fee. You get zero travel credit for it.
• The Solution: Use your debit card, credit card, or phone.
• How: Walk up to the gate or card reader. Tap your Visa/Mastercard/Amex. The gate opens. When you leave, tap out. The cost is calculated at the end of the day and charged to your account.

Photo by Fons Heijnsbroek on Unsplash

Note: It costs exactly the same as the OV-chipkaart. There is no surcharge.

2. GVB vs. NS (Know the Difference)

This is the #1 mistake tourists make.

• GVB (Blue & White): Runs the Trams, Metro, and City Buses.
• NS (Yellow & Blue): Runs the Trains (to the Airport, Haarlem, Utrecht).

If you are planning day trips to other cities, read our guide to NS train travel instead.

If you buy a "24-hour GVB Pass," it works on the trams and metro. It does not work on the train to the airport.

3. Trams: The "Conducteur"

Amsterdam trams are unique.

• Entry: You can only enter at the front door (by the driver) or the middle door.
• The Booth: At the middle door, there is a conductor sitting in a small booth. They are there to sell tickets (if you didn't just tap your phone) and answer questions.
• Exit: Do not try to enter through the exit doors (marked with a red "no entry" sign). The locals will sigh at you.

Photo by Angelo Abear on Unsplash

4. The Metro: Gates and Buttons

The metro is faster for longer distances (e.g., going to Bijlmer or Noord).

• Gates: You must tap in to open the gate.
• Buttons: The doors do not open automatically. You must press the button when the light turns green.

5. Ferries: The Best Free Ride

Behind Central Station, you will see blue-and-white ferries.

• Cost: €0.00.
• Ticket: None. Just walk on.
• Route: Taking the ferry to NDSM-werf is a classic local experience. It's a 15-minute boat ride with great views of the harbor.

Planning a Day Trip?

If you want to leave the city for a day, check out our guide on how to use NS trains for day trips to Haarlem or the beach.

Turn Your Commute Into a Tour

Stop just riding trams. Understand them. Download Amsterdam Mokum Tour to hear stories about the neighborhoods, history, and people as you ride the GVB.

Get your Amsterdam Audio Tour →

Common Amsterdam Public Transport Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Buying the OV-chipkaart card €7.50 wasted. OVpay costs the same with no fees.

Mistake #2: Forgetting to tap out €4 penalty. Always tap twice.

Mistake #3: Standing in the bike lane while waiting Cyclists won't stop. You'll get hit.

Mistake #4: Using a GVB pass for the airport train Doesn't work. NS (trains) is separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need the OV-chipkaart card? A: No. Use OVpay instead (tap your card/phone). Same price, no €7.50 fee.

Q: What if I forget to tap out? A: You're charged €4 penalty. The system needs to know your full journey to calculate the price.

Q: Does a GVB day pass work on trains? A: No. GVB only covers trams/metro/buses. Trains (NS) are separate.