Flights to Amsterdam

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Bike

The best way to get around Amsterdam is on foot or with a bike. Once your flights to Amsterdam arrive, and you've made your way to your hotel, inquire about renting a bicycle while you're in town.

Metro

The Metro is an affordable way to travel into the city centre from the surrounding suburbs. You can buy a daily pass for unlimited rides or pay as you go. You can also use the I Amsterdam City Card to get around. The price includes trips on the city's metro, bus and tram services.

Bus

For budget travellers, the bus is a cheap option to get around once your flights to Amsterdam land and you’re ready to explore the city.. 42 routes cover the city, and you can purchase a day pass for 7.50 EUR ($11.93 AUD). There are also night buses the run on select routes. However, the tickets are more expensive.

Tram

Amsterdam's trams are a scenic way to see the city. There are 15 routes across the city that stop by some of the top attractions like the Anne Frank House. Keep in mind that you need to board at the front of the tram and exit near the rear.

Taxi

After your flights to Amsterdam arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), you can use the city’s metered taxis or request a ride with Uber to get to your hotel. Fares from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) cost on average 40-60 EUR ($63.64 - 95.47 AUD). There are also Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) shuttles that cost EUR 17 ($27.05 AUD) one way.

Train

When your flights to Amsterdam land, the fastest way to get into the city from Amsterdam Airport (AMS) is with the train. There is a direct railway line that runs every 10 to 15 minutes from Monday to Sunday.

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the city's two shoulder season. From April to May and September to November, you'll find cheap flights to Amsterdam and good deals on accommodation. There are also fewer tourists in the city, so you won't have to contend with large crowds at the city's top attractions.

June to August is high season in Amsterdam. The warm weather brings groups of travellers from Europe and around the world. If you want to save money, you'll need to book your return flights to Amsterdam as soon as possible, and the best hotels book out months in advance.

The cheapest time of year to visit Amsterdam is in the winter months. From December to March, the days are short, and the chilly temperatures keep travellers at bay. If you don't mind bringing a warm coat, you can pick up deals on flights to Amsterdam, and you can soak up the city's Christmas spirit.

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Amsterdam

Be aware of the cyclists

Amsterdam is famous for its dozens of bike paths across the city. Keep an eye out for the cyclists, as well as an ear (the riders will often ring their bells at you if you're in their way).

Coffee shops and cafés are two different things

If you're looking for a good spot for a cappuccino, make your way to the nearest café. However, if you wander into a coffee shop, you'll find marijuana for sale as well as a select number of drinks.

Book your accommodation as soon as possible

Amsterdam isn't the cheapest destination in Europe. The limited size of the city means space is tight and hotels and hostels have high rates as a result. If you're planning to visit during the city's peak season or over a major event, you'll struggle to find a place to stay if you leave your airfare to Amsterdam and hotel bookings to the last minute.

Top Things to Do and See

The Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the city's top attractions. People from all over the world book tickets to Amsterdam to wander around the huge collection of rare art and antiquities. Inside the museum, there are more than seven million works of art!

The Van Gogh Museum

If you're an art lover, visiting the Van Gogh Museum is a must! Opening in 1972, the museum boasts the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, drawings, etching and artefacts. It attracts hundreds of visitors a year who book flights to Amsterdam to see his masterpieces up close.

The Jordaan

Once your flights to Amsterdam land and you start wandering around the city, it's hard to miss the Jordaan neighbourhood. It's where you'll find the home of Anne Frank, the picturesque canal houses, trendy cafes and the Westerstraat Market.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam. It stretches across 116 acres and is the perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon and soak up the city’s lifestyle after your flights to Amsterdam land. While you wander around, keep an eye out for the various sculptures, the Vondelpark Open Air Theater and the beautiful rose garden that boasts more than 70 different types of the flower. If you haven't packed a picnic, there's plenty of cafes nearby selling light meals and delicious cups of coffee.