Bikes are everywhere and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bicycle
Getting TO/AROUND: The Dutch make 40% of all trips by bicycle and based on my observation, that percentage may be higher in Amsterdam. It's a great way to see the relatively concentrated city core. Plus, it truly is a cultural experience, so why not give it a try? Of course, when I was there, the weather was cold and it was pretty icy. It's unbelievable how slippery the bridges get, so I opted to skip the bikes as a matter of safety. It didn't seem to stop the locals, however. It was strange to see people biking alongside the canals over snow and ice.

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Canal boat: Amsterdam by boat

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Updated by acemj

on May 1, 2004

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Canal tours are a great way to see the city even if you will be wearing a big sign on your forehead that says, "I'm a tourist!" After all, the canals are what make the city truly unique and magical. The most popular tour boats are docked at Damrak and Prins Hendrikkade near Centraal Station, on Rokin near Muntplein, and at Leidseplein. They last about and hour and cost 8 Euros for adults.

There are many tour operators, but I'll list one called Amsterdam Canal Tours. They can be reached at the number below.

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Phone: 020/626-5636

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Metro: Metro

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Updated by acemj

on May 1, 2004

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: Much of the Amsterdam Metro system is actually above ground, and you won't notice as many underground stations as in many other cities. The stations, for the most part, are boring, concrete structures, but taking the metro is an efficient way to see the city if you're in a hurry or if the weather isn't great. Personally, I'd rather stay above ground and take to the beautiful canal lined streets at a leisurely pace.

Make sure you validate your ticket onboard the train.

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Website: http://www.gvb.nl/

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Taxi -: Skip the taxis

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Updated by acemj

on May 1, 2004

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Cabs are available, but overpriced and unnecessary. From the airport, you could take a cab to your hotel and pay roughly 40 Euros, or you could take the train and pay 3.10 Euros to Centraal Station. From there, you can walk or pay another 1.60 Euros and hop the tram to where you need to go.

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Tram -: Take the tram

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Updated by acemj

on May 1, 2004

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Just make sure you enter from the correct door. I didn't and the good-natured ticket attendant scolded me a bit. She knew, however, that I was a harmless, clueless visitor and we had a good laugh about it. You'll pay 1.60 Euro for a single zone fare. It's pretty easy to find the right tram, since they are a bit limited in the directions they can travel due to the canals. When you see one going in the general direction you need, hop on. Just be careful as you're walking along the street. The tracks are barely noticeable and the trams are very quiet so always keep an eye out for them or you might get hit.

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Website: http://www.gvb.nl/

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Transportation: Airport information

Tip Rating:

Updated by acemj

on May 1, 2004

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is modern and easy to navigate. You'll find all kinds of overpriced shops and bars and a clean and efficient atmosphere. The lines for international departure can be a bit slow and long, so be sure you allow yourself enough time to catch your flight. The best way, in my opinion, to reach the city or to get from the city to the airport is by train. The embarcation point and arrival point is in Central Hall which is near key airport gates. The trip to and from Centraal Station only costs 3.10 Euros (February of 2004).

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Website: http://www.schiphol.nl/

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Train: Take the train

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Updated by acemj

on May 1, 2004