NS (the Dutch Railways) promote a travel card called the Amsterdam Travel Ticket .  I have recent seen it promoted at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport.  For €17 you can get: 2nd class travel from Schiphol Airport to any station in Amsterdam (see stations below) travel on trams, buses, night buses, metro and GVB ferries also valid on the Amsterdam Airport Express (397) and Nitliner (N97) bus Advantages  It is great to have a one card for everything instead of having to buy each ticket along the way. So ease of use is the main advantage. It can be busy on public transport around Amsterdam and it is nice to have one card to scan in and out ( check in and out ) and not worry about having to buy each ticket along the way Disadvantage Given that a single ticket from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central for only €4.30 (€8.60 return) unless you plan to spend more than €10 on buses/trams and ferry travel in one day it is cheaper to pay as you go! If you are coming and goin...