Amsterdam trams, buses and metro: the fine, validation and contactless payment (2026)
According to GVB, Amsterdam’s public transport company, checked on 5 November 2026, if you do not check in when boarding you do not have a valid ticket, and if you are checked you receive a €70 fine and also pay the fare; you can check in and out with a debit card, credit card or phone (OVpay), a barcode ticket in the GVB app, an OV-chipkaart or a paper ticket.
This page covers GVB, Amsterdam’s city transport company (trams, buses and metro), not trains. Check out as well: GVB says the rate for a missed check-in or check-out is €4 (full rate), and explains how to ask for a refund.
Fines and payment rules change, often at the start of the year. We quote the transport company’s own pages word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. The inspector, the fine notice and the official page decide.
At a glance
| Network | GVB trams, buses and metro |
|---|---|
| Fine without a valid ticket | €70 plus the fare |
| Contactless bank card | Yes: check in and out with a debit card, credit card or phone (OVpay) |
| Validate or tap? | Yes: everyone must check in when boarding and check out, with every ticket, card or season ticket |
| How to pay | OVpay (debit card, credit card or phone), a barcode ticket in the GVB app, an OV-chipkaart or a paper ticket |
| Change announced | None on the pages we read |
| Checked | 5 November 2026 |
What the official sources say
Fines
If you do not check in when boarding, you do not have a valid ticket. If you're checked, you'll receive a €70 fine and you'll also pay the fare.
Source: GVB: Boarding means checking in (GVB (Amsterdam’s public transport company)), checked on 5 November 2026. Quoted word for word.
How to pay
To travel by public transport you need a valid ticket. You always have to check in and out for this. And that has never been easier than with OVpay (debit card, credit card or mobile) or a barcode ticket via the GVB app.
Source: GVB: Boarding means checking in (GVB (Amsterdam’s public transport company)), checked on 5 November 2026. Quoted word for word.
Validating and tapping
Whether you travel with a paper ticket, a GVB app barcode ticket or a (presale) travel product on your OV-chipkaart. Everyone must check in and out. Without this check-in you will not have a valid at hand. This also applies if you travel with a season ticket or a studentenreisproduct (student travel product).
Source: GVB: Boarding means checking in (GVB (Amsterdam’s public transport company)), checked on 5 November 2026. Quoted word for word.
Did you forget to check in when you boarded? If so, you do not have valid proof of transport. As a result, you must check in as quickly as possible using your OV-chipkaart, debit card, barcode ticket or paper card. Buses and trams are equipped with card readers where you can do this at any thime [sic].
Are you travelling by metro? If so, exit at the next stop to check in on the platform or at a metro gate before you continue your journey.
Source: GVB: Missed check out (GVB (Amsterdam’s public transport company)), checked on 5 November 2026. Quoted word for word.
Also on the official pages
The rate that applies for a missed check-in or check-out is €4 (full rate). This amount may be different if an age discount, discount product or season ticket applies to your trip during your trip.
You forgot to check out with your debit card, credit card, contactless mobile payment or smart watch. Follow the steps below to request a refund.
Source: GVB: Missed check out (GVB (Amsterdam’s public transport company)), checked on 5 November 2026. Quoted word for word.
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Questions
What is the fine on the Amsterdam metro?
GVB says: “If you do not check in when boarding, you do not have a valid ticket. If you're checked, you'll receive a €70 fine and you'll also pay the fare.”
Does the Amsterdam metro take contactless?
Yes. GVB says: “To travel by public transport you need a valid ticket. You always have to check in and out for this. And that has never been easier than with OVpay (debit card, credit card or mobile) or a barcode ticket via the GVB app.”
Do you need to validate tickets in Amsterdam?
Yes: in Amsterdam you check in and out. GVB says: “Whether you travel with a paper ticket, a GVB app barcode ticket or a (presale) travel product on your OV-chipkaart. Everyone must check in and out. Without this check-in you will not have a valid at hand. This also applies if you travel with a season ticket or a studentenreisproduct (student travel product).” “Did you forget to check in when you boarded? If so, you do not have valid proof of transport. As a result, you must check in as quickly as possible using your OV-chipkaart, debit card, barcode ticket or paper card. Buses and trams are equipped with card readers where you can do this at any thime [sic].”
How do you pay for the tram in Amsterdam?
GVB says: “To travel by public transport you need a valid ticket. You always have to check in and out for this. And that has never been easier than with OVpay (debit card, credit card or mobile) or a barcode ticket via the GVB app.” If you forget to check in, GVB says to do it as quickly as possible: buses and trams have card readers on board.
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