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Accessibility of trams in Amsterdam

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Updated: 28-08-2019

If people are not cycling in Amsterdam, they take the tram. The tram is a really convenient, fast and save transport method. From Amsterdam Central Station many trams depart to other parts of the city. The GVB (public transport company) is increasing its accessibility, for people with disabilities, people with less mobility, people with baby buggies and people with heavy bags. New buses and trams increasingly have entrances on street level and space for wheelchairs and baby buggies. Older trams are less accessible for people in a wheelchair and other users that need better access. The older trams that are accessible have a ITS symbol at the accessible entrance. ITS is the International Accessibility Symbol.

The older type trams

In Amsterdam you will notice different kind of trams. The older type trams are not all accessible. If they are accessible it has the pink ITS symbol at the accessible entrance. The non-accessible trams have high entrances with stairs and have narrow paths inside the tram. Some are also multileveled inside. The entrances and exits do not fit the platform level of the tram stops. The GVB developed maps and schedules which indicate the accessible stops and accessible tram routes. Currently the maps are only available online in Dutch but when you arrive in Amsterdam you can pick up an English version at the GVB service desk, which is situated opposite to the South side of the station.

The newer type trams

The new trams are increasingly accessible. The entrances are wider and low without stairs. The accessible entrance is situated in the middle of the tram and has a special spot for a wheelchair, walker or stroller. The spot is marked with a sign on the inside of the tram. Wheelchairs are prioritized over prams. Apart for a wheelchair accessible spot, the trams also have seats for people who are less mobile. The trams are on one level (not multileveled) and also offer accessibility service for people with hearing or sight impairments. The next tram stop is shown on the multiple displays in the tram and is broadcasted. The stop buttons have braille.

Maps

The network map is displayed in the tram and at the tram stops. It is available online and at the GVB Tickets and Info desk. The network map indicates which tram stops are accessible.

  • The tram stops that have accessible platforms on both sides of the tram track show a black dot;
  • The tram stops that have an accessible platform on one side of the tram track show a half black dot;
  • The tram stops that have no accessible platform show a white dot.

Check the interactive map of Amsterdam’s tram network here.

The time tables in the tram stops also show which platforms of that route are accessible. If a certain time on the time schedule shows a red A behind it, this means that an old tram is used for this route and it’s most probably not wheelchair accessible. This webpage on the GVB website explains about the regulations for bicycles, strollers and wheelchair users on public transport.

Departure times

The majority of trams go every 10 to 15 minutes. In the evenings the trams go less often and in the weekends the schedule is different. Most trams run from 07:00 AM until between 12:30 AM.

Prices GVB tickets

  • 1 hour: €3,20
  • 24 hours (1 day): €8,-
  • 48 hours (2 days): €13,50
  • 72 hours (3 days): €19,-
  • 96 hours (4 days): €24,50
  • 120 hours (5 days): €29,50
  • 144 hours (6 days): €33,50
  • 168 hours (7 days): €36,50

How to purchase tickets

While in Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam, you can purchase your ticket at the GVB Ticket Desk at Amsterdam Central Station. You can also buy it in the tram with the conductor. The majority of hotels also sell GVB tickest.

Purchase in advance

If you stay for more than 3 days, it can be convenient and economic to buy the GVB ticket for multiple days in advance. You can purchase your GVB ticket on Tiqets. You will receive a digital voucher which you can swap for the actual GVB-card in the Connexxion bus at Schiphol Airport, at the GVB office at Amsterdam Central Station or stations Zuid, Noord or Bijlmer-Arena.

OV-Chipcard

If you plan on returning to Amsterdam more often, you can also decide to purchase an OV-Chipcard. This card allows you check-in and check-out in the trams, at the metro stations and train stations. It can take you anywhere in the country! You can charge this card with an amount and the actual amount of the journey will be taken of the card.

Other travel cards

In the recent years, several travel cards for visitors have been introduced. More information about the different types of travel cards can be found on the website of GVB.

If you have questions about the accessibility of the tram, please e-mail.

More information about accessibility of public transport can be found in the below articles:

  • Using a mobility scooter in Amsterdam public transport
  • Guideline to accessibility in the Netherlands
  • Public transport planner 9292OV