We are thinking that the 7 day GVB transit pass will be the best option for us in Amsterdam. But we are confused about some details. Where do we buy one? We know it doesn't cover Shipol Airport to downtown, but can you buy the pass at the airport? Or can you buy on at the Elansgracht stop where the 197 bus arrives from the airport? Also, I have read that the chip reader on US credit cards doesn't always work in Amsterdam. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5323 posts
You can buy it at various places Schiphol, eg AKO.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2602 posts
I was there in April and wanted a 7 day pass but found that on the tram or at the nearby ticket machines they only sold 1, 3 and 4 day passes (and on my tram they were out of 4 day ones). I had to visit the GVB ticket office at Centraal (if you are standing in front of Centraal facing the city it's off to the left, there are helpful transit reps outside who will point you in the right direction) to get a 7 day pass. I wanted to buy one at the airport but got swept up in the swirling mass of people and somehow ended up out front and figured I'd just get myself to town (on the 197, that worked great for me in both directions) and deal with it from there. So perhaps buy a ticket and get to Centraal if you want a 7 day.
Posted by
Green Bay
19963 posts
I bought mine at the Amsterdam Tourist Office outside Centraal train station. I used a US P&C credit card without problem, but I can't recall if I used the PIN or signed a slip.
You can buy it at the AKO shops at Schipol Airport at 3 locations. See if this shows up. The red dots.
http://www.ako.nl/winkels/#plaats=Schiphol
Two are in the shopping arcade after you exit baggage claim and before you get to the open space where the escalators down to the train platforms are.
Posted by
OP
seattle
2047 posts
Thnk you all for your promt replies.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
There is a pair of GVB ticket machine at the airport, right before one of the exits of the main hall towards the buses/taxis, near the train platforms. GVB ticket machines are blue and white (different than the blue and yellow for NS trains) and clearly marked.