Getting Around

Holidays by Destination Europe Netherlands Amsterdam Getting Around 

There is a train from the airport into Central Station taking 20 minutes. Public transport is both good and reliable with trams particularly recommended. A day pass is valid on all trams, buses and underground trains. Modern trams offer a low floor for easy boarding, useful with buggies. For more details see the GVB web site .

On the water, in addition to canal boat tours there is a Museum Boat which transports visitors between six stops serving 16 of the city's museums, and a regular service to the Vondelpark.

This is almost certainly the safest city in the world in which to cycle. The rule is that in an accident involving a car and a bike, the car is always at fault. Cars are therefore driven with a great deal of care. Bike hire is easy and the larger places will hire bikes for children, child seats and even a variant on delivery bicycles which feature a kind of box at the front with seating for as many as four small children and space for some shopping. However, you should ensure that you always lock the bike as theft is common.

The tourist office can provide details of recommended cycle routes (routes are also indicated by signs attached to lampposts), city map for cyclists, plus guided cycle tours and bike rental centres. There are at least 15 of these but the largest operation seems to be MacBike with four centres including one just by the Central Station, which rent children's bikes and child seats, plus bakfiets - bikes with a front box for transporting children and more. Rental rates are around €10 for a handbrake bike for a day, (less for a footbrake bike but they don't come with child seats).

When walking children do need to be made aware of cars on the semi-pedestrianised streets along the central canals. They also have to be warned to look out for bikes which can be a little gung-ho. Dog poo can also be a problem.

If you feel the need there are taxis, but probably more fun are Wielertaxi covered three-wheel taxis with auxiliary electric motor charging around €8 for half an hour.

If you want to get out of the city operations like Wetland Safaris organise guided canoe trips through reedlands in a 17th century landscape with an expert guide in the plants, wildlife and origins of the landscape.

Should you be stopping in Amsterdam en route to a driving holiday you will save considerable sums by parking on the outskirts before using public transport to drive in. There are guarded park and ride parks costing €5.50 a day including two return tickets to the centre. Parking in the centre is from €1.50 to €3 an hour and clamping costs €68 and if the car is towed €158 or more. For more details see NaarAmsterdam or Stadsoezicht .