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What is the Amsterdam 3 Day Travel Pass?

The ticket most visitors mean when looking for an Amsterdam 3 Day Travel Pass is the GVB 3-day multi-day ticket.

It gives you unlimited travel for 72 consecutive hours on regular GVB public transport, including:

  • Trams
  • GVB buses
  • Metro lines
You can travel as often as you like during the validity period.

If you plan to use buses regularly, our guide to taking the bus in Amsterdam explains how Amsterdam buses work, including tickets, boarding and practical tips.

How much does a 3-day GVB ticket cost?

The current GVB time-based ticket prices are:

  • 24 hours: €10.00 per adult
  • 48 hours: €16.00 per adult
  • 72 hours: €21.50 per adult
At €21.50 for 72 hours, the three-day ticket works out at just over €7 per day.

If you regularly take several trams, buses or metro journeys each day, the convenience can make the ticket worthwhile. If you only use public transport occasionally, paying per journey with OVpay may be cheaper.

When does the 72-hour ticket start?

The GVB 72-hour ticket starts from your first check-in, rather than at midnight.

For example, if you first check in on Tuesday at 15:00, your ticket remains valid until Friday at 15:00.

This makes the ticket more flexible than a pass that simply covers three calendar days. It is usually best to activate it when you actually start using public transport rather than immediately after arriving.

Where can you use the ticket?

The GVB multi-day ticket is valid on regular public transport operated by GVB. The easiest way to think about it is by transport operator rather than simply by Amsterdam's city boundaries.

You can use it on:

  • GVB trams
  • GVB buses
  • GVB metro lines
It is not a general ticket for every form of public transport in and around Amsterdam.

The ticket is not valid on:

  • NS trains, including regular trains between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam
  • Regional buses operated by companies such as Connexxion, EBS or Arriva
  • Most journeys outside the GVB network
The ferries across the IJ are a useful exception to think about differently: Amsterdam's main IJ ferries are free for pedestrians and cyclists, so you do not need a GVB pass to use them. Our guide to the Amsterdam ferries explains the main routes, schedules and how taking a bike on board works.

What is not included?

The GVB 72-hour ticket is strictly a public transport ticket. It does not include:

  • Museums or attractions
  • Canal cruises
  • Bike rental
  • Discounts on activities
  • Regular train travel to Schiphol Airport
  • Regional day trips outside the GVB network

GVB 3-day ticket vs Amsterdam Travel Ticket

There are several similarly named Amsterdam transport tickets, which can easily cause confusion.

GVB 3-day ticket – €21.50
This is the ticket described in this article. It gives you unlimited GVB tram, bus and metro travel for 72 hours from your first check-in.

Amsterdam Travel Ticket – €34 for 3 days
This ticket combines public transport within Amsterdam with designated travel between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam. It can be more convenient if you are flying into Schiphol and want one ticket for both your airport journey and city transport.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket – €44 for 3 days
This ticket covers a much larger area and can be useful if you want to combine Amsterdam with destinations such as Haarlem, Zaanse Schans or Volendam. It includes participating buses, trams, metro services and trains within the covered region.

If you are staying mainly in Amsterdam, the standard GVB ticket is usually the most relevant of these three. If you are travelling to Schiphol or making several regional trips, compare the broader tickets before buying.

Is the Amsterdam 3 Day Travel Pass worth it?

The 72-hour GVB ticket makes the most sense if you:

  • Expect to use public transport several times each day
  • Stay outside the city centre and regularly travel into central Amsterdam
  • Plan to move between different neighbourhoods throughout the day
  • Prefer knowing your transport costs in advance
It may not be worth buying if you:

  • Mostly walk or cycle
  • Stay centrally and only use public transport occasionally
  • Plan several trips outside Amsterdam
  • Only expect to make one or two public transport journeys per day
Amsterdam is compact, and many attractions and neighbourhoods are easy to reach by bicycle. If cycling will be your main way of exploring the city, our guide to biking in Amsterdam covers routes, cycling rules and practical advice for visitors.

If you do choose to explore by bike, it is also useful to understand how bike parking in Amsterdam works, as bikes must be left in designated parking areas in many busy parts of the city.

Alternatives to the 3-day GVB ticket

Depending on your plans, one of these options may be more suitable.

OVpay

With OVpay, you can check in and out using a contactless debit or credit card. You pay for the journeys you actually make rather than buying unlimited travel in advance.

This is often the easiest option if you only expect to use public transport a few times during your stay.

24-hour or 48-hour GVB tickets

If you only need unlimited public transport for one or two days, a shorter GVB ticket may make more sense.

The 24-hour ticket costs €10.00 and the 48-hour ticket costs €16.00. They provide the same type of GVB coverage as the 72-hour ticket, but for a shorter period.

Amsterdam Travel Ticket

If you want your airport journey between Schiphol and Amsterdam included, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket may be more convenient than combining a GVB pass with separate airport tickets.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

If you plan several trips outside Amsterdam, particularly to places such as Haarlem, Zaanse Schans or Volendam, the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket may offer better coverage than the standard GVB pass.

Where can you buy the GVB 3-day ticket?

GVB multi-day tickets can be purchased through official GVB sales channels. Purchase options can include the GVB app, GVB service locations and ticket machines, depending on the type of ticket you choose.

Because ticket formats and purchase methods can change, it is best to check the official GVB multi-day ticket page before travelling.

Practical tips for using public transport in Amsterdam

  • Always check in and check out: even with an unlimited ticket, you still need to tap in and out when travelling. On the metro, this is done at the station gates. On buses and trams, use the card readers when boarding and leaving.

  • Check your route before travelling: Google Maps is convenient for planning journeys, while the official GVB journey planner and GVB app provide current departure information, disruptions and planned diversions.

  • Expect busier vehicles during rush hour: public transport is usually busiest around 08:00–09:30 and 16:30–18:30 on weekdays.

  • Choose the transport type that suits the journey: trams are useful for many central routes, while the metro is particularly useful for longer distances and travelling between the centre, Amsterdam Noord, Zuid and Zuidoost.

Should you buy an Amsterdam 3 Day Travel Pass?

The GVB 72-hour ticket is a simple option if you expect to use Amsterdam's trams, buses and metro several times every day. At €21.50, it gives you unlimited GVB travel for three full 24-hour periods without having to think about the cost of each individual journey.

If you mainly walk or cycle, OVpay may be cheaper and more flexible. If your plans include Schiphol Airport or several destinations outside Amsterdam, compare the GVB ticket with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket and Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket before buying.