Amsterdam Metro Information
The Amsterdam Metro system is a combination light rail and rapid transit system serving Amsterdam and some of the surrounding municipalities of Amstelveen, Diemen and Ouder-Amstel. The system started operating in 1977 and currently has 4 lines serving 52 stations. Of these, 33 are metro-only stations. The network has a total track length of 120 kilometres. It is operated by the Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB), which also manages other public transport in the city, such as local buses, trams and ferries. A fifth metro line is under construction, which will add another six stations to the network. Work is expected to be completed by 2017. The metro network is a popular means of public transport in Amsterdam, with 295,000 daily passengers and 59.5 million annual passengers (2013).
The Amsterdam Metro is an important part of the city’s public transport system and serves 233,000 passengers per day. It does not operate 24 hours a day, but runs from 6:00 to 00:00 (M-D).
Unfortunately, the Metro does not offer air conditioning and does not allow passengers to walk between platforms. There are also no driverless trains and no screen doors on the platforms.
The Metro has a maximum speed of 70km/h. As far as fares are concerned, it uses gates and a nationwide smart card system known as OV-chipkaart, the successor to the strippenkaart. The fare was EUR 2.09 in 2009, and the current fare is EUR 7 per trip. The system is operated by the Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf.
Amsterdam Metro Map
Map of Amsterdam Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Amsterdam Metro map in PDF format.
Lines and Stations
The Amsterdam metro consists of five operational lines, which include both rapid metro and light rail systems. The metro lines are as follows
Line 50
Known as the Ring Line (or Ringlijn in Dutch), line 50 was inaugurated in 1997, making it the newest line. This line is also part of the Eastern Line, which starts at Gein station in the south and ends at Isolatorweg station in the north. Line 50 has 20 stations and is the busiest and longest line in the Amsterdam metro, covering 20.4 kilometres (12.7 miles). This line can be identified on station maps by its green colour and a square with three vertical stripes coloured blue, red and blue.
Line 51
The Amstelveen line (Amstelveenlijin in Dutch), also part of the Eastern line, is the second longest line in the system at 19.5 kilometres (12.1 miles). The line runs from Centraal Station in the north to Westwijk in the south-east and serves 29 stations, making it the line with the most stops. Opened in 1990, it is the second oldest line in the Amsterdam metro. It can be identified by the colour orange and a diagonally divided square, with red on the upper left and white on the lower right.
Line 52
Line 52, the newest addition to the Amsterdam Metro, was inaugurated on 20 July 2018 and includes eight stations. The north-south line (Noord/Zuidlijn in Dutch) runs from Noord in the north to Zuid station in the south. This line, the shortest in the system at 9.5 kilometres (5.9 miles), can be identified by its light blue colour and a square formed by two vertical lines with yellow on the left and blue on the right.
Line 53
Line 53, opened in 1977, was one of the first two lines in the system. As part of the eastern line, it serves the eastern branch of the Gaasperplas (Gaasperplaslijn in Dutch). The line runs from Centraal Station in the north to Gaasperplas in the south-east. It is the second shortest metro line, consisting of 14 stations and covering 11.3 kilometres (7 miles). It can be identified by the colour red and a square formed by two horizontal lines, the upper half of which is blue and the lower half white.
Line 54
Line 54 was the first to open in 1977, along with Line 53, and is the fourth line in the system. This line overlaps most of line 50 as part of Gein station, but ends at Centraal station. With its 15 stations, it is the third longest line, covering 12.1 kilometres (7.5 miles). It can be recognised by the colour yellow and a square made up of three vertical lines coloured white, red and white.
Connections with Other Systems
As the metro does not connect directly to the city centre, but instead serves more distant areas, the Amsterdam metro is complemented by other transport systems managed by GVB. The most important of these is the tram system, which began operating in 1875 and came under the management of GVB in 1943. Amsterdam’s tram network consists of 14 lines and covers a total of 80.5 kilometres (50 miles). Tram lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 16, 24 and 26 connect to the metro at Centraal Station.
Line 3 connects to the metro at Wibautstraat (51, 53 and 54). Similarly, line 7 connects to Weesperplein station (lines 51, 53 and 54) and line 10 connects to De Vlugtlaan station (line 50). Line 12 connects at Sloterdijk (50) and Amstelstation (51, 53 and 54). Line 14 connects to the metro at Mr Visserplein (lines 51, 53 and 54) and De Vlugtlaan (line 50).
In addition to the tram network, GVB also operates a bus network of 46 routes, which occasionally connect with the trams and other modes of transport.
In addition, Amsterdam has ten ferries that ply the IJ bay, linking the city centre with the north and saving commuters a long journey via Centraal Station.
It’s also important to note that 60% of trips within the city are made by bicycle, and an estimated 40% outside the city. Many metro stations have bicycle parking facilities.
Connections to the Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located just 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) south-east of the city in the Haarlemmermeer municipality, serves as Amsterdam’s main hub for air travel. As the third busiest airport in Europe and the 14th busiest in the world, Schiphol is home to the Dutch flag carrier KLM. Originally established in 1916 as a military air base, it now welcomes international travellers from all over the world.
Several modes of transport are available to connect travellers from Schiphol Airport to the Amsterdam Metro. The most efficient way is by train, with Intercity, Intercity Direct and Sprinter trains running from Schiphol Airport Station to Centraal Station. The metro system is also accessible by bus. Buses 397 and N97 run to the city centre. Buses 69, 194, 195 and N95 also serve the Osdorp district. Bus 69 also connects Slotevaart with the airport, while bus 341 links Amsterdam-Zuid with the Buitenveldert neighbourhoods. Finally, the south-eastern part of the city, known as Amsterdam-Zuidoost, is served by bus routes 300 and N30.
Schedule and Frequency
Amsterdam’s metro timetables vary from line to line, but generally operate within the same area. For example, the first train on line 50 leaves Duivendrecht station at 5.31am and the last train arrives at Gein station at 12.50am. On Saturdays, the first train leaves Zuid station at 6:07, and on Sundays it leaves the same station at 7:07. The closing time is the same on all days. On weekdays, trains arrive every ten minutes from opening until 10:00. After 10:00, the frequency changes to every 15 minutes until 15:15, when it returns to every 10 minutes until 17:45, and then every 15 minutes for the rest of the day. On Saturdays and Sundays the frequency is every 15 minutes throughout the day.
On line 51, the first train leaves the RAI station at 5:51 and the last train arrives at the Central Station at 12:52. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train departs from RAI station at 6:23 and 7:23 respectively, with the closing time remaining unchanged. On weekdays, trains arrive every ten minutes until 8:45, when the frequency changes to every 15 minutes until 14:50. The frequency then returns to every ten minutes until 5.45pm, when it reverts to every 15 minutes until closing. On Saturdays and Sundays trains arrive every 15 minutes.
The modern line 52 departs from Noord station at 5:30 a.m. and arrives at Zuid station at 1:00 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train leaves Noord station at 6:30 and 7:30. The closing time is the same on both days. On weekdays, trains arrive every six minutes, but after 22:00 this increases to every seven to ten minutes. On Saturdays and Sundays, trains arrive every seven to eight minutes.
Line 53 departs from Gaasperplas station at 5:50 and arrives at Centraal station at 12:32. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first train departs from Gaasperplas station at 6:26 and 7:26 respectively, with the same closing time as on weekdays. On weekdays, trains arrive every ten minutes until 9:10 am, after which the frequency changes to every 15 minutes. From 15:10 to 18:10 the frequency is every ten minutes, then every fifteen minutes until closing time. On Saturdays and Sundays, trains arrive every 15 minutes.
For line 54, the metro service starts with the first train leaving Gein station at 5:55 am and the last train arriving at Centraal station at 12:28 am. On Saturdays, the first train leaves Amstelstation at 6:24 and on Sundays at 7:25, with the same closing time every day. Trains run every 10 minutes until 9:10 on weekdays. They then run every 15 minutes until 15:05, when they revert to a frequency of every 10 minutes until 18:05. The frequency then reverts to every fifteen minutes until the station closes. On Saturdays and Sundays trains run every fifteen minutes from opening until closing.
Fees, Tickets, and Cards
The Amsterdam Metro offers different fare options for passengers depending on the duration of their journey. All single tickets are valid for a specific period and can be used on all GVB transport systems. The basic ticket is valid for one hour and costs 3 euros ($US 3.52). A day pass costs 7.50 euros ($US 8.80), and a reduced rate of 3.75 euros ($US 4.40) is available for children.
Multi-day tickets are also available: a two-day ticket costs 12.50 euros ($US 14.68), a three-day ticket 17.50 euros ($US 20.55), a four-day ticket 22.50 euros ($US 26.42), a five-day ticket 27.50 euros ($US 32.29), a six-day ticket 31.50 euros ($US 36.98) and a seven-day ticket 34.50 euros ($US 40.51).
For residents of Amsterdam or those staying longer, the GVB Zone travel pass offers unlimited travel within zones 5710, 5711, 5712, 5713, 5714, 5715 and 5725 for one month. This ticket costs €47 ($55.18) per month, with a reduced rate of €30.50 ($35.81) for people aged 4 to 18 or over 65.
The Only season ticket, which costs €93 ($US 109.19) a month (reduced rate €61 ($US 71.62)), offers unlimited travel on all GVB systems, but doesn’t extend to other companies such as EBS or NS.
For those who need wider coverage, the Network season ticket can be used on all GVB systems and those of other operators. This ticket costs €280.80 ($US329.69), with a concession price of €185.35 ($US217.62).
Frequent travellers can take advantage of the Altijd Korting, which offers significant discounts of 17.50 euros ($US 20.55) per month or 175 euros ($US 205.45) per year.
An hourly ticket combined with a bike ride costs 4.70 euros ($US 5.52), and a day pass including a bike ride costs an additional 1.70 euros ($US 2.00).
Night bus tickets cost 4.50 euros ($US 5.28), with a 12-trip night ticket costing 34 euros ($US 39.92).
Most Amsterdam residents use the OV-chipkaart, which can be personalised or left blank. Personalised cards can be cancelled if lost and can be loaded with different types of season tickets. These cards typically operate on a pay-per-trip or pay-per-kilometre basis, with fares of €0.90 (US$1.06) per trip or €0.155 (US$0.182) per kilometre. Reduced fares are €0.59 ($US 0.69) per trip or €0.102 ($US 0.120) per kilometre.
Tourists can take advantage of the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, which allows unlimited use of all city transport, including train and bus travel from the airport. A one-day ticket costs 16 euros ($US 18.79), a two-day ticket costs 21 euros ($US 24.66) and a three-day ticket costs 26 euros ($US 30.53).
The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket allows unlimited travel throughout the region, including outside the city, but does not include a trip to the airport. A one-day ticket costs €18.50 ($21.72), a two-day ticket costs €26 ($30.53) and a three-day ticket costs €33.50 ($39.33).
The Amsterdam Card offers unlimited travel on the entire GVB system, as well as discounts on museum admission and canal cruises. A day ticket costs 59 euros ($US 69.27), a two-day ticket costs 74 euros ($US 86.88), a three-day ticket costs 87 euros ($US 102.15) and a four-day ticket costs 98 euros ($US 105.06).
System Regulations
GVB has established various operating standards and procedures to ensure a safe and pleasant journey on the Amsterdam metro. Here are some of the most important rules of the system:
- Smoking is prohibited in all metro facilities.
- Eating and drinking are permitted, but passengers must avoid making a mess in stations or on trains and must not disturb others with strong odours. Hot drinks should be kept in sealed containers to prevent spillage.
- Drivers must have a valid ticket for their journey in order to enter the system.
- Turnstiles should be passed through by one person at a time, except for children under the age of four.
- Noise levels must be kept to a minimum. This includes not playing loud music that may disturb other passengers.
- Bicycles are allowed except during peak hours (7:00 to 9:00 am and 4:00 to 6:30 pm).
- Seats should not be used to rest feet.
- Prams and wheelchairs share the same preferred space, but wheelchairs have priority.
- Consumption of any form of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
- It is forbidden to take photographs or record video without the permission of GVB.
- Security cameras constantly monitor the passengers.
Future Expansions
Line 52, the latest addition to the Amsterdam metro, opened on 22 July 2018 after a construction period that began in 2002. This was the largest extension in decades and fulfilled the long-awaited goal of a north-south metro line. A future goal is to extend line 52 to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
The tram line that currently runs east to the IJburg district was originally planned as a metro line. Although construction began, the tunnel was later abandoned and incorporated into the Chocolate Museum. However, there are plans to rebuild the line and extend it to the city of Almere, which borders Amsterdam.
Tips
- Plan your trips in advance and buy your tickets accordingly, bearing in mind that most tickets have a time limit.
- Unlike many other metros, the Amsterdam Metro requires you to show your ticket at both the entrance and exit, due to the presence of turnstiles.
- Although eating is allowed, make sure you do not disturb other passengers or cause a mess.
- The metro is very punctual, so if you’re on a tight schedule, try to arrive early.
- Learning some basic Dutch vocabulary can be helpful when navigating the Amsterdam metro.
Notable Facts
- The Amsterdam Metro is one of the few transport systems in the world that allows passengers to eat on board.
- As well as the metro, GVB also operates trams, buses and ferries in Amsterdam.
- Unlike many other European capitals, Amsterdam’s metro system is relatively new, having opened in 1977.
- A new line (Line 52) was added 21 years after the last one was inaugurated, marking a significant expansion in 2018.
- Stations such as Rokin on line 52 showcase archaeological discoveries made during construction excavations.
Sightseeing via Amsterdam Metro
Amsterdam is a world famous city that attracts millions of tourists every year. Known for its liberal attitude towards marijuana and prostitution, its peaceful canals and high standard of living, Amsterdam has a unique character that stands out among European cities. It has a comprehensive transport system, with trams serving the city centre and the metro linking residential and suburban areas. However, the metro also provides access to several major attractions. Some of these are:
- Museum of Prostitution – Red light secrets: Although many tourists visiting Amsterdam have no intention of using prostitution services, they are often curious about this world and its context. The Museum of Prostitution provides an insight into the life of a sex worker in Amsterdam’s sex service industry and the historical context that led to its development. The museum opened in 2014. To get there, get off at Nieuwmarkt station on lines 51, 53 or 54 and walk a few blocks west.
- Amsterdam Museum: The city’s rich history is encapsulated in the exhibits of the Amsterdam Museum. Although the museum has been in operation since 1926, it moved to its current location, a former orphanage convent, in 1975. The museum’s collection ranges from the Middle Ages to the present day and includes paintings, models, archaeological finds and replicas of important cultural sites. To visit this museum, take the number 52 bus to Rokin station and walk north.
- Botanical Garden (Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam): This 1.2-hectare garden offers visitors a glimpse of Amsterdam’s natural landscape in a tranquil setting. Founded in 1638, this private, non-profit garden is one of the oldest in the world. The most distinctive sections of the garden are the tropical and desert areas, which house a variety of palm trees. Many of the plants come from the old Dutch colonies in America and Africa. Entry to the Botanic Garden is free with the I Amsterdam Card. To get there, take the number 51, 53 or 54 bus to Waterlooplein station and walk east.
