Travel
Amsterdam has an extensive transport system, including trams, buses, trains, metros and ferries. Most public transport in Amsterdam is operated by the GVB.
The city is divided into travel zones, so you need to make sure your ticket covers the correct zones for the journey you usually take – probably between the Roeterseiland Campus and the place that you are staying at. Otherwise, we recommend that you buy a multiple-use OV-Chipkaart.
The GVB website provides full details of ticket types, prices and points of sale, as well as maps, timetables and other information.
Find tips on using public transport in Amsterdam
Taxis
Taxis are expensive in the Netherlands, but you can keep down the cost by sharing with others. This is a good option at night, when there is little public transport. Although you may be able to hail one in the street, it is better to order a cab in advance (in Amsterdam, call +31 (0)20 777 7777), or go to an official taxi stand. Insist that the driver use the meter. Dutch taxis are legally required to have license plates with black lettering on a blue background.
Vehicles without those plates are not licensed to carry passengers.
Biking in Amsterdam
The Dutch love their bicycles as you will very soon discover. Most people own at least one, and they use it for everyday travel as well as recreation.
In Amsterdam, cycling is usually faster than public transport. On a bike you can reach places where no cars are allowed and the buses and trams cannot take you.
Most streets have special cycle lanes or paths. For parking, there are countless cycle racks, and even special garages.
There are several shops and locations where you can rent a bike. MacBike has a store next to Central Station for example.
Trains
The Netherlands has an extensive rail network, with fast and frequent connections to all major cities and many smaller towns. The suburban network around the city is a good alternative to the tram and metro for some commuters. Timetables are posted on yellow notice boards in station halls and on platforms.
Domestic tickets
Domestic tickets can be bought online or at stations – the fares are the same. But at the station it is better to use a ticket machine (payment by debit or credit card only), as you pay a surcharge (€0.50 per ticket) if you buy at the counter.
International tickets
Amsterdam also has direct rail links with Belgium, France and Germany. International tickets are usually cheaper if you buy well in advance.
Learn more about the Dutch railway system (Nederlandse Spoorwegen – NS)
Find out about international train travel
Travel from airports
By far, most international flights arrive at the largest airport of the Netherlands, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is about 15km from the Amsterdam city center. It is well-connected by train (NS) or bus (Connexxion bus 397) to central Amsterdam.
Accommodation
Below is a list of selected Amsterdam hotels and hostels. We hope that you will find a good accommodation for your stay in Amsterdam!
Hostel:
Generator Hostel
Mauritskade 57, 1092 AD Amsterdam
Tel +31 (0) 20 708 5600
Ecomama
Valkenburgerstraat 124, 1011 NA Amsterdam
Tel +31 (0) 20 770 9529
Cocomama
Westeinde 18, 1017 ZP Amsterdam
Tel +31 (0) 20 627 2454
Stayokay Zeeburg
Timorplein 21a,1094 CC Amsterdam
Tel +31 (0)20 551 3190
Stayokay Vondelpark
Zandpad 5, 1054 GA Amsterdam
Tel +31 (0)20 589 8996
Hotel:
Hotel de Filosoof
Anna van den Vondelstraat 6, 1054 GZ Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 683 3013
Apple Inn Hotel
Koninginneweg 93, 1075 CJ Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 6627894
Volkshotel
Wibautstraat 150, 1091 GR Amsterdam
Tel +31 (0) 20 261 2100
The Bridge Hotel
Korte Amstelstraat 18, 1018 XS Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 623 7068
Hotel The Neighbor’s Magnolia
Willemsparkweg 205, 1071 HB Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 676 9321
Hotel Asterisk
Den Texstraat 14-16, 1017 ZA Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 638 2790
B&B Barangay
Droogbak 15, 1013 GG Amsterdam
Tel + 31 62 504 5432
Hotel Museumzicht
Jan Luykenstraat 22-2, 1017 CN Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel +31 (0)20 671 2954