How to use trams in Amsterdam: tickets, routes & tips (2026)

Trams are the most popular form of public transport in Amsterdam. The tram network covers almost the entire city, except for the northern district of Amsterdam Noord. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about trams in Amsterdam: how to pay for them, where to buy tickets, and how to get around.

Amsterdam tram routes and travel planner app

Amsterdam public transport (GVB) operates 24 hours a day. Trams generally run from around 06:00 until 00:30. You can check the exact timetable for your tram route in the 9292.nl app.

You can find a map of Amsterdam tram routes at the official GVB website. However, the 9292.nl website or app will be more useful for planning your trip.

After the trams stop working, from approximately 00:30 to 07:00, night buses operate in Amsterdam. In 2026, a night bus ticket costs € 5,70 and is valid for 1,5 hours. With a 1 – 7 day GVB ticket, you can also use the night buses at no extra charge.

How to pay for the tram in Amsterdam?

There are several types of tickets valid on the public transport in Amsterdam:

GVB tickets and daily passes (good for unlimited amount of trips)
I amsterdam City Card (a good value for the price if you plan to visit museums)
Amsterdam Travel Ticket
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (recommended if you plan to explore villages around Amsterdam)
OV-chipcard
OV-pay (recommended if you plan to make a few short rides)

Take a look at the I amsterdam City Card, which includes unlimited travel on Amsterdam trams and other public transport. Check what is included in the card and order it online.

How much do tram tickets cost in Amsterdam in 2026?

There are several types of GVB tickets for Amsterdam public transport (trams, buses and metro). They differ by validity period. The ticket becomes active from the moment you first check in on public transport.

Ticket	Price in 2026	Average price per day	Buy online
1 hour	€ 3,40	–
1 day – 24 hours	€ 10,00	€ 10,00	Buy >>
2 days – 48 hours	€ 16,00	€ 8,00	Buy >>
3 days – 72 hours	€ 21,50	€ 7,17	Buy >>
4 days – 96 hours	€ 27,50	€ 6,88	Buy >>
5 days – 120 hours	€ 34,00	€ 6,80	Buy >>
6 days – 144 hours	€ 39,00	€ 6,50	Buy >>
7 days – 168 hours	€ 43,00	€ 6,14	Buy >>

During the validity period, you can make unlimited journeys, including on night buses.

Please note that GVB tickets are not valid on the bus 391 to Zaanse Schans and bus 316 to Volendam (both operated by R-NET) and on the bus 397 from Schiphol. If you want to use these buses and transport in Amsterdam, we recommend buying Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.

Where to buy tram tickets in Amsterdam?

Important! Since 2023, tram drivers no longer sell tickets on board. You can buy tickets:

online – you can use the ticket in the app immediately after purchase
from GVB ticket machines (single-use and 24 – 96 hour tickets)
at GVB Tickets & Info offices (for example, on the square near Amsterdam Central Station).

Remember that you can also pay for the trams with OV-pay (tap in/tap out with your bank card). You need a separate bank card for every traveller.

How to use trams in Amsterdam?

Using trams in Amsterdam is very easy and intuitive. Here are just a few rules you need to know:

When entering the tram, you need to check in, and when leaving, check out. To do this, hold your ticket against the validator inside the tram and make sure you hear a beep and see the messages “Goede reis” (Have a good trip) and “Tot ziens” (Goodbye).
You can board the tram through the front door (near the driver) or the middle door (near the conductor).
To request a stop at the next tram stop, press the Stop button located on the handrail.

You can find our more detailed public transport guides here:

Tram and public transport in Amsterdam

Have a nice trip to Amsterdam!

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