The central area of Amsterdam is fairly compact and easy to get around on foot. When going further afield, there is a good, inexpensive network of trams, buses and metro lines that all converge at Centraal Station, as well as canal boats and a free ferry service across the IJ Canal. The GVB public transport office at Centraal Station has route maps and a guide to the ticketing system, which is based on zones with the same ticket valid on buses, metros and trams.
The most widely used type of travel pass in Amsterdam is the Strippenkart; a strip gets stamped every time one boards and remains valid for unlimited transfers within an hour (eight-strip card: €6.40; 15-strip card: €6.40; 45-strip card: €18.90). After midnight there are night buses that run from Centraal Station to most parts of the city. Taxis are among the most expensive in Europe and renting a car or driving one's own to Amsterdam is not recommended; it is better to park it outside the city and use public transport to get into the centre and around. An ideal way to get around in Amsterdam is the Dutch way - by bicycle. There are several rental agencies around town (about €7 daily or €30 weekly), but be aware that theft is common and make sure that both the frame and a wheel is locked to something fixed and solid.