When people talk about getting around in Amsterdam, they usually talk about bicycles, trams, or canals. But a lot of people who are visiting the city for the first time don’t know that ferries are also part of the city’s public transportation system.
When I first went to Amsterdam, I saw people walking behind the central station and getting on a big ferry. I thought it was a cruise ship or a tourist boat. I found out later that people use these ferries every day.
I found that taking the ferry in Amsterdam is one of the easiest and most fun ways to get around the city after I tried it myself.
Based on what I’ve learned, I’ll give you some simple advice in this guide.
Why Ferries Are Important in Amsterdam
The IJ River, a big waterway, divides Amsterdam into two parts: the city center and the neighborhoods to the north. Every day, a lot of people go back and forth between these places.
The city doesn’t build a lot of bridges; instead, it uses ferries to connect both sides. The public transportation company GVB runs these ferries all year long. So, if you’re planning to use public transport often, you might want to compare GVB tickets with the Amsterdam Card.
For people who live there, ferries are just another way to get around. But for tourists, they can also be a nice way to see the city from the water.
The Best Part: A Lot of Ferries Are Free
Many tourists are surprised to learn that most ferries in Amsterdam are free.
You don’t have to buy a ticket, scan a card, or use the system to pay for public transportation. You can just get on the ferry and ride across the river.
This is why people often think that ferries are one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam.
The crossing itself is also very quick. Most trips across the IJ only take 5 to 10 minutes.
Where to Go on the Ferry
The main ferry terminal is behind the Amsterdam Central Station.
If you walk toward the water through the station, you will see a number of docks where ferries come and go.
Ferries leave from here and go to different parts of Amsterdam Noord, which is the city’s northern part.
Some common paths are:
- Central Station → Buiksloterweg
- Central Station → NDSM Wharf
- Central Station → IJplein
These ferries run a lot, so you usually don’t have to wait long.
A ferry might come every few minutes during busy times.
Step 1: Getting on the Ferry
It’s very easy to use the ferry in Amsterdam.
When the ferry gets there:
- Let the passengers get off first.
- Use the wide ramp to get on the ferry.
- Get out of the way so other people can get on.
These ferries don’t have ticket checks or card readers like trams, metro, or buses do.
People can just get on and find a place to stand.
It’s normal to see a lot of bikes on the ferries because they are made for people, bikes, and scooters.
Step 2: The Ride on the Ferry
The ride itself is short and only takes a few minutes.
While crossing, you can often see:
- the skyline of Amsterdam
- big ships going through the IJ
- the crowded waterfront near Central Station
The view can be very nice, especially when the weather is nice, even though the trip is short.
Because the ferries come and go often, many people in the area use them like a regular bridge over the water.
Step 3: Getting off the Ferry
The process is very simple once the ferry gets to the other side.
People just walk off the ferry using the front ramp.
There is no checkout or checking of tickets.
You can walk, bike, or connect to other forms of transportation from there.
A Ferry Route That Many Tourists Take
The ferry from Central Station to Buiksloterweg is one of the most popular routes for tourists.
This route is helpful because it takes you close to places like:
- the Eye Film Museum
- A’DAM Lookout
- restaurants and creative spaces in Amsterdam Noord
It also runs 24 hours a day, which is rare for ferry routes, so it’s useful even late at night.
A Little Advice From Me
I didn’t know how often the ferry ran the first time I used it.
I thought I had to look at a schedule, but in most cases, you can just walk to the dock and wait a few minutes.
It’s easy to plan your trip because the digital screens at the dock usually show when the next ferry will arrive.
The ferry often feels like part of the city’s regular street network because it leaves and arrives quickly and often.
Ferry Travel vs. Ferries for Long Distances
Some people talk about long ferry rides to Amsterdam from other countries, like overnight ferries from the UK, when they read about travel online.
Different people have different experiences with those ferries.
Someone else said to bring snacks because food on board can be pricey.
But the long-distance ferries are not the same as the short, free ferries that go around Amsterdam. Those are used like regular public transportation.
When Is It Best to Take the Ferry in Amsterdam?
Ferries are very useful when you want to:
- Go to Amsterdam Noord
- Visit NDSM Wharf
- See the city skyline from a different angle
- Cross the IJ quickly without a bridge
For a lot of people who visit Amsterdam, the ferry is a small but memorable part of their trip.
Last Thoughts
I didn’t know that ferries were part of the public transportation system before I went to Amsterdam. But after I used them, I saw that they are one of the easiest ways to get around the city.
The best things about the ferry in Amsterdam are:
- It’s free
- It runs a lot
- It has a nice view of the water
I really think you should take the ferry at least once if you’re going to Amsterdam for the first time. The ride is short, but it’s a small thing that changes the way the city feels.