Use the City Card | I amsterdam (2024)

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Use the City Card | I amsterdam (3)Use the City Card | I amsterdam (4)

Image from Koen Smilde

Updated 9 February 2024 at 12:02

Learn everything you need to know about how to use the I amsterdam City Card, whether you choose a digital or a physical card, how to visit attractions and use public transport, how to book timeslots and find out what is included in the card!

Choose your City Card

When you order the City Card, choose the desired card duration: 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. The countdown for the City Card only starts after the card's activation, which means you can buy your card in advance for your future trip. The City Card is valid for a year from purchase.

The I amsterdam City Card is available in two formats: a physical & digital City Card.

How to use the physical City Card

  1. Order your physical City Card online or buy it in our I amsterdam Store in Amsterdam directly.
  2. Visit the I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Central Station to collect your card.
  3. Show the confirmation voucher on your phone or bring a printed copy. This is the voucher that you receive in your email after purchase.

Your City Card is now ready to use!

Important to know about the physical City Card:

  • The City Card does not activate until you visit your first attraction or museum, or check into the public transport.

How to use the digital City Card

Use the City Card | I amsterdam (5)Use the City Card | I amsterdam (6)

Image from Roos Trommelen Photography

Digital City Card orders do not have to be picked up in person and can be used directly on your smartphone through the I amsterdam City Card app.

  1. Order the digital City Card online.
  2. Download the I amsterdam City Card app.
  3. Follow the app instructions to add your City Card to your account after purchase.
  4. Activate your City Card in the app only when you are in Amsterdam and ready to start exploring.

Your City Card is now ready to use!

Important things to know about the digital City Card

  • The I amsterdam digital City Card can only be used through our app. You will not receive a physical card if you choose this option.
  • Don't forget to charge your smartphone as you won't be able to use the card if your phone is out of battery.
  • Through the app, you can transfer cards to your family members or friends and navigate the city through a map highlighting the best locations, exhibits and events. You can only transfer a card once.

Use the City Card | I amsterdam (7)Use the City Card | I amsterdam (8)

Image from Roos Trommelen Photography

What is included in the City Card

The I amsterdam City Card includes access to over 70 museums and top attractions in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, including Zaanse Schans. Browse the full list of locations hereor download the City Card booklet.

See all City Card locations here

You will also gain access to:

  • Unlimited city-wide public transport by GVB metro, tram, bus, and ferry for the duration of your card
  • One free Amsterdam canal cruiseby a participating canal cruise company of your choice
  • One free canal cruise in Haarlem and aRederij Volendam Marken ferry ride
  • 24h free bicycle rental
  • Discounts to museums, attractions, and more

How to use the card on public transport

  1. Tap the physical card to the check-in sensor at the entrance to the metro, bus, or tram. If you have a digital card, place the phone with the QR code open under the scanner. If this doesn't work, seek assistance from an employee.
  2. Do not forget to check out in the same way on your exit.

I amsterdam City Card – How does it work?

Use the City Card | I amsterdam (9)

How to get access to included attractions and book timeslots

To gain entry to a location included in the City Card, simply show your City Card at the ticket office, whether it is a physical card or the digital card on your mobile phone. Make sure that your phone is sufficciently charged to ensure that you do not lose access to your digital City Card all day long.

For some museums you need to book a time slot in advance. Browse the list of our City Card locations to find whether a timeslot is required.

Do you have questions or issues? Contact our City Card support team atcitycard@iamsterdam.com.

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Use the City Card | I amsterdam (2024)

FAQs

How do I use my city card in Amsterdam? ›

Order your City Card

Activate the digital card in the app. The physical card is activated when you first use it. To visit City Card locations, simply show your card at the entrance. Scan your card when entering any bus, tram or metro.

Is it worth getting a travel pass in Amsterdam? ›

Two-Day Amsterdam Pass Value Breakdown

The Two-Day Pass breaks down to €42/day so it's not too difficult to make this pass worth the money. As you can see, it is pretty easy to get your money's worth from the two-day pass. You could even remove one attraction from each day and still break even.

What is included in my I am Amsterdam city card? ›

What is included in the City Card
  • Unlimited city-wide public transport by GVB metro, tram, bus, and ferry for the duration of your card.
  • One free Amsterdam canal cruise by a participating canal cruise company of your choice.
  • One free canal cruise in Haarlem and a Rederij Volendam Marken ferry ride.
  • 24h free bicycle rental.

Is it worth getting a city card in Amsterdam? ›

If you are intent on immersing yourself in Amsterdam's cultural offerings, visiting multiple museums, and using public transport extensively, the card can undoubtedly provide substantial savings and convenience.

Does the Amsterdam City card include the airport? ›

Train travel is not included with the City Card, such as the journey from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station.

Is Van Gogh Museum included in the Amsterdam City Card? ›

The I amsterdam City Card is your cultural key to the city, with just about every noteworthy Amsterdam attraction included. The only big museum not included in the I amsterdam City Card is the Van Gogh Museum – not a problem with this bundle ticket!

Which travel card is best for Amsterdam? ›

6 best travel money cards for Amsterdam:
CardCard schemeGo to provider
RevolutVisaGo to Revolut
Post OfficeMastercardGo to Post Office
TravelexMastercardGo to Travelex
CaxtonMastercardGo to Caxton
2 more rows
Feb 19, 2024

What is the cheapest way to get around Amsterdam? ›

The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking, as the city is one of the most walkable in the world. The Dutch National Rail (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) provides a 14-17 minute train ride from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station, costing approximately €5.50 per person.

How does an Amsterdam travel card work? ›

Tickets are valid for 1, 2 or 3 calendar days. A day in this context begins at 00:00 and ends the next day at 04:00. You must check in and out with your card whenever you enter and exit a bus, tram, train or metro. Your ticket is activated from the first check-in.

Are trains included in the I Amsterdam card? ›

Unfortunately not, trains (NS) and other transport like Connexxion are not included with the City Card, you can buy an additional Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket or separate train tickets for your journey.

Is a dam lookout free with an I Amsterdam card? ›

A visit to A'DAM LOOKOUT is completely free upon presentation of the City Card! To visit this attraction with your City Card, you need to show it at the A'DAM LOOKOUT ticket counter. No reservation is required. Make sure your City Card is valid at the time of your visit.

How do I get from Amsterdam airport to city center? ›

The fast train, connecting Amsterdam Airport to downtown in just 14-17 minutes, costs 4.90€/5.20$ if buying the ticket online. Single-use OV-chipkaart is another option, available from the ticket counters and machines at Schiphol Plaza. Nevertheless, a single ticket is priced at 5.90€/6.30$.

Are things cheaper in Amsterdam? ›

With its small size and immense popularity, you should be prepared for high prices when visiting Amsterdam, one of Europe's favorite city break destinations. However, with some advance planning and some inside know-how, Amsterdam can be surprisingly affordable.

Is it better to use cash or card in Amsterdam? ›

Using credit cards and debit cards in the Netherlands

Even if you're in a tourist area where your card is normally accepted, it's always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash. It's always wise to be wary of pickpockets though, especially in busy tourist destinations such as Amsterdam.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Amsterdam? ›

In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. We tend to pay with our debit card, but credit cards are still a good option for renting cars, booking rooms in hotels, or reserving airline tickets.

How do I use my metro card in Amsterdam? ›

Simply hold your card against the card reader on the bus, tram and metro. The system will beep once you have checked in correctly. Be sure to check out with the same card at your destination. For more information visit the OVpay website.

Which is the best travel card for Amsterdam? ›

6 best travel money cards for Amsterdam:
CardCard schemeFees for spending
Starling BankMastercardNo fee
WiseVisa / MastercardNo fees to spend currencies you hold
RevolutVisaNo fees to spend currencies you hold
Post OfficeMastercardNo fees to spend currencies you hold, 3% conversion fee to spend currencies you don't have
2 more rows
Feb 19, 2024

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