Trams and Buses

Tram Accessibility

Trams are the most common form of public transit in Amsterdam, with 16 routes covering the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. Most newer trams are wheelchair accessible, but older models remain in service and present barriers.

Newer Trams (Combino and 15G)

The newer Combino and 15G tram models have low floors with level entry and wheelchair-accessible doors marked with a wheelchair symbol. These trams have:

• Wide doors that accommodate standard and most power wheelchairs.
• Designated wheelchair spaces with priority seating.
• Foldable ramps that conductors can deploy when there is a gap between the platform and tram.

The accessible door is usually the fourth door from the front. Look for the wheelchair icon on the outside of the tram.

Older Tram Models

Some older trams still operate on certain routes. These have steps to enter, with one low entrance in the middle of the vehicle. If you cannot manage steps, wait for the next tram and check whether it is a newer low-floor model.

Which Tram Lines Are Best?

There is no single "fully accessible" line. Newer trams run on most lines, but you may occasionally get an older model. Lines that run through the city center (such as lines 2, 4, 11, 12, 14, and 24) tend to use newer rolling stock more often.

Bus Accessibility

All GVB buses in Amsterdam have low floors and deployable ramps. The bus driver operates the ramp from the driver's seat. Board through the middle door, which is the widest and has the wheelchair symbol.

Each bus has at least one designated wheelchair space, usually near the middle door. Wheelchair users have priority over passengers with strollers or scooters for this space.

Night Buses

Night buses operate on weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) after regular tram and metro service ends. These buses follow different routes than daytime services but are also low-floor and wheelchair accessible. Check the GVB website for night bus routes and schedules.

Paying for Trams and Buses

You need an OV-chipkaart or a contactless bank card (Visa or Mastercard) to travel on trams and buses. Tap in when you board and tap out when you exit.

Buy disposable OV-chipkaart cards or day passes at ticket machines in metro stations, at GVB service desks, or at some supermarkets and convenience stores. Reusable OV-chipkaart cards cost 7.50 euros.

Tips for Wheelchair Users on Trams

• Position yourself at the right door. Stand near the marked wheelchair door (usually the fourth door) at the tram stop. The conductor may not see you if you are at the far end of the stop.
• Signal the driver. Make eye contact with the driver or wave to indicate you need the ramp deployed.
• Peak hours are crowded. Morning (7:30 to 9:00 AM) and evening (5:00 to 6:30 PM) rush hours mean packed trams. The wheelchair space may be blocked by standing passengers. Traveling outside these times is much easier.
• Ask for help. Conductors on newer trams are usually willing to help clear the wheelchair space and deploy the ramp. Press the assistance button inside the tram if you need help.

Tram vs. Bus vs. Metro