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How the Amsterdam Metro Works

Using the metro in Amsterdam is straightforward. You check in when entering the station, take the correct metro line and check out when you leave.

Metro stations are clearly marked, and signs show the line number, direction and final destination. Always check the final destination shown on the platform before boarding, as this tells you which direction the train is travelling.

Inside the metro, upcoming stops are displayed on screens and announced during the journey.

Amsterdam's metro opened in 1977 and originally connected the city centre with Amsterdam Zuidoost. The network gradually expanded, with the biggest recent addition being Metro 52, the North/South Line, which opened in 2018.

Amsterdam Metro Lines

Amsterdam has five main metro lines: 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54. Together they connect Central Station with Amsterdam Noord, Zuid, West and Zuidoost.

Metro 50 – Isolatorweg to Gein

Metro 50 runs between Isolatorweg in the west and Gein in Amsterdam Zuidoost. It passes important stations including Sloterdijk, Lelylaan, Station Zuid, RAI, Duivendrecht and Bijlmer ArenA.

This line is particularly useful when travelling between the western and southeastern parts of Amsterdam without going through Central Station.

Metro 51 – Isolatorweg to Centraal Station

Metro 51 connects Isolatorweg with Centraal Station and passes through areas including Amsterdam West, Station Zuid, RAI and Amstelstation.

Visitors sometimes find older information saying that Metro 51 continues to Amstelveen. This is no longer the case, so always use the current GVB timetable when planning your journey.

Metro 52 – Noord to Station Zuid

Metro 52, also known as the North/South Line, runs from Noord to Station Zuid.

For visitors, this is one of the most useful metro lines in Amsterdam. It stops at:
  • Noord
  • Noorderpark
  • Centraal Station
  • Rokin
  • Vijzelgracht
  • De Pijp
  • Europaplein
  • Station Zuid
It provides a fast connection straight through the city centre and is especially useful for travelling between Amsterdam Noord, Central Station, De Pijp and Amsterdam Zuid.

Metro 53 – Centraal Station to Gaasperplas

Metro 53 runs between Centraal Station and Gaasperplas in Amsterdam Zuidoost.

It is useful for destinations in Amsterdam Oost and Zuidoost and shares part of its route with Metro 54.

Metro 54 – Centraal Station to Gein

Metro 54 connects Centraal Station with Gein in Amsterdam Zuidoost.

It is one of the main public transport routes for reaching Bijlmer ArenA and the surrounding southeastern districts from central Amsterdam.

You can find metro maps in every station and through the GVB website and app.

How to Pay for the Amsterdam Metro

For most visitors, the easiest way to pay for the metro is with OVpay.

OVpay

With OVpay, you can check in directly using a contactless debit card, credit card, smartphone or smartwatch.

Hold your card or device against the reader at the station gate when entering. At your destination, use the same card or device to check out.

Always use exactly the same payment method. For example, if you check in with your physical bank card, do not check out using the same card through Apple Pay or Google Pay. The system treats these as separate payment methods.

GVB Tickets

You can also travel using GVB tickets. These are useful if you plan to use buses, trams and metros several times during a certain period.

Options include:
  • GVB 1-hour ticket
  • 24-hour ticket
  • 48-hour ticket
  • 72-hour ticket
  • Longer multi-day tickets
A GVB 1-hour ticket costs €3.40 in 2026 and allows unlimited travel on GVB buses, trams and metros during the validity period. Tickets are available through the GVB app, ticket machines and GVB service locations.

If you plan to use several types of public transport during your stay, our guide to public transport tickets in Amsterdam explains the differences between OVpay, GVB passes, airport tickets and regional tickets.

How Much Does the Amsterdam Metro Cost?

When you use OVpay, the fare is based on the distance you travel.

In 2026, the GVB fare consists of:
  • €1.16 base fare
  • €0.217 per kilometre travelled
This means that for a short metro journey, OVpay can be cheaper than buying a €3.40 one-hour ticket.

If you expect to use public transport repeatedly during the day, a day ticket or multi-day ticket may offer better value.

Visitors staying for several days can also consider the GVB 72-hour travel pass, which gives unlimited travel on GVB trams, buses and metro services

Children aged 0 to 3 travel free. Discounted fares are available for some other age groups.

How to Take the Amsterdam Metro Step by Step

  1. Check which metro line and direction you need.
  2. Go to the correct station entrance.
  3. Check in at the gate using your bank card, phone or ticket.
  4. Follow the signs to the correct platform.
  5. Check the line number and final destination before boarding.
  6. Follow your stop using the screens inside the metro.
  7. Leave the metro at your destination.
  8. Check out at the station gate using the same card, device or ticket.
If you transfer between different types of public transport, pay attention to the card readers and signs at the station. In some locations, you may need to check out with one transport operator before continuing with another.

Amsterdam Metro Times

The Amsterdam metro runs every day from early in the morning until shortly after midnight.

Metro frequency depends on the line, time of day and day of the week. On busy sections, metros can run every few minutes, while waiting times are longer early in the morning and late in the evening.

Electronic screens on the platforms show the next departures in real time.

Because timetables can change due to maintenance, events or other disruptions, it is best to check current departure times through the GVB journey planner before travelling.

After the metro stops running, night buses serve parts of the city.

Taking a Bike on the Amsterdam Metro

You can take a bicycle on the Amsterdam metro, but there are restrictions.

You need a separate GVB bike supplement in addition to your own passenger ticket. In 2026, the bicycle ticket costs €2.30 and is valid on GVB metro services and Tram 26.

On weekdays, bicycles are not allowed during rush hour:
  • 07:00 to 09:00
  • 16:00 to 18:30
Outside these hours, you may take your bike on the metro. On weekends, these weekday rush-hour restrictions do not apply.

Most metro trains have designated areas for bicycles. Follow the signs inside the train and avoid blocking doors or passageways.

Bike tickets are available through the GVB app, GVB ticket machines and service points.

If you are crossing the IJ instead, bicycles can be taken on Amsterdam's GVB ferries free of charge. Our guide to ferries in Amsterdam explains how those crossings work.

When Is the Metro the Best Option?

The metro is particularly useful when travelling longer distances across Amsterdam.

It is a good choice when:
  • Travelling between Amsterdam Noord and Amsterdam Zuid
  • Going from Central Station to De Pijp
  • Travelling to Amsterdam Zuidoost or Bijlmer ArenA
  • Connecting with major train stations such as Zuid, Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Centraal
  • Travelling quickly across several districts
For very short journeys within the historic centre, the metro is often less useful because stations are relatively far apart compared with tram stops.

Metro, Tram or Bike?

The best way to travel around Amsterdam depends largely on the distance.

For longer cross-city journeys, the metro is often the fastest option. Trams are convenient for shorter journeys within the centre, while cycling gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to stop anywhere along the way.

If you want to explore Amsterdam by bike, our guide to biking in Amsterdam explains the most important cycling rules and practical tips.

You can also combine the metro and cycling. For example, take the metro to another part of Amsterdam and continue exploring from there by bicycle.

If you still need a bike, you can read more about how to rent a bike in Amsterdam.

Practical Tips for Using the Amsterdam Metro

  • Use OVpay for simple individual journeys.
  • Always check in and check out.
  • Use the same card or device for both.
  • Check the final destination before boarding.
  • Look at live departure times rather than relying on a fixed timetable.
  • Check for maintenance or disruptions before longer journeys.
  • If travelling with a bicycle, avoid weekday rush hours and buy the separate bike supplement.
The Amsterdam metro is one of the easiest ways to cover longer distances across the city. Once you understand the line numbers and check-in system, travelling between Amsterdam Noord, the city centre, Zuid and Zuidoost is quick and straightforward.