GETTING
AROUND
The airport is 18km (11mi) south-west of the city centre. A
taxi into the city takes 20-45 minutes and costs about $25.
Trains to Centraal Station leave every 15 minutes and cost about
$3. Trains also connect the airport to stations throughout the
country.
You can get around Amsterdam easily by foot, Public transport
is excellent, it's hub is Centraal Station, where tram, bus
and metro lines converge. A free map of central-area public
transport is available at the station. Ticketing is based on
zones, with the same ticket valid on buses, trams and metros.
You can buy tickets at outlets around the city, or on the transport
itself. Trams are good for the inner city, buses go farther
out, while the metro is most useful for getting to the international
bus station.
Driving in the city is actively discouraged, and there's absolutely
no free parking in the canal zone. If you don't buy a parking
voucher you'll be wheel-clamped. It makes more sense to park
outside the city and come in on public transport. Motorcyclists
can park on the pavement free of charge. Amsterdam taxis are
among the most expensive in Europe. It will cost you no more
to call one than to hail it, although in theory you aren't supposed
to pick up a cab on the street.
Amsterdam has 550,000 bicycles and this is an ideal way to get
around, although you need to get used to the idea of having
your bike stolen. If you're going to be around for more than
a month, consider buying a second-hand bike, and make sure you
buy a lock as well. |
