Transport
Transport: The central area of Amsterdam is fairly compact and easy to get
around on foot. When going further a field, there is a good,
inexpensive network of trams, buses and metro lines that all
converge at Centraal Station, as well as canal boats and a free
ferry service across the IJ Canal. The GVB public transport office
at Centraal Station has route maps and a guide to the ticketing
system, which is based on zones with the same ticket valid on
buses, metros and trams. The I Amsterdam Card offers unlimited
transport on buses, trams and metro for up to three days including
massive discounts on museums, canal cruises and other attractions.
A one day pass costs €33 and a three day pass costs
€53. Another type of travel pass is the Strippenkart;
a strip gets stamped every time one boards and remains valid for
unlimited transfers within an hour (eight-strip day card:
€6.40; 15-strip card: €6.90; 45-strip card:
€20.40). After midnight there are night buses that run from
Centraal Station to most parts of the city. Taxis are among the
most expensive in Europe and renting a car or driving one's own to
Amsterdam is not recommended; it is better to park it outside the
city and use public transport to get into the centre and around. An
ideal way to get around is the Dutch way - by bicycle. There are
several rental agencies around town (about €7 daily or
€30 weekly), but be aware that theft is common and make sure
that both the frame and a wheel is locked to something fixed and
solid.
