How to Buy Tickets for the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a must-see for art and culture lovers, drawing over 2 million visitors from more than 120 countries each year. With its impressive collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces, it has become a favorite destination for painting enthusiasts worldwide. But what’s the best way to buy tickets for the Van Gogh Museum? In this guide, we’ll outline the different options available—including skip-the-line tickets—and share practical tips to help you plan your visit.

How to buy Van Gogh Museum tickets: If waiting in long lines isn’t your ideal way to spend a holiday, we highly recommend booking your Van Gogh Museum skip-the-line tickets in advance here.

The Best Ways to Buy Van Gogh Museum Tickets

Despite its popularity, there are only a few ways to get your ticket for the Van Gogh Museum, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s where you can buy your ticket and why certain options might not be as convenient as they seem.

1. Direct Purchase at the Museum (Not Possible)

Previously, tickets could be purchased at the museum entrance. However, due to COVID-19, all Van Gogh Museum tickets now must be booked online via advance reservation. This helps manage visitor numbers and ensures everyone’s safety.

2. Online Purchase via the Official Museum Website

Booking on the official website is the safest and easiest way to buy tickets. You can choose your preferred date and time slot, giving you guaranteed entry without queuing.

Bear in mind, tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s wise to book well in advance—especially during peak seasons. On occasions, the official site might be unavailable, in which case alternative ticket providers are worth considering.

Official tickets are non-refundable and changes to your selected date or time can only be made up to 48 hours before your visit.

That’s why we recommend booking here. These tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit. Planning ahead is key and plans can easily change, so this option offers peace of mind for only a small extra fee.

3. Skip-the-Line Tickets

A popular way to avoid queues is to buy “skip the line” tickets. These tickets allow you direct entry without waiting, and are available from various trusted online vendors.

One of the top providers is GetYourGuide. Through their site, you can select your date and time, ensuring quick and hassle-free entry.

4. Book a Guided Tour

To get deeper insights into Vincent Van Gogh and the museum’s remarkable collection, consider booking a guided tour. While each exhibit features comprehensive information, joining a live tour gives you the chance to ask questions and learn even more.

We recommend this guided museum tour. Note: museum entry isn’t included, so tickets must be purchased separately.

5. Book a Combination Ticket

If you plan to visit several attractions in Amsterdam, consider purchasing a combination ticket. For those interested in the Van Gogh Museum, we suggest this combo ticket, which pairs museum admission with a popular city canal cruise. Choose your Van Gogh Museum entry slot and schedule your cruise for later in the day.

6. Tourist Passes

For a more comprehensive Amsterdam experience, you can purchase city passes that include Van Gogh Museum access, offering convenient admission to multiple sights and activities.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Van Gogh Museum

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Van Gogh Museum?

To enjoy a quieter visit, some times are better than others—even if tickets are sold for specific time slots. There is no time limit inside, so the museum may get busier during peak hours.

Opening Hours

The Van Gogh Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Try to visit between 9:00 am and 11:00 am or after 3:00 pm for a less crowded experience. Between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm is usually the busiest. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, so be sure to arrive on time.

No Large Luggage Allowed

Large bags are not permitted inside the museum. Use city left-luggage services or hotel storage while you visit.

Interactive Audio Guides

Enrich your visit by renting an interactive audio guide, offering detailed commentary on every artwork and deeper insights into Van Gogh’s life and era.

Other Museums to Visit

Amsterdam abounds with museums. Art and culture lovers might also visit the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House.

What to Do After the Museum

After your visit, explore more of Amsterdam: enjoy a scenic canal walk, browse local markets, or relax with lunch in a classic city café.

How to Get to the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is very easy to fit into your Amsterdam sightseeing itinerary as it sits in the city’s Museum Quarter alongside the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark—all within easy walking distance. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Amsterdam, public transport is your best option.

Tram, bus, or metro are all options—tram is often easiest. Lines 2, 5, and 12 stop at Museumplein, right outside the museum. Buses 347, 357, and 397 also stop at Museumplein. The metro takes you to Vijzelgracht station, about a 10-minute walk from the museum.

How Do Tickets for the Van Gogh Museum Work?

Van Gogh Museum tickets are straightforward—no confusion about what’s included. There’s just one ticket type, valid for both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Simply select a 15-minute entry slot when booking, and your e-ticket will be emailed to you to show on arrival (printed or on your phone).

How Much Do Van Gogh Museum Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices depend only on your age. General Van Gogh Museum admission currently costs €19, increasing to €20 from 7 October 2022. Student tickets (available weekdays only with ID) cost €10. Children under 18 enter free.

Best Hotels Near the Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam offers plenty of accommodation options citywide. While the Museum Quarter isn’t as central as Binnenstad, it’s a great base for sightseeing with excellent public transport links. Here are some top picks nearby to help you make the most of your time.

The Conservatorium Hotel is ideal for a luxury stay—this modern five-star hotel sits opposite the museum, featuring a huge spa, indoor pool, two restaurants, and a stylish bar.

For comfort, value, and location, Hotel Aalders is hard to beat. This characterful three-star hotel is just one street away and has its own bar for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. See also our Amsterdam hotel booking guide.

Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark is the top budget choice in the Museum Quarter, offering dorms and private rooms in a funky, colorful design, with on-site bike hire and brasserie.

Van Gogh Museum Visitor Safety

There are clear rules to follow for a relaxed, enjoyable museum visit—familiarize yourself with these guidelines ahead of time.

Large bags and suitcases aren’t allowed inside; leave them at your accommodation or a local luggage storage. Small bags may be stored in museum lockers; coats and umbrellas can be left in the cloakroom. No food or drink inside.

Personal photos (no tripod or flash) are permitted only in designated areas. For professional shooting or filming, prior permission is required.

Visiting the Van Gogh Museum with a Disability

The museum provides excellent accessibility features and support for visitors with disabilities, including a free companion admission. Wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility scooters are welcome; wheelchairs are available to borrow with advance reservation. Elevators provide access to all floors.

Low lighting in some galleries may affect visitors with visual impairment. Tactile building maps and guided dogs (with harness) are allowed. There’s a special “Feeling Van Gogh” interactive program for visitors with partial or total vision loss.

Private guided tours are available in International Sign Language, and visitors with hearing impairment may bring a sign language interpreter with them for free.

Facts about the Van Gogh Museum

What is the Van Gogh Museum?

The Van Gogh Museum is an Amsterdam art museum dedicated to the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh. It holds the world’s largest collection of his paintings and sketches.

When did the Van Gogh Museum open?

The museum opened to the public on June 2, 1973.

Who designed the Van Gogh Museum?

The Rietveld building was designed by architect Gerrit Rietveld, while the Kurokawa wing was designed by Kisho Kurokawa.

Why was the Van Gogh Museum built?

The Dutch government created the museum to house the large collection of Van Gogh’s art previously on loan to Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum.

Where is the Van Gogh Museum located?

The Van Gogh Museum is in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid’s Museum Quarter.

Buying tickets for the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is now easier than ever. Choose the option that best matches your needs to enjoy a hassle-free visit—especially by booking ahead in peak season to secure your preferred date and time. Once inside, immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s extraordinary artistic legacy and vibrant history.