Tram Accessibility in Amsterdam
With its 500 stops on 14 tram lines, Amsterdam has the largest tram network in the whole of the Netherlands and one of the most important in the entire Old Continent. In Dutch it is called "Amsterdamse Tram" and has been operating in the capital for almost a century and a half. Since the 1940s it has been managed by the municipal company GVB (Gemeentevervoerbedrijf). For the Dutch, the tram is the preferred means of getting around (after the bicycle of course). In the city it is one of the fastest and most efficient means of transport. The accessibility of the new trams has improved a lot in the last few years and is now really good.
Entrance:
The latest generation trams are located on one level. The entrance is located in the center and accessibility is indicated by a sticker with a wheelchair user icon. This entrance can be used by travelers with wheelchairs, with mobility scooters, strollers. Inside the tram there is a seat accessible for wheelchair users and there are also seats reserved for users with reduced mobility. An acoustic signaling service for stops is offered and the route is marked in real time on the various monitors. On its website, GVB specifies the boarding priority: people with wheelchairs have priority over people with scooters or strollers. People with mobility scooters have priority over people with strollers.
Old generation trams: There are still some old trams in Amsterdam and not all of them are accessible (those that are have a pink ITS symbol). The older generation trams are on several levels and have steps at the entrance.
Check-in and check-out:
Remember to always check-in and check-out with your transport card every time you travel, even for a simple change of vehicle. At the entrances and exits there is a digital reader on which you can pass your card. Entry: If successful, a green light will turn on and the digital reader will emit a beep. Exit: you will always have the green light but two beeps.
Tram stop accessibility:
Do you want to see if a stop is accessible? Consult the dedicated GVB page by clicking here.
Mobility scooter:
Electric scooters must have these maximum measurements: 120cm long, 70cm wide and 109cm high. Vehicles that exceed these dimensions will not be accepted inside the tram. Here on the left you can find images of allowed and non-admitted scooters, according to the GVB website.
Safety:
According to the advice of the transport company, the traveler is advised to park the wheelchair or mobility scooter with the backrest facing the direction of travel. In an emergency, this should be the safest way.
Indications of the driver/conductor:
Travelers should follow the directions of the driver and / or conductor. They reserve the right to refuse access to a traveler with a wheelchair, mobility scooter, bicycle or pushchair in order to safeguard the safety of travelers.
Plan your trip:
On the official GVB website you can plan your trip by entering the starting point and the arrival point. With the "additional option" you can select travel suggestions that take into account only accessible stops (by checking the "toegankelijk plannen" box).
Maps:
Almost all tram stops have a map showing the line's connections within the city. A paper map can be requested at the GVB ticket offices and information desk. It is also possible to consult the digital map directly from the company's website by clicking here.
Tickets:
One-hour, one-day or multi-day tickets can be purchased. Here is the list of the most used tickets when visiting Amsterdam:
| Type | Price |
| GVB 1 hour | € 3.20 |
| GVB 1 days (24 hours) | € 8.50 |
| GVB 2 days (48 hours) | € 13.50 |
| GVB 3 days (72 hours) | € 19.00 |
| GVB 4 days (96 hours) | € 24.50 |
| GVB 5 days (120 hours) | € 29.50 |
| GVB 6 days (144 hours ) | € 34.00 |
| GVB 7 days (168 hours) | € 37.00 |
Hourly tickets are valid from the time of first check-in. Remember to always pass the ticket on the electronic device, both entering and exiting the means of transport. For children between 4 and 11 years there is a discount on the GVB day ticket (€ 4 instead of € 8.50).
Customer care:
Need to contact the tram company in Amsterdam? You can do it directly from their official page by clicking here.
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