Public transport within the city is operated by the GVB (Gemeentevervoerbedrijf). There is a metro with four lines, including a short underground section in the city centre, but it mainly serves the suburbs. The tram (15 lines) is the main form of public transport system in the central area, and there are also dozens of bus routes. Regional buses, and some suburban buses, are operated by Connexxion and Arriva. Most tram stops have a detailed, but not very legible, map of the system.

There are also several free ferry services across the IJ river, to Amsterdam North, the most frequent runs every six minutes. They all leave from a new jetty on the northern side of Centraal Station. (From the city centre this is the 'rear entrance', you can walk through Central Station, except for several hours at night, when the passage is closed).

Trains

For journeys outside the city, the train is usually the best option. Besides some exeptions, all trains in the Netherlands are operated by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen. (NS, "Dutch Railways"). Their website has English-language information.

Car

Using a car in central Amsterdam is something of a pain. Many of the streets are narrow, the traffic (and parking) signs are baroque and obscure, and cyclists and pedestrians may get in your way. You can try parking at one of the secured parking garages, for example under Museumplein, or near the Central Station, and then walk around the city center, or use a tram. Car parking is very expensive in Amsterdam and it's often hard to find a place to park. You can choose to pay by the hour or for the whole day.

Another option is to park your car further outside the city-centre. For € 5,50 you get a full day of parking and a return ticket downtown. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Look for the P+R (Park and Ride) signs.

Taxis

Taxis in Amsterdam are plentiful but expensive. Some drivers, particularly at Centraal Station, will refuse short trips, or else they'll quote outrageously high fares, even though all taxis are metered. For reference, no trip within the historic centre should cost more than €10 or so. Amsterdam taxi drivers are not noted for friendly service. However, other than the attempts at price-gouging and the gruffness, taxis are reliable and quick. You should try to avoid taxis that are fitted with luxury items such as plasma screens as these are often twice as expensive as those which are not.

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Texts partly derived from Wikitravel