Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket: Your Key to Exploring Beyond the City

Planning to explore not just Amsterdam but also the charming towns, beaches, windmills, and countryside around it? The Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket (often abbreviated as ARTT) is your best friend when navigating the broader Amsterdam metropolitan area. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more hidden gems, this handy travel pass offers unlimited convenience and savings.

What Is the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket?

The Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket is a special multi-day public transport pass designed for tourists. It offers unlimited travel on all public transport operated by:

• GVB (trams, buses, metro, ferries in Amsterdam)
• Connexxion (regional buses, including the Airport Express 397)
• EBS (regional buses, especially to towns like Volendam)
• NS trains (2nd class) in the Amsterdam region

This ticket is valid for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive calendar days. The clock starts ticking from your first check-in and runs until 04:00 AM after the last valid day.

Why Choose the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket?

While Amsterdam’s city center is walkable, many of the Netherlands’ most picturesque spots lie just outside the capital. With this ticket, you can hop on a bus or train and explore without worrying about buying separate tickets or understanding the Dutch OV-chipkaart system.

Popular destinations you can access with the ticket include:

• Volendam – the famous fishing village with traditional houses and cheese shops
• Zaanse Schans – an open-air museum with iconic windmills
• Keukenhof (seasonal) – the world-famous tulip garden
• Haarlem – a charming medieval city often called a smaller Amsterdam
• Zandvoort – a beach town great for sunny days
• Schiphol Airport – easy access to and from the airport

This is ideal for travelers who want a mix of urban exploration and scenic day trips – all with one pass.

Ticket Prices and Validity

As of 2025, here are the official prices:

• 1-day pass: €21.00
• 2-day pass: €31.50
• 3-day pass: €40.50

Each pass is valid for unlimited travel on the specified days. Note: these are calendar days (midnight to 04:00 AM the next day), not 24-hour periods.

You must check in and out for every ride – whether it’s a tram, bus, metro, or train – using the card's NFC chip.

Where to Buy the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket

You can buy the ticket:

• At Schiphol Airport (Public Transport Service Desk, AKO bookshops)
• Amsterdam Central Station (GVB service points, vending machines)
• GVB ticket machines at metro stations
• Online via the Discover Holland website
• Selected hotels and tourist information centers (VVV)

The physical ticket is a paper OV-chipkaart with an RFID chip inside, so no smartphone app or phone validation is needed.

How to Use It Like a Local

Here are some practical tips for getting the most out of your Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket:

• Always check in and out. Even though it's unlimited travel, you must tap your card at the card readers when boarding and exiting any transport.
• Plan your route in advance. Use the NS and 9292.nl apps to see which buses/trains are included and track departure times in real time.
• Start early. Since it's valid by calendar days, the earlier you start, the more value you get.
• Combine attractions. Visit Zaanse Schans and Volendam in one day, or Haarlem and Zandvoort together for a mix of culture and coast.

Who Should Buy This Ticket?

This ticket is perfect for:

• Tourists planning day trips around Amsterdam
• Families or groups who want hassle-free travel
• Travelers arriving at Schiphol and staying in nearby towns
• Photographers or culture lovers looking for authentic Dutch scenery

If you're staying strictly within Amsterdam city limits and not venturing out, the GVB Day Ticket might be enough. But if you're even remotely curious about windmills, tulips, or cheese-making villages – get the ARTT.

Limitations and Things to Know

While the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket is flexible, here are a few things to be aware of:

• Not valid on Thalys or Intercity Direct trains that require a supplement
• Not valid for travel beyond the defined Amsterdam region (e.g., Utrecht, The Hague)
• Only available in 1, 2, or 3-day formats (no weekly or monthly version)

Always check for service updates, especially during national holidays or strikes.

Summary: Is the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket Worth It?

Absolutely – if you're planning to explore outside the main city. It’s cost-effective, time-saving, and covers a wide area including airport transport. It lets you travel like a local without worrying about separate fares. You’ll enjoy the freedom to explore Dutch towns, beaches, countryside, and more with a single ticket in your pocket.

If you're the kind of traveler who wants to get off the beaten path and dive deeper into the Netherlands, this ticket is a must-have.

FAQ

• Does the ticket cover travel from Schiphol to Amsterdam?
  Yes, including the Connexxion Bus 397 and NS train to Central Station.
• Can I use this ticket for night buses?
  Yes, on most night buses within the valid region, but double-check route eligibility.
• Can I use the ticket for travel to Keukenhof?
  Yes, during tulip season with specific Keukenhof Express buses included.
• Do children need their own ticket?
  Yes, children over 4 usually need their own travel ticket. Kids under 4 generally travel free.