daily train travel card

• Places to Visit
• Sightseeing
• Practical Tips
• Where to Stay

London Underground Tickets & Travelcards

The Travelcard is a transport pass for London that gives you unlimited travel in London within certain zones . The prices vary according to the number of zones you need to travel through. Central London is in zone 1.

Travelcards are valid for 1 day, 7 days, 1 month or 1 year.

The passes are valid for travel on all types of transport in London including:

• the Underground (the tube)
• the local suburban trains within London
• the Elizabeth Line (not west of West Drayton)
• the Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• the London Overground
• the buses all over London. A Travelcard for any zone allows you to use the buses in all zones (zones 1-6)

The 3 Day Travelcard, weekend Travelcard, Zone 1-2 & 2-6 One Day Travelcards are no longer available.

Visiting London for 1-7 days? See our guide to London’s transport tickets & passes . The Travelcard may not be the best ticket for your stay.

Single Underground Tickets

Single paper tickets on the London underground are expensive if you buy them from a tube station ticket machine:

• £6.70 for one journey in zone 1 (central London) and between zone 1 and zones 2 to 6
• See single ticket prices for all zones .

One Day Travelcards: 2024 prices

Using a Pay as you go Oyster card or a contactless card are the cheapest ways to pay for travel if you’re in London for 1-5 days. The daily cap is £8.50 per day for zones 1-2

If you really don’t want to use an Oyster card or don’t have a contactless card, the One Day Travelcard is the next best money-saving pass.

The paper Off peak One Day Travelcard for zone 1-6 is  £15.90. This is expensive, but still cheaper than paying the full cash fare for 3 underground trips in central London (3 x £6.70 = £20.10 ).

One Day Travelcard fares 2024

Peak v anytime travelcards.

One Day Travelcard prices are different if you travel during peak or off-peak times:

Anytime Travelcard Valid for travel at anytime. Off-Peak Travelcard For travel after 9.30am Monday–Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Top Tip: An Off-Peak One Day Travelcard for zones 1–6 costs  £10.40 with a Railcard .

Weekly Travelcards: 2024 prices

If you stay in London for 6–7 days and use the underground, trains, and buses every day, the weekly Travelcard is the most cost-effective travel pass.

The one-week pass including central London (zones 1-2) is  £42.70.

• It can start on any day of the week
• It’s valid for travel at anytime; there is no peak or off-peak rate.

Most places sell weekly Travelcards loaded onto a plastic Oyster card. There’s a £7 fee for the Oyster card.

Your fare on an Oyster card will automatically cap at the weekly Travelcard fare (this is already available on contactless cards). The cap starts on Monday and ends Sunday, so it mainly benefits Londoners or those working in London.

Weekly Travelcard fares 2024

• See weekly Travelcards prices for all other zones (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Monthly Travelcards: 2024 prices

For longer stays in London, monthly Travelcards are available. You won’t save much compared to buying 4 x weekly Travelcards – but you’ll save time renewing it. Like the weekly Travelcard, it can start on any day of the week and is valid for travel at any time. See monthly Travelcard prices for all other zones (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Monthly Travelcards 2024

Where to buy travelcards.

One day, weekly and monthly Travelcards are available from:

Underground stations

Travelcards are available from all underground station ticket machines (there are no longer any underground tickets offices). The busier stations in central London have staff to help you use the machines.

Local shops and newsagents

Travelcards are also available from Oyster ticket stops . These are newsagents and local shops licensed to sell London transport tickets and Oyster cards. One Day Travelcards are not available from Oyster ticket stops.

London train stations

One Day Travelcards are available from all London train station ticket offices and ticket macines. Paper weekly and monthly Travelcards are no longer available from train stations . They are available to buy, but they are loaded onto an Oyster card and may only be available from ticket machines, not ticket offices.

London Transport Visitor Centres

TfL Visitor Centres at Victoria train station, Kings Cross/St Pancras International station, Heathrow Terminal 2 & 3 tube staion, Liverpool St station & Piccadilly Circus tube station.

How to use a Travelcard

On the underground.

If you have a paper One Day Travelcard or single ticket from a ticket machine, insert the card into the slot on the front of the ticket barrier. The barrier opens when you take the ticket from behind the yellow reader, on the top.

If you have a paper One Day Travelcard, just show it to the driver when boarding the bus.

See How to use an Oyster card if you have a weekly Travelcard on an Oyster card.

Top Tip: Do you want a cheaper way to travel around central London? If you only travel by bus , it costs £5.25 per day or £24.70 per week.

Related pages

• Guide to London’s transport tickets
• Weekly and monthly Travelcards for zones 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
• Oyster card
• How to use a contactless card to pay for transport
• Bus tickets & passes
• London Transport zones

Last updated: 22 February 2024

Transport tickets & passes

• Guide to London's transport tickets
• One day & weekly Travelcards
• Zone 2–6 weekly Travelcards
• Bus tickets & passes
• Oyster single tickets
• Oyster card refunds
• Contactless cards
• Child tickets & passes
• Local train tickets

Useful information

• Plan your journey
• London transport zones

Popular pages

• Left luggage offices
• Congestion Charge
• 2 for 1 discounts at London attractions
• Oyster cards
• Top free museums & galleries
• Cheap eating tips
• Heathrow to London by underground

Copyright 2010-2024 toptiplondon.com. All rights reserved. Contact us | Disclaimer | Privacy

• Delay Repay |
• Accessibility Tools
• You are not signed in
• Buy tickets You have no items in your basket

Cheap ticket alerts

• Rangers and Rovers
• Flexi Season ticket
• Weekly season ticket
• Monthly season ticket
• Monthly plus season ticket
• Annual season ticket
• Using a smartcard
• Oyster cards and contactless
• Contactless PAYG extension
• Changes to peak times and tickets on some routes
• Advance tickets
• Anytime tickets
• Off-Peak tickets
• GroupSave train tickets
• Group Travel train tickets
• Evening Out tickets
• Sunday Out tickets
• Super Off-Peak tickets
• Semi Flex Return tickets

London Travelcards

• TfL Off Peak Fridays
• Tap2Go pay as you go travel
• 16-17 Saver
• 16-25 Railcard
• 26-30 Railcard
• Two Together Railcard
• Disabled Persons Railcard
• Family and Friends Railcard
• HM Forces Railcard
• Veterans Railcard
• Network Railcard
• Senior Railcard
• Paying with Apple Pay
• Paying with Google Pay
• Family train tickets
• Combined ferry and train tickets
• Price promise
• Business Direct
• Industrial action
• Train times
• Download SWR timetables
• Changes to your journey
• How busy is my train?
• Live times and updates
• Planned engineering works details
• May engineering work
• June engineering work
• July engineering work
• Platform zoning pilot scheme
• Network map
• Car parking
• Live station car parking
• Onward travel
• InPost parcel lockers
• Free Wi-Fi at our stations
• Airport links
• Class 158 "Express Sprinter"
• Class 159 "South Western Turbo"
• Class 444 "Desiro"
• Class 450 "Desiro"
• Class 458 "Juniper"
• Class 707 "Desiro City"
• What can you bring on board?
• First Class
• Window Seater
• Assisted Boarding Points
• Accessibility
• Assistance dogs
• Discounted fares
• Sunflower lanyards
• Wheelchairs, scooters and ramps
• Travel Assistance Card
• Travelling with a bike
• Travelling with kids
• A student's guide to train travel
• Travelling with pets
• Customer Council
• Meet the Manager
• Ticket checks and revenue protection
• Safeguarding
• Our performance
• National Rail Passenger Survey
• Our service quality report
• Destinations
• Things to do
• Day trips and breaks
• Business Life
• Local Highlights
• Sights and attractions

SWR Rewards

• Jack Reacher competition
• 2FOR1 Offers
• Upgrading the Island Line
• Heritage railways
• Delay Repay
• Changing your train tickets
• Strike ticket acceptance, refunds and compensation
• Making a claim after disruption
• Lost property
• Smartcard help and support
• Make a complaint
• My Account |
• Accessibility Tools |
• Cheap train tickets
• Season tickets
• Smart tickets
• Ticket types
• Railcards and discount cards
• How to buy train tickets
• Planned improvements
• Planned engineering calendar
• Engineering work weekly summary
• Our train stations
• On board facilities
• Assisted travel
• Customer Experience
• Staying safe
• Performance
• Where Next travel blog
• Competitions
• Island Line
• Train ticket refunds

You’re being redirected to an external website.

• Train tickets /
• Ticket types /

The cheap and convenient way to travel around London

Buy train tickets to any destination in britain – no booking fee.

• Popular stations
• London Waterloo (WAT)
• Surbiton (SUR)
• Woking (WOK)
• Winchester (WIN)
• Guildford (GLD)
• Southampton Central (SOU)
• Basingstoke (BSK)
• Farnborough (Main) (FNB)
• Bournemouth (BMH)
• Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)

What’s a London Travelcard?

A London Travelcard is a ticket type that allows unlimited travel for a certain amount of time on:

• The London Underground within zones 1-4 or 1-6
• Docklands Light Railway
• Most National Rail Services in London

It also offers discounts on Emirates flights and a third off River Boat fares on selected services.

Be the first to hear when our cheapest Advance tickets go on sale

Buying a ticket with us just got more rewarding!

Which London Travelcard is right for me?

One day london travelcards.

There are two types of One Day London Travel cards:

Anytime Day Travelcards: you can use these anytime on the date shown on your ticket, until 4:30 am the following day.

Off-Peak Day Travelcards: you can use these from 9:30 am Monday – Friday and at any time on weekends and bank holidays on the date on your ticket, until 4:30 am the following day.

London Weekly Travelcard

The London Weekly Travelcard offers 7 days of travel for the price of 5.

Monthly London Travelcard

Monthly Travelcards are typically more cost-effective than buying consecutive 7-day ones. You’ll save 11% on your journeys if you go for the monthly option.

Weekend London Travelcard

The Weekend Travelcard is valid for 2 consecutive weekend days (Saturday, Sunday, or a bank holiday). You can make a return journey from the start station to the Travelcard zones on each of the 2 days, and get unlimited travel in London Zones 1-6 on the eligible days.

Group One Day London Travelcard

Travelling as a group of 10 or more? Get a Group One Day London Travelcard. It’s valid for the day from 9:30 am (Monday to Friday), anytime on weekends or public holidays right up until 4:30 am the next day.

London Travelcard season tickets

We have various London Travelcard Season Ticket options, including:

Your Travelcard season ticket can start on any day of the week, and you can travel right up until 4:30 am on the day after your travelcard expires.

How do I get a London Travelcard?

You can get a travelcard when you buy an Anytime , Off-Peak , Super Off Peak , Advance or season (except Flexi Season ) train ticket to London on our website, SWR app or at your local station.

You can add London Travelcards to your SWR touch smartcard , making it easier for you to tap in and out across the capital.

Travelling outside the area covered by your Travelcard

If you have a Travelcard, then you are permitted to use any services within its Zones (subject to the time restrictions of the Travelcard). If you wish to travel beyond the Zones permitted by your Travelcard, then you can purchase a Boundary Zone ticket to or from the station outside of those Zones.

For example, if you have a 7-Day Zones 1 to 3 Travelcard and wanted to travel to Shepperton, you can buy a Boundary Zone 3 to Shepperton Day Return ticket from any staffed ticket office or from our self-service ticket machines. The train you are on does not need to call at a station within Zone 3 to be valid. Boundary Zone tickets can also be sold in the opposite direction (e.g. Shepperton to Boundary Zone 3).

How to get your tickets

Email, post, print at home, download or collect from the station

Find out if you could save up to 34% off your train tickets with one of the many Railcards

Ticket offers

From half price train tickets to seasonal discounts.

I want to...

See ticket offers

Be inspired

Check live train times

Read the latest news

Book travel assistance

Check engineering works

Engineering works will affect your journey

You need to enable JavaScript in your browser to see Live train arrivals and departures through this website� (and also instructions on how to enable JavaScript)

Milan Transport Tickets and Travel Cards

One-way tickets, 24 or 72-hour passes, weekly travel cards... discover all the types of ticket and transport cards available in Milan .

All the tickets and travel cards are valid for all of Milan’s means of transport: urban buses , trams , Milan Metro and urban trains.

You can purchase the transport tickets in the various metro stations, in the off-licenses and in any of Milan’s parking meters. From 2020 you'll have to load tickets onto an electronic card, RicaricaMi, of personal use.

Most useful tickets for tourists

Single ticket.

A single ticket covers areas Mi1, Mi2, and Mi3 and is  valid for 90 minutes since it is first punched into the validating machine. You can change metro lines during this time, but you cannot leave the metro station and then come back and use the same ticket . The price of a single urban ticket costs € 2 ( US$ 2.20).

24-hour travel card

The one-day travel card is valid for 24 hours since it's first punched into a validating machine. This means that if you validate your travel pass at 1:30 pm you can use the transport until 1:30 pm the next day. It covers areas Mi1, Mi2, and Mi3 and costs  € 7 ( US$ 7.50) .

72-hour travel card

The three-day travel card permits unlimited travel and is valid for 72   hours since it's first validated, costing € 12 ( US$ 12.90).

Ticket for your luggage

You'll sometimes have to buy a separate ticket for your luggage, depending on its size, and note that if you have more than one suitcase, you might not be allowed to get on the metro, tram, or bus.

The suitcases which can be carried onboard are very similar to the dimensions of the ones allowed on an airplane. The small ones (50 centimeters) are allowed on for free and the larger ones (50 x 90 centimeters) must have their own Luggage ticket. Suitcases over 90 cm are not allowed on Milan’s public transport, so you might want to think about taking another means of transport because you could be fined if your luggage is too large.

Other tickets and travel cards

10 standard tickets.

The price of 10 standard tickets is € 18 ( US$ 19.40), which saves you a little money compared to if you were to purchase 10 separate single tickets. This ticket can only be used by one person.

Weekly 2x6 ticket

This travel card is not very useful for visitors. It allows you to travel twice a day for 6 days during the same week for € 8.40 ( US$ 9).

Evening ticket

This ticket gives you unlimited access from 8 pm until the end of the service . The price of the ticket costs € 3 ( US$ 3.20).

Special tickets for the Fiera Milano (Rho Fiera)

A ticket to the Fiera Milano on Milan Metro’s line 1 costs € 2.55 ( US$ 2.70) per journey. This ticket will allow you to change lines and take other means of transport for 105 minutes after first validating it.

Travel Cards

As well as the already mentioned tickets, Milan’s public transport system also has weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards. These cards are not so useful for tourists unless you're planning on staying in Milan for over a week, as the card itself costs € 10 ( US$ 10.80).

Further Information

For more detailed information on the prices and types of tickets available on the Milan public transport network click here .

You may also be interested in

Comfortable but cheap, taxis in Milan can always get you out of a jam. Learn their fares and some advice in case you have to use them.

Milan is home to one of the most prestigious fashion shows in the world (Milan Fashion Week) and some of the best Fashion Schools; making it the perfect place to freshen up your wardrobe. Discover where and what to buy in Milan.

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail

Get a Railcard

Just a few journeys and it's paid for!

Choose your Railcard  

Find your Railcard

Over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with one of our Railcards. Which one will you get?

16-25 Railcard

For those aged 16-25, save a 1/3 off rail fares for days out, seeing family and friends and even festivals!

Senior Railcard

For those aged 60 and over, save 1/3 off rail fares for days out, holidays, seeing family and friends, and theatre trips!

Two Together Railcard

For two named people travelling together, get an average annual saving of £129 plus special partner discounts!

Disabled Persons Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, you may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard

26-30 Railcard

Valid for those aged 26-30. For just £30, save 1/3 on most rail fares to travel across Britain for a year!

Family & Friends Railcard

Children aged 5-15 get 60% discount on kids fares! Up to four adults and four children can travel on one card.

Network Railcard

For those travelling in the South East, aged 16 or over. Get an average annual saving of £191 plus partner discounts.

For those aged 16 or 17. Enjoy 50% off standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets, for just £30 a year.

Veterans Railcard

If you are a veteran of the UK Armed Forces, you may qualify for a Veterans Railcard. Save a 1/3 on most rail fares.

Help me choose

Need help getting or using your Railcard?

Need help? Find out everything you need to know about purchasing, using and renewing your Railcard.

How do I renew my Railcard online?

If you bought your Railcard online, you will be able to renew it when it is within 30 days of the expiry date.

Railcards bought at a train station cannot be renewed online.

What is the digital Railcard download code?

If you bought a digital Railcard, you will need a download code to add your Railcard to your Railcard app.

Your digital Railcard download code will be sent to your registered email address after purchase. You can also generate a new download code by logging into your account.

How do I get cheap train tickets?

With a Railcard you can get 1/3 off the price of most train fares.

This guide contains ways to get cheap train tickets, including getting the most out of your Railcard, finding promotions and booking in advance.

How to do I log into my account?

If you are having trouble logging in or have forgotten your password, follow this guide to quickly get access to your Railcard account.

Can I get a refund due to COVID?

We understand the restrictions due to COVID mean some Railcard customers haven’t made all of the journeys they had planned. After careful consideration the government has confirmed to us that Railcards will remain non-refundable and will not be extended. 

• Credit Cards
• All Credit Cards
• Find the Credit Card for You
• Best Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best 0% APR Credit Cards
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
• Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
• Find the Best Personal Loan for You
• Best Personal Loans
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans
• Best Loans to Refinance Credit Card Debt
• Best Loans with Fast Funding
• Best Small Personal Loans
• Best Large Personal Loans
• Best Personal Loans to Apply Online
• Best Student Loan Refinance
• Best Car Loans
• All Banking
• Find the Savings Account for You
• Best High Yield Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Checking Accounts
• Best No Fee Checking Accounts
• No Overdraft Fee Checking Accounts
• Best Checking Account Bonuses
• Best Money Market Accounts
• Best Credit Unions
• All Mortgages
• Best Mortgages
• Best Mortgages for Small Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for No Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for Average Credit Score
• Best Mortgages No Origination Fee
• Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• Affording a Mortgage
• All Insurance
• Best Life Insurance
• Best Life Insurance for Seniors
• Best Homeowners Insurance
• Best Renters Insurance
• Best Car Insurance
• Best Pet Insurance
• Best Boat Insurance
• Best Motorcycle Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance
• Event Ticket Insurance
• Small Business
• All Small Business
• Best Small Business Savings Accounts
• Best Small Business Checking Accounts
• Best Credit Cards for Small Business
• Best Small Business Loans
• Best Tax Software for Small Business
• Personal Finance
• All Personal Finance
• Best Budgeting Apps
• Best Expense Tracker Apps
• Best Money Transfer Apps
• Best Resale Apps and Sites
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Apps
• Best Debt Relief
• Credit Monitoring
• All Credit Monitoring
• Best Credit Monitoring Services
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• How to Boost Your Credit Score
• Best Credit Repair Companies
• Filing For Free
• Best Tax Software
• Best Tax Software for Small Businesses
• Tax Refunds
• Tax Brackets
• Taxes By State
• Tax Payment Plans
• Help for Low Credit Scores
• All Help for Low Credit Scores
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
• Personal Loans if You Don't Have Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Building Credit
• Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score Lower
• Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower
• Best Mortgages for Bad Credit
• Best Hardship Loans
• All Investing
• Best IRA Accounts
• Best Roth IRA Accounts
• Best Investing Apps
• Best Free Stock Trading Platforms
• Best Robo-Advisors
• Index Funds
• Mutual Funds
• Home & Kitchen
• Gift Guides
• Deals & Sales
• Sign up for the CNBC Select Newsletter
• Subscribe to CNBC PRO
• Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Terms Of Service
• CNBC Sitemap

Follow Select

Our top picks of timely offers from our partners

Find the best credit card for you

The best credit cards to use for all your amtrak and international train travels, whether you’re riding the rails at home or abroad, these cards will reward you for your train trips..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

There's nothing like watching the world pass you by from a train window, seeing the landscapes change, contemplating the vast scenery around you and passing the time curled up with a good book or chatting with your fellow travelers in the dining car. There's an old-school sort of wonder to it all, whether you're traveling around the U.S. on Amtrak — some journeys are more scenic than others — or riding the rails internationally.

Of course, the whole experience feels a lot more magical when it's a free (or nearly free) one — or if you're earning rewards points or cash-back that you can use to fund even more of your travels.

Below, CNBC Select details the best credit cards to use for train travel wherever you are, plus a few tips for saving money on U.S. and international train trips.

Best credit cards for train travel

• Best for travel protections : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for casual Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
• Best for frequent Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
• Best for international train travel : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel : Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Best for earning flexible travel rewards points : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Best business card : Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Best for travel protections

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out for offering an up to $300 annual travel credit, which can be used to cover rail trips. Not only that, cardholders earn a generous 3X points per dollar on other travel, including train tickets.

Beyond that, cardholders can earn 5X points per dollar on flights and 10X points on hotels and rental cars when they're booked through Chase Travel℠ (after your first $300 in travel-related purchases), making it an ideal pick for frequent travelers. You'll also earn 10X points per dollar through Chase Dining, 10X points on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025, 3X points per dollar for all other travel and dining purchases including takeout and delivery and 1X point per dollar for any other spending.

Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, meaning the 75,000-point welcome bonus you can earn after spending $4,000 in the first three months is worth $1,125 in travel. 

While you can't use Ultimate Rewards® points to book train tickets, you can still transfer them to any of Chase's many airline and hotel partners such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, IHG, Marriott and Hyatt to enhance your travels, especially if you're flying to a particular country or locale to begin your rail adventure or need hotels to stay in — or a car rental — before or after your train trip.

There is a high $550 annual fee, but in turn, cardholders receive the $300 annual travel credit; a suite of travel and purchase protections; a  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit ;  Priority Pass airport lounge access ; extra benefits when you book a rental car with Avis, National Car Rental or Silvercar;  VIP access  to events and experiences; and special perks such as free daily breakfast, late checkout and room upgrades when you book a stay through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

Best for casual Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® mastercard®.

2X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard), 2X points on dining and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

25.24% to 27.49% (variable)

5% of the amount being transferred or $10, whichever is greater

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're someone who plans the occasional rail journey with Amtrak, the new Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® issued by First National Bank of Omaha makes a great choice, as it lets you earn 2X points on travel with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard) and dining and 1X points for all additional purchases. You'll also receive a 10% rebate on food and beverage purchases made onboard the train (as a statement credit) and a 5% points rebate when your points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

The card has no annual fee, no transaction fees and new cardholders can pick up 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles after opening an account, giving you a great head start toward free (or nearly free) train rides considering that Amtrak reward travel starts at just 800 points.

Best for frequent Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® preferred mastercard®.

3X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

Who's this for? For those who travel frequently aboard Amtrak trains, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® offers similar benefits, but for a reasonable annual fee of $99 provides more perks. For starters, you'll be earning 3X points for Amtrak travel (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases. You'll also score a 20% rebate on food and beverages purchased onboard, in the form of a statement credit, and a 5% points rebate whenever points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

As far as additional benefits, cardholders receive several special perks upon account opening as well as on their card's anniversary date, including a round-trip companion coupon, one-class upgrades and station lounge passes. You'll also earn 1,000 tier-qualifying points whenever you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases with the card.

Now through Dec. 2, 2022, new card members can earn 30,000 bonus points (instead of the usual 20,000) after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership. If you've been a fan of U.S. train travel and are looking for a card that'll help you earn points towards more trips on the rails, this could be a great addition.

Best for international train travel

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Who's this for? If your primary goal is to earn bonus points on train rides abroad and you don't want to pay a high annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a good choice.

The card has no foreign transaction fees and lets you earn 2X points per dollar on general travel purchases, including train tickets. It also offers 5X points per dollar on travel booked via  Chase Travel SM ; 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides now through Mar. 31, 2025; 3X points per dollar spent with certain streaming services, as well as on dining and online grocery shopping (except Target®, Walmart® and other wholesale clubs); and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.

With a $95 annual fee, this card packs a punch, offering additional travel benefits such as a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, collision damage waivers for car rentals, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, a 10% points boost to celebrate each card anniversary and special discounts for shopping with  Instacart+ , and  DoorDash , among other perks.

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel

Blue cash preferred® card from american express.

6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. 

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening

19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're interested in earning cash-back rewards for your travel purchases and having a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening (after, 19.24% - 29.99% see rates and fees ; variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%), consider applying for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

This card lets you earn 6% cash back for shopping at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% cash back on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit (including trains) and U.S. gas station purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a great card to use during your travels and when you're using trains closer to home. Terms apply.

Three things to note about this card: While there is an $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, it'll be $95 after that ( see rates and fees ); the cash back you'll earn from using this card is offered to cardholders as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as statement credits; and unlike many cards on this list, you'll have to pay foreign transaction fees of 2.7% for using this card outside the U.S.

New cardholders also have an opportunity to earn a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first six months of account membership.

Best for earning flexible travel rewards points

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

19.99% - 29.99% variable

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Who's this for? While most travel rewards cards focus heavily on earning points for flights and hotels, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) lets you earn 2X miles for every purchase — plus, 5X miles on hotels and rental cars when you book them directly with Capital One Travel — making it easier to rack up the rewards you'll need to book your train tickets by buying the things you need to buy anyway.

The welcome bonus is pretty decent, too — new cardholders can currently earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of card membership — and the card's annual fee of $95 is quite reasonable considering you're also getting a statement credit up to $100 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership and two complimentary visits per year to any Capital One Lounges (or any of the more than 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network)(see rates and fees ).

You'll also receive a range of travel-related benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waivers for rental cars and travel accident insurance, as well as access to extra perks through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment .

While you can't transfer miles to Amtrak, you can use them to "erase" recent travel purchases, including those made with Amtrak, at a fixed value of one cent per point. You can also use the miles to cover hotels, flights, rental cars, and other parts of your trip either by booking through Capital One Travel or transferring and redeeming them through any of Capital One's airline or hotel partners, including Accor, Aeroplan, Qantas, Etihad and Singapore Airlines, among others.

Best business card

Ink business preferred® credit card.

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines), 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.24% - 26.24% variable

Good/Excellent

Read our Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card review.

Who's this for? Similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be used to rack up Ultimate Rewards® points — 3X points per dollar on your first $150,000 worth of spending in business categories such as travel; shipping; cable, phone and internet services; and advertising expenses, then an unlimited 1X points per dollar for all other purchases.

You can then use those points to cover additional elements of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars by booking travel directly through the Chase Travel SM — your points will be worth 25% more that way — or by transferring and redeeming them with any of Chase's many airline and hotel travel partners, including World of Hyatt, IHG, JetBlue and British Airways, among others.

New cardholders can currently earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first three months of account opening, which translates to about $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM . There is a modest annual fee of $95, but there are no foreign transaction fees for using it abroad. The card also offers fraud and purchase protections and additional employee cards to help you stay on top of all your business needs.

More ways to save money with Amtrak

In general, the earlier you can book your ticket, the better, especially on Amtrak, which releases its schedule 11 months in advance so you'll have plenty of time to plan. You can also save more by making some obvious choices, such as traveling in coach instead of business or first class, or toughing it out long-distance in a regular seat rather than splurging on private Roomette or Bedroom accommodations. Otherwise, here are some more things to be aware of if you're trying to stick to a budget-friendly ride.

Choose your fare class wisely

Amtrak offers several ticketing options depending on your route and what's available when you're booking (which is why buying your tickets early is so important), and each of them offers different perks and policies regarding changes and cancellations.

• Saver: Non-refundable fares, usually the cheapest, with fees that may apply for changing or canceling your ticket
• Value: Fares with refund options and no change fees; often second-cheapest
• Flexible: Fully refundable fares before departure, with no fees for changes or cancellations; typically the most expensive option

Depending on your travel needs and financial situation, it might be worth splurging for a more refundable ticket if you think there might be a need to change or cancel it. On the other hand, budget-conscious travelers might be more apt to risk it all for a cheaper, non-refundable Saver fare.

Take advantage of Amtrak Guest Rewards perks

Don't forget to sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards , the train company's free loyalty program, which gives you access to perks such as a 25% points bonus on business class travel and Acela business class travel, a 50% points bonus on travel in Acela first class, the ability to earn 2X points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and points-earning opportunities through its partners.

From there, if you travel on Amtrak often and earn enough tier-qualifying points, you can earn status :

• Select: Starting at 5,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll score all the perks of being a regular member, plus a 25% bonus on Amtrak travel, two one-class upgrades, two 10% discount coupons, exclusive offers, priority call handling and two single-visit passes to Amtrak Lounges
• Select Plus: Starting at 10,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll get the same perks as the previous tier, with a few differences — a 50% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades and two companion coupons.
• Select Executive: Starting at 20,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll have the same perks as the previous tier, but with a 100% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades (plus another one every time you hit the 3,000 tier-qualifying points mark) and one coupon for Auto Train Priority Vehicle Offloading.

Unfortunately, most loyalty programs no longer let you transfer points to Amtrak Guest Rewards , so your only real option is to call 1-866-313-9635 and transfer Audience Rewards ShowPoints at a 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments.

Otherwise, you can earn more points by shopping through the Amtrak Guest Rewards shopping portal or booking hotels and rental cars through Amtrak's partners and, of course, booking Amtrak tickets or signing up for one of its co-branded credit cards. You can also pick up more points by shopping with a litany of retail partners including 1-800-Flowers, Teleflora, Apple, Survey Points Club, QVC, The Home Depot, eBags, NRG Home, Vinesse Wines, Audience Rewards or the Rail Passengers Association.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Keep an eye on Amtrak's deals and promotions

Amtrak is known for having sales, so it's a good idea to check its deals page from time to time, which lets you search for specials by region. Amtrak recently offered a double points promo on fall travel , for instance, while other deals are related to newly launched routes, buy-one-get-one-free specials on certain segments or 30% off Acela bookings made at least 14 days in advance, among others. In general, though, you'll typically save 20% by booking your tickets at least a week or two ahead.

Save with group or multi-ride rail passes

If you're going to be traveling in a group —with family members, friends or co-workers — you might be able to save by booking your tickets with Amtrak's Share Fares feature, which offers discounts ranging from 17% off for groups of three to 60% off for groups of eight when you book at least two days ahead.

Another option, if you're going to be doing several trips back and forth to the same place within a certain timeframe, is to opt for multi-ride passes — monthly, 10-ride or 6-ride — which allow you to pay a discounted fare and commute more often between two cities.

For those who want to go big or go home with Amtrak, the USA Rail Pass allows you to ride 10 segments over the course of 30 days on many of its most scenic routes for $499 per person. Use the pass to plan a few weekend getaways from your hometown or plan an epic rail journey from coast to coast with a few stops in between — it's up to you.

Another option, the California Rail Pass , offers access to The Golden State's most beautiful train rides for a flat rate of $159 per adult and $79.50 per child, letting you travel anytime for 7 days within a consecutive 21-day period.

How to save more on international train travel

When booking train rides abroad, remember to be flexible. In some places, rail lines frequented by locals might be slower-paced but can save you a few bucks compared to faster trains along popular tourist routes. Try to book in advance whenever you can and consider investing in a rail pass — it's worth checking websites such as Eurail or Rail Europe if you'll be visiting multiple European countries, for instance — if you know you're going to be spending a lot of time on trains during your trip.

Check for deals and discounts, especially if you're a student, senior or traveling with children, and see if regional passes are available if you're sticking to one country or a particular area within a country. Start by checking the tourism websites of the places you're going to see what is recommended since every destination is different.

Bottom line

Though not every travel rewards card allows you to transfer your points directly to Amtrak — except of course for the two Amtrak co-branded credit cards on this list — you can still use flexible rewards-earning cards to rack up enough points to pay for other portions of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars. By using certain cards to pay for your Amtrak tickets, you'll be able to earn even more points to help fund future travels.

Before signing up for a new credit card, it's a good idea to check your credit score so you can identify any issues and get a better idea of what your chances are for approval. Make sure you're able to spend within your budget, especially if the card you're interested in has a steep annual fee and think about whether or not you'll be able to use all of its benefits enough to justify adding it.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best train travel credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for train travel,  CNBC Select  analyzed 234 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including: rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of  personal finance ,  tech and tools ,  wellness  and more, and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here .

• How to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit Jason Stauffer
• Citi Strata Premier Card replaces Citi Premier: Enjoy travel insurance and other new benefits Jason Stauffer
• These are the best homeowners insurance companies in Florida Liz Knueven

Public Transport Tickets in Amsterdam 2024 (Complete Guide)

Choosing the right transport ticket in Amsterdam has become a rather complicated affair for both visitors and locals. In this guide we take a detailed look at all available Amsterdam public transport tickets and how they work.

We give you our top choices to help you pick the best one or to purchase a combination of different tickets to get the most from your stay in Amsterdam.

Our top Amsterdam public transport ticket recommendations are the following multiday tickets which can offer excellent value if used well:

Public transport within Amsterdam is run by city transport company GVB – from trams which criss-cross the city to the metro and buses which travel further out.

In addition there are trains operated by NS (Dutch Railways) which connect Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport and the rest of the Netherlands.

Regional buses (Connexxion/EBS/Arriva) can take you on excursions to some nearby places of interest.

Note, every traveller aged 4 or over must have their own ticket. When making a journey you are required to check-in (when boarding) and check-out (on exiting) by holding your ticket against one of the card readers or scanning a valid QR-code.

In Amsterdam this applies for trips on trams, trains, the metro and buses – the GVB city ferries are free!

Now let’s look at each type of Amsterdam public transport ticket in more detail – prices are for 2024.

1. GVB Day/Multi-Day Tickets

Best Value & Validity

GVB day tickets are valid from 1 to 7 days and allow you unlimited travel on the GVB network in Amsterdam day and night (GVB buses, metro and trams). It is the best value ticket available for Amsterdam transport. You can buy the GVB Multi-Day Tickets online here

GVB tickets are activated on first check-in and the validity is on a 24 hours basis – so you can handily use them over 2 consecutive calendar days within the 24 hour period.

When activating GVB day tickets, don’t forget to note your first check-in time.

GVB day tickets can get you to all the main sights in and around Amsterdam.

This includes Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Artis Zoo, Albert Cuyp Market/Heineken Brewery, Leidseplein, Museumplein (Rijksmuseum/Van Gogh Museum), Olympic Stadium, RAI Convention Centre, Westergas; stations at Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA (Johan Cruijff ArenA/Ziggo Dome), Amsterdam Noord, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuid; and further afield to Amstelveen/Amsterdamse Bos and IJburg beach.

These tickets are great for exploring around different Amsterdam neighbourhoods and will help you get around easily if you have a pre-planned city itinerary.

GVB tickets are NOT valid on NS trains – so you cannot travel to destinations in the region or other Dutch cities! They are not valid on the airport train .

They are also not valid on any Connexxion/EBS/Arriva regional bus services.

These are the prices of the GVB day tickets available:

The GVB tickets are now downloaded and used through the GetYourGuide app as a QR code. This saves the need from having to pick-up physical tickets at one of the GVB ticket offices.

The GVB Child Day Ticket is valid for 24 hours for those aged 4-11 . Children must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. It is currently not available for advance purchase online.

Children aged 0-3 travel free, children 12 or over must buy the standard adult ticket.

Note, only the 24 hours ticket can be purchased on board a tram – by card payments only, cash is not accepted. At ticket machines in metro stations only the 1-4 day cards are available.

We therefore recommend purchasing online in advance to secure your choice of card – particularly if you want the better value cards with longer validity.

GVB Day/Multi-Day Ticket: Summary

The GVB multiday tickets offer really great value and allow visitors to move around freely on trams, buses and the metro in Amsterdam.

• Excellent value with low cost-per-ride if used well
• Flexible choice of validity at 1-7 days
• Valid for 24 hour segments
• Reduced price child day ticket available
• Not valid on airport train or 397 airport bus
• Not valid for travel outside Amsterdam

Order GVB multi-day tickets here

GVB airport ‘loophole’

Note, it is technically possible to travel between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the city using a GVB-only card by taking GVB bus 369 from Schiphol Airport/Plaza to Amsterdam Sloterdijk. This has a journey time of 30 minutes.

Connections at Sloterdijk are GVB bus 22 (Central Station) or GVB tram 19 (to Diemen Sniep via Leidseplein).

We do however recommend you take the much faster train to/from the airport!

Group Travel in Amsterdam

Travelling with a large group around Amsterdam? Whether you are here with a student group or have a large group of visitors to a conference or work event – the GVB day tickets can be a convenient and economical way to get around.

Please note that every individual must have their own ticket and check-in and check-out accordingly.

For group travel you can purchase up to 30 GVB multi-day tickets in one transaction here – however these now need to be used through the GetYourGuide app.

If you want to pick-up physical tickets then you can also pre-purchase up to 99 tickets in one transaction of the following: Amsterdam Travel Ticket and Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (both these include a GVB ticket component).

TIP: For very large groups travelling together it is probably better to take the metro if possible. See our  Metro Map of Amsterdam

2. Amsterdam Travel Ticket

Best for airport trip and using trains around Amsterdam

This is an all-in-one product which includes a 1, 2 or 3 day GVB unlimited travel card plus travel between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam – valid on NS trains or 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus. You can buy the 1/2/3 day Amsterdam Travel Ticket online here

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket in 2024 is priced as follows: 1 day ( €18.00 ), 2 day ( €24.00 ) and 3 day ( €30.00 ).

Please note that this product has validity on a “calendar day basis” rather than 24 hours, so the card expires at 0400 in the morning after the last valid day.

TIP: You always get more potential value activating the card earlier in the day.

So for example, if you activate (check-in) a 1 day card anytime on a Wednesday (0000-2359) the card will expire Thursday at 0400. If only activating the card late in the evening (and before midnight) you would have wasted most of the day’s potential use.

The NS train portion is valid in 2nd class for unlimited travel between Schiphol Airport and any of the following stations in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Centraal, Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA, Duivendrecht, Amsterdam Holendrecht, Amsterdam Lelylaan, Amsterdam Muiderpoort, Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam Science Park, Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Zuid.

One hidden benefit is that you can also use it for unlimited train journeys (2nd class) between any of the above Amsterdam stations .

For more info on Schiphol travel see Getting from Schiphol to Amsterdam

In addition it is valid for unlimited travel on the 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus operated by Connexxion. You must always make your final journey back to the airport (bus or train) before the card expires.

The GVB portion of the ticket can be used on GVB Amsterdam trams , buses, metro and night buses in the Amsterdam metropolitan area. Note, it is NOT valid for travel further around the region or to other Dutch cities.

The 3 day ticket is the best value and works out at a very reasonable €10.00 per day.

If you are staying longer than 3 days you can either consider using consecutive Amsterdam Travel Tickets successively or mixing/matching with other ticket types.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket is an OV-chip smart card so you are required to check-in and check-out for each journey.

Basically this ticket is handy for anyone on a short visit to Amsterdam who is arriving/departing from Schiphol Airport. Because of the train component, it is also really good for those staying in and around Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena as you can jump onto the train to Amsterdam Central whenever needed.

Most payment methods are accepted and after booking you can always cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans happen to change.

You receive a voucher and simply pick up your pre-purchased tickets at the following points: Public transport machines (grey, blue and red) at Amsterdam Schiphol airport (24 hours); NS ticket & service desks at at Amsterdam Schiphol airport , Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk ; at the GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid , Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena or Amsterdam Noord .

You can also purchase this ticket over-the-counter (subject to availability) at the following at Schiphol Airport: NS Tickets & Service desk, Iamsterdam visitor centre (Schiphol Arrivals 2) or AKO newsagent.

Amsterdam Travel Ticket: Summary

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket can be a good value choice for those on a shorter visit needing the airport trip included. It is recommended if you are staying around Schiphol Airport, Sloterdijk or Bijlmer Arena.

• Includes unlimited airport train and bus
• Hidden benefit: Unlimited train use between any Amsterdam stations
• Valid on all GVB Amsterdam transport
• Calendar day validity rather than 24 hours
• No child tickets available

Order the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

3. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

Best for Excursions

This is a 1 day ( €21.00 ), 2 day ( €31.50 ) and 3 day ( €40.50 ) ticket which is valid on all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region . This includes NS trains (2nd class), all regional buses (Connexxion, EBS and Arriva Keukenhof services) and all GVB Amsterdam buses, metro and trams. You can buy the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online here

Like the above Amsterdam Travel Ticket, this product is valid on a “calendar day basis” only rather than 24 hours. The card is activated on first check-in and expires at 0400 in the morning after the last valid day. Once again, you must check-in and check-out for each journey taken.

This ticket is a little more expensive than the GVB multiday tickets and Amsterdam Travel Ticket due to its larger catchment validity area.

This ticket is recommended if you plan to make side trips to various places of interest around the greater Amsterdam region. It is valid to the following destinations:

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Hoofddorp, Haarlem, Old Holland area (Waterland fishing villages like Edam, Volendam and Marken/Zaanse Schans windmills/Zaandam), Amsterdam Beaches (Ijmuiden/Zandvoort), Flowers of Amsterdam (Aalsmeer/Keukenhof), Castles & Garden area (Muiden/Naarden/Hilversum) and the New Land area (Almere/Lelystad).

This handy Amsterdam & Region Ticket map (opens as a pdf) from Iamsterdam shows the valid travel area and transport options:

Again the 3 day ticket is the best value and works out at only €13.50 per day. As a comparison, the standard fare (2024) for a return day trip by train from Amsterdam Central to Lelystad would already set you back €23.60.

So if you plan your itinerary well then the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket could save you quite a bit of money.

TIP: If you have an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket and want to travel to destinations outside the catchment area – like Utrecht, Leiden, Delft, Den Haag, Rotterdam and Kinderdijk – then use your ticket to travel to the outer edge of the zone and buy your onward tickets from there (rather than from Amsterdam Central). For example, for Utrecht travel from Hilversum or Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena.

Most payment methods are accepted. After booking you can always cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans happen to change.

You receive a voucher and simply pick up your pre-purchased tickets at the following points: Public transport machines (grey, blue and red) at Amsterdam Schiphol airport (24 hours); NS ticket & service desks at at Amsterdam Schiphol airport , Amsterdam Central Station , Amsterdam Sloterdijk ; GVB service points at Amsterdam Zuid , Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena or Amsterdam Noord .

The ticket may also be purchased (subject to availability) at I amsterdam Visitor Centres and main ticket offices of Connexxion, EBS, GVB and NS.

TIP: If you plan to stay longer than 3 days you could consider buying multiple tickets for consecutive use or mixing and matching with GVB multi day tickets.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Summary

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket can be very useful if you plan to make excursions outside of Amsterdam. Because it is valid on numerous transport providers it also saves you from having to buy separate tickets each time.

• Despite the higher price, good value can be extracted from this ticket
• Valid on all GVB transport in Amsterdam
• Valid on airport train and bus
• Unlimited transport around entire Amsterdam region
• Not valid for travel outside region (eg – to Rotterdam, Leiden, The Hague, Utrecht)

Order the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket here

4. GVB 1 Hour Ticket / Bus Tram Metro (BTM) 1.5 Hour Ticket

In Amsterdam the single can be bought as a disposable OV-chip card and is valid for 1 hour travel on GVB public transport (bus/metro/tram) including any transfers. It costs €3.40 and is activated on first check-in.

Single tickets should only really be considered if you are going to make just 1 or 2 trips in a day. It will usually be slightly cheaper to use the distance fare rate using OVpay (contacless debit card) or credit on an OV-chip card .

If you plan to make 3 or more trips then buy a 1 day GVB ticket or a multi-day ticket.

The GVB single can be bought at GVB sales desk/ticket machines (cash/debit/credit cards accepted) or on board trams/buses from drivers/conductors (no cash accepted on board, debit/credit cards only).

Check-in and check-out using the card readers is required, including when making a transfer to another form of transport.

Note, the GVB 1 hour ticket is NOT valid on the Schiphol airport train, 397 Amsterdam Airport Express bus nor on any GVB night bus service.

There is also a 1.5 hour Bus Tram Metro (BTM) ticket which costs €6.50 and is good for travel during the day around Amsterdam and the region on GVB (bus/metro/tram) plus Connexxion and EBS bus services. It is not valid on night buses.

5. Holland Travel Ticket

This ticket was introduced to make it easier for visitors to navigate the Netherlands on one single ticket. It is valid for 1 day on all Dutch public transport in the country including trains (2nd class), buses, trams and metro. You can buy this disposable OV-chip card ticket at service desks and ticket machines at NS rail stations.

The ticket is activated on first check-in and you must check-in and check-out for each journey leg.

The standard Holland Travel Ticket costs €70 and can be used anytime during the day.

The off-peak Holland Travel Ticket costs €48 and is only valid for travel after 0900 (Mon-Fri). It is valid all day at weekends and public holidays.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling in the Netherlands on a single day (either in terms of distance or using different forms of transport) then this ticket could offer good value as well as not having to buy separate tickets.

For example, a standard day return from Amsterdam to Maastricht costs around €60 – so using the off-peak Holland Travel Ticket can save some money and allow multiple stopovers.

TIP: To maximise this ticket buy the off-peak version and use it at the weekend, starting out as early in the day as possible.

However, it is certainly not a good option if you just plan to remain in and around the Amsterdam area. There is no 1st class option available.

6. Amsterdam Airport Bus Tickets

Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 operates between Schiphol and Elandsgracht in central Amsterdam. It does not run to/from Amsterdam Central station.

A single Bus Tram Metro (BTM) ticket costs €6.50 , a child (4-11) day ticket costs €1 .

You can also buy a single or return ticket online here

7. Waterland Day Ticket

Head out of Amsterdam and visit historic Dutch fishing villages such as Edam, Volendam, Monnickendam and Marken. A Waterland day ticket costs €12.50 for adults, €3 for children 4-11 and is valid the entire day (until 0100) on all EBS buses serving the Waterland and Zaandam area. It is not valid on Connexxion buses or night buses.

EBS buses now depart from Amsterdam Noord or Noorderpark station which can be reached by metro line 52.

Waterland tickets can be bought at the public transport desk of the OV Servicewinkel shops at Amsterdam Central, EBS bus drivers or the I amsterdam tourist information at the front side of Amsterdam central station. The card is activated on first check-in, with check-in and check-out required for each trip.

For more see our Waterland Amsterdam page

However the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket gives a lot more options, including using the metro and visiting other places of interest.

8. OV-Chip Card – pre-paid credit

The re-usable OV-chip card is a plastic smart card (like London’s Oyster Card) where you can add travel credit onto its “e-purse” and use it for journeys on any mode of Dutch public transport .

We don’t recommend this card for short-term visitors – use singles or the above multi-day cards instead.

There are 2 types of OV-chip card available: a so-called anonymous OV-chip card (anyone can buy/use this) or the personal OV-chip card (a personal photo card for Dutch residents). Note, see OVpay below for direct payment using contactless debit/credit cards/mobile.

An anonymous card with zero credit costs €7.50 (non-refundable) and will last 4-5 years.

The anonymous OV-chip card can be purchased at any NS train station (including Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central) and at other transport providers such as GVB. It can also be purchased at newsagents and supermarkets – some cards can be bought already pre-loaded with credit.

When purchasing an “empty” card from a transport provider, you should load some credit (at least €10-€20, maximum allowed is €150) onto the e-purse of the card – it can then be used for travel on any form of public transport in Amsterdam or the Netherlands. Note that some cards may need to be pre-activated for use on the rail network at a NS ticket desk or machine.

OV-chip card fares are calculated at fixed rates based on distance travelled. Travelling with the e-purse on buses/metro/trams tends to be a little cheaper than buying single tickets. You will need a minimum of €4 e-purse credit which is taken off as a deposit on check-in; at check-out the €4 is refunded and the standard fare is deducted from the card balance.

For GVB travel in Amsterdam, there is a fixed boarding fee of €1.08 and then a variable distance fee of €0.196 per km which is actually calculated to every 50 metres of travel.

What this means is a 3km journey will cost about €1.67; a 10km trip costs €3.04 – cheaper than the €3.40 disposable 1 hour ticket above.

If you need to make a transfer you must check-out and then check back in – if this is within 35 minutes you do not pay the boarding fee again.

For train travel, the standard one-way fare is charged. You need a minimum of €20 e-purse credit on the card to check-in at a station. As above, the €20 is initially taken off as a deposit and is returned on check-out with the one-way fare taken off the card balance. If you fail to check-out you will lose the €20.

The anonymous OV-chip card may be suitable for visitors who plan longer stays in the country with lots of public transport trips or those planning multiple visits to the Netherlands.

The OV-chip card can be useful in not having to buy separate tickets each time. You do need to keep a careful eye on the e-purse balance to ensure that minimum credit is available, especially for train travel.

The anonymous card can also be used by other people though not at the same time – everyone travelling together must have their own card.

9. OVpay – check-in/out by contactless debit/credit card

It can be used using the following foreign (non-Dutch) cards: Maestro, V pay, Mastercard and Visa.

As with the OV-chip card, standard one-way fares will apply for your journey . At the end of the day the transport company will debit your total use with them in one transaction.

This option makes the OV-chip card effectively redundant for visitors. However, if you have a non-euro contactless payment card then you may want to check your provider’s forex transaction fees before using.

Paying the standard one-way fares is fine for a small number of journeys. However if you want to maximise value then consider purchasing day and multi-day tickets as described above.

10. NS Train Tickets

There are a number of train stations in Amsterdam (see: train network map of Amsterdam ) and the railway can sometimes be a fast and useful way to travel around the periphery of the city as well as getting to the airport.

There are various ticket format options for travel on NS Dutch Railways:

• disposable tickets – either one-ways or day returns in OV-chip format – for travel that day or on a future specified date up to 1 week ahead. A €1 fee for a disposable ticket is charged on top of the standard fare.
• using a personal or anonymous OV-chip card
• buying an e-ticket or mobile ticket online which has a barcode to go through barriers

Children aged 4-11 can buy a Rail Runner ticket which costs €2.50 and is valid the entire day on any train in 2nd class (or in 1st class if accompanied by a 1st class adult ticket holder).

The standard fare between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central is €4.90 + a €1 fee for a disposable ticket.

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket mentioned above offers unlimited travel between all Amsterdam stations as well as Schiphol airport.

For a detailed overview of rail tickets check our How to Buy a Dutch Train Ticket guide.

11. I amsterdam City Card (GVB transport + attractions)

For those who like the idea of a combined transport ticket and free entry to attractions, the I amsterdam City Card could be an option. Aimed at visitors, this official pass offers unlimited GVB transport within Amsterdam and entry to the likes of the Rijksmuseum, Johan Cruijff ArenA Tour and A’DAM Lookout. (Note, Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum not included) .

A free canal cruise and 1 day bike rental are also included.

Validity options are 24 hours ( €60 ), 48 hours ( €85 ), 72 hours ( €100 ), 96 hours ( €115 ), 120 hours ( €125 ). Although not cheap if used carefully it can lead to savings – and you avoid the hassle of buying tickets each time.

You can book the I amsterdam City Card online here

The 120 hour (5 day) card offers the greatest value coming in at €25 per day. Read our full I amsterdam City Card review here on how to maximise the card.

Amsterdam Travel with Discounts

Apart from some child products, non-resident visitors are NOT entitled to any discounts on public transport. Discounts are only available for eligible residents with a personal OV-chip card – those aged 4-11 and 65+ will automatically receive a 34% discounted fare rate when using the e-purse on their card.

Cheap child day tickets are available with GVB transport, NS trains and Connexxion/EBS buses. Note that the Amsterdam/Amsterdam & Region/Holland Travel Tickets do not have a discounted child version. It may be cheaper to buy separate child tickets instead as a substitute.

For residents with a personal OV-chip card who are regular travellers there is the Altijd Korting (Always Discount) product option available to purchase for  €21.55 per month or  €215.50 per year. It gives the holder a 20% discount on bus/metro/tram travel throughout the Netherlands whilst students aged 12-18 get a 40% discount. It is not valid for discounts on NS trains.

GVB Flex is a monthly subscription product from GVB which gives discounted travel in Amsterdam. The main feature is that you can travel anywhere in the Netherlands without the need of using the balance on an OV-chip card. Instead you are invoiced each month. There are 4 products:

• Easy Flex costs  €1.00 per month and gives 10% discount on GVB all day.
• Start Flex costs  €3.00 per month and gives 20% discount on GVB only between 2000-0400.
• Flex costs €5.50 per month and gives 20% discount on GVB all day.
• Extra Flex costs €15.00 per month and gives 40% discount on GVB all day.

It is possible to switch subscriptions each month.

The Net Abonnement (Network Season Ticket) subscription offers unlimited travel on bus, tram and metro throughout the Netherlands. It is not valid on trains. It costs  €335.45 per month or  €3,354.50 per year.

Other Amsterdam Public Transport Ticket Types

Night Bus Tickets – A single ride on a GVB night bus costs €5.40 . It can be bought from the driver (no cash accepted) as a disposable OV-chip ticket or added as a product onto an anonymous or personal OV-chip card. The card is valid for 90 minutes and includes transfers to other GVB night buses.

GVB Group Ticket – This allows a group of 5 people 1 day’s travel on the GVB network. Unfortunately this is a restricted ticket in that it can only be bought and used via the GVB app. The group must always travel together and each traveller has a unique barcode which has to be managed via the purchaser’s phone – so checking-in and -out is not a particularly seamless process. It costs €25 .

GVB Bicycle Ticket – Bikes can be taken onto tram 26 or the metro but only outside the rush hour (0700-0900/1600-1830). A bicycle ticket costs  €2.20 and is valid for the entire day. It can be added as a supplement to a personal or anonymous OV-chip card. Alternatively there is a disposable 1 hour card + bicycle which costs €5.60 .

NS Bicycle Ticket – Bikes can travel on trains outside the weekday rush hours; and at anytime at weekends and during July and August. A bicycle ticket ( €7.50 ) is required which is valid for 1 day. You must store your bike in the special carriages labelled with the bike sign. Folded bikes can be carried for free.

Don’t forget, you also need a valid train ticket for travel as well!

GVB Ticket Offices

You can purchase any GVB public transport ticket type at the “GVB Tram Bus Metro Ferry” Service & Tickets office at Stationsplein outside Amsterdam Central station (city side). Opening hours are daily 0830-1900.

This is also where you can pick-up some pre-purchased online tickets.

There are similar GVB Service & Tickets offices at the following stations:

• Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA (open 0830-1900 Mon-Fri, 1000-1800 Sat-Sun)
• Amsterdam Zuid (open 0830-1900 Mon-Fri, 1000-1800 Sat-Sun)
• Station Noord (open daily 1000-1800)

Some GVB tickets can also be purchased over-the-counter at service points at the following shops/newsagents: Primera, Bestseller, Vivant, Techador and Cigo .

GVB automatic ticket machines accept cash (coins and notes) and debit/credit cards and can be found at all metro stations and stops. There are also GVB vending machines along some tram stops – these only accept card payments.

There are also special public transport ticket machines and GVB ticket machines located at Amsterdam Central:

Buy your GVB tickets online here

This article was first published in 2010 and has been continuously updated since then. Last update 6 March 2024.

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

Related Articles

Taxis in Amsterdam (2024)

OV Fiets – Dutch Bike Rental Scheme

Amsterdam North-South Metro Line Opens

Getting Around Utrecht, Netherlands

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

How to use a Troika card on Moscow’s Metro, and other ways to buy tickets

Passengers pass turnstiles at the Serpukhovskaya station of the Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya Moscow metro line.

Moscow residents can now top up their Troika transport cards with the official Moscow Metro app, subway representatives announced on Oct. 31. To put money on the card, passengers simply need to download the app and transfer money via NFC connection. What other ways can you pay for riding on Moscow’s public transport?

Troika card

It’s by far the most convenient option for using public transport in the Russian capital. This plastic card is valid for five years, so you don’t need to throw it away after your trip to Russia. You can ride with a Troika on the Moscow metro, as well as Moscow’s Central Ring, buses, trams, and trolley buses.

One ride costs 35 rubles ($0.6), but if you change transport within 90 minutes you will only pay 19 rubles ($0.33) for the next journey. Further changes within those 90 minutes are free.

You can top up your card with the subway attendants who sit behind the glass panels, automated terminals, or via the special Moscow Metro app . Kiosks accept both cash and cards. According to the Moscow Metropolitan official site, you can only keep 3,000 rubles ($51) on your Troika. If you don’t use up all your credit before you leave Moscow, you can cash in the card and get your money back - but this is only possible to do at Metro Service Centers (Ulitsa 1905 Goda street, 25 or  Staraya Basmanaya Street, 20 bld 1; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily).

Your Troika’s balance can be checked on the app or on the small yellow terminals inside the metro stations.

Important point – one card should only be used by one person (the subway’s rules state that every person should have their own ticket). You can also be hit with a fine of 1,000 ($17) if caught riding the underground without a ticket.

How to get a Troika: Get the card in any metro kiosk or automated ticket office. The card is free, but you need to leave 50 rubles ($0.85) as a deposit. You can return it after.   

United (Yediny) ticket

This red paper card can have 1, 2, 20, 40, or 60 rides on any kind of Moscow public transport, and the price depends on the number of rides (more rides you buy the less you pay for a ride), from 55 rubles ($0.95) to 28 rubles ($0.48). If you plan to use transport a lot, you can buy a ticket for 60 rides for 1,700 rubles ($30). A ticket for one or two rides is only valid for five days, while other kind of tickets can be used for 90 days.

If you don’t plan to use metro, you can order a card for ground transport only (it will be dark blue with TAT letters on the cover). This card costs 1,150 rubles ($19) for 60 rides.

How to get it: You can buy this card in any metro kiosk. Cards for one or two rides can be also purchased in automated ticket offices.

Daily tickets

Muscovites often buy tickets without ride limits for specific periods – 30 days, 60 days, or one year. But Moscow Metro suggest special tickets for tourists – for one day (210 rubles, or $3.6), three days (400 rubles, $6.9) or seven days (800 rubles, $13.8). They also can be used on any kind of public transport. Tourists’ tickets also have no limit for rides.

How to get it: You can buy this card in any metro kiosk.

90 minute ticket

Another kind of ticket allows one ride on the metro and any number of rides on other Moscow public transport within 90 minutes. The card can be for one (65 rubles, or $1.1), two ($130 rubles, or $2.2), and 60 rides (2,650 rubles, or $46). This card is useful if you have to catch different kinds of transport for a short time.

It’s helpful to add this card to your Troika. Moreover, it will save the paper.

Payment via smartphones

Smartphone owners can  pay  travel fares via Samsung Pay and Apple Pay, linked with MasterCard credit card and the Wallet app. Apple Pay can also be installed on iWatch. The price for one fare costs 40 rubles ($0.7). You can also use these apps for buying usual tickets in kiosks.

Since late 2016, this system has been available at all ring railway stations and 80 metro stations across the city.

In the future, smartphone-enabled ticket turnstiles will be installed at all Moscow metro stations.

How to get it: Download the Samsung Pay and Apple Pay and start riding!

Unique tickets have recently appeared in Moscow. Bracelets, rings, and keychains with transport microchips are not only a souvenir from the Russian capital, but also a serious way to use metropolitan. The deposit price for a bracelet is 450 rubles ($8), for a keychain – 350 rubles ($6). One ring costs 2,200 rubles ($38). The price for a fare is the same as for the Troika card.

How to get it: Only at the Pushkinskaya metro station souvenir kiosk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations.

Actually there are other options to inserts transport microchip – for example, in 2015 Moscow engineer Vlad Zaitsev implanted a chip in his hand, so all he has to do is wave at the turnstile and he’s away - but we recommend enjoying Moscow’s transport in a more conventional way. 

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Why the new 'Moscow' metro train is being called the best
• Smart Moscow: How technology transforms urban living
• How Moscow's metro grew in 82 years
• How to meet a girl on the Moscow Metro?
• Treasures of the Moscow Metro: Hidden gems of the Purple Line stations

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Ticket prices and travelcards

Fares for Moscow's public transport network are the same for every mode of transport making it really easy to travel. See all the different tickets here !

Troika Ticket

This is the most economical option if you're spending a few days in the Russian capital. The card can be purchased and recharged at various station machines or even with the special Moscow Metro application. Your balance can be checked on the app or in the small yellow terminals inside the metro stations. A trip works out at ₽ 42 ( US$ 0.50), but if you change transport within 90 minutes, you'll only pay ₽ 23 ( US$ 0.30) for the next trip.

The day ticket for the Moscow metro can be purchased at any of the stops in the city. The price is ₽ 265 ( US$ 2.90) per day and ₽ 500 ( US$ 5.50) for three days.

90-Minute Ticket

The most convenient card if you want to take several types of transport within an hour and a half period. It costs  ₽ 65 ( US$ 0.70) per person and allows one metro ride and an unlimited number of trips on other types of public transport in Moscow during the time of its duration.

You may also be interested in

Moscow's crazy traffic and its excellent metro network mean that the city's buses and trolleybuses aren't the number one option for tourists.

Where to stay

Moscow has a wide range of accommodation: find the perfect district for you and book hotels, hostels and apartments at the best possible price.

Amsterdam: Public transport tickets & Passes Overview, current prices (2024)

Whether you are looking for a single ticket, a day pass or an Amsterdam Travel Card, here you will find all the information you need. In this guide we present the most important tickets for visitors. So you can easily find the right ticket for your stay in Amsterdam.

Important information about buying tickets:

• You cannot buy tickets on buses and trams from the driver.
• Many of the tickets are available online and can be purchased before your trip. You will find more information below.
• Almost all public transport in Amsterdam is organized under the tariff system of the municipal transport company GVB “Gemeente Vervoer Bedrijf”. This makes it much easier for passengers, as a day ticket is valid on the metro, trams and GVB buses.

#1 Single rides with the OV chip card / “e-purse” or OVpay

If you are staying in amsterdam for a longer period of time but do not want to use public transport very often.

A charger for the OV-chip card – credit card fees may apply (image: travelguide.amsterdam)

The OV card / e-purse system is not that simple, especially if you don’t visit the Netherlands often.

How does the OV card / e-purse work?

The OV card works like a prepaid cellphone card. You can load the card with a certain amount of money at a machine and then use it up.

For a single ride, you will pay a fixed base price plus a set amount per kilometer driven. Thus, you are paying for the distance traveled. The distance is measured exactly every 50 metres and charged accordingly. There is no such thing as a classic one-way ticket , which costs a certain amount regardless of the distance travelled (flat rate). The OV chip card / e-purse can be used in trams, buses, as well as the Metro.

• Every passenger over the age of 4 must have a chip card.
• The card must be topped up with at least €4 before each journey to ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover the fare.

E-purse – prices

A rechargeable and anonymous chip card, without personalisation with a passport-type photo, costs €7.50 (without adding credit). There is a €2.50 service charge for withdrawing any remaining balance.

Standard fare: base price: €1.08 per trip plus 19.6 cents per kilometer traveled

Children (4–11 years) get a discounted fare: base price: 71 cents per trip plus 12.9 cents per kilometer traveled

Another payment system was introduced in 2023: OVpay. You can pay for a single journey on local public transport directly with your credit or debit card. All you have to do is present your payment card to a scanner when boarding and alighting. The fare will be automatically debited from your account.

Paying with OVpay – important information:

• You must always check in and out with the sa me bank card. Otherwise, the billing system will not be able to determine the correct fare.
• For single journeys, you will need a separate payment card for each passenger.
• In addition to the fares, credit card or exchange rate fees may also apply.
• A journey with an age discount (e.g. children’s fare) is not yet possible with OVpay.
• Don’t forget to check out with your payment card when you get off the bus. The fare depends on the distance traveled. If you do not check out, you will be charged an incorrect, usually higher fare.
• There is no daily limit, as there is in London. This means that you can pay significantly more per day with OVpay than with a day ticket (see below).

#2 GVB single day ticket or multi-day-ticket: Easy & affordable – ideal for visitors & tourists – optional Airport Express bus

Cheap & easy: the single-day-ticket with a validity of 1 – 7 days. Buy online and save time and stress in Amsterdam.

GVB single and multi-day tickets are popular with visitors to Amsterdam. They are easy to use and affordable.

What does this ticket offer?

• This ticket gives you unlimited travel on all GVB trams, city buses and the metro (day and night) throughout Amsterdam and you don’t have to keep an eye on your balance like you do with the e-purse.
• It is flexible in terms of time. Tickets are available for a single day and for up to 7 days , from 24 to 168 hours. The clock starts ticking at the time of first use.
• There is a day ticket, especially for children aged 4 to 11. The kids’ ticket is only valid for a single day. You can purchase more than one child’s day ticket if required.
• You can buy the ticket online before your trip (no surcharge – click here) .
• This ticket is not valid for other regional bus companies, such as Connexxion or EBS, or in trains of the Dutch railway company NS

GVB Day Ticket + Airport Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ City Centre

→ You can find more information about the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

→ More information about the various options for airport transfers, including travel times and prices

Current prices for GVB day and multiple-day tickets

Prices are at the lower end for a European city. The longer the validity, the lower the price per day.

Fares (2024) :

Children’s ticket (4–11 years) for 1 day / 24h: €4.50 – multiple tickets can be purchased for longer stays.

Standard fare:

1 day / 24h: €9 2 days / 48h: €15 3 days / 72h: €21 4 days / 96h: €26.50 5 days / 120h: €33 6 days / 144h: €37.50 7 days / 168h: €41 (€5.85 per day)

Our tip: buy online to save time and stress You can buy your ticket online before your trip via the English-language website of the authorised GVB ticket seller without having to pay a surcharge (click here) . This will save you stress later, as you won’t have to deal with the fare system and ticket machines after your flight. If you are travelling via Schiphol Airport, you can also buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online (day ticket for local transport + airport transfer by express bus or train).

GVB Ticket Child

Children aged 0-3 travel free on Amsterdam’s public transport. For children between 4 and 11 years of age, the GVB children’s day ticket is available at a reduced price.

Children aged 0–3 years can use public transport in Amsterdam free of charge. There is a reduced day ticket for children between the ages of 4 and 11. It currently (2024) costs €4.50. There is no multi-day pass for children.

If you need a children’s ticket for several days, the easiest way is to buy several one-day children’s tickets. You can buy GVB children’s day tickets online together with adult tickets.

Where is the GVB day ticket valid?

The GVB day ticket is valid on the entire GVB tram, underground and bus network.

→ Map / city map Amsterdam: GVB day ticket coverage

If your destination or accommodation is outside the validity area, you might be interested in the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket (see below). This ticket is valid for the entire region around Amsterdam.

# 3 Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Trips around Amsterdam + airport transfer included

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket entitles you to:

• Unlimited use of all GVB streetcars, city buses, metro (day and night) and ferries . This allows you to travel within the city of Amsterdam in the same way as the GVB Day Ticket (see above).
• In addition, you can also use the buses of the Connexxion and EBS companies . These bus companies serve destinations outside the Amsterdam city area. The GVB day ticket (see above) is not valid on these buses. This also includes the Airport Express Bus 397 (shuttle bus to the airport) .
• Trains  in the Amsterdam region with the national railroad company NS are included.

You can buy this ticket before your trip via the GVB authorized ticket portal (click here) . This will save you time and stress during your stay in Amsterdam.

Current prices for the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (2024)

With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you can travel in a much larger area than with a GVB day pass. Therefore the price is higher.

Current prices for the “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” Valid for 1 day: €21 Valid for 2 days: €31.50 Valid for 3 days: €40.50

The validity period is different from the GVB day ticket. The “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 04.00 a.m. after the last valid day (depending on whether you have the 1, 2 or 3 day version). The day starts at midnight.

For example: If you use a 2-day ticket for the first time from midnight on Wednesday, then your ticket will be valid until 04:00 on Friday morning.

Where is the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket valid?

Here is a map showing the area covered by the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.

→ Map / Plan: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

#4 Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT)

Day ticket + transfer by train or bus to schiphol airport.

The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” – day ticket for public transport + airport transfer – online booking saves time and avoids stress

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT) is an extension of the GVB single day or multi-day-ticket described above. It can be considered an extension because with this ticket you also have the option of using the following unlimited times for your transfer to and from Schiphol airport :

• Unlimited 2nd class rail travel between train station “Schiphol Amsterdam” Airport and any train station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Station , Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrecht)
• The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) operated by Connexxion and the Niteliner (bus N97).

This ticket also entitles you to unlimited travel on all GVB trams, (night) buses, metro and ferries in the whole of Amsterdam. However, its validity is regulated differently. The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 4 AM following the last valid day (depending on whether you have booked the 1, 2 or 3 day option). The day starts at midnight. For example: if you start using a 2-day ticket at midnight on Wednesday, then it will be valid until 4 AM on Friday.

Please note: This ticket is not valid on buses that are operated by other transport companies such as EBS and Arriva or on any bus other than the Amsterdam Express (bus 397) and the Niteliner (bus N97) operated by Connexxion.

Our tip: buy online and save time and stress abroad

You can buy the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” via this English-language website This will save you stress on arrival. You won’t have to deal with ticket machines after your flight.

Current pricing for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Prices are higher than a simple day ticket as it includes your airport transfer. A return trip from the airport to the city centre on the Airport Express Bus 397 currently costs €11.75. Taking this into account, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is affordable.

 Current fares for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Validity 1 day:   18 Euro Validity 2 days: 24 Euro Validity 3 days: 30 Euro

Tickets with longer validity are not currently available.

→   Overview: Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam city centre – all transport options (bus, train, taxi,…) incl. journey times and current prices.

#5 “I Amsterdam” card: Day ticket + discount card for sightseeing

Day ticket for public transport + free / reduced entry to attractions.

The I Amsterdam card is the official sightseeing pass for the city of Amsterdam. It is designed to help visitors navigate the maze of public transport fares and entrance tickets. The name is derived from the play on words “I am Amsterdam”. If you are also planning to visit the attractions and famous sights of the city, then the ‘I Amsterdam’ card may be of interest to you. It is a combination of day passes for public transport and discounted admission to tourist attractions.

The “I Amsterdam” card is a combination ticket and offers the following benefits:

“I Amsterdam” – just one ticket for public transport + free admission to attractions

Tip: Buy the ‘I Amsterdam’ card, GVB day ticket or entrance ticket online without paying a surcharge.

Insider tip: you can purchase the “I Amsterdam” card via this English-language website before your trip. This will save you the hassle and possibly even the credit card fees that you might incur if you pay on arrival.

Pricing for the “I Amsterdam” card (as of 2024)

1 day – 24 hours: €60 2 days – 48 hours: €85 (€42.50 per day) 3 days – 72 hours: €100 (€33.33 per day) 4 days – 96 hours: €115 (€28.75 per day) 5 days – 120 hours: €125 (€25 per day)

#6 Overview: Day tickets in Amsterdam

#7 group tickets for travel groups or school trips.

In addition, these tickets can be purchased online at no extra cost via this English language website .  There is no need to handle a large sum of money at a local ticket machine while your group waits impatiently. You will receive a receipt for your online purchase, which makes accounting for a group much easier.

#8 GVB 1 hour ticket

With the GVB 1 hour ticket, you can use all GVB lines within one hour. The ticket is unfortunately not available online. Current price 2024: €3.40 for adults

#9 FAQ 2024

Local transport Amsterdam: How much does a day ticket cost 2024?

The prices for the day ticket are very reasonable for a European metropolis. With a longer period of validity, the price per day decreases significantly.

Regular fare 2024: 1 day / 24 hours: 9 € 2 days / 48 hours: 15 € 3 days / 72 hours: 21 € 4 days / 96 hours: 26,50 € 5 days / 120 hours: 33 € 6 days / 144 hours: 37,50 € 7 days / 168 hours: 41 € (5,85 € per day)

More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

Which public transport ticket is best for Amsterdam tourists?

The day or multi-day ticket of the city’s public transport company GVB is very popular with visitors to Amsterdam. With this ticket, you can easily use local transport (metro, bus, tram) in the Amsterdam city area . It is very cheap compared to other European metropolises. More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

How much does a single ticket cost for public transport in Amsterdam?

There is no classic single ticket for Amsterdam public transport. Single journeys can be paid for with the “OV / E- Purse card”. It works in a similar way to a prepaid mobile phone card. You can load an amount of money onto this card at a machine. You can then use this credit to pay for local transport. A reloadable, anonymous e-purse card (without passport photo) costs 7.50 euros (without credit).  It is easier to use local transport with a day or multi-day ticket.

Where can I buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam?

You can buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam at vending machines or sales points of the local transport company GVB. You can also buy many tickets online. This saves time and stress in Amsterdam. You can find more information and our tips on buying tickets in our Amsterdam travel guide.

Is the GVB Day Ticket Amsterdam valid on the Schiphol Airport Express Bus 397?

The regular GVB day pass does not include the airport transfer by express bus or train. However, you can buy a combined ticket consisting of a day ticket for public transport + airport transfer (express bus or train). This combined ticket is called the “ Amsterdam Travel Ticket ”.

Is an airport transfer included with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

With the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” you can use the following unlimited transfer options to and from Schiphol Airport :

• Train travel in 2nd class on NS trains between Schiphol Amsterdam station and any station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Central Station, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Science Park, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrech)
• Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) and Niteliner (Bus N97)

I was a tourist in Amsterdam and lived in the DAM square area from 28th September 2019 to 1st October 2019. I request you to please issue a 12 hour ticket for 4.0 Euro. The 24 hour ticket which I bought for 8 Euro becomes a bit redundant since trams are not there in the late hours up to early morning. We usually party till about 2 am and then the walk back from Bull Dog Palace at Leidseplein Square to Dam Square becomes arduous and dangerous since we are not in our senses. I used line 2, 14, 24 and 26 extensively during our stay there.

good information

Liebes Amsterdam Travel Guide Team,

erstmal Kompliment! Sehr gute Seite mit hilfreichen und übersichtlichen Informationen.

Wo finde ich eine Liste aller Teilnehmer wie Geschäfte, Kultureinrichtungen und Restaurants usw. die den 25% Rabatt durch die I Amsterdam Karte geben? Gibt es eventuell eine App oder ähnliches um auch die Standorte auf einer Karte zu sehen und eine gute Reise Route finden zu können? Falls nicht, wie kann ich Teilnehmer herausfinden? Oder muss ich in jedem Laden vor Ort einzeln nachfragen?

Vielen Dank im voraus! 🌷

Hallo Egga, vielen Dank für Dein Kompliment. Das ist eine tolle Motivation, weiter an unserem Reiseführer zu arbeiten.

Es gibt eine App “I amsterdam city card” für Apple und Android Geräte. Diese kann man nach dem Kauf herunterladen und sieht dann alle teilnehmenden Geschäfte / Restaurants.

Viel Spaß in Amsterdam!

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in russia.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, times, fares & tickets in russia....

The Russian rail system is one of the largest in the world, and trains serve almost every town and city in Russia.  Train travel is a safe, comfortable and inexpensive way to get around.  In fact, it can be safer to use Russian trains than internal flights!  It will certainly be cheaper and far more interesting.  This page will help you understand Russian train system, choose the right train & on-board accommodation for you, and buy your train tickets securely online from a reputable source.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  The Foreign Office now advises against all travel to Russia because of the war between Russia & Ukraine, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia .  I have left this page as is, but Real Russia is no longer trading because of sanctions and the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru is currently unreachable.

On other pages

How to check russian train times & fares, booking tips, moscow to st petersburg by train :  a quick guide....

Traveller Ian Newberry reports:   "on May 19 I travelled from Moscow to St Petersburg on high-speed Sapsan train 156 leaving at 13.00.  Departure was punctual and the staff greeting passengers could not have been better - they all speak English as well as Russian.  The service on the train was extremely good and in business class a full 3 course meal was served with wines and spirits all included in the price of the ticket.  Information was supplied through screens and announcements in English as well as Russian. The train is very comfortable and arrived 5 minutes ahead of schedule at 17.40.  If one wants to avoid a night train then this is a very civilised way to travel, on a par with any equivalent TGV or ICE available in western Europe."

Moscow to St Petersburg option 1:  By Sapsan high-speed train in 3h55

All baggage is X-rayed before you board a Sapsan, so arrive in good time for your train...

Moscow to St Petersburg option 2:  By sleeper train, including the famous Krasnaya Strela (Red Arrow)

Back to top

Buy tickets online from Real Russia

You can buy tickets online in plain English from www.trains.realrussia.co.uk , with good after-sales service if you need it.  This system is good for checking Russian train times, too, even if you plan to buy tickets at the ticket office.  You can use it to buy Russian train tickets wherever you live in the world.  If you live in the UK they can also sort your Russian visa & visa support .

Which tickets can Real Russia sell?   They sell tickets for any mainline train journey within Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Lithuania, Kazakhstan and the other ex-Soviet states, also for international journeys to or from those countries, for example Moscow to Berlin or St Petersburg to Helsinki, and also for Russian sleeping-car services within Europe, for example Paris-Moscow, Paris-Berlin or Budapest-Sofia. 

Reservations officially open 60 days before departure, but Real Russia allow you to request tickets up to 180 days ahead and they will contact you for payment when the price is confirmed.

Can anyone buy tickets using this system?   Yes, you can buy tickets online with a credit card whether you live in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or wherever.

How are tickets delivered?   If your train is e-ticketable, an e-ticket will be emailed to you.  If it's not, tickets can be collected free of charge at Real Russia's offices in Moscow or St Petersburg or they can be sent to any address worldwide.  Postage to a UK or EU address costs around £12-£15.

Who run this service?   Is it reliable?   This service is provided by Real Russia, a reputable joint UK-Russian company which has got very good reports from users.  Real Russia can also sort out your Russian visa & if necessary, Belarusian visa .

Booking tips :  Look for a train marked Firm if there is one. Firmeny trains are the best 'quality' trains, with modern coaches and good on-board service.  'TBC' means the system cannot provide a price for that particular train automatically, but they'll contact you with a cost by phone or email.  Note that even babies & infants need to have a ticket booked for them, even though they travel for free.

Buy tickets online at rzd.ru

You can also now buy Russian train tickets direct from Russian Railways at www.rzd.ru which now has an English version.  It's a bit fiddly and not as user-friendly as Real Russia, but there are no fees and it does work if you persevere.  It accepts some overseas credit cards, though not all.  It may currently reject US-issued cards, though perhaps not all.

How to buy tickets at the station

Other agencies who can arrange russian train tickets, svezhy veter - www.svezhyveter.ru/sv/rutrains.htm, way to russia - www.waytorussia.net, what are the trains like , the three types of train, the three classes of accommodation, life on board russian trains.

Whichever class of travel you choose, each coach is looked after by a pair of attendants called a 'provodnik' (male) or 'provodnitsa' (female).  The provodnik will check your ticket at the door to the sleeper when you board.  Shortly after departure, the provodnik will come round to take your ticket and the small bedding fee (less than £1).  You may be asked if you would like a glass of black Russian tea ('chai') - this costs about 15p.  Bedding (two sheets, pillowcase and towel) is then handed out in sealed packs - blankets and mattresses will already be stacked in your compartment.  After a few journeys, you will become quite proficient at making up your bed!

A samovar with unlimited free hot water is available at the end of the corridor - pack some tea or coffee, sugar, cuppa soups or water-based drinking chocolate and bring your own mug.   Most long distance trains have a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks, and inexpensive full meals - reckon on less than £7 for two courses and a couple of bottles of beer.

Security.  Are Russian trains safe for families or single women?

Yes!  There is no need to worry unduly about security on Russian trains, even for families or women travelling alone. How do you think Russian families or solo women travel?  By train, of course, like everyone else!   Just use common sense as you would in a hotel, locking your door at night and not leaving valuables unattended in your compartment.  In addition to the normal lock on the compartment door, 'Spalny Wagon' and 'kupé' compartments have a security latch which stops the door opening more than an inch or two, and which cannot be released from outside.  There's also a safe place for your bags at night - if you have a bottom bunk, there is a metal box underneath the bunk which you can only get to by lifting up the bunk - in other words, for anyone to get to your bags, they will have to shift you off your bunk first..!  Your provodniks will probably also lock the access doors at each end of the corridor at night to prevent unwanted guests.  Men and women share the same compartments in Russia, but it's generally quite safe for women travelling alone.  If you're a woman and find yourself in sharing with three men that make you uncomfortable, just ask the provodniks (carriage attendants) if they can move you.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Recommended guidebooks

Click the images to buy the book from amazon.co.uk, hotels in moscow & russia, backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

Back to home page

How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

• Zurich : Baur Au Lac
• Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
• Zermatt: The Omnia
• Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
• Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
• Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
• Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

There are many ways to get around Switzerland , the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the best way to get to each destination below. This Switzerland itinerary can easily be used with either a car or by train.

If you choose to get a rental car in Switzerland, I always recommend using this site to compare rates and cars.

If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on most lines, free or discounted gondola rides, and discounts to many attractions though Switzerland.

I find that it’s especially worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass if you are planning to visit Zermatt because the expensive Gornergratt train is quite expensive, and it’s half off with the pass. If you’re comfortable riding trains and buses, I think it’s the best way to travel in Switzerland.

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

You can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass here . Just select the correct number of days for your Switzerland itinerary and check out. The pass begins on your selected date and runs continuously. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day increments.

Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re unsure of your dates or the amount of time your Switzerland itinerary will be, it might be a good idea to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. This pass is good for one month and will offer 50% off most trains. There seems to be less of a discount on shorter journeys. I prefer to purchase the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass just for ease of use while I am in the country. But the Swiss Half Fare Card may be a better option if you are only planning on taking several long and expensive rail journeys. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here .

Renting a Car in Switzerland

If you want a little more freedom during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car in Switzerland . You’ll have the ability to reach some more off-the-beaten-path places that trains can’t reach. Driving in Switzerland is easy, especially if you’re from the US because they drive on the right side of the road. 

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

• More scenic views out the window
• Can relax and enjoy the ride
• No need to focus on driving/navigation
• Environmentally friendly
• Arrive directly in city centers
• Less flexibility with schedule/stops
• Can be more expensive
• Limited luggage space
• More flexibility with schedule and route
• Can stop wherever you want
• Usually cheaper than train
• More privacy
• Can carry more luggage
• Less scenic views
• Have to focus on driving
• More planning required for navigation
• Have to find and pay for parking
• More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

• Log in/Log out (Opens in new window)
• All content
• Rural Alaska
• Crime & Courts
• Alaska Legislature
• ADN Politics Podcast
• National Opinions
• Letters to the Editor
• Nation/World
• Film and TV
• Outdoors/Adventure
• High School Sports
• UAA Athletics
• National Sports
• Food and Drink
• Visual Stories
• Alaska Journal of Commerce (Opens in new window)
• The Arctic Sounder
• The Bristol Bay Times
• Legal Notices (Opens in new window)
• Peak 2 Peak Events (Opens in new window)
• Educator of the Year (Opens in new window)
• Celebrating Nurses (Opens in new window)
• Top 40 Under 40 (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Spelling Bee (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Craft Brew Festival
• Best of Alaska
• Spring Career Fair (Opens in new window)
• Achievement in Business
• Youth Summit Awards
• Sully's Rising Fest Giveaway
• Lynyrd Skynyrd Ticket Giveaway
• Teacher of the Month
• 2024 Alaska Summer Camps Guide (Opens in new window)
• 2024 Graduation (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide 2024 (Opens in new window)
• 2023 Best of Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Health Care (Opens in new window)
• Merry Merchant Munch (Opens in new window)
• On the Move AK (Opens in new window)
• Senior Living in Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Youth Summit Awards (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide
• ADN Store (Opens in new window)
• Classifieds (Opens in new window)
• Jobs (Opens in new window)
• Place an Ad (Opens in new window)
• Customer Service
• Sponsored Content

Touring by train is a fantastic way to see Alaska in the spring

Alaska Railroad locomotives head northbound along the Turnagain Arm on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Bill Roth / ADN)

The Alaska Railroad had to cancel this weekend’s trains between Anchorage and Seward because of avalanche danger.

Sure, the weather’s been crazy this year, but I didn’t have a Mother’s Day avalanche on my bingo card. Thankfully, the railroad arranged for bus transportation to and from Seward both for day-trippers and those catching a cruise ship south to Vancouver.

But the announcement served as a wake-up call that it’s time to book passage on the Alaska Railroad for travel this summer.

Already, visiting friends are calling with questions about which train to book and where to stay.

Once the avalanche risk to Seward is mitigated by the railroad’s crew, daily service on the Coastal Classic train is set to resume on May 15.

The ride from Anchorage to Seward is a beautiful one, but it calls for an early wake-up. Departing at 6:45 a.m., the train arrives in Seward at 11:20 a.m. That’s in time to take the midday glacier and wildlife cruises that leave from Seward’s small boat harbor. The train depot is close enough that it’s just a five-minute walk to check in for your boat ride.

Between now and May 31, travelers can ride the rails for $183 round-trip in Adventure Class. For an upgrade, choose Gold Star service, which includes breakfast on the way to Seward and dinner on the way back. In between meals, there’s a full-dome car to watch the scenery. Two drinks are included. The cost during the “value season” between now and May 31 is about twice as much: $376 round-trip. After June 1, the regular pricing kicks in: $211 round-trip for Adventure Class and $430 round-trip for Gold Star. Children under 12 are half-price. There’s also a military discount of 20% off published rates.

There are a few more options for traveling north from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks.

In addition to the railroad’s own cars, there’s a collection of private cars that the railroad pulls each day.

The Denali Star train started its daily service on May 9, with “value pricing” through May 31.

Between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the value price is $95 each way ($226 one-way for Gold Star). After June 1, the price increases to $119 one-way ($263 for Gold Star). The Denali Star leaves at a more reasonable hour: 8:20 a.m., arriving in Talkeetna at 11:05 a.m.

The popular route for visitors is between Anchorage and Denali. After leaving Talkeetna, the train arrives at the Denali depot at 3:40 p.m. Between now and May 31, ride to Denali from Anchorage for $151 one-way in Adventure Class, or $320 in Gold Star. Again, meals, drinks and the full-dome car seating is included in the Gold Star package. Adventure class travelers can purchase their meals in the dining car, or bring their own food along.

It’s a 12-hour ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but it’s a great trip. Between now and May 31, ride in Adventure Class for $215 one-way. Starting June 1, the rate goes up to $277 one-way.

One-way is enough on the train to Fairbanks. It’s faster and cheaper to fly Alaska Airlines back home. If you plan ahead, it’s $98 one-way, or 5,000 miles (plus $6 in fees).

Princess Alaska Lodges offers packages which include rail transportation on the line’s private cars, plus accommodations in Talkeetna or Denali Park.

A two-day/one-night package from Anchorage to Talkeetna includes the train ride up to Talkeetna and a bus ride to the lodge from the depot. The Mt. McKinley Princess is not far from Talkeetna as the crow flies, but the drive takes about an hour from the depot. The lodge sits above the banks of the Chulitna River and affords a beautiful view of Denali from the deck near check-in. Cost is $274.50 per person, double occupancy.

A three-day/two-night package to Denali costs $499.50 per person, double occupancy. That includes round-trip rail, two nights of hotel accommodations and transfers to and from the hotel.

Princess offers one- to four-night packages, as well as rail-only fares which are comparable to the Alaska Railroad’s. The rail cars are full-dome on the top deck, with dining cars below (cost of meals is not included).

[ Are guests visiting you in Alaska? Here are a few easy options for quick journeys or easy day trips. ]

Premier Alaska Tours also offers full-dome cars on the route between Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali. If you see the passenger trains on the tracks during the summer, Premier’s cars are distinctive because of the white paint job.

Premier’s “Wilderness Express” train cars offer a dining car below the full-dome viewing area. The seats are 23 inches wide with leather upholstery. All the seats recline and feature power ports.

Most of the travelers on the Wilderness Express are part of a group. For individual travelers, Premier works with Alaska Tour and Travel for reservations. Rates for the Wilderness Express are $285 one-way between Anchorage and Denali.

For a fun day-trip on the train, there are a couple of options.

1. Drive down to Portage and catch the train out to Spencer Glacier. It’s just a 20-minute ride on the train, but it’s a great way to get off the road system and into the wilderness. Once you arrive, go for a hike up to the lake for a view of Spencer Glacier. The cost for a round-trip ticket is $88. Spend about three hours exploring before the train returns to pick you up.

Chugach Adventures offers a package that includes the train ride and a guided raft trip down the Placer River from the lake in front of Spencer Glacier. Rafters get the chance to get up close to the icebergs before heading under the railroad bridge for the easy float downstream. Then, at the appointed moment, the guide beaches the raft and everyone gets out on the shore. Right on cue, the train comes by and picks you up for the return trip to Portage. The cost is $295 for adults, or $148 for children under 12.

2. Take the Hurricane Turn train from Talkeetna. This is the last “flag stop” rail service in America. It’s designed specifically for those who have camps or homes off the road system. Pack your own lunch for this special journey. You’re likely to see homesteaders and adventurers on this six-hour trip from Talkeetna up to Hurricane and back.

The train goes real slow over the Hurricane Bridge so you can appreciate the 296-foot drop from the rails to Hurricane Creek. The cost for the trip is $119 per adult.

Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures offers a “ River, Rail and Trail ” journey which includes the train ride from Talkeetna to Curry. From there, travelers can check out what remains of a once-popular layover for train travelers. Then, get in a jet boat for an exciting trip back to Talkeetna on the Susitna River. Stop at a trapper’s cabin for a brief tour and history lesson. Cost is $185 per adult.

Now that the avalanches are out of the way, it’s time to say “all aboard” for the Alaska Railroad.

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at [email protected]. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

Real ID deadline is rapidly approaching, what to know about the new flight requirement

The really real deadline to make your state-issued identified card, or driver’s license Real ID compliant will be here before you know it. 

And you won’t be fly domestically after 2025 without it. The government has been trying to make Real IDs a thing for a while, initially passing The Real ID act in 2005 in an attempt to set “minimum security standards” for state-issued identification documents.

The law was set to take effect in 2020 but was pushed back by the Department of Homeland Security over “backlogged transactions” at MVD offices nationwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to USA TODAY reporting . 

The May 2025 extension was necessary, DHS says, as state driver’s licensing agencies worked to address the mountains of paperwork, which in turn impacted the MVD’s ability to make any real progress on the Real ID rollout. 

“Following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards,” DHS said in 2022. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

That means every every traveler, 18 or older, must have a compliant form of identification in order to travel.

Here’s what to know. 

When does Real ID go into effect? 

The Real ID “full enforcement date” is Wednesday, May 7, 2025, according to DHS. 

When will a Real ID be required to fly?

You or your loved ones need to have a Real ID compliant document, driver’s license or identification card, by May 7, 2025. 

If you have another form of identification that is TSA-approved, like an up to date passport or a permanent resident card then you probably don’t need a Real ID compliant document.

Here are a couple TSA-approved alternatives, if you’re on the fence about getting a Real ID.

• State issued enhanced driver’s license
•  DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
•  HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
•  Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
•  Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How long does it take to get a Real ID?

It will take about two weeks , or 15 business days to get your Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License from your state's Motor Vehicle Department.

Enhanced driver’s licenses, which are only issued in a couple of states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, DHS says. 

How do I know if I have a Real ID? 

All Real IDs will have a stamp on the right hand corner to show that the identification document meets federal standards set forth by The Real ID Act of 2005. 

The symbol stamped on your Real ID card will vary, depending on which state you obtain your new identification card from. 

What does a Real ID look like? 

Your Real ID will have most, if not all of the information that’s included on your driver’s license. 

The only difference is the seal included in the right-hand corner. 

Cash back vs. travel rewards: How to choose a credit card

Editor's Note

If you're new to credit card rewards, one of the first questions you'll need to answer for yourself is: Should I get a card that earns travel rewards or a card that earns cash back?

The good news is you can find reliable options among the top cash-back credit cards and the best travel credit cards . In the end, you may want both a cash back and a points card .

Below, we'll break down the pros and cons of different types of cards and their associated rewards programs. We'll dive into things like rewards value, welcome offers, redemption, ease of use and perks. Considering these options will help you choose the best card for you.

Your spending and goals

The number of credit card options is both the best and most challenging part of choosing a card. Before we dig into what different cards offer, you'll want to think about your own spending habits and goals .

First, take a look at where your money is going right now. Are you renovating a home and spending a large portion of your money at home improvement stores? Maybe you're traveling a lot for work or spending your weekends trying out all the new restaurants nearby. Whatever you're doing, you can find a card that will maximize your rewards in your highest spending categories.

Then, determine what you would like to get out of your credit card rewards. Do you want to use points and miles to visit family over the holidays or book a dream vacation? Or are you hoping to help cover the cost of a large upcoming expense?

These answers are unique to you, and determining them upfront will help you decide which options will work best for you.

Types of cards

Generally, we designate credit cards as either travel rewards cards or cash-back cards. The names are pretty self-explanatory: they are cards that either earn travel rewards or simple cash back.

However, some cards offer more flexibility and allow users to choose how they redeem their rewards. Cards that earn transferable points , such as American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards , allow the cardholder a variety of options for redeeming the points they earn. While some redemptions are more valuable than others (more on that below), it can be nice to have the option to change your redemption strategy in case your goals change in the future.

Welcome offers

What you earn on credit card spending is essential, but nothing beats a card's welcome bonus when it comes to accumulating rewards quickly. The first few months of card ownership are potentially the most valuable since these bonuses can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Travel rewards cards almost always offer higher welcome bonuses than cash-back cards. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express currently offers a welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards points, worth $1,600 (according to TPG calculations ).

However, a higher bonus on a travel rewards card usually comes with a higher spending requirement. In order to get the bonus on The Platinum Card, for instance, you'll need to spend $8,000 in the first six months of membership. (Terms apply.)

Cash-back cards, on the other hand, generally offer a much lower bonus but also require a much lower spend in order to receive it. For example, the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Credit Card provides a one-time $200 bonus but only requires you to spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account to unlock the bonus.

Reward categories

When you consider a card's reward categories , it's helpful to identify where you spend the majority of your money.

While it makes sense that most travel rewards cards earn the most on travel purchases , you can find both travel rewards and cash-back card options that will reward you for everyday spending at places like supermarkets and gas stations .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, is a travel rewards card. Using it, you'll earn 3 points per dollar on all travel spending. Apart from travel, though, the card also earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2025). Since TPG values Chase Ultimate Rewards Points at 2.05 cents each, you'll effectively earn a value of 6.2 cents per dollar spent on travel and dining, as well as a very lucrative return of 21 cents per dollar spent on Lyft rides.

But if travel isn't a big spending category for you, or if you want to earn your rewards in the form of cash back, there are some excellent cash-back cards with different reward category options.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , for example, gives you 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1%) and 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services (with no cap), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit, while giving 1% back on other purchases. That means for every dollar you spend at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 each calendar year), you'll earn 6 cents that can be applied to a statement credit.

An important element to consider as you make your credit card decision is whether a card has an annual-fee and, if so, whether it is worthwhile to pay .

Travel rewards cards have a reputation for carrying higher annual fees, and sometimes for good reason: many premium travel rewards cards have annual fees of $350 or more. The welcome bonuses and perks of these cards generally offset the cost of the annual fee , but the cost itself may not be something you want to pay right now if you're on a tighter budget.

The good news is that plenty of lower and no annual fee travel rewards cards are available.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , for example, has an annual fee of only $95 and still comes with a welcome bonus of 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. It also still earns you 2 points per dollar on travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, and 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2025). With our 2.05-cent-per-point valuation , that's a lot of value for a relatively low annual fee.

Furthermore, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) has no annual fee and offers 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 within the first three months from account opening. You also earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase.

While the perks aren't as abundant as the perks of cards with higher fees, these cards, along with other low and no-annual-fee travel cards, are a great way to earn travel rewards with lower out-of-pocket costs.

With cash-back cards, you'll find even more options if you want to avoid annual fees . Some of our favorite no annual fee cash back cards are the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® . If you're looking at a cash-back card that does carry an annual fee, though, make sure your earning potential makes the fee worth it. An annual fee on a cash-back card can quickly eat into the rewards you'll earn with the card.

Big welcome bonuses and hefty annual fees tend to lead to valuable perks , which is a point in favor of points and miles cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for instance, includes a $300 annual travel credit reimbursement and complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges .

Other card benefits to look out for include baggage insurance , primary car rental insurance and purchase protection .

Cash-back cards tend to have fewer benefits, but you should still be able to find a card that offers some industry-standard benefits, like these:

• Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for a limited amount of time against damage or theft up to a certain amount per claim and per account.
• Extended warranty: Extends the period of a U.S. manufacturer's warranty (typically up to a year) on eligible warranties (of up to three to five years typically).
• Zero Liability: You won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information. Federal law generally limits your liability to $50.

Ease of using rewards

While many travel rewards cards offer excellent bonus categories and perks, keeping up with everything takes effort. Especially if you end up with multiple cards , it can be easy to get overwhelmed as you figure out which cards to use for different purchases to maximize your benefits. Then, once you have your points and miles in hand, you'll need to figure out how you want to redeem them . If you're able and willing to put some work into your strategy, you'll be able to get some excellent value with these rewards.

However, not everyone wants or is able to put much energy into maximizing their credit card rewards. If that's you, a cash-back card may be a better choice.

If you're looking for simplicity, cash-back cards are hard to beat. The most work you'll likely have to put in for one is activating the quarterly 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ .

But if you don't even want to deal with rotating categories, you can opt for a card like the Citi Double Cash® Card which pays 2% cash back (1% cash back on all purchases and another 1% back when you repay on time) on all purchases. Paying on time and in full (one of TPG's ten credit card commandments ) means you'll enjoy an almost effortless 2% cash-back reward on all purchases with this card. That's a pretty good deal for everyday spending and very little effort.

Redeeming points for cash back or travel

Cash-back cards win again for simplicity on redemption since one cash-back percentage point equals 1 cent per dollar spent. But when it comes to value, points and miles cards almost always come out on top.

When redeeming points and miles, 1 point or mile is almost always worth more than 1 cent. Furthermore, a point is often not a fixed-rate commodity. The value of currencies like Amex Membership Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points are hard to pin down since you can transfer these rewards to various travel partners and get much more value for a first-class flight.

There's certainly a learning curve, but referencing our valuations is an excellent way to see if you're getting a good bang for your buck, especially if you're considering traveling soon.

Is it better to redeem points for cash or travel?

Generally speaking, it's better to redeem your points for travel. You'll likely get more value from a travel redemption than cash back for the same number of points. It's best to aim to get at least 1.5 cents value from each point .

Is it better to get cash back or gift cards?

It depends. It's hard to beat the simplicity of a cash-back redemption since most cards offer this redemption in the form of a statement credit. However, sometimes, gift card redemptions are offered at a higher value than cash back. If you can find a good deal on a gift card you'll use, a gift card redemption may make sense.

Is there a downside to cash back?

Cash back is great if cash flow is what you need or want right now or if you don't have the energy to keep up with a more complex credit card strategy. However, you'll generally get more value for travel redemptions using a rewards credit card rather than a cash back card.

Are airline miles worth more than cash back?

Yes. Cash back is usually valued at 1% or 1 cent, whereas most airline miles are worth more than 1 cent . However, some airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Spirit Airlines have poorly-valued miles, so cash back is better in these cases.

Bottom Line

If your top priority is getting the most value out of a credit card — no matter the blood, sweat and tears required — you should get a travel rewards card and maybe a premium one at that. You'll get far more value out of one of these cards from the bonus, the points, the perks and the redemption options than you'll get from a cash-back card.

But not everyone has the time or inclination to put this much effort into tracking spending and returns, which is where cash-back cards come in. There's nothing wrong with either perspective.

The only major misstep you can take — if you pay your credit cards off every month — is not to take advantage of the free money issuers will throw at you in the form of welcome offers.

Related: The pros and cons of cash-back credit cards

Things To Do | Celebrate National Maritime Day aboard the…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Evening Edition

• Food & Drink
• Home and Garden
• Games & Puzzles

Things To Do

Things to do | celebrate national maritime day aboard the battleship wisconsin in norfolk.

Government and maritime industry leaders will be among the guests attending the commemoration.

Congress established May 22 as National Maritime Day in 1933 to officially honor the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. merchant mariners in defense of the nation.

Camille Crofton Cherry, the club’s president, will preside over the ceremony, which includes the presentation of colors by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, the introduction of the evening’s speaker by Navy Rear Adm. Philip E. Sobeck and a keynote address by Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander U.S. Transportation Command.

Following Van Ovost’s remarks, the Propeller Club will present its first ever Maritime Industry Service Award to acknowledge an industry stakeholder who has demonstrated exemplary character and service over self, a nod to the Merchant Mariners ethos.

The ceremony will conclude with a reading of the National Maritime Day proclamation, and a wreath laying from the CROMO, a local historic dive vessel, in remembrance of mariners who died in service to the nation.

For more information about National Maritime Day 2024, visit the club’s website at propellerclubnorfolk.org/event-5701498 .

More in Things To Do

Home and Garden | How to guard roses against a disease that has no cure

News Obituaries | Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92

Travel | Family travel 5: Summer vacation spots for both playing and learning

Travel | Your 2024 credit card checklist for summer travel

Trending nationally.

• Cambridge couple stranded in Brazil with premature newborn say they are stuck in ‘bureaucratic morass’
• Scottie Scheffler arrested at PGA Championship for traffic violation, returns to course hours later
• Ben Affleck spotted staying at separate home amid Jennifer Lopez split rumors
• ABC’s ‘Golden Bachelorette’ is 61-year-old Maryland grandmother
• Preakness 2024: From Mystik Dan to Uncle Heavy, get to know the eight horses in the field

Ukraine war latest: Russian forces take control of village in Kharkiv region - defence ministry

Russian troops are continuing to advance in the Kharkiv region - with the defence ministry claiming it had taken control of 12 settlements in a week.

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:10, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Russia takes control of village in Kharkiv - defence ministry
• Ukraine's divisive draft law comes into force | At least 30 Ukrainians have died crossing river to avoid
• Putin concludes trip to China with veiled reference to West
• Two civilians killed while evacuating city
• Analysis: Great power politics on display in China visit
• Live reporting by  Jess Sharp  and (earlier)  Josephine Franks

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for the moment.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on today's developments.

A decorated Ukrainian pilot has been killed in action, the country's 831st tactical aviation brigade has announced. 

In a post on Facebook, the brigade said First Deputy Commander of the Aviation Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Denis Vasilyuk, was killed during a combat mission.

"We lost not just a pilot, but a reliable combat brother, a friend and just a wonderful and bright man," it added. 

He flew dozens of missions since the beginning of the war has has been awarded the Order For Courage medal. 

The medal is handed to members of the military for individual courage and heroism while rescuing people or valued materials while endangering their own life. 

A Ukrainian missile has been destroyed over Belgorod, the Russian defence ministry has said. 

It said the Tochka-U tactical missile was launched at around 9.15pm local time (7.15pm UK time). 

"Duty air defence systems destroyed one tactical missile over the territory of the Belgorod region," it added. 

Belgorod has been targeted several times, with attacks increasing in recent weeks. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised his forces' successes during his nightly address. 

The Ukrainian president said his troops had grown in confidence, particularly in the Kharkiv region. 

However, his message comes after Russia's defence ministry said its forces captured the village of Starytsia in the Kharkiv region earlier today - just eight days after a new Russian push in the area began.

"The occupier is losing its infantry and equipment, a tangible loss, even though, just as in 2022, it was counting on a quick advance on our land," Mr Zelenskyy said, referring to Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in February of that year.

In the eastern Donetsk region around Chasiv Yar, a city seen as a key target in Russia's campaign, Mr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had repelled a Russian assault. 

"Our soldiers destroyed more than 20 units of the occupier's armoured vehicles," he added.

Russia has claimed to have captured a "very valuable" British-made vehicle from the battlefield. 

In a post on Telegram, the defence ministry said the FV104 Samaritan evacuation vehicle has been taken but needs to be repaired. 

It claimed it was big enough to evacuate four people and carry a crew of two. 

It said it was "very valuable" and could be used as a "rare collection exhibit". 

It shared a video of the vehicle but Sky News has not been able to verify if it is a FV104 Samaritan. 

Five people have been injured in a Russian shelling attack in Kharkiv, the Ukrainian national police has said. 

A 13-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy are among those hurt, it said. 

The Russian military attacked the city at around 30pm, it added, with several hits recorded on residential buildings. 

"As a result of shelling, five civilians were injured, and civilian infrastructure was also damaged," police official Oleksandr Kobylev said. 

"Currently, two minor children are known to have suffered minor injuries. Necessary medical assistance is provided to all victims." 

A Russian attack plane has been shot down, a Ukrainian army brigade has reported. 

The 110th separate brigade said the Su-25 had been destroyed in Donetsk. 

It said it was the fourth Su-25 to have been shot down, adding it will keep issuing "flaming fines" to Russia for crossing into Ukraine. 

"Our sky will become hell for the occupant pilots. Our squad number will be a nightmare for them," it added. 

A Ukrainian sergeant has been stabbed in the hand by a civilian, the country's ground forces has said. 

In a statement posted on Facebook, the army said the attacker was detained and has been charged with attempted murder and obstructing the armed forces. 

The attack took place in the city of Sinelnikove, in the central Dnipro region, earlier today.

"A civilian committed an armed assault with cold weapons (knife) on the sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the statement said. 

The sergeant, who worked for the territorial recruitment and social support centre, has been provided with "all the necessary medical care", it added. 

In Ukraine's second largest city, airstrikes have become a daily occurrence as intense battles continue. 

Russian troops have been pushing ahead with a ground offensive that opened a new front in northeastern Kharkiv region in recent days, putting further pressure on Kyiv's overstretched military. 

After weeks of probing, Moscow launched the new push knowing that Ukraine suffered personnel shortages, and that its forces have been spread thin in the northeast.

Two people were killed after Russian airstrikes hit Kharkiv on Friday as Ukrainian troops fought to halt Russian advances in the region.

The airstrikes targeted Ukraine's second-largest city during the daytime, injuring 25 people and killing two, according to Kharkiv's mayor Ihor Terkhov.

On Thursday, the air alarm sounded for more than 16 hours, a record since the beginning of the military campaign by Russia.

Here are some of the latest pictures from the city: 

Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian power facilities in early 2024 disrupted 14% of Russia's oil refining capacity, according to the US Department of Defence.

The strikes pushed up domestic oil prices by 20-30% and forced Russia to halt exports to focus on meeting domestic demand, a report from the Pentagon’s intelligence agency said.

But it caused only a "negligible disruption" to the electricity supply for Russian civilians and the military, because of Russia's "robust generation capacity" and the level of power in the grid. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free