There is a metro with four lines. The tram has 15 lines is ideal for the central area. There are numerous bus routs. Tickets can be bought on bus or tram, but is cheaper to buy them before boarding.

The standard ticket for bus, tram and metro is called a strippenkaart and is available from machines in the metro and railway stations, from the main GVB office opposite Central Station, supermarkets, newsagents and tobacconists. The ticket has a number of strips, which are stamped in the machine as you enter the metro, or by the driver/conductor for a tram or bus.

The strippenkaart can also be used on NS trains within Amsterdam . They are not valid for train trips to Schiphol airport but are valid on buses to Schiphol. Travel for one hour in a single zone is two strips and two zones will use three strips. An alternative is to buy a 24, 48 or 72 hour bus/rail/tram pass. This must be stamped on your first journey.

Free ferry services cross the IJ River, to Amsterdam North and leave from a jetty on the northern side of Centraal Station.