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Amsterdam's public transport network (GVB) is one of Europe's most developed. Trams, metro, buses, and ferries cover the city efficiently. For pet owners, the rules are clear and fairly generous: small dogs in a carry bag travel free on all GVB services, while larger dogs need a day ticket. The city is also extraordinarily cycle-friendly. Cargo bikes (bakfietsen) are the local answer to travelling with a dog, and the flat terrain makes it practical for everyone.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tram & Metro (GVB) | Small dogs in a carrier bag: free. Dogs larger than a carrier bag: day ticket required (€8). Maximum 1 dog per passenger. Dogs must not occupy seats. | 💡 Avoid rush hours (07:30–09:00, 16:30–18:30) with large dogs. Trams get extremely crowded. |
| Bus (GVB & Connexxion) | Same rules as tram/metro. Small dogs in bags: free. Larger dogs: day ticket required, at driver's discretion on night buses. | 💡 Night buses (N-lines) are more relaxed about large dogs if the bus isn't busy. |
| Intercity Train (NS) | Small dogs in carrier (max 45cm): free. Larger dogs: dog day ticket (€3.50). Dogs must sit on floor or owner's lap only. Not permitted in first class without arrangement. | 💡 Buy the dog day ticket at any NS ticket machine before boarding. Inspectors do check. |
| Bicycle (Fiets) | No official restriction. Small dogs can be carried in a front basket or cargo bike (bakfiets). Large dogs can run alongside. Keep them on the right side, away from traffic. | 💡 Rent a cargo bike (bakfiets) from MacBike or Rent-a-Bike. Ideal for carrying small dogs or bags. |
| Free Ferry (GVB) | Free ferries cross the IJ river from behind Amsterdam Central Station. Dogs travel free. Bikes allowed. Runs 24/7 with departures every 5–15 minutes. | 💡 Essential for reaching Amsterdam Noord (NDSM, Pllek, Eye Film Museum). Faster and more scenic than any alternative. |
| Taxi / Uber | Uber drivers can legally decline pets. Standard taxis (Taxicentrale Amsterdam: +31 20 777 7777) are generally accepting of dogs in a carrier or well-behaved dogs on the floor. | 💡 For airport transfers with a large dog, book a pet-friendly taxi in advance via Taxicentrale Amsterdam. |
GVB official app and journey planner: gvb.nl/en. Buy tram/metro/bus tickets, check live departures, and plan routes. NS national rail: ns.nl/en. Buy train tickets, check schedules, and purchase dog day tickets online. OV-chipkaart: the universal public transport smart card for the Netherlands. Reload at any NS or GVB machine.
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