It is useful before you leave for Amsterdam to know how to get to your accommodation. Most hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts provide information from the nearest tram, bus or rail station/stop. This is indispensable information - when you arrive it is very convenient to know which mode to take.

Let's assume you arrive at Central Station, Amsterdam. Depart the station concourse and you're looking for a building outside that states "GVB Tickets and Info" (you can use the GVB ticket machines in the station but they are not that easy to use, and you might get somebody trying to steal from you). They provide buses and trams for the greater Amsterdam area. The city is divided into zones and your decision may be influenced by the number of zones you need to cross during your stay. For example, your accommodation may be in the south of the city and you may need to cross the zone line when you travel backwards and forwards. There are two options for tourists - the I Amsterdam ticket and the strippenkaart (strip tickets),

This is a long ticket with numbered sections, the amount depending on how much you pay. €20.45 gets you 45 strips for example - ideal if you're staying for a long weekend. You may share the strippenkaart between a number of people. Here's how it works:

You must validate a strip for each zone you pass through, plus add one more. Thus, if your journey starts at the station but you don't need to cross a zonal line, you need to validate two strips. There are two methods of doing this:

1. You validate the necessary strips in the yellow machines found on trams, buses or metro stations
2. You board at the front of the tram or bus and tell the driver where you are going, and how many people need to use the strippenkaart. If two of you are travelling in the central zone, you need four strips validated (stamped).

To validate a strippenkaart yourself, fold the ticket at the necessary strip and insert into the machine where it will date stamp it. If two of you travel, you will do this twice; for example, on your first journey, you will stamp strip 2 and 4.

The strip(s) are valid for up to an hour to complete your journey. The machines give you a little 'grace' time, usually rounding in your favour to the nearest quarter hour. You can change tram or bus, as long as you are within the allocated time. Few bus or tram journeys take longer than one hour. Remember that you must hold a valid ticket for your journey. While ticket checks are infrequent, they do happen. One ploy used is for ticket inspectors to stop a tram between stations, jump on and check all tickets before the next stop! That way there is no escape and a serious fine will follow.

Strippenkaart prices

It costs € 1,60 for a single journey, one zone, € 2,40 3 strips (single journey, two zones), € 6,40, 8 strips (also usable as one-day ticket). The best value is the 15 strips (multiple journey, advance sale only) at € 6,90 or the 45 strips (multiple journey, advance sale only) at € 20,40.

It is possible to buy a ticket from the tram's driver but always much more expensive.

I Amsterdam card

The I Amsterdam card is for tourists and offers unlimited travel on trams, buses and metro in the Amsterdam area. Additionally, the package includes discounts on museums, canal cruises and other attractions. It costs € 33,00 for a 1 day I Amsterdam Card, € 43,00 for 2 days and € 53,00 for 3 days. A card must be bought for each person. They are not valid in Connexxion buses, Arriva buses, BBA buses or NS trains. One card must be bought by each person in your group. The I Amsterdam title is a graphic pun where the first two letters of "Amsterdam" are in a different colour, implying "I am Amsterdam".

How do I decide which is best for us?

If you're going to visit a lot of museums and use the tram for more than three zones at a time, then consider the I Amsterdam card. For everything else the Strippenkaart is best. Why? If you're staying in Amsterdam for 3 days, traveling between two zones and there are two in your group, a 45 Strip card (€20.40) will be sufficient (two zones = 3 strips for each journey; 6 strips used per person each day = 12 strips; 12 x 3 = 36 strips, plus some extra if you need them). Compare this to 2 x 3 Day I Amsterdam cards at €53 x 2 = €106 for three days.

Schiphol Airport - transport options

Most people want to get into the city of Amsterdam, some 10k away. The best method is to get the train; it costs €3.50 for a single (Adult) ticket. It is easy to use and the fastest method is to find an automatic ticket dispensing machine. Here's how it works:

Opt for your chosen language and you get an automatic selection of locations. The most popular are shown - Central Station, Lelylaan and Sloterdijk (suburbs of Amsterdam). If you need to go elsewhere, press the initial letter of your destination.

Having opted for a destination, you now opt for tickets types and classes. Opt for "single" or "return", "First" or "Standard" classes,, "Full fare" or "Concessions" and the number of tickets required. When you complete the final prompt, the price appears and you must opt for your method of payment. Choose from "Credit card", "Debit card/Maestro", "Cash" or "Banknotes". The machines give change and receipts.

The platforms are below the airport concourse and trains run every 15 minutes to Amsterdam Central. The journey takes from 10-15 minutes and is comfortable and enjoyable. If you get a double-decker train, be sure to sit at the top. Normally ticket checks do not take place but it is always possible for the train checker to want to see your ticket.

Amsterdam people (and, of course, the Dutch in general) speak excellent English and are always happy to assist. If you need help, you just have to ask someone politely. Transport staff, in my experience, are most helpful and accommodating.

Above all, enjoy this unique experience of train travel in the Netherlands!