Amersfoort is a charming city in the heart of the Netherlands, offering an efficient and convenient public transport system to explore its historic streets, scenic surroundings, and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, here’s everything you need to know about getting around Amersfoort using public transport.
Also read: How to Get from Schiphol Airport to Amersfoort City Centre
Paying for Your Journey
Amersfoort’s public transport system is easy to use, even if you don’t have an OV-chipkaart (the Dutch travel card). Here are the options:
- Contactless Payment with Debit or Credit Card (OVpay):
Simply check in and out at the start and end of your journey using your contactless debit or credit card. This option is ideal for occasional travelers.- Cost: €0.19 per kilometer.
- Important: Don’t forget to check out at the end of your trip to avoid being overcharged.
- Day Pass:
For just €6, you can enjoy unlimited travel on all bus lines in Amersfoort for an entire day. Perfect for sightseeing! - Kids Travel Free:
Children aged 4 to 11 can travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Up to three children can travel with one adult. No ticket is needed for kids in this age group.
Tickets and Options
If you plan to explore more than just Amersfoort, there are additional ticket options:
- Province of Utrecht Off-Peak Day Ticket:
For €11.40, enjoy unlimited travel across the entire province of Utrecht after 9:00 AM. This ticket covers Syntus Utrecht and U-OV services, allowing you to visit nearby cities like Utrecht and more. - Off-Peak Group Ticket:
Traveling with friends or family? The group ticket costs €6 and allows up to five people to travel together on one ride within Amersfoort during off-peak hours or weekends. - Night Bus Ticket:
Planning a late night out? The night buses connect Amersfoort with cities like Utrecht and Amsterdam, ensuring you get home safely. Night tickets start from €4.75.
Where to Buy Tickets
- In-App Purchases: Many tickets, including the day pass and group tickets, can be purchased directly through the Syntus Utrecht app.
- Service Shops: You can buy tickets at the service shop at Stationsplein 109 Amersfoort.
Tips for Using Public Transport in Amersfoort
Since Amersfoort is not a very large city, you can easily reach almost all the highlights on foot. If you only want to see the city’s main attractions, a bus ticket may not be very useful. Want to get from place to place quickly? In that case, I can recommend two other options for you.
Explore Amersfoort with an OV-Fiets
For a flexible and active way to discover Amersfoort, rent an OV-fiets (public transport bike) at Amersfoort Central Station. These bikes are perfect for exploring the city at your own pace, cycling through the charming streets.
- How it works: You’ll need an OV-chipkaart to rent an OV-fiets. Simply check out a bike at the station and return it to the same location when you’re done. For an additional fee of €10, you can return your OV-fiets to a different station.
- Cost: Rental costs start at just a few euros per day, making it a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option for exploring.
Hop on a CHECK Shared Scooter or E-Bike
For a fun and convenient way to travel short distances, make use of a CHECK shared scooter. These electric scooters are available throughout Amersfoort and are perfect for quick trips or exploring areas not easily reached by public transport.
- How it works: Download the CHECK app, find a scooter nearby, and unlock it with your phone.
- Cost: Pay per minute, making it a flexible option for short rides.
- Bonus: CHECK scooters are environmentally friendly and a great way to enjoy the city while reducing your carbon footprint.
