Remise Havenstraat

Hidden in plain sight, Remise Havenstraat whispers tales of Amsterdam’s electric dreams. Opened in 1914, Remise Havenstraat has grown into the largest tram depot in Amsterdam. It’s not just a parking spot for trams. This is where the magic happens, where these metal steeds get their daily check-ups and essential care. Remise Havenstraat has seen it all, from the bustling heyday of the Gemeentetram Amsterdam to the modern GVB network. The depot has expanded over time, adding covered storage and even two open-air storage areas. One of these open-air expansions, built in 1963, even required filling in a section of water to make room! Imagine the retired pre-war trams weathering the elements there, waiting for their rush hour call to duty. Remise Havenstraat is a two-way depot, unlike Remise Lekstraat. It’s also the connecting point for the Electric Museum Tramline Amsterdam to the GVB network. Some of the museum trams even get their maintenance done right here. Today, lines 1, 2, 5, 7, 13, 17, and 27 call Remise Havenstraat home. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of other lines, with the exception of lines 8, 9, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, and S. While Remise Lekstraat serves primarily as a storage facility, Remise Havenstraat handles daily maintenance for all trams, creating a constant flow of activity between the two. In fact, since 2010, they’ve been officially linked organizationally. Though plans have been discussed to cover the open-air sections to protect the trams from harsh weather, they haven’t come to fruition yet. The future of Remise Havenstraat continues to evolve, a testament to Amsterdam’s ever-changing urban landscape.