Amsterdam
Practical Life
Transport
The metro system in Amsterdam is a combination of full metro and rapid trams (sneltram) running mainly on the surface. It connects outskirts of Amsterdam with its heart (Centraal Station) in a matter of minutes. All metro and sneltram lines operate between 6:00 and 0:30 at a basic 10-minute interval which is increased through bundled routes or by extra peak-hour trains.
Fares: Fares are the same on metro, trams and buses and a ticket (strippenkaart) can be used on all three modes of transport. Tickets are valid within certain zones. Below is a breakdown of how much these tickets cost.
2 strips (1 zone minimum) - 1.60
3 strips (= 1 hour network ticket) - 2.40
8 strips (= day ticket) - 6.40
15 strips - 6.80
45 strips - 20.80
For unlimited travel in Amsterdam:
24 hour-ticket - 6.50
48 hours - 10.50
72 hours 13.50
Trams
The same rules as the metro apply for trams. Trams generally take a more circuitous
route than metros and might be a slower option. Still, it's a nice way to pass
through the city. Click here for a detailed listing of tram routes and timings:
http://ernieinamsterdam.com/tram.html
Bus
Traveling by bus could be a good option in Amsterdam especially at nights once
trams and metros are no longer available. Click here for a more detailed listing
of night bus routes:
http://www.amsterdam.info/transport/night/
Taxi
Taxis do not generally drive all over the city constantly picking up passengers. You will need to call a cab on (020) 677 7777, or go to a taxi rank (an area marked off on a street where the taxis will wait for their fares). Often these are outside big hotels, train stations or airports. While taxis are convenient, they can also be a very expensive form of public transport. Luckily, if you're staying in Amsterdam, you'll hardly ever need a taxi. Most places are within walking distance or a short tram/metro/cycle ride away.
Trains
The Netherlands has an excellent rail network and is well connected. However, train travel can be quite expensive. Check before traveling as there are generally seasonal promotions that you can take advantage of. If you plan to travel extensively by train in the Netherlands, it might make sense to buy the 40% discount card that allows you and your travel companions to travel at a 40% discount. This discount cannot be availed during peak hours. The Central Station (Centraal Station) is the start point of most national and international train journeys.
For a more detailed listing of the various connections along with timings and connection options, please log onto www.ns.nl
Airports
Schiphol is the main airport in the Netherlands. Conveniently located about 20 minutes away from Amsterdam, you can easily get from the airport to the city centre by metro, train or taxi.
Click here for a detailed listing of all the airports in the Netherlands. http://www.aircraft-charter-world.com/airports/europe/netherlands.htm
Boats
Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North and there's a good reason for it. The city centre is built in concentric rings around 4 main canals (grachten). These canals offer a great way to explore the city. Canal Bus provides regular service along the canals of Amsterdam. The boats operate on three routes: the Green Line, the Red Line and the Blue Line.
There are 14 stops and all are located near the major museums, attractions and shopping centers. With a Canal Bus Hop on Hop Off Day Pass, which is valid through until 12:00pm (noon) the next day, you can hop on, hop off as often as you like. You have the choice of a 1 day or 2 day pass.
Car
Amsterdam is surrounded by a central ring of motorway which diversifies into highways that connect the centre to the various other parts of the country. Traffic jams are the norm especially at certain block-neck junctions and at peak hours. It is mandatory to insure your car as soon as it is in the public street.
|
City Map: http://www.amsterdam.info/map/
|
29/02/2008