Amsterdam's major museums are centrally located on Museumplein, making them easily accessible by all forms of transport. This comprehensive guide covers every option from public transport to biking, helping you choose the best way to reach the museums.
Museum Location Overview
Museumplein Address
Van Gogh Museum: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
Distance between: 2-minute walk (200 meters)
Tram (Recommended - Best Option)
€3.40 Day Pass: €8.50
Why Choose Trams: Fastest, most convenient, runs frequently, direct to museums
Routes to Museumplein
Tram 2, 3, 5, 12 to "Van Baerlestraat"
- 5-minute walk to museums
- Most frequent service
- Connects to Central Station (Lines 2, 5)
Tram 3, 5, 12 to "Museumplein"
- Closest stop - directly at museums
- Walk less than 2 minutes
- Best option for mobility issues
From Major Locations
- Central Station: Tram 2 or 5 (direct, 15 minutes)
- Dam Square: Tram 2 or 12 (10 minutes)
- Leidseplein: Tram 2, 5, or 12 (5 minutes)
- Jordaan: Tram 3 (12 minutes)
How to Use Amsterdam Trams
- Get OV-chipkaart or Day Pass: Buy at ticket machines, convenience stores, or GVB service points
- Check-in/Check-out: Scan card on pink readers when entering and exiting
- Frequency: Trams run every 5-10 minutes during day, 15 minutes evening
- Operating Hours: 6 AM - midnight (Night trams available)
- Real-time Info: Download GVB app for schedules and disruptions
💡 Pro Tip: Buy a day pass if making 3+ trips. It's valid on all trams, buses, and metro within Amsterdam.
Bus
€3.40 Same as tram
When to Use: Less convenient than trams, but useful from some neighborhoods
Bus Routes
- Bus 347, 357: Stop "Rijksmuseum" - direct service
- From Airport: Bus 397 to Museumplein (slower than train)
Note: Buses use same OV-chipkaart system as trams. Less frequent than trams.
Metro
€3.40 Transfer Required
When to Use: Only if coming from Amsterdam Zuid (South) or when combined with walking
- Closest Station: "De Pijp" on Line 52 (15-minute walk to museums)
- Zuid Station: 20-minute walk or take tram from there
- Best for: Airport arrivals (to Zuid, then tram)
Verdict: Metro doesn't go directly to Museumplein. Tram is always better option from city center.
Biking (Very Dutch!)
FREE Rental: €10-15/day
Why Bike: Most authentic Amsterdam experience, flexible, environmentally friendly
Bike Rental Options
- MacBike: €8.25/3hrs, €12.75/day - multiple locations
- A-Bike: €10/day - near Central Station
- Black Bikes: €9/day - city center
- Swapfiets: Monthly subscription (if staying longer)
Bike Routes to Museums
- From Central Station: 15 minutes via Raadhuisstraat
- From Jordaan: 10 minutes via Rozengracht
- Dedicated Bike Lanes: Clearly marked red paths throughout city
Parking Your Bike
- Free bike racks available near museum entrances
- Use good quality lock (bike theft common!)
- Lock frame + wheel to solid object
- Guarded bike parking available at Central Station
⚠️ Important: Amsterdam bike culture has unwritten rules. Stay in bike lanes, signal turns, watch for pedestrians, and never stop in bike lanes. When in doubt, copy what Dutch cyclists do!
Walking
FREE Exercise Included
When to Walk: From central locations, nice weather, want to explore neighborhoods
Walking Times from Key Locations
- Leidseplein: 10 minutes (850m)
- Dam Square: 20 minutes (1.6km)
- Jordaan: 20-25 minutes (1.8km)
- Central Station: 30-35 minutes (2.5km)
- Canal Ring: 15-20 minutes depending on location
Scenic Walking Route (from Dam Square)
- Start at Dam Square
- Walk down Raadhuisstraat (10 min)
- Cross Prinsengracht canal
- Continue to Leidseplein
- Walk down Stadhouderskade
- Arrive at Museumplein (total: 20 min)
Benefits: See Amsterdam architecture, cross canals, discover hidden gems, free exercise
Considerations: Weather-dependent, takes more time, may be tiring before museum visit
Driving & Parking
€5-6/hour Not Recommended
Reality: Driving in Amsterdam is challenging and expensive. Parking is limited and costly. Public transport is vastly superior.
If You Must Drive
Nearest Parking: Q-Park Museumplein
- Address: Museumplein 17
- Cost: €5-6 per hour, €40-50 per day
- Capacity: Limited - can fill up
- Walk to Museums: 3 minutes
Alternative Parking
- P+R (Park & Ride) Lots: Park outside city (€8/24hrs) + free tram to center
- Street Parking: Extremely limited, €5-7/hour, max 2-3 hour limits
- Hotel Parking: Often €30-50/day
⛔ Strongly Discouraged: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid driving in Amsterdam. Public transport and biking are faster, cheaper, and less stressful.
Taxi / Uber
€10-25 Depending on distance
When to Use: Airport transfers, mobility issues, late night, traveling with heavy luggage
Taxi Services
- Official Taxis: White/blue cars with "TAXI" sign on roof
- Uber: Available throughout Amsterdam
- Bolt: Often cheaper than Uber
- Free Now: Another rideshare option
Approximate Fares to Museumplein
- Central Station: €12-15
- Schiphol Airport: €40-50
- Jordaan: €8-12
- Amsterdam Zuid: €12-16
Pros: Door-to-door, comfortable, good for groups (split cost), luggage-friendly
Cons: Expensive, traffic delays, environmentally unfriendly, not faster than public transport in city center
From Schiphol Airport
Best Option: Train + Tram (45 minutes, €8)
- Take train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid Station (10 min, €5.40)
- Exit station and find tram stop
- Take Tram 5 towards Centraal Station
- Get off at "Museumplein" (10 min, €3.40)
Total: 45 minutes including transfers, €8.80
Alternative: Direct Bus (60 minutes, €6.50)
- Bus 397 from Schiphol directly to Museumplein
- Slower but no transfers
- Good if you have lots of luggage
Accessibility Options
For Wheelchair Users & Reduced Mobility
- All trams are accessible: Low-floor boarding at most stops
- Priority seating available: Near front doors
- Museums fully accessible: Elevators, ramps, wheelchair rentals
- Assistance: GVB staff can help at major stops
- Accessible taxis: Available through taxi companies (book ahead)
For Elderly Visitors
- Tram 3, 5, or 12 to "Museumplein" stop = minimal walking
- Taxi directly to museum entrance if needed
- Museums have wheelchairs available for loan
- Rest areas and cafés throughout museums
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy Day Pass: If making 3+ trips (€8.50 vs €10.20 for 3 singles)
- Walk When Possible: Amsterdam is compact and very walkable
- Rent Bike for Full Day: Cheaper than multiple tram trips
- Avoid Taxis: Unless absolutely necessary - very expensive
- GVB App: Check for mobile ticket deals
Our Transport Recommendations
| Situation | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor | Tram | Easy, reliable, direct |
| From airport | Train + Tram | Fast and affordable |
| Exploring city | Bike | Authentic, flexible |
| Short stay | Walking + Tram | See more of Amsterdam |
| Multiple museums same day | Day Pass | Unlimited travel |
| With mobility issues | Tram to Museumplein stop | Minimal walking required |
| With heavy luggage | Taxi/Uber | Door-to-door convenience |
| Budget traveler | Walk or Bike | Free or low cost |
Quick Comparison
| Tram | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bike | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Walking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bus | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Metro | ⭐⭐ |
| Taxi | ⭐⭐ |
| Car | ⭐ |
Our Top Pick:
Tram 3, 5, or 12
Direct, frequent, reliable
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