Ferries, Canal Boats & 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 five ferry links connecting Amsterdam Central Station and the north of the city. 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 14 stops in the main tourist or shopping areas.

The three routes stop in the following areas:

Green line: Central Station West, Anne Frank, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Rembrantplein and Rembrant House
Red Line: Central Station East, City Hall, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank and Central Station West
Blue Line: Central Station East, NEMO, Passenger Terminal, Artis Zoo, Tropenmuseum, City Hall, Gassan Diamonds and Central Station East

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.

Day tickets are valid until 12:00 on the day after purchase. 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: 020 623 9886 / 020 626 5574
e-mail
Website

Rederij Lovers provides another canal bus service in Amsterdam. The Museum Quarter Line sails 10:00-18:30 daily to a fixed timetable. 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 25-27, Amsterdam
Tel: 020 530 5412
e-mail
Website
For more information on the Museumboot: Click here

Canal Boat Cruises

There are many companies that offer canal boat cruises around Amsterdam.

See the AngloFILE for Canal Tours & Cruises

Water Taxis

Water taxis can carry between 1 and 40 passengers. They can be booked in advance or hailed from the dock near Centraal station.

Amsterdamse Watertaxi Centrale
At: Stationsplein 8, 1000 CX Amsterdam
Tel: 020 535 6363
e-mail
Website

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 10:00-18:00 and in summertime, until 22:00 in Amsterdam. Canal Bike Utrecht opening times vary according to the season.