Ferries, Canal Boats and Water Taxis in Amsterdam
Information on the ferry boats, canal buses, canal boat cruises and water taxis in Amsterdam. Find out how to get around the main canals in North Holland, including the three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht...
Amsterdam is known as the ‘Venice of the North’. It has a waterway network covering more than 100 kilometres. There are three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.
The majority of water transportation in Amsterdam is aimed at tourists. However, local residents do use the ferry services.
Ferries (Veer)
GVB is the public transport provider for Amsterdam. It provides eight ferry links connecting Amsterdam Central Station and the north of the city, as well as crossings on the Noordzeekanaal. Free ferry transportation is provided for passengers, bicycles and mopeds.
- To view a route map: Click here
- For stop and timetable information for each of the ferry services: Click here
Canal Buses
The Canal Bus is one of the services provided by the Canal Company. It provides a regular service covering three routes around Amsterdam. Passengers can hop on or hop off at any one of the 19 stops in the main tourist or shopping areas.
There are four routes stopping at the main tourist attractions:
- Green line: Central Station West to Central Station East - stops include Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and Rembrant House
- Red line: Central Station East to Central Station West - stops include City Hall, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Amsterdam Museum
- Blue line: Central Station West, through the Plantage District in the east of Amsterdam
- Orange line: Remprandtplein and Anne Frank House
Passengers can buy Canal Bus tickets from Canal Company shops near Central Station, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank House, hotels, tourist information offices and NZ Hollands Koffiehuis.
One day, 24-hour and 48-hour tickets are available. Combination tickets including a Canal Bus Day Pass and entry to one of Amsterdam’s museums are available. All Amsterdam Transport Passes, which include unlimited use of Amsterdam’s bus, metro and tram network, are also valid for one day on the Canal Bus.
- For more information on the Canal Bus: Click here
- Canal Company
At: Weteringschans 26 1 hoog, 1017 SG Amsterdam
Tel: 020 217 0500
email
Rederij Lovers provides another canal bus service in Amsterdam. The Museum Line sails 10:00-17:00 daily every 30 minutes. It leaves from Central Station West side and stops at Anne Frank house, Leidse Square, the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum, Stopera flea market and Dam Square.
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes. Day tickets are valid for unlimited boat travel for 24-hours and entitle passengers to discounted entry to several museums. Groups of more than 10 people should book in advance.
- Rederij Lovers
At: Prins Hendrikkade 25, Amsterdam
Tel: 020 530 1090
email
- For more information about the Museum Line: Click here
Canal Boat Cruises
There are many companies that offer canal boat cruises around Amsterdam.
- See the Business Directory for Canal Tours & Cruises
Water Taxis
Water taxis can carry up to eight passengers. They can be booked in advance or hailed from the dock near Central station.
- Amsterdamse Watertaxi Centrale
At: Stationsplein 8, 1000 CX Amsterdam
Tel: 020 535 6363
email
Canal Bikes
The Canal Company rents four-seater canal bikes in Amsterdam and Utrecht. Pedal boats can be hired from four moorings in Amsterdam and one in Utrecht.
Canal bikes are available daily 10:00-17:00 and in summertime, until 22:00 in Amsterdam. Canal Bike Utrecht opening times vary according to the season.
Boat Hire
Several companies provide boats for private hire in Amsterdam.
- See the Business Directory for Boat Hire & Yacht Charter