If you want to explore the capital of the Netherlands on your own terms, a hop-on hop-off Amsterdam bus tour is a great option. This way, you can visit the attractions you want to see and skip those you don’t — all while not having to worry about which tram or train will get you to your next destination.

Best of all, hop-on hop-off bus tours in Amsterdam visit an eclectic assortment of attractions — making it easy and convenient to plan a tour of this grand old city, no matter your tastes or interests.

Here’s everything you need to know about hop-on hop-off bus tours, some of the most remarkable sightseeing tours in Amsterdam.

What are the best hop-on hop-off Amsterdam bus tours? What are their prices?

Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Amsterdam

This hop-on hop-off bus tour in Amsterdam visits all of the popular tourist attractions, and with over 10 stops to jump off or on from, it really is a no-brainer.

You’ll have access to complimentary Wi-Fi while on board and an audio guide in 16 different languages. All that’s really left for you is to sit back, relax, take in the charm of Amsterdam and decide what’s the next landmark to explore.

And with access to the app, you can disembark at any time and turn the bus tour into an impromptu Amsterdam walking tour! Talk about having it all your way.

Route

The Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus tour follows the red route, which covers more than 10 different pickup and drop-off points. The route, currently the only one in operation, covers all of Amsterdam’s popular attractions, making it a powerhouse amongst Amsterdam city tours.

During winter months, the stop at the De Ruyterkade for the Amsterdam canal tour may be excluded due to inclement weather. Don’t worry though, you’ll still be able to reach and see all the other attractions by bus.

Some of the stops are in parts of the city that oozes history. You’ll be able to embark or disembark at will — enabling you to explore iconic areas like the Jordaan District, the Jewish Quarter, and the area that houses the Heineken Brewery, home to the Heineken Experience.

The stops have been expertly tailored to provide access to the maximum number of landmarks. With one hop-on hop-off bus ticket, you can explore attractions like the infamous Red Light District, the Amsterdam Dungeon, Madame Tussauds and the tour of Anne Frank House.

If culture is more your thing, simply hop off at the Museumplein stop — from where you can visit the likes of the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum or the Moco Museum.

The audio guide to this Amsterdam hop-on-hop-off bus tour is available in over 15 different languages — including Chinese, German, Spanish, French, English, Italian, Portuguese and Russian.

Timetable

There will be an Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus available every 30 minutes, with an entire tour loop taking just over an hour to complete. To see the exact times per stop, you can consult the free accompanying app, and plan a hiccup-free expedition.

The bus operates from Wednesday to Sunday, with the first departure at 9:30 AM — during the winter months — and 9:15 AM during the summer months. The last bus departing is at 4 PM during the winter, and 7 PM during the summer.

The bus always departs from Central Station. If at any moment you are unsure of the next bus or when you should be at your stop, you can consult the free app.

Tickets

A ticket for a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Amsterdam will cost €24 per adult.

A child’s ticket (aged 4 to 13) will cost €12.

Children under the age of 4 are free of charge.

A ticket will grant you access to the hop-on hop-off bus for 24 hours.

How do hop-on hop-off bus tours in Amsterdam work? What is included?

Once you purchase a ticket for an Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus tour, you may get on or off the bus at any of the designated stops through the city of Amsterdam.

Once aboard, you can listen to the audio guide and use the free Wi-Fi the gain further insight into your surroundings.

If you arrive at any area that tickles your fancy, you simply get off, explore the area and its attractions and make your way to the nearest stop.

To help you navigate these intricacies, a free app is available to show you all of the stops and when the next bus will be due. The app also gives you the option of connecting different stops with a free walking tour that visits landmarks along the way.

While all of your transportation needs are taken care of, you need to remember that a bus ticket does not include entrance fees to attractions — these need to be purchased once you arrive at the point of interest.

Finally, a ticket will grant you use of the bus system for 24 hours, from the first time it is used. For instance, if you use your ticket to board a bus at 10:30 AM on a Sunday, your ticket will still be valid until 10:30 AM on Monday.

Are there any combined tickets including hop-on hop-off bus tours?

Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus tour with 1-hour canal tour

You are able to combine your bus ticket with a 1 hour Amsterdam Canal tour, where you’ll be treated to the splendid architecture of Amsterdam’s golden age. Glide down the city’s waterways and discover how this small country came to dominate global trade for almost 300 years.

An Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus tour plus a canal cruise will cost around €40 for an adult, and €20 for a child aged between 4 and 13. Children under the age of 4 may join the tour free of charge.

You do not need to complete the Amsterdam canal tour on the same day that you use your hop-on hop-off ticket.

Are hop-on hop-off bus tours included in any sightseeing passes?

While the Amsterdam City Card — known as the I Am Amsterdam card — does not include access to the hop-on hop-off bus tour, it does include entrance to all of the attractions featured on the tour.

This makes it a wonderful option to use in combination with your bus tickets, providing more bang for your buck.

Travel tips

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, you’ll still spend some of your time walking.
The top of the bus is open during the summer months — wear sunscreen and take an umbrella.
It’s best to start this tour early in the morning to afford yourself enough time to visit all of the attractions.
Take extra drinks and snacks.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Amsterdam