Amsterdam Metro Guide

Lines, Tickets & Tips for Tourists

Amsterdam is famous for its canals, bikes, and trams — but beneath the cobblestones lies a fast, modern metro system that can save you serious time getting around the city. Here's everything you need to know.

Amsterdam Metro Guide

Overview

The Amsterdam metro is operated by GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf), the city's public transport company. The network consists of 5 lines (numbered M50-M54) serving 39 stations across Amsterdam and the neighbouring municipalities of Diemen, Amstelveen, and Ouder-Amstel. The first lines opened in 1977, and the newest - the much-anticipated North-South line (M52) - opened in 2018.

Most of the network runs above ground; only the city-centre stations are underground. You'll recognise metro entrances by a blue sign with a white M and a red banner.

The Lines at a Glance

Line Colour Route Highlights
M50 Grey Isolatorweg - Gein. The only line that does not stop at Centraal Station. Connects the north-west with the south-east.
M51 Orange Isolatorweg - Centraal Station. Useful for reaching western districts.
M52 Blue Noord - Zuid. The star line for tourists - runs under the IJ river and connects Centraal Station to the museum quarter and De Pijp.
M53 Red Centraal Station - Gaasperplas. Heads south-east.
M54 Yellow Centraal Station - Gein. Also heads south-east, sharing part of its route with M53.

Line 52: The Tourist's Best Friend

If you only remember one line, make it this one. The North-South line (M52) connects Centraal Station to Vijzelgracht (near the Flower Market), De Pijp (the Albert Cuyp Market and Heineken Experience neighbourhood), and Europaplein / Zuid (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark). The trip from Centraal Station to the Rijksmuseum area takes roughly 8 minutes by metro, compared to 25+ minutes by tram.

Operating Hours & Frequency

The metro runs daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM (half past midnight). Trains depart roughly every 10 minutes throughout the day. During rush hours (weekdays 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM), services may be more frequent but trains will be noticeably busier.

On national holidays (King's Day, Christmas, New Year's) a modified timetable may apply - check the GVB website or app before you travel.

Tickets & Fares

There are several ways to pay for the metro, and choosing wisely can save you a surprising amount of money.

Contactless Payment (OVpay) - Recommended

The easiest and cheapest option for most visitors. Simply tap your contactless debit card, credit card, or smartphone at the gate when entering the station, and tap out again when you leave. The fare is calculated by distance, starting at a €1.16 boarding fee plus €0.217 per kilometre (2026 rates). A typical city-centre ride costs around €1.45-€1.60 - less than half the price of a single-use ticket.

There is also a daily cap: with GVB Max, you'll never pay more than €10.00 per day no matter how many trips you take.

Single-Use Tickets

A standard one-hour GVB ticket costs €3.40 - significantly more than a contactless tap fare. These can be bought from machines at metro stations, but they're rarely the best deal unless you're only making one journey and don't have a contactless card.

Multi-Day GVB Passes

GVB offers unlimited-travel day passes valid on metro, trams, buses, and ferries, available for 1-7 days. Prices for 2026 range from roughly €8 for one day down to about €6 per day for a 7-day pass. These can be purchased online in advance and loaded onto your phone - no queuing at machines required.

I Amsterdam City Card

This popular tourist card bundles unlimited GVB public transport (24-96 hours) with free entry to many museums and attractions, plus a canal cruise. It can be good value if you plan to visit several paid attractions.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

If you're planning day trips to places like Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, or Volendam, this card covers all metro, tram, bus, and regional train travel in the wider Amsterdam area for 1-3 calendar days.

Important: The OV-chipkaart (plastic smart card) is no longer recommended for short-stay visitors because of its €7.50 non-refundable purchase cost. Contactless payment is simpler and cheaper.

How to Ride

  1. Check in - Tap your card, phone, or ticket at the gate barriers when entering the station. The gates will open automatically.
  2. Board your train - Follow the signs to the correct platform and line direction.
  3. Check out - Tap again at the gate barriers when exiting at your destination. If you forget to check out, you may be charged a higher fare.

When transferring between metro lines within the same station, you generally don't need to check out and back in again. However, if you're transferring between metro and train (NS), look for standalone card readers on the platform.

Getting to Schiphol Airport

The metro does not go to Schiphol Airport. The quickest way to get between the airport and the city centre is the direct NS train, which runs every 10-15 minutes from Centraal Station and takes about 15 minutes. The nearest metro station to the airport area is Zuid, but from there you would still need to transfer to a train.

Tips for Tourists

Skip Centraal Station crowds. If you're heading to the city centre (e.g. Dam Square), consider getting off one stop early at Nieuwmarkt - it's often faster on foot from there than battling the crowds at Centraal.

Watch your belongings. The metro is safe and well-lit, but pickpocketing can occur at busy stations, especially during rush hour. Keep bags in front of you and avoid showing expensive items.

Bikes on the metro. You can bring a regular bicycle on the metro outside rush hours (weekdays 7-9 AM and 4-6:30 PM are off-limits) for a €2.20 supplement. Folding bikes travel free at any time.

Download the GVB app. It provides real-time departure information, route planning, and the ability to buy tickets on your phone.

Luggage is welcome. There's ample space on metro trains for suitcases and large bags, though it helps to avoid the busiest rush-hour trains.

Accessibility

Metro stations generally have lift access and wider check-in gates for wheelchair users. GVB publishes accessibility information for each station on their website and in route timetables.

Useful Links

Last updated: February 2026