Getting Around Amsterdam

Airports
Amsterdam's airport, Schiphol, is the main airport in the Netherlands, but even the smaller airports like Rotterdam and Eindhoven - are not far from Amsterdam. The easiest and cheapest way to travel to Amsterdam from Schiphol is by train. This takes about a half hour to the Central Station. Taxis cost at least €35 and can take a while, depending on traffic as there are frequent traffic jams, not least in the central area where the canals mean that many streets are one-way. From Rotterdam, it takes 45 min by train to Amsterdam. The train departs frequently, once or twice an hour. Local buses to the train station take 20 min. From Eindhoven, it is twice as far, but a direct bus goes from here to central Amsterdam, which takes 90 minutes.

Public transport
It is easy to get around by tram. The new metro has a limited number of stations, but the bus and canal bus (boat) complement the tram network. Price worthy 72 hour rover passes for municipal transport cost €13.50 at the GVB office outside the Central Station. There are also 24 (€6.50) and 48 hour (€10.50) rover passes. Ask for a map with all the tram routes. There are no trams between 00.30 and 07.00, but there is a night bus. All Amsterdamers cycle, and if you want to do so as well, there are bicycles to rent. For example at Bike City at Bloemengracht in Jordaan.

Taxi
Since it is so difficult to drive a car in central Amsterdam, taxis are seldom the fastest way to travel. It is also difficult to hail a taxi on the street. The best way is to ask the hotel or restaurant to order one. There are many companies and prices can vary. The taxi head office has phone number; + 31 (0)20 677 77 77. There is also a low-price taxi company called Taxi Tulip, their phone number is; + 31 (0)20 636 3000. Expect to pay about €10-€15 for trips in the city.