Amsterdam night transport covers you from the moment regular trams stop running (around 00:30) until they start again at 06:00. The city has an excellent night bus (Nachtbus) network of 11 lines running hourly, plus 24-hour ferries, late-night NS trains, taxis, and Uber. This guide explains every option, costs, routes from key nightlife areas, the last-tram cutoff, how to get to Schiphol after midnight, and what to do if you miss the last bus.

When Day Transport Stops

• Trams: last trams leave Centraal Station around 00:15. Outer routes end 23:30-00:00.
• Day buses: end around midnight.
• Metro: last metro from Centraal around 00:30.
• NS trains: from Centraal stop around 00:30; intercity night service only on key corridors.
• Ferries from Centraal to Noord: 24 hours, free.
• OV-fiets bikes: 24 hours.

Between roughly 00:30 and 06:00, your options are night bus, taxi, walking, or biking.

The Night Bus (Nachtbus) Network

• Operator: GVB.
• Hours: 00:30 – 07:30 (last bus leaves around 06:30; service connects to morning trams).
• Frequency: every 60 minutes per line (some lines every 30 min Fri/Sat).
• Lines: 11 lines numbered N81-N93. All start/end at Centraal Station.
• Ticket: €5.70 single (90 minutes); valid on all night buses.
• How to pay: OVpay (contactless card or phone) — tap on at the front of the bus. The driver does NOT sell tickets.
• OV-chipkaart: works but you need credit loaded.
• I amsterdam City Card: valid on night buses.

Key Night Bus Lines

• N81: Centraal → De Pijp → Buitenveldert → Amstelveen.
• N82: Centraal → De Pijp → RAI → Buitenveldert.
• N83: Centraal → Westerpark → Oud-West → Schiphol direction.
• N84: Centraal → Old West → Sloterdijk → Schiphol.
• N85: Centraal → Oosterpark → Oost → Diemen.
• N86: Centraal → Indische Buurt → IJburg.
• N87: Centraal → Noord (Buikslotermeer).
• N88: Centraal → Noord (NDSM/Tuindorp).
• N89: Centraal → Westerpark → Slotermeer.
• N91: Centraal → Zuidoost.
• N93: Centraal → Geuzenveld → Osdorp.

Check the GVB app or 9292.nl for exact stops and times — they vary by night of the week.

Where to Catch Night Buses

• Centraal Station: main hub. All 11 lines depart from the bus station behind the main building.
• Leidseplein: most night bus lines stop here.
• Rembrandtplein: most night bus lines stop here.
• Major nightlife areas: night bus stops are clearly marked with "N" signs.

24-Hour Ferries (Centraal to Noord)

• Routes: 901 (Buiksloterweg), 902 (IJplein), 906 (NDSM-Werf).
• Hours: 901 and 902 run 24/7. 906 runs from approximately 06:30 until 00:30 (limited night service Fri/Sat).
• Frequency: every 6-12 minutes for 901; less often for the others.
• Cost: free.
• Bikes: yes, no charge.

If you’re staying in Noord, the ferry is the easiest way home — it runs all night.

Late-Night NS Trains

• Centraal to Schiphol: hourly night trains Fri/Sat (and nights before public holidays) from 01:00 to 05:00. Other nights, last train ~00:30, first train ~05:00.
• Centraal to Utrecht/Rotterdam/The Hague: hourly night service Fri/Sat on the major intercity lines.
• Tickets: same as day trains; use OVpay or NS app.
• Comfort: trains are quiet, often empty between 01:00 and 04:00.

Getting to Schiphol After Midnight

• NS night train (Fri/Sat only): hourly from Centraal. 15-minute journey. €5.40.
• GVB Night Bus N83 / N84: pass through Schiphol Plaza. 35-50 minutes. €5.70.
• Connexxion 397 Amsterdam Airport Express: from Leidseplein 24/7 every 30 min day, hourly at night. €7-8.
• Taxi: €45-55 from city centre to Schiphol; allow 25-40 minutes.
• Uber: €30-45; quicker booking than calling a taxi.
• Schiphol Travel Taxi / shuttle services: pre-bookable.

Recommendation: for early flights (before 08:00), stay at a Schiphol-area hotel the night before. See our Schiphol airport guide.

Taxis & Uber at Night

• Licensed taxi ranks: Centraal Station, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, Spui, Dam Square. Look for the official blue cab stripe.
• Hail on street: legal but rare in central Amsterdam at night.
• Apps: TCA (Taxicentrale Amsterdam), Bolt, Uber, FREE NOW.
• Typical fare: €12-20 across the city centre; €40-55 to Schiphol; €20-30 to outer suburbs.
• Surcharges: legitimate at night, especially weekends (small premium of 10-15%).
• Card payment: standard; cash also accepted.
• Avoid unmarked "tip" taxis — common around nightlife areas, often overcharge.

Cycling Home at Night

• Most locals cycle home — Amsterdam is flat, well-lit, and small enough that everywhere is within a 20-minute ride.
• Bike lights required: front white, rear red. Fines if caught without.
• Drunk cycling laws: blood alcohol limit 0.5‰ — same as driving. Police give large fines.
• Lock properly: two locks, frame and wheel.
• OV-fiets: cheap public bike rental, 24-hour access at Centraal Station with subscription.
• Rental bikes: most rentals can be returned the next morning to the shop.

Walking Home

• Amsterdam is small — walking is practical for most centre-to-centre journeys (10-25 minutes).
• Lighting: most central streets are well-lit.
• Safety: low crime; just standard urban precautions.
• Watch the canals: drunk people fall in every year; stay back from edges.
• Use Google Maps walk mode with downloaded offline map.

Getting Home from Major Nightlife Areas

• Leidseplein: night buses N81/82/83/84/85/86/87/88/89/91/93 stop here; taxi rank; 8-minute walk to Centraal.
• Rembrandtplein: same lines stop here; taxi rank; 12-minute walk to Centraal.
• Red Light District: walk 5-10 minutes to Centraal; abundant taxis on Damrak.
• Westergasfabriek / Westerpark: night bus N89 or N83; or 25-minute walk to Centraal.
• NDSM-Werf: ferry 906 stops at 00:30 (resumes 06:30); take taxi or shuttle 901 ferry.
• Paradiso / Melkweg: 3 minutes’ walk to Leidseplein bus stops.

How to Pay for Night Transport

• OVpay (recommended): tap your contactless debit/credit card or smartphone at the front of the bus. €5.70 charged.
• OV-chipkaart anonymous: traditional Dutch travel card, requires €4 deposit and loading credit. Useful for longer trips.
• 1-day pass: €9-9.50, includes night buses, available at Centraal Station ticket machines.
• I amsterdam City Card: includes night buses for the duration.
• Mobile tickets via GVB app — buy on the bus stop.

For day-time transport tickets, see our Amsterdam tram guide.

Special Nights: King’s Night, NYE, Pride

• King’s Night (26 April): extended night bus frequencies; expect crowds at bus stops.
• New Year’s Eve / Day: full 24-hour service on key lines; trams run until 02:00. From midnight to ~02:00, expect packed services and street closures for fireworks.
• Pride (first Saturday of August): extended evening service; Canal Parade closes some bridges.
• Festival nights at Westerpark / NDSM: extra shuttle buses to Centraal.

Practical Tips

• Use 9292.nl or the GVB app to plan night journeys.
• Don’t rely on Google Maps for late-night transit — it sometimes shows day routes.
• Be at the bus stop 10 minutes early — hourly buses are punctual but unforgiving.
• Bring a charged phone for OVpay and maps.
• Have €20 cash as backup for a taxi.
• Take the ferry if you’re in Noord — easiest and free.
• Avoid Damrak for taxis late at night — overcharging is common.
• Schiphol from 04:00 onwards: NS trains restart; cheaper than overnight taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do trams stop running in Amsterdam?

Last trams from Centraal Station leave around 00:15. Outer routes stop slightly earlier.

How often do night buses run?

Hourly on each line between 00:30 and 07:30. Some routes run every 30 minutes Fri/Sat.

How much is a night bus ticket?

€5.70 for a single ticket (90 minutes unlimited transfers on night buses).

Can I take a night train to Schiphol?

Only on Friday and Saturday nights (and the night before a public holiday): hourly between 01:00 and 05:00. Other nights, take a night bus or taxi.

Is Uber available in Amsterdam?

Yes — widely available, often cheaper than licensed taxis.

How safe is night transport in Amsterdam?

Very safe. Night buses are CCTV-equipped; drivers are professional; passengers are mostly returning club-goers. Standard precautions apply. See our safety guide.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam’s night transport is one of Europe’s best — comprehensive night bus coverage, 24/7 ferries, late trains on weekends, and easy taxis. The trick is knowing when the day trams stop (00:15) and using OVpay or your bank card to tap on. If you’re going to Schiphol after midnight, plan your route in advance: night bus, weekend night train, or taxi. For most local journeys, you’re never more than 25 minutes from home — even at 4am.

For more, see our Getting Around pillar, our tram guide, and our Schiphol guide.