Transport

The central area of Amsterdam is fairly compact and easy to get around on foot. When going further a field, there is a good, inexpensive network of trams, buses and metro lines that all converge at Centraal Station, as well as canal boats and a free ferry service across the IJ Canal. The GVB public transport office at Centraal Station has route maps and a guide to the ticketing system, which is based on zones with the same ticket valid on buses, metros and trams. The I Amsterdam Card offers unlimited transport on buses, trams and metro for up to three days including massive discounts on museums, canal cruises and other attractions. A one-day pass costs €39 and a three-day pass costs €59. Another type of travel pass is the Strippenkart; a strip gets stamped every time one boards and remains valid for unlimited transfers within an hour (eight-strip day card: €6.40; 15-strip card: €6.90; 45-strip card: €20.40). After midnight there are night buses that run from Centraal Station to most parts of the city. Taxis are among the most expensive in Europe and renting a car or driving one's own to Amsterdam is not recommended; it is better to park it outside the city and use public transport to get into the centre and around. An ideal way to get around is the Dutch way - by bicycle. There are several rental agencies around town (about €7 daily or €30 weekly), but be aware that theft is common and make sure that both the frame and a wheel is locked to something fixed and solid.