THE NETHERLANDS - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 404

• Cuisine —fine French and international dinners in the Seasons Garden Restaur-
ant.
Park Plaza Hotels Benelux are located either opposite from, next to, or very
close to the central rail stations in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven in the Neth-
erlands, as well as in Antwerp, Belgium. For reservations, Tel: [phone];
Fax: [phone]; www.parkplaza.com .
Getting Around in Amsterdam
GVB: located on square opposite Centraal Station; www.gvb.nl
Tel: [phone] or 460 60 60
Hours: 0700-2100 Monday-Friday, 1000-1800 Saturday-Sunday
Amsterdam's public transportation system encompasses 17 tram lines, more than
30 bus lines, and 4 underground systems/light-rail lines, plus ferries and canal
boats. The transport office, GVB (Gemeentevervoerbedrijf), is located in front of
Amsterdam's Centraal Station in Noord-Zuid Hollands Koffiehuis. Check with this
office for up-to-date information, for public transportation maps, and to purchase
transport tickets.
There is a variety of transportation tickets available. The easiest way of traveling
on GVB Transport's buses, trams, and metro is to purchase a Day Ticket that en-
titles you to unlimited travel for an entire day and evening. A single Day Ticket is
€7.50. You can also purchase a ticket valid for up to nine days. Purchase Day Tick-
ets from GVB Tickets & Info Desk (opposite the rail station), at metro stations, and
at the VVV Amsterdam Tourist Board offices.
You can also purchase the “Strippenkaart” (strip tickets); strip tickets, however,
require stamping with each use, and a single ticket is valid on all GVB forms of
transport for one hour. To travel in one zone, you have to use two strips, plus
one extra strip for each subsequent zone. The transport maps indicate how many
zones you need to travel to your destination. Use the stamp machines, or the con-
ductor can stamp your ticket. Tickets are not valid unless stamped and you are
subject to a fine of €30 if you do not possess a valid ticket. For transportation in-
formation, Tel: [phone].
For boat services contact the tourist information office for details on the Canal
Bus, Water Taxi, Artis Express Rederij Lovers, and the Museum Boat. Bicycle and
water-bike rentals are also available.