Hello, If I will be in Amsterdam for about 5 days, with some back and forth from an accommodation that isn't right in the old center, and possibly a day trip out to Edam and the neighbouring towns, but also possibly a day trip to the beach past Haarlem, and, maybe Zaanse Schans...is there a reason to seek out a city transport pass? They seem a bit pricey for travel right in and around Amsterdam...so my guess is it's best to just pay as I go? I was thinking I wanted the City Card, which does cover transport, but it doesn't cover many of the sights I'm hoping to see...
Posted by
London, England
240 posts
PAYG is fine if you have a chip card. If you don't have a chip card, you can buy an OV-Chipkaart, which you can store money on specifically to pay for public transport (throughout the Netherlands, rail, tram and bus).
Posted by
The Netherlands
1613 posts
The OV chipcard has become pretty much obsolete now that everyone can use their debit or credit card to tap in and out. This new system is called OV Pay and it works in every single form of public transport in the entire country.
For more information, see the website of OV Pay; https://www.ovpay.nl/en
Posted by
78 posts
As Dutch_traveler mentioned, OVpay has become the most used option. Do note AMEX is not accepted.
With the https://9292.nl/en planner, you can get insights into the cost of individual trips you are planning. This would allow you to calculate what make more sense for you (e.g., City Card vs individual tickets).
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, BC
46 posts
Thank you all! It's almost difficult to believe it would be as smiple as tapping in and out with a credit card....or phone app like apple pay? Seems it'll be less of an issue to have to work on than anticipated. Also hoping to rent a bike here and there...