The trams in Amsterdam are often confused with the trains, and rightly so, because they are often confused with the bus system as well. Trams are typically the streetcars that run along the main sections of town, while the true trams run along tracks above the streets. The Amsterdam Metro system is run by Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf, in case you ever need to know, and consists of several lines which began running in 1968.

The lines are numbered 50-54, and you can catch any of them to various travelers' attractions in and around the city. The line running east ends at Amsterdam Zuidoost which includes Bijlmeer and takes up two of the four braches; the lines 53 and 54. a partial line, 51, shares the tracks and is considered a "light rail,'' rather than a real line, and ends at Amstelveen.

The fastest connection within the city to all points is the crowded and busy ring line 50, which serves the city center and runs west to southeast. Dual height platforms at each station serve the lighter trams, or real streetcars, which zig zag through the city and connect with the "real trams."

The concept of real and light rails is an Amsterdam local idea. The trams serve everywhere and are simply called different names by what kind of rails they ride on. The city has been working on the tram lines for over the last twenty years in order to get them to serve every section of town, so don't be concerned as there are many tourist info stops along the way.