Amsterdam is a compact city by European standards, and its flat terrain makes it exceptionally easy to navigate. Whether you prefer cycling, taking the tram, or simply walking, the canal district and its surrounding neighborhoods are well connected by an efficient and reliable public transport network operated primarily by GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf). This guide covers the main options available to visitors exploring the city.
Trams
The tram is the backbone of Amsterdam's inner-city public transport. With sixteen lines criss-crossing the city center, trams offer frequent service — typically every five to ten minutes during the day — and connect major hubs such as Amsterdam Centraal Station, Dam Square, Leidseplein, and Museumplein. For visitors staying near the Canal belt, trams are the most convenient motorized option for reaching destinations that are slightly beyond comfortable walking distance.
Some of the most useful tram lines for exploring the canal district include Line 13, which runs along the Rozengracht and connects the Jordaan to Centraal Station, and Line 17, which follows the Westermarkt along the Prinsengracht. Lines 1 and 2 are popular for reaching the museum quarter from the center. Trams are generally clean, punctual, and equipped with digital displays showing upcoming stops. Travel is managed through a contactless payment system — either via a personal OV-chipkaart (public transport card) or a disposable day pass. Visitors can also use contactless debit and credit cards directly at the card reader when boarding.
Buses and Night Buses
While trams dominate the city center, buses serve areas on the outskirts and connect Amsterdam to neighboring towns. Within the canal district, buses are less commonly needed, but the network is extensive for day trips to places like Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, or the beach at Zandvoort. Night buses operate after midnight when tram service ends, providing transport along the main corridors. These run less frequently — typically once every thirty minutes — but ensure that late-night travelers are not stranded.
Metro
Amsterdam's metro system consists of five lines, with the most recent addition being the Noord/Zuidlijn (North/South Line), which opened in 2018 after years of construction. This line connects Amsterdam-Noord, across the IJ river, directly to the city center, the De Pijp neighborhood, and the RAI convention center in the south. While the metro is less useful for navigating the historic canal district specifically — most metro stations are outside the canal ring — it is excellent for reaching destinations further afield. The Rokin station, located right in the city center, doubles as an underground archaeological museum, displaying artifacts uncovered during the line's construction.
Ferries
Free passenger ferries operate continuously from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station, crossing the IJ river to Amsterdam-Noord. These ferries are an underappreciated gem of the transport system. They run 24 hours a day, accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists, and offer a brief but memorable experience — especially at sunset. Amsterdam-Noord has transformed from an industrial area into one of the city's most dynamic cultural districts, home to the NDSM Wharf, the EYE Film Museum, and a growing collection of restaurants and art spaces. The ferry crossing takes approximately five to fifteen minutes depending on the route.
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Cycling
No guide to Amsterdam transport would be complete without discussing the bicycle. Cycling is not merely an alternative form of transport here — it is the default. The city has over 500 kilometers of dedicated bicycle paths, and an estimated 880,000 bicycles — more than the number of permanent residents. For visitors, several rental companies operate throughout the city center, offering a range of bicycles from simple city bikes to electric-assisted models.
Cycling through the canal district is the best way to cover ground while experiencing the streetscape at a comfortable pace. However, visitors should be aware that Amsterdam cycling culture has its own unwritten rules. Always ride in the designated bike lanes (marked in red), signal turns with your hands, and never stop suddenly in the middle of a lane. Pedestrians should be careful not to walk in cycle paths, as this is a common source of friction between visitors and locals. Bike parking can be found at designated racks throughout the city — locking your bicycle to a bridge railing or canal fence is not only frowned upon but may result in the bike being removed by the municipality.
Walking
For exploring the historic canal ring, the Jordaan, and the cultural landmarks along the Prinsengracht, walking remains the ideal choice. The distances within the canal district are short — the entire ring from east to west spans roughly two kilometers — and the terrain is flat. Walking allows you to notice the architectural details that make Amsterdam unique: the ornamental gable stones above doorways, the narrow alleys leading to hidden courtyards, and the gentle lean of centuries-old facades along the water. Most local visitor centers provide walking tour info and suggested routes through the district's highlights. For deeper historical context, consider reading our article on the history of the canal belt.
Amsterdam's canal district covers an area of roughly four square kilometers. Most major landmarks, cafes, and cultural sites can be reached within a twenty-minute walk from Dam Square.
Amsterdam's public transport system is one of the most efficient in Europe, but the real charm of the city lies in its human scale. Whether by tram, bicycle, ferry, or foot, the experience of moving through Amsterdam's canal district is inseparable from the experience of the city itself. For more on the neighborhoods you'll pass through, see our cultural guide to the canal district and our overview of the best traditional cafes worth stopping at along the way.