Traveling Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is one of the busiest airports and transfer points in Europe, is located about 18 km from the center. Amsterdam has a very fast and effective transportation system so it takes no more than 20 minutes to get to the city center from the airport.
One of the fastest and the most convenient ways to travel into the city from Schiphol is to use the direct railway link between the airport and Amsterdam Centraal station. The only thing you should do is to follow the signs to the train station that is located under the airport. A one-way- ride to the Centraal Station takes about 20 minutes and costs EUR 3.60. Make sure that you buy your ticket before you get on the train as Dutch railway rules are pretty strict making you pay a fine of EUR 35 once you are caught traveling without a valid ticket. Tickets can easily be obtained from the automatic machines located at the airport. The machines work with coins. Payment can be made by credit cards as well.
Another way to get to the city center is to use Connexxion busses. The buses depart in every 10 minutes and they have direct services to many of the hotels in Amsterdam. A one way ride costs EUR 11.00, and the return ticket costs EUR 17.50.
Taxis are also available at the airport. A single ride to the center cost around EUR 30.
Once you get to the city center you will find a very fast and effective transportation system in the city. The fastest and the cheapest way to travel in Amsterdam is cycling of course. If your stay in Amsterdam will be a long one hiring a bicycle would be a convenient way to move from one spot to another in the city. There are bike rental companies near Centraal Station and also in other parts of the city. You can hire a bike for a few hours or daily. It costs around EUR 10 (for 24 hours)
Another means of travel within Amsterdam is to use tram/metro system. In Amsterdam trams and metro are operated by a private company called GVB. A one-way ticket costs EUR 1.60 and it can be bought from the offices at the metro stations and from the automatic machines on the trams. (Make sure you buy your ticket before you got on the metro as there are no machines on metro trains). Your ticket enables you to have a second trip for free within one hour.
An alternative way that would save money while traveling is to buy GVB passes which are valid for 24 hours (EUR 7.00), 48 hours (EUR 11.00), 72 hours (EUR 14.50) and 96 hours (EUR 17.50). They can be obtained from GVB ticket offices (There is one located right across the Centraal Station.)
Strippenkaart is also another way to save money. It can be obtained from major supermarkets, shops, post offices and kiosks.
Trams, metro and busses run until midnight in Amsterdam. However as a city that lives 24 hours a day, night buses connects the city center with the other parts from midnight until 7 am in the morning. Ticket for night buses costs EUR 3.50 and it can be purchased from the driver while getting onto the bus. You catch the busses from the main stop right in front of Centraal Station or from Leidseplein.
Canal buses and canal bikes are also available running in three different routes providing a fast and effective way of transportation within the city.
Renting a car is of course another option. There are car rental agencies at the airport. However, as Amsterdam is a very small city allowing easy access to almost major spots even on foot, renting a car is not a very popular option among travelers
Tulip Inn Amsterdam Riverside 
