What is the I amsterdam City Card and is it worth it? If you’re an active traveler, it can save you a lot of money, even though at first glance the I amsterdam card price might seem pretty high.
This official tourist pass provides free entry to over 70 museums, access to public transport in Amsterdam, and 24-hour bike rental. Plus, there are a few lesser-known tips that make the City Card even more worth it.
Update, 1 October 2025: temporary discount on 74 – 120 hours I amsterdam card at the official website. The card is activated at the moment of first use, so you can buy it now and use it later.
Holland Explorer tip: download the official I amsterdam card brochure in .pdf format with a clear overview of all the attractions included with the card.
This article is written by Anastasia Dudina, a local who lives in the Netherlands since 2013.
All you need to know about the I amsterdam City Card in 2025:
- I amsterdam Card prices in 2025
- What is included in the I amsterdam Card in 2025?
- I amsterdam Card: how it works
- I amsterdam City Card app
- Which canal cruises are free with the I amsterdam Card?
- The City Card saving tips
- Public transport with the I amsterdam City Card
- Can I use the I amsterdam Card from airport?
- The City Card and travelling by train
- Where to buy the I amsterdam Card?
- Pick-up location
- Information & helpdesk
So, let’s get started!
I amsterdam City Card prices in 2025
How much does the I amsterdam Card cost? The card is available in five options: for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours. The longer the duration you choose, the lower the price per day.
| Card valid for | Price in 2025 | Cost per day | Book the card online |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | € 65 | € 65 | Order card for 24 hours >> |
| 48 hours | € 90 | € 45 | Book online >> |
| 72 hours | € 110 | € 36,6 | Book online >> |
| 96 hours | € 125 | € 31,25 | Book online >> |
| 120 hours | € 135 | € 27 | Order card for 120 hours >> |
Are there discounts on I amsterdam City Card for students, children or seniors?
No, there are no discounts for students, children or seniors. But there are sometimes general discounts on I amsterdam card at the card’s official website.
What is included in the I amsterdam City Card in 2025?
The list of attractions covered by the I amsterdam City Card spans from to the major museums in Amsterdam, to city-wide public transport, a free canal cruise, bicycle rent and more.
Tip: download the official I amsterdam card brochure in .pdf format with a clear list of all the attractions included with the card.
Tip! If you buy the I amsterdam City Card for 120 hours, it costs only € 27 per day. For example, a single ticket to the Rijksmuseum costs € 25, and entry to Artis Zoo costs € 30,50.
1. Free admission to 70 museums and attractions in Amsterdam.
I amsterdam card gives free access to dozens of museums in Amsterdam, including the Rijksmuseum, NEMO science museum, ARTIS Royal zoo, Moco modern art museum and way more. Check the full list at I amsterdam card official website >>
- Entry to A’DAM LOOKOUT – an observation deck with a panoramic view of Amsterdam and Europe’s highest swing – now included in the I amsterdam City Card.
Check it out:
2. Free canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Which canal cruises are free with I amsterdam card? Here is a list of participating cruise companies in Amsterdam. In 2025 it includes:
- Blue Boat
- LOVERS Amsterdam
- Circle Line Sightseeing
- STROMMA
- Smidtje Canal Cruises
- Amsterdam Boat Cruises
Tip! You can also take a free cruise in Haarlem and Volendam.
3. Unlimited use of the GVB public transport in Amsterdam.
With I amsterdam card you get unlimited access to the city-wide public transport (bus, tram & metro) for the duration of your card.
4. Free entrance to This is Holland.
This is Holland, the 5D Flight Experience, is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. A single ticket to This is Holland costs from € 23,50 per person. The entrance is free with your I amsterdam card.
To visit this attraction with your I amsterdam card, you have to book a time slot in advance.
5. Free admission or discounts outside Amsterdam – in Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Enkhuizen.
I amsterdam City Card includes:
- Free entrance to the Frans Hals museum in Haarlem.
- Zaans Time Museum and Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience and several windmills in Zaanse Schans.
- Zuiderzee museum in Enkhuizen. You get free entrance, a free museum guide and 25% discount on smoked herring.
Photo: Zuiderzee museum is great place for a day trips, also if you travel with kids.
6. Free bike rental for a day
Every I amsterdam Card (24 – 120 hours) includes 24 hours free bike rental (usual price is around € 15 for 24 hours).
7. 10% discount on I amsterdam souvenirs at the I amsterdam store.
Check the full list of activities at the I amsterdam City Card official website >>
Please note:
- The Anne Frank house is not included in the I amsterdam Card.
- From July 2022 the Van Gogh museum is also no longer included in the City Card. Make sure you book the Van Gogh museum tickets separately.
I amsterdam City Card: how it works
1. Order your card online. You can pick it up at I amsterdam Visitor Center at Amsterdam Centraal train station.
NEW! You can also download the I amsterdam app and choose to use the city card digitally on your phone.
2. Activate your card. It works automatically, you don’t need to do anything special. The card has two components:
- public transport
- museums and attractions.
Each component of the I amsterdam City Card is activated separately upon first use, whether that’s the first time you check in on public transport or enter a museum or attraction. So, even if you purchase your card in advance (e.g., while a discount code is valid), it won’t be activated until you actually use it in Amsterdam.
3. Use your tourist card.
- for traveling by public transport with the City Card you need to scan your card when entering and leaving a bus, tram or metro (do check-in and check-out). Learn more about using public transport in Amsterdam.
- at some popular museums and attractions you are required to book time slots before visiting. Find out how to book your time slots.
- in 2025 you can take a canal cruise without prior reservation.
- you can rent a bike for 24 hours without prior reservation. But if you want to be sure that the bike is waiting for you, we still recommend doing reservation. Here you can find a list of participating bike rentals.
I amsterdam City Card app
You can also use I amsterdam Card as an app on your phone. It works the same as a physical pass, but saves time on visiting I amsterdam office to pick up your card.
I amsterdam app: how it works
- Get your card online
- Download the app and add your card
- Explore Amsterdam with your digital City Card
Download the I amsterdam City Card app
Search for I amsterdam City Card at the App Store or the Google Play Store.
And add your card:
How to activate your digital I amsterdam City Card?
Your I amsterdam City Card is activated at first use – the first time you enter a museum, attraction or use public transport. The digital City Card pass on your phone works exactly the same way.
After activation your pass is valid for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours, depending on the card you have chosen.
How to use a digital I amsterdam City Card in museums?
To visit City Card locations, book your time slots online and show your digital pass when visiting.
How to use your digital I amsterdam City Card in public transport?
Place the phone with the QR code open under the scanner when you enter public transport in Amsterdam. Don’t forget to check out in the same way on your exit.
Can I buy digital I amsterdam City card for my family members?
Yes. Through the app, you can transfer cards to your family members or friends. Please note: you can only transfer a card once.
Which canal cruises are free with I amsterdam City Card?
Here is an official list of participating cruise companies in Amsterdam.
- Tip! You can also take a free cruise in Haarlem and Volendam.
Is the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise free with I amsterdam card? No, for this cruise you need to buy a separate ticket.
I amsterdam City Card tips
On I amsterdam official website you can find out what’s included in the city card.
Tip: download the official I amsterdam card brochure in .pdf format with a clear overview of all the attractions included in the card.
Here is an example of what you can save by using the card instead of buying separate tickets:
| Price in 2025 | Price with I amsterdam card | |
| 48 hours public transport ticket | €15,50 | €0 |
| Rijksmuseum | €27 | €0 |
| This is Holland | €26 | €0 |
| Canal cruise in Amsterdam | €17,50 | €0 |
| Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo | €26,50 | €0 |
| Stedelijk Museum | €22,50 | €0 |
| Moco Museum | €19,50 | €0 |
| The National Maritime Museum | €18,50 | €0 |
| Total | €173 | €90 (card for 48 hours) |
And here are some extra tips and tricks that will make I amsterdam City Card more than pay for itself.
1. You can use your card for one extra day
Though some travellers mistakenly think that Iamsterdam Card is valid for 1 – 5 days, in fact it’s valid for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.
So if you activate it on your first day at 11:00, it will still be valid till 11:00 on the morning after the last one. You can enter a large museum or attraction – for example the Artis Royal Zoo or the Rijksmuseum – at 10:30 and spend half of the day there (even though by that time your I amsterdam card will have expired).
2. The card’s transport and museum components are activated separately
The City Card has two elements – one for the GVB public transport, the other one for museums, attractions and a canal cruise. They are both activated automatically: the transport element at the moment you first use tram, bus or metro. The museum element – the first time you visit a museum, attraction or take a canal cruise.
Keeping this in mind, you can plan your itinenary correspondingly to get the best out of your 24 – 120 hours in museums and in public transport.
3. You can get free compliments and gifts
They include free walking tour guide in Volendam and Enkhuizen, free brochure in Haarlem tourist information office, free cup of coffee or tea in a museum cafe in Naarden (the list of gifts and free extras is subject to change).
Public transport with I amsterdam City Card
The I amsterdam city card gives an unlimited access to public transport in Amsterdam – the GVB bus, tram, and metro. The card is also valid on night buses.
Please note: the card is only valid in the municipal GVB bus, tram and metro lines in Amsterdam. Connexxion, R-net and other regional buses, as well as train service, are not included.
How to use your I amsterdam card in public transport:
- when you enter a tram, bus or metro station, you need to check-in. Just tap your card against the card reader – and that’s it. Using your card to check in will activate it. After activation the card is valid for unlimited travel for 24 – 120 hours (depending on the duration of your card). You can also travel in night buses in Amsterdam.
- before you exit, you have to check-out. To do so, just tap the card against the card reader once again.
Can I use the I amsterdam Card from airport?
Generally speaking, no, train and direct Airport Express bus from Schiphol to Amsterdam are not included into I amsterdam city card. But there is still one way to travel from the airport to the center with I amsterdam city card.
The I amsterdam city card is only valid in GVB public transport. So you can:
- buy I amsterdam digital pass, so that you can use it directly
- take GVB bus line 369 from Schiphol to Station Sloterdijk
- from Station Sloterdijk take GVB bus line 22, direction Muiderpoortstation, which will take you to Amsterdam Central station.
If you follow this route, it will take you around 1 hour to get from Schiphol to Amsterdam with your city card, which is not that fast and easy. We recommend to download a free Glimble door-to-door travel planner, which will help you to find directions:
It the app, check for the possible travel options. You can use I amsterdam card in buses, trams, metro marked with the white and blue GVB logo.
Does the I amsterdam City Card cover trains?
Train service is not included in the City Card. If you are planning to explore the Netherlands, we recommend buying a public transport Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT) is valid for 1 – 3 days of unlimited travel by train, bus, tram and metro in Amsterdam and surrounding areas (including Schiphol airport, Volendam, Edam, Marken, Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Zandvoort and Keukenhof).
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket map in 2025. You can find a full-size map at Iamsterdam.com. And here you can learn more about ARTT >>
Prices in 2025:
- 1 day – € 21,00
- 2 days – € 31,50
- 3 days – € 40,50
Order Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket >>
During the Keukenhof opening season the ARTT is also valid on bus lines:
- 852 (Amsterdam RAI – Keukenhof)
- 858 (Schiphol – Keukenhof)
- 850 (station Haarlem – Keukenhof).
The ticket is valid from the first time you check in until 04:00 hours after the last valid day. Order Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online >>
Where to buy the I amsterdam card?
You can buy the I amsterdam card online or at the I amsterdam Store located in the building of Amsterdam Centraal station.
The easiest way is to buy it online at I amsterdam City Card official website.
During the booking process you can also choose:
- Physical card. You will have to pick it up at I amsterdam store in Amsterdam.
- Digital card on smartphone. You will have to download I amstedam app and start using the card directly.
I amsterdam Card digital pass was introduced in May 2023. It works the same as a physical pass, but saves time on visiting I amsterdam office to pick up your card.
- If you’ve chosen to buy a physical I amsterdam card
After completing the online booking process, you will get an e-mail confirmation. You can show it on your mobile phone and collect your physical I amsterdam City Card at the following location:
- Amsterdam Central Station: I amsterdam Store, on the North side of the station (De Ruijterkade 28 B t/m D, 1012 AA Amsterdam).
I amsterdam Store opening times:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 until 19:00
- Saturday – Sunday: 09:00 until 18:00.
Opening times may be subject to change. Please double-check it on Iamsterdam.com.
- If you’ve chosen to buy a digital I amsterdam card
Download the I amsterdam app and add your card. Your I amsterdam City Card is activated at first use – the first time you enter a museum, attraction or use public transport.
If you buy several cards through the app, you can transfer I amsterdam digital cards to your family members or friends. Please note: you can only transfer a card once.
- If you prefer to buy I amsterdam card offline
It’s also an option to buy your I amsterdam card in the city upon arrival. You can buy it at I amsterdam store on the North side of the station (De Ruijterkade 28 B t/m D, 1012 AA Amsterdam).
I amsterdam City Card pick-up location
After completing the online booking process, you will get an e-mail confirmation. You can show it and collect your physical card at the following location:
- Amsterdam Central Station: I amsterdam Store, on the North side of the station.
Opening times may be subject to change. Please check it on Iamsterdam.com.
Is there I amsterdam office or shop at Schiphol airport?
No, not anymore. I amsterdam shop at Schiphol airport is permanently closed. But if you want to use the card upon arrival to Amsterdam, you can order the card online and use it digitally.
Information & helpdesk
If you have any questions or problems regarding your I amsterdam city card, please visit I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Centraal station or contact the support team at citycard@iamsterdam.com.
Enjoy your visit to Amsterdam!
Related articles:
- Amsterdam in one day: things to see and do
- Red Light District in Amsterdam
- Lovers canal cruises in Amsterdam
Last updated: 13 September 2025
About the author:
Geachte,
Is de Amsterdam City Card geldig vanaf het Centraal Station naar het Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam, Schipholweg, Badhoevedorp en later van het hotel naar het centrum van Amsterdam?
I amsterdam city card is valid only in transport operated by the GVB company. Please check 9292.nl journey planner to see what company operates on your trajects.
If I buy the city card only but can’t activate it until my arrival in May, how can I make time slot reservations for the Van Gogh Museum and Rijks? Is it better to get the museum card if only use it for 5 museums?
With I amsterdam city card you do indeed need to make time slot reservations at the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
1. For the Van Gogh museum you need to have the City Card on hand. Reservation can be done via this link.
2. For Rijksmuseum you do not need to have the card on hand. Reservation can be done via the museum’s official website.
There is also an announcement on I amsterdam official website:
Attention: Visitors coming to Amsterdam between 12 April and 2 June 2019
The Van Gogh Museum time slots are almost fully booked for this period. There are a few time slots still available, but you’ll need to reserve one quickly to secure a spot. Occasionally, time slots open up at the last minute, so we recommend checking just before you come to Amsterdam.
Do you need to book any museums ahead of time? (Except for Van Gogh and Anne Frank) I’m a little confused because on the iAmsterdam site, for some of the museums, it says ‘book tickets now.’ Is this necessary?
You also need to book a timeslot for “All the Rembrandts” exhibition in the Rijksmuseum. In other museums online booking is not necessary but it often saves time because you can skip the line, especially in popular museums (Heineken Experience, Madame Tussauds etc.)
I went on Rijksmuseum official website trying to book a time slot for “ All the Rembrandt” exhibition. It asked me to pay €19 entrance fee. I canceled it. How can I just book the time slot with I Am Amsterdam voucher? Thank you in advance.
Hi! On official website https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en just pick the option “I already have a ticket/voucher. Free”.
Can my parter and I use the same card or do we have to get separate ones?
To be able to use public transport and enter museums/attractions together, you need separate cards.
Hi there! Which canal cruise can I take for free with I amsterdam city card?
Hi Nick! Here you can find a full list of participating boat companies and departure points where you can take your free canal cruise.
Hi, can we still use the I amsterdam city card for discount to Museum visit after it had expired after 1 day?
Thank you
No, you cannot use the I amsterdam city card to enter museums for free after the card had expired.
But you can still use the card to enter museums which offer discount with the I amsterdam city card (like Madame Tussauds museum etc.). Discounts are valid till the end of the year. Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!
Hi! I didn’t know about the extra day, could you confirm that again? If I bought a 5-day pass and use the pass 9 am on The 3rd of a month, I will actually be able to use it until the 10th?
Hi! The 5-day pass is valid for 120 hours after activation. So if you activate it at 09:00 om the 3rd, it will be valid till 09:00 on the 8th.
If you activate it at 10:00, you will still be able to enter a museum/attraction on the 8th before 10:00, and spend as much time there as you want.
Hi! I am trying to use the City Card to take the metro. When I scan the bar code in the app, my phone defaults to my Apple Pay in Wallet and the bar code won’t scan. I was locked in the metro station. Am I doing something wrong? How do I fix this so I can use my City Card in the app to take the metro?
Thank you.
Hi Darby! Hope you’re fine! For this question it’s better to contact the I amsterdam card webcare team.
The digital card feature is very new, and we ourselves don’t have experience with it yet. I hope the I amsterdam card team will help you. Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!
In case it’s helpful to anyone, as of today, it looks like you can only pick up a pre-purchased Iamsterdam card at the Amsterdam Centraal train station. (But you can buy one directly at many other locales.)
Their current hours are a little shorter than in 2019:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 until 19:00
Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 until 18:00
Hi Lauren! Thanks a lot for your valuable update! We’ve updated information in the article above.
Hello,
Can I buy the I Amsterdam Card via app and activate it when I arrive to Amsterdam in July? Or does it get activated as soon as I purchase the card?
Thank you
Hello Ledya,
Yes, you can do it. The card is activated not at the moment of purchase, but at the moment you first use it (check-in in public transport or visit a museum).
Have a nice time in Amsterdam!
Hello,
I want to pre-book a location now. However, it requires me to provide a promo code. If I enter the promo code, does it mean that my city card has already been activated? (I plan to go to the location on June 21 but today is June 16).
Besides, if I want to go to This is Holland, can I experience it several times? Or only once?
Thanks and Best Regards!
Do I need to buy the card in advance in order to book time slots– I don’t understand how to book time slots at museums without paying for tickets. Should I already buy the card now and that’s the only way to book time slots? Also is the transportation activation different from the museums activation. If I get on a public transport at 9am- I have until the next day at 9 am to use public transport but if I only go to the first museum at 10 then i have until 10 the next day?
Hi Michal,
Public transport and museum activation work independently from each other.
As for the time slots, all museums have their own booking system, and they differ. On most museums’ websites you can just choose “I already have a ticket” and proceed with the time slot booking. The process will be the same as if you purchase a museum ticket, but you will see a €0,00 price at the check out.
“… take a tram line 2, which departs from Amsterdam Central station. Ride to Antwerpenbaan tram stop (it will take 40 minutes).”
– i think it’s incorrect, you have to get off at Laan v. Vlaanderen tram stop. Then walk a few meters to Antwerpenbaan bus stop.
“Here you need to switch to the GVB bus line 69, direction Schiphol Airport/Plaza, which will take you to the airport in 12 minutes”.
– actually it is GVB bus line 369. There is no GVB bus line 69 in Amsterdam.
Please check your text and fix it, it is quite confusing
(I’ve spent last 20 minutes searching the bus line 69).
Thanks.
Hi Lenka, thank you for your feedback. Public transport routes and bus line numbers do change. To get the most up-to-date travel information we advice to use 9292.nl journey planner, which will help to avoid confusing situations.
Hi, I found out that i only can make time slot for Heineken Experience online but not for museum. can you please assists? thanks
Hi Christy! You can book your timeslot for Heineken Experience museum visit via this link https://tickets.heinekenexperience.com/iamsterdam
Hi there!
I’m trying to book our time slot for the Foodie Tour but don’t know how to input the City Card number. How do I find my numbers after placing my order number in the app? Thank you
Hi Theresa! Please address your question to the I amsterdam card official support team. I think they can help better with that. Have a nice stay in Amsterdam!
What I read in their FAQ is:
You can still book timeslots in the app or on our website using your card ID (starting AM04) or CC code provided in your City Card order confirmation email.
If you are trying to add a Digital City Card order to the app, you can also register it in the app by entering the CC code provided in the order confirmation email.
I bought online 4 cards for the family members. I got one code. Can someone help how to split it for 4 persons on 4 mobile phones. Thank you!
Hi there! When I buy a city card, am I able to make reservations before activating the card? Or does the card need to be activated before reservations are able to be made?
Hi! I’ve just checked a few museums (Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt house), and there you don’t need you card to be activated. You just choose “Iamsterdam card holder” and pay €0 at the check out.
I expect it’s more or less the same at other museums, but it’s better to double check the websites of attractions you want to visit.
I want to buy 3 online cards for the family members. Can I split it on 3 mobile phones? Thank you!
Can I use the I Amsterdam card from airport to city centre? e.g. by bus?
Hi! I Amsterdam card is not valid in Amsterdam airport express bus 397 (operated by Connexxion company).
It is valid in the bus 369 (GVB company), but it goes to Amsterdam Sloterdijk, which is not close to center. You can still switch from the bus 369 to another GVB bus or tram (I’m not sure which number) to the center. Then it will be free, but not fast.
Hi can i book tickets via digital card prior to arrival in the Netherlands. Regards
Hi! Yes, you can book your tickets or time-slots for museums visit prior to arrival. At some museums (like Rijksmuseum) you don’t even need to have a card to make a booking. But at some (like Heineken Experience) you have to enter your voucher code during the booking process.
Booking a time-slot doesn’t activate your card.
Hello, if i purchased the 72 hour ticket do i get free bike rental every 24 hour or just one time? Same question for the canal cruise please. Thank you.
Hello! Every type of I amsterdam card (24 – 120 hours) includes one canal cruise and 24 hours free bike rental. So you can visit/use both activities only once. Have a nice time in Amsterdam!