Exploring Amsterdam: One of Europe’s Most Accessible Cities

Comfortable shoes and a good sense of direction will take you far in Amsterdam, known as one of the easiest cities to navigate in the world.

The Dutch capital is compact and highly walkable—perhaps too much so, as its main thoroughfares can get quite congested with tourists. Fortunately, the public transport system efficiently links central Amsterdam to the more spacious outer districts, offering reliable and affordable options.

Enjoy free ferry rides and experience the life of an Amsterdam commuter as you head to the trendy Noord neighborhood.

And of course, a trip to the Netherlands wouldn’t be complete without hopping on a fiets (bicycle). Here, bikes outnumber cars and serve as a crucial (and eco-friendly) mode of transport. From buses to boats to bikes, read on for essential tips on navigating Amsterdam.

Arriving in the City from Schiphol Airport

From Amsterdam’s international hub, you can reach the city center by train, bus, or taxi (assuming you don’t have your own vehicle). Regular trains are an excellent choice, operating to several stations, including Amsterdam Centraal Station, 24/7.

This is the most economical way to enter the city, although the fare isn’t covered by the I Amsterdam card (more details below) and requires a separate ticket. You can easily purchase one at the airport, along with bus tickets and the OV-chip card for local public transport, which you can refill as needed.

City and regional bus stops are located outside Schiphol Plaza to take you into town. The Amsterdam Airport Express bus costs a bit more but is the fastest way to areas near Museumplein and Leidseplein. You can catch it just outside the arrivals hall, along with a shuttle van that services hotels— a pricier but convenient option.

After midnight, when the trains from Schiphol Airport to Centraal operate hourly instead of every 10–15 minutes, a taxi might be your best bet. The ride takes between 30 to 45 minutes to the city center and costs between €35 to €55, although you may save a bit using a ride-hailing service.

Choosing the right travel card can help you save money

GVB is the public transportation authority in Amsterdam. It’s useful to download their app for convenience.

Buying single-use, one-hour tickets can be a hassle and often involves waiting in long lines. Instead, we suggest purchasing a disposable OV chipkaart from stations or places like supermarkets.

We also recommend the GVB’s multiday ticket options or the I Amsterdam City Card, which offers unlimited public transport alongside access to various attractions. Both can be purchased before your arrival.

The GVB’s multiday tickets are available for durations ranging from one to seven days. The I Amsterdam card can be obtained for one to five days and includes entry to sites like the Rijksmuseum (with time-slot reservations), a canal cruise, bike rentals, and discounts at select venues.

Ticket Purchase Tip: Most GVB tickets bought online are sent via mail, so it’s advisable to order them at least four to six weeks before your trip. You’ll collect your I Amsterdam card from the I Amsterdam shop at Centraal Station, so make sure to bring proof of purchase.

Travel Card Usage Tip: Remember to validate your card for every ride. (Some trams have ticket barriers; if not, look for the yellow readers and tap your card.) Your card will be active from the start of your first journey.

Getting caught with an unactivated ticket or card will result in a fine. Swiping in is crucial with an OV chipkaart: failing to do so may lead to higher fares.

Familiarize Yourself with the Tram Map

Trams are the primary mode of public transport in the city; after spending long days exploring, you’ll likely become quite familiar with the tram map. If you don’t have a multiday GVB card (as mentioned earlier), you can purchase a single ticket on board.

Tram Ticket Tip: Tickets on trams are purchased cashless, so ensure you have a credit or debit card ready.

Discover Central Amsterdam by Foot

Strolling through the city center allows you to uncover charming cobblestone streets, unique shops, and hidden eateries you might otherwise overlook.

Getting around the central grachtengordel (canal ring) is straightforward when you remember that the main canals form a horseshoe loop in alphabetical order. The only exception is the Singel Canal, which used to serve as a fortification and makes up the innermost ring.

On canal streets, house numbers increase from west to east. Familiarizing yourself with the locations of the main downtown squares—Dam (in front of Centraal Station), Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein—will help you navigate effectively.

Make the most of Amsterdam’s extensive cycling paths

Cycling is the most cherished mode of transport in the Netherlands—and Amsterdam is no different. Riding a bike provides a relaxed and eco-friendly way to explore parks and open spaces in less-touristy areas, allowing you to experience the city from a delightful, moving perspective. Just be cautious when navigating certain inner-city streets, where cycling etiquette and road sharing may not come as naturally to visitors as they do to locals.

Bike rental shops are abundant throughout the city; a day’s rental typically costs around €10. Opting for a rental company without branding will help you blend in. Remember to use the red asphalt bike lanes for cycling, avoiding pedestrian footpaths.

Cycling Tip: Bike thieves in Amsterdam can be quite crafty, so you might want to consider getting theft insurance (starting at approximately €3 per day). Alternatively, bike-renting apps with pay-per-minute options—like Donkey Republic—are great for shorter rides.

Escape the Hustle with a Ferry Ride

Free ferries leave from behind Centraal Station, crossing the IJ River and providing a wonderful way to avoid the crowds while exploring up-and-coming neighborhoods like Amsterdam Noord and NDSM-Werf. During peak hours, you’ll find yourself sharing the boat with many locals, all enjoying the fresh air, along with their trusty bicycles and mopeds.

The primary ferry to Buiksloterweg (a popular spot for sightseeing in Noord) operates multiple times per hour, 24/7.

Driving in Amsterdam is not ideal

Navigating central Amsterdam by car is not advisable due to several factors: the narrow streets, numerous bicycle lanes, and limited parking that comes at exorbitant rates. Most accommodations in Amsterdam do not provide parking facilities.

If you choose to drive, remember that all streets in the downtown canal ring are one-way, and you should always keep to the right. When approaching intersections, some canal bridges may lack traffic signs, so treat them as four-way stops. (To recap: the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first; turning right takes precedence over turning left.)

Opt for taxis during late-night hours

Given the intricate maze of streets and canals in Amsterdam, taxis can be expensive and slow. Locals seldom use them, as they are typically found only at stands or busy areas. Many, particularly those in the city’s vibrant tech community, prefer ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft instead.

Taxis become quite useful when regular public transport halts between midnight and 6 a.m. During the early hours, buses take over to service the main central areas and the suburbs. However, be prepared for them to take quite a while to get you where you need to go.

Accessible Travel Options

Travelers with limited mobility will find Amsterdam to be moderately accommodating. However, it’s important to note that many budget and midrange hotels, particularly in the older buildings of central Amsterdam, have limited accessibility due to steep and narrow staircases.

Most museums and attractions feature elevators or ramps and accessible restrooms, with the Anne Frank Huis being a notable exception. Most restaurants are situated on the ground floor, though some may require a few steps to enter. It’s generally wise to inquire about entrance details and outdoor cobblestones before your visit.

Most canal cruises, buses, and metro stations are accessible for wheelchair users. Some trams have raised platforms, while those that don’t can be challenging for wheelchair access. Visit the GVB website for a full list of accessible stops.

For more information, check out Accessible Travel Netherlands and the Able Amsterdam blog, which are both excellent resources.