Find out how the City Card works
City Card FAQ
The I amsterdam City Card is a travel pass that grants you access to the best attractions and museums in the Amsterdam Area. From 1 to 5 days, the Card is tailored to the duration of your visit. Here are our customers' most frequently asked questions about the I amsterdam City Card.
General questions
Yes, both options of the card (Explorer and Total Experience) offer special pricing for children. These cards available for children from 4 – 17 years old. Please keep in mind that they need to be purchased in combination with an adult card. They cannot be purchased separately.
The Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House are not included in the Explorer or the Total Experience Card. If you’d like to visit them, we recommend booking your tickets as early as possible. You can do this directly on the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House websites.
Everything to know about the Explorer Card
With the Explorer card you can pick one of the following 3 options:
- Access to 3 locations of your choice
- Access to 5 locations of your choice
- Access to 7 locations of your choice
You can pick any of the locations & attractions from the city card selection. Each version of the Explorer City Card has a validity of 5 consecutive days.
NB: the Explorer card does not offer access to public transport from GVB, it only offers access to our locations & attractions. If you want the public transport to be covered by the card as well, please choose the Total Experience instead.
- Access to 3 locations of your choice
- Access to 5 locations of your choice
- Access to 7 locations of your choice
You can pick any of the locations & attractions from the city card selection. Each version of the Explorer City Card has a validity of 5 consecutive days.
NB: the Explorer card does not offer access to public transport from GVB, it only offers access to our locations & attractions. If you want the public transport to be covered by the card as well, please choose the Total Experience instead.
No, the Explorer card does not offer access to public transport from GVB, if you want the public transport to be covered by the card as well, please choose the Total Experience instead.
No, our Explorer Card is only available as a digital product.
The validity of the Explorer Card is 5 consecutive days from the moment you activate it. The card will also expire when the number of activities previously purchased has been reached. (3-, 5- or 7- activities available).
This means that the card might expire before reaching the 5-consecutive day limit. The countdown of unredeemed activities can be found in the app at all times.
This means that the card might expire before reaching the 5-consecutive day limit. The countdown of unredeemed activities can be found in the app at all times.
If you have chosen the Explorer Card, you can activate it through the I amsterdam City Card app by pressing the “Get Started” button. Activate your card after you arrived in Amsterdam when you’re ready to begin your activities.
Download the app here.
Follow these steps after downloading the app:
1. Allow cookies/tracking in the privacy settings.
2. Press Next and continue.
3. Choose whether to allow notifications.
4. Decide if you want to give the app access to your live location while using it.
5. Press the City Card button at the bottom of the app.
6. Click “Add City Card to the app.”
7. Enter your voucher code (found in your confirmation email; a 10-digit code starting with CC-XXXX-XXX).
8. Once you arrive in Amsterdam, press the “Activate card“ button.
9. Start exploring the ins and outs of Amsterdam and enjoy the amount of activities that you chose (3-, 5- or 7- activities)!
Download the app here.
Follow these steps after downloading the app:
1. Allow cookies/tracking in the privacy settings.
2. Press Next and continue.
3. Choose whether to allow notifications.
4. Decide if you want to give the app access to your live location while using it.
5. Press the City Card button at the bottom of the app.
6. Click “Add City Card to the app.”
7. Enter your voucher code (found in your confirmation email; a 10-digit code starting with CC-XXXX-XXX).
8. Once you arrive in Amsterdam, press the “Activate card“ button.
9. Start exploring the ins and outs of Amsterdam and enjoy the amount of activities that you chose (3-, 5- or 7- activities)!
Everything to know about the Total Experience Card
The Total Experience Card gives you:
- Entrance to over 70+ museums and locations in Amsterdam and the metropolis of Amsterdam
- Access to city-wide public transport from GVB by metro, tram, bus, and ferry
- One canal cruise within Amsterdam to explore Amsterdam by water
- One 24-hour bike rental to explore the city like the locals
Download the City Card guide to see a complete list of the museums, attractions, transport, and cruises that are free or discounted with your card.
- Entrance to over 70+ museums and locations in Amsterdam and the metropolis of Amsterdam
- Access to city-wide public transport from GVB by metro, tram, bus, and ferry
- One canal cruise within Amsterdam to explore Amsterdam by water
- One 24-hour bike rental to explore the city like the locals
Download the City Card guide to see a complete list of the museums, attractions, transport, and cruises that are free or discounted with your card.
All included locations offer one-time admission with the City Card. Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit the same location more than once.
You can easily order the City Card directly on our website, or buy one in person at the I amsterdam Store, located at the back of Amsterdam Central Station. You can find the address and opening hours here.
Booking timeslots
Most City Card locations don’t require a timeslot reservation. To find out which ones do, you can browse all locations that require a time slot on our Book timeslots page.
Booking a time slot can differ depending on the activity. To find out how to book, visit our Book timeslots page and follow the instructions for the location you want to visit. You can book timeslots in advance with both the digital and physical City Card.
To book a time slot you may need to fill out your City Card's voucher code number during the booking process. You can find your digital card's voucher code in the confirmation email you received when purchasing this card online (It's a 10-digit code that starts with CC-XXXX-XXX). Please note that if you purchased the card at our store, you can find the voucher code on the back of the card underneath the barcode.
Important: booking a timeslot does NOT activate your City Card.
To book a time slot you may need to fill out your City Card's voucher code number during the booking process. You can find your digital card's voucher code in the confirmation email you received when purchasing this card online (It's a 10-digit code that starts with CC-XXXX-XXX). Please note that if you purchased the card at our store, you can find the voucher code on the back of the card underneath the barcode.
Important: booking a timeslot does NOT activate your City Card.
You can book a timeslot for the Heineken Experience on their website. There, you must enter your voucher code (found in your confirmation email; a 10-digit code starting with CC-XXXX-XXX) or your City Card ID if your card is already activated. You can find your City Card ID in the app underneath the QR code or on the back of your physical card.
No, you don’t need to book a timeslot for a canal cruise. The canal cruise can be redeemed with the City Card at any time between 10:00 and 18:00 every day of the week. Your City Card includes one canal cruise with any participating operator. Choose a departure location nearby and hop on a boat at a time that suits you.
How to use the Total Experience Card
The validity of your Total Experience Card depends on the duration of the card you purchased and starts the moment you activate it.
For example, if you activate a 1-day Total Experience Card at 5:00 p.m., it will remain valid until 5:00 p.m. the following day. The card is valid for consecutive hours, not calendar days.
Good to know: If your Total Experience Card has not yet been activated, it remains valid for one year from the date of purchase.
For example, if you activate a 1-day Total Experience Card at 5:00 p.m., it will remain valid until 5:00 p.m. the following day. The card is valid for consecutive hours, not calendar days.
Good to know: If your Total Experience Card has not yet been activated, it remains valid for one year from the date of purchase.
If you have chosen the digital Total Experience Card, you can activate it via the I amsterdam City Card app by pressing the “Get Started” button. Activate your card when you’re ready to begin your activities.
Download the app here.
Follow these steps after downloading the app:
1. Allow cookies/tracking in the privacy settings.
2. Press Next and continue.
3. Choose whether to allow notifications.
4. Decide if you want to give the app access to your live location while using it.
5. Press the City Card button at the bottom of the app.
6. Click “Add City Card to the app.”
7. Enter your voucher code (found in your confirmation email; a 10-digit code starting with CC-XXXX-XXX).
8. Once you arrive in Amsterdam, press the “Activate card“ button.
9. Start exploring the ins and outs of Amsterdam!
Download the app here.
Follow these steps after downloading the app:
1. Allow cookies/tracking in the privacy settings.
2. Press Next and continue.
3. Choose whether to allow notifications.
4. Decide if you want to give the app access to your live location while using it.
5. Press the City Card button at the bottom of the app.
6. Click “Add City Card to the app.”
7. Enter your voucher code (found in your confirmation email; a 10-digit code starting with CC-XXXX-XXX).
8. Once you arrive in Amsterdam, press the “Activate card“ button.
9. Start exploring the ins and outs of Amsterdam!
You can activate your Total Experience Card whenever you like. Buy the Card at any time, and activate your card when you are ready to start exploring the city. If you choose to get the physical Total Experience Card, your card will be activated when you first use it in Amsterdam. This can be on public transport from GVB or at one of our included locations.
When you purchase multiple Total Experience Cards in one order, they share the same code. Initially, you will have to add the cards to one device where they will appear side by side. From here, you can use both cards from the same device or transfer them through the app.
Follow these steps to share your cards:
From your device:
1. Click on the Transfer cards button
2. Click on Get it, share my card (internet is required)
3. Scan the QR code from the phone you are trying to send the card to
4. When the card is transferred successfully, you will see a confirmation screen and press Done to finish the menu. For multiple cards, repeat this step-by-step.
From the person you are trying to share the card to:
1. Go to the cards menu and click Receive from a friend
2. Click on show my QR code (internet required)
3. Get your QR scanned by the person transferring the cards
4. After getting your device scanned, click on next - click on Get the card
5. If you want to activate the cards: click on Get started, If you don't want to activate click on the X.
Please note that you can only share the cards once.
Follow these steps to share your cards:
From your device:
1. Click on the Transfer cards button
2. Click on Get it, share my card (internet is required)
3. Scan the QR code from the phone you are trying to send the card to
4. When the card is transferred successfully, you will see a confirmation screen and press Done to finish the menu. For multiple cards, repeat this step-by-step.
From the person you are trying to share the card to:
1. Go to the cards menu and click Receive from a friend
2. Click on show my QR code (internet required)
3. Get your QR scanned by the person transferring the cards
4. After getting your device scanned, click on next - click on Get the card
5. If you want to activate the cards: click on Get started, If you don't want to activate click on the X.
Please note that you can only share the cards once.
You can download the I amsterdam City Card app for free on iOS and Android. The app is essential for your visit. It’s easy to use, includes a convenient map, offers personalised recommendations, and lets you save your favourite locations. It also helps you find venues with free entry and exclusive discounts, making it perfect for budget-conscious travellers!
Please note that physical cards cannot be added to the app (you can still download the app to access a convenient map and personalised recommendations).
Please note that physical cards cannot be added to the app (you can still download the app to access a convenient map and personalised recommendations).
Public transport
The Total Experience Card includes unlimited access to public transport within Amsterdam, provided by GVB. This covers trams, metros, buses, and ferries (the white and blue vehicles). Night buses are also included; however, please note that trams and metros stop running after 00:30. For more information, click here. You can also enjoy a free 24-hour bicycle rental.
To use the physical card:
- Tap your card on the check-in sensor when entering the metro, bus, or tram. When you arrive at your destination, tap your card again to check out. Have a great trip!
To use the digital card:
- Open the I amsterdam app on your phone and hold your QR code under the scanner to check in to the metro, bus, or tram. When you arrive at your destination, scan your QR code again to check out. Happy travels!
Need help? If this doesn’t work, ask an employee nearby or watch our short instruction video.
- Tap your card on the check-in sensor when entering the metro, bus, or tram. When you arrive at your destination, tap your card again to check out. Have a great trip!
To use the digital card:
- Open the I amsterdam app on your phone and hold your QR code under the scanner to check in to the metro, bus, or tram. When you arrive at your destination, scan your QR code again to check out. Happy travels!
Need help? If this doesn’t work, ask an employee nearby or watch our short instruction video.
Unfortunately, trains (NS) and other transport services outside of GVB, such as Connexxion, are not included with the Total Experience Card. You can purchase an additional Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket or separate train ticket(s) for these journeys.
You can buy train tickets and check the departure and arrival platforms on the NS website:
- Train tickets from Schiphol to Amsterdam
- Train tickets from Amsterdam to Schiphol
- Train tickets from Schiphol to Amsterdam
- Train tickets from Amsterdam to Schiphol
If you have a physical Total Experience Card, please visit the GVB Ticket office across from Amsterdam Central Station: Stationsplein 6, 1012 AB, Amsterdam, or call +31 900 8011.
If you have a digital Total Experience Card, please visit our I amsterdam Store located at Amsterdam Central Station: De Ruijterkade 28 B–D, 1012 AA Amsterdam.
When you arrive, explain that you were using a valid Total Experience Card but forgot to check out when exiting public transportation.
If you have a digital Total Experience Card, please visit our I amsterdam Store located at Amsterdam Central Station: De Ruijterkade 28 B–D, 1012 AA Amsterdam.
When you arrive, explain that you were using a valid Total Experience Card but forgot to check out when exiting public transportation.
Canal cruises
The following canal cruise operators are included with the Total Experience Card:
- Blue Boat
- LOVERS
- Amsterdam Circle Line Sightseeing
- STROMMA
- Smidtje Canal Cruises
- Amsterdam Boat Cruises
- Mokum Open Boat Tours
All departure point information is available here.
- Blue Boat
- LOVERS
- Amsterdam Circle Line Sightseeing
- STROMMA
- Smidtje Canal Cruises
- Amsterdam Boat Cruises
- Mokum Open Boat Tours
All departure point information is available here.
A cruise through the beautiful Amsterdam canals takes approximately 60-75 minutes.
On most boats, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed. However, you can purchase snacks and beverages on board during the cruise.
Don’t worry! The boats leave every 30 minutes, so you can catch the next one.
Yes, the canal cruise boats have heating, so the temperature on board is also pleasant during the winter.
I have an issue with my Total Experience Card
If you have any questions or concerns about your Total Experience Card, please get in touch with our support team at citycard@iamsterdam.com. We're happy to help!
If you’re having trouble activating your City Card, please try the following steps:
1. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
2. Delete the I amsterdam City Card app.
3. Reinstall the I amsterdam City Card app.
4. Click on the City Card icon in the middle of the bottom navigation bar.
5. Select “Add City Card to the app.”
6. Enter your City Card code (CC-XXXX-XXX), which you can find in your confirmation e-mail.
7. Try activating your card again.
8. If activation still doesn’t work, you can also try clearing your phone’s app cache before reinstalling the app.
9. If activating the card still doesn’t work, please get in touch with citycard@iamsterdam.com or visit the I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Central Station (IJ-zijde): De Ruijterkade 28 B–D, 1012 AA Amsterdam.
Enjoy your time in Amsterdam!
1. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
2. Delete the I amsterdam City Card app.
3. Reinstall the I amsterdam City Card app.
4. Click on the City Card icon in the middle of the bottom navigation bar.
5. Select “Add City Card to the app.”
6. Enter your City Card code (CC-XXXX-XXX), which you can find in your confirmation e-mail.
7. Try activating your card again.
8. If activation still doesn’t work, you can also try clearing your phone’s app cache before reinstalling the app.
9. If activating the card still doesn’t work, please get in touch with citycard@iamsterdam.com or visit the I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Central Station (IJ-zijde): De Ruijterkade 28 B–D, 1012 AA Amsterdam.
Enjoy your time in Amsterdam!
Cancelling a Total Experience Card purchase
If you want to cancel your Total Experience Card order, fill out this cancellation form and provide your reason for cancellation. You can also review the Terms & Conditions.
Important: Refunds are only possible if the card has not been activated. Once the card is activated, cancellation is no longer possible. For any issues, contact citycard@iamsterdam.com.
Important: Refunds are only possible if the card has not been activated. Once the card is activated, cancellation is no longer possible. For any issues, contact citycard@iamsterdam.com.
Please note that you will receive a refund within 10 business days, if the period is longer than this amount of days please get in touch with us at citycard@iamsterdam.com.