While most tourists stick to trams in Amsterdam, I use the metro when I need to get around quickly in the city.
In this article I help you make the Amsterdam metro your secret weapon for getting around fast.
Line 52 alone connects Central Station to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Experience, the Albert Cuyp Market, the Flower Market, and the trendy De Pijp neighborhood faster than any other transport option.
Here’s everything you need to know to master Amsterdam’s metro system like a local.
Table of Contents
Skip the Expensive Tourist Tickets
My number one tip is don’t buy the ā¬3.40 single ticket ā you’re throwing money away. And I see so many people do that, every single day.
Instead, tap your contactless bank card when boarding and tap out when leaving. You’ll pay around ā¬1.60 per ride instead of ā¬3.40. Foreign cards work perfectly. Just remember one bank card per person. You can not share!
If you’re planning to hop around, or stay in the city multiple days, I recommend to get a GVB (multi)day pass before you arrive. They’re super cheap, and you don’t have to worry about single payments!
If you’re visiting museums too, check the I Amsterdam Card (here’s my article if the card is worth it) ā it includes unlimited metro rides (and trams and buses) plus free entry to 90+ museums.
The Most Useful Metro Lines for Tourists
Line 52 (North-South Line) ā This is Your Best Friend
This line cuts straight through the city center and hits every major attraction:
- Central Station ā All trains, trams, and ferries connect here
- Rokin ā Floating Flower Market, Kalverstraat shopping, Begijnhof
- Vijzelgracht ā Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum, Heineken Experience
(all these places are included in the I Amsterdam Card, except for the Van Gogh Museum) - De Pijp ā Albert Cuyp Market, trendy neighborhood
- Zuid ā Direct trains to the airport
Lines 51, 53 & 54 ā City Center Stops
- Nieuwmarkt ā Red Light District, Oude Kerk, Chinatown
- Waterlooplein ā Rembrandt House Museum, Jewish Quarter, Artis Zoo, Hortus Botanical Garden
(all these places are included in the I Amsterdam Card) - Amsterdam Arena (Line 54 only) ā Johan Cruyff Arena Ajax Stadium Tour
- Bullewijk ā IKEA, just incase you crave Swedish Meatballs
Amsterdam Metro Map
The metro connects 39 stations across 5 lines, but only about 10 stations matter for tourists. All lines except Line 50 stop at Central Station.
Important: The metro doesn’t go to the airport. Take the train instead ā Here is my post on how to travel to and from the airport.
Metro Safety & Tips
Amsterdam metro is safe, clean, and reliable. During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), trains get crowded but still run on time. But as in any other big city watch your belongings and your surroundings.
You can bring a bicycle on metro outside rush hours with a ā¬2.20 supplement ticket. Folded bikes ride free. Just in case you want to.
You recognize the Amsterdam entrances by a blue sign with a white M and a red banner at the bottom.
Why Choose Metro Over Trams
Metro wins for speed: Central Station to Rijksmuseum takes only 8 minutes by metro versus 25+ minutes by tram.
Trams win for sightseeing: You see the city but travel slower, and trams tend to be busier.
For efficiency between major attractions, the metro beats everything else.
Can I take the metro to Amsterdam Airport?
No, the metro doesn’t connect to Schiphol Airport. Take the direct train instead ā it’s faster and runs every 10-15 minutes from Central Station. The nearest metro station is Station Zuid. From there you still need to take a train. Read my post on how to get to and from the airport.
Do I need to buy a separate metro ticket?
Not if you have a contactless bank card. Tap in when entering the station, tap out when leaving. You’ll pay around ā¬1.60 per ride versus ā¬3.40 for tourist tickets. For multiple days, get a GVB Amsterdam Public Transport pass online.
Is Amsterdam metro safe for tourists?
Yes, very safe. I use it often and it’s clean, well-lit, and reliable. During rush hours it gets crowded but never feels unsafe. Keep your belongings secure like you would anywhere in the city.
Can I bring luggage on the Amsterdam metro?
Absolutely. There’s plenty of space for suitcases and backpacks on the Amsterdam Metro. Just be mindful during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) when trains are busiest. There is no extra charge for luggage.
Which Amsterdam metro line is best for tourists?
Line 52 (North-South line) is perfect for tourists. It connects Central Station directly to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Experience, and trendy De Pijp neighborhood in under 10 minutes total.
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The Bottom Line
The Amsterdam metro really helps getting around the city faster. Line 52 especially is especially helpful for tourists. Connecting major tourists sites in minutes.
Get your metro pass before you go ā you’ll thank me when you’re gliding underground while others wait for trams above.
Here are a few more interesting travel tips for traveling in the Netherlands:
