Amsterdam Tram Travel

• Posted by: Editor
• On: 21/08/2007 15:24:19
• In: Amsterdam Travel Tips

The great thing is, no matter where you find yourself in Amsterdam, you’re sure to cross the path of one of the 17 tram lines which you’ll find located all over the city! As Amsterdam’s streets are very narrow, they don’t allow for easy parking at all, so trams are a much more convenient way of getting from A to B in no time at all.

Tramming it up in Amsterdam…

Central Station is the hub of Amsterdam. As a meeting point for some and a departure point for others, nearly all of the city’s tramlines run through here. Centraal Station is Amsterdam’s main train station and it can be found at the top of the Damrak. Along with Trams, many buses and trains arrive and depart from here too. Lots of shops, bars, and restaurants lead up to Centraal Station.

Tram maps can be got all over the city - just remember where you wish to go and what zone your destination is in. You’ll see tramline numbers on posts at each stop and also on the front of the tram as it approaches you.

The interior of each tram is very impressive. They are always clean and comfortable and exude sophistication.

Perhaps the most convenient aspect of the tram system is that it runs frequently with the last tram leaving Centraal Station at 12.15am each night.

The Tram Experience...

Tram travel = easy travel!

You literally hop on and hop off the trams at each different stop! Just press the red button to indicate to the driver that you want to exit at the next stop and then push the button inside the door to open it allowing you to go as you please! It couldn’t be easier!

Tickets...

So, if you’re wondering how you buy your ticket, it’s as easy as hopping on the tram, saying hi to the driver and you can purchase a ticket from him. As you might expect, price varies depending on where you want to go.

Some of the busier trams also have a conductor that you’ll find in the centre of the tram. Tickets can be purchased from the conductor also.

If you intend on using the tram quite a bit during your time in Amsterdam, you might like to avail of strippenkaart, or strip card, which is valid for a number of days for both bus and tram travel. This can be bought in Centraal station or in various shops around the city. How does the card work I hear you ask – the card is validated at the start of your ride in one of the yellow machines that you can find on the trams or at the tram stations. If you’re a little confused, the driver will have no problem validating your card for you.

You can buy a certain number of strips on the strippenkaart and for each journey, at least two strips will be used. All journeys in zone one (the city centre), use two strips. Other zones may use more.

If you buy your tickets at the Stationsplein, you can avail of a discount, which makes ticket prices a little cheaper. The Stationsplein is located in front of Centraal station and is open Monday – Saturday.

Take in all Amsterdam’s top attractions by tram…

Take a tram to get you to all Amsterdam’s hot spots in no time at all!

Damrak square is Amsterdam’s main focal point with loads of pubs, restaurants and attractions to be found along this huge street. The great Centraal station can be seen over the bridge from anywhere on the street! Tram’s 1,2 or 5 stop along Dam Square. Why not hop off at one of the stops and explore Amsterdam’s most popular squares.

Kalverstraat is one of the city’s main shopping districts and it runs just off Dam Square. To get here, take any of the trams that run through the Damrak and head along towards Centraal Station. You’ll find all the best high street stores here.

If you wish to pay a visit to a more up market Shopping centre, pay a visit to Magna Plaza. Again it’s so easy to get here by tram! Just take tram no. 1,2, 5, 13,14, 17, or 20 coming from Amsterdam Centraal Station or if you’re coming into the city hop off at Raadhuisstraat stop or Spuistraat. Magna Plaza is a truly fantastic building that just has to be seen – not to mention an exclusive shopping venue!

And if you're off to the Red Light District, well there isn’t an actual tram stop right in the centre but it’s still really easy to reach. Take a tram as far as Dam Square and the Red Light District is within easy walking distance from here – even in heels!

If you want to take in a few of the city’s historical sites, museums or just want to head towards Leidesplein, a lively bustling spot by day and by night with some great bars and clubs. If you’re coming into the city, take tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, or 10 right to the tram stop in the centre of the square to get here.

Amsterdam’s Royal Palace can be reached by taking tram 4, 9,16, 24 or 25 from Centraal Station to Dam Square. The palace, along with Madame Tussauds is within walking distance of here.

The fine museums like Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum all located in Museumplein are again all within walking distance from Centraal station.

Alternatives to the tram...

If you don’t fancy taking the Tram why not rent a bike! Many of Amsterdam’s citizen’s cycle around the city, in fact you’ll spot cyclists everywhere, and what a healthy and fit way it is to get about!

If you fancy travelling outside the city, why not hire a car with our sister website NovaCarhire.com. With you very own car you can explore the famed Holland low lands.

Need help booking an Amsterdam hotel? Click here NOW!

Hope this makes Tram travel in Amsterdam a little bit easier. If you've any queries, suggestions or comments feel free to leave us a comment!