The municipality of Amsterdam has announced that, from July 22, children in the Dutch capital will be able to travel on the city’s network of buses, trams and metros for free. 

Four months of free public transport for kids in Amsterdam

With prices rising across the Netherlands, many families are struggling to cover various daily costs. As the summer holiday approaches, the municipality hopes that free public transport will mean families are able to go out and enjoy themselves without having to worry about the costs. Furthermore, with passenger numbers still below 2019 levels, it’s hoped that the scheme will encourage members of the public to make better use of the city’s public transport network.

From July 22 through to November 30, children between the ages of four and 11 won’t have to pay a cent to travel by public transport operated by GVB in Amsterdam. “We hope to give families a nice summer holiday with this scheme,” the municipality writes on its website.

Parents can apply online from July 3, 2023

From July 3, parents can apply for a travel subscription for their children online. The subscription can then be applied to the child’s personal OV-chipkaart. The municipality does note, however, that children travelling on public transport “must always [be] accompanied by an adult.”

For more information about how to apply for the scheme, visit the municipality's website. Applications will be open from 9am on July 3 until November 23.

Thumb: Ceri Breeze via Shutterstock.com.