Ferry in Amsterdam: Routes, Schedule and How It Work

How does the Amsterdam ferry work?

Using the ferries in Amsterdam is simple. You do not need to buy a ticket, check in, or check out on the main IJ ferry routes. Simply wait at the ferry dock, allow arriving passengers to leave, and then walk or cycle onto the ferry.

Digital screens at the docks show the next departures. Ferries run frequently on the main routes, so during most of the day you normally do not have to wait long.

Bicycles, mopeds and mobility vehicles are allowed on the main IJ ferries. Once on board, move forward and leave enough space for other passengers and cyclists.

Is the Amsterdam ferry free?

Yes. The GVB ferry routes across the IJ are free for pedestrians and cyclists. You do not need an OV-chipkaart, bank card, public transport ticket, or reservation.

This makes the ferry different from Amsterdam's trams, buses and metro, where you normally have to check in and pay for your journey.

The main IJ ferry routes connect Amsterdam Centrum with Amsterdam Noord, including Buiksloterweg, IJplein and NDSM Wharf.

Where do the Amsterdam ferries leave from?

The ferries most useful for visitors leave from the IJ side of Amsterdam Central Station. Inside the station, follow signs towards the IJzijde and ferries.

The ferry docks are located along De Ruijterkade, directly behind Central Station. From here you can take ferries towards Buiksloterweg, IJplein and NDSM.

If you want to explore Noord by bicycle, the Black Bikes Amsterdam Central Station location is only a short distance from the ferry terminals. You can pick up a bike near the station and take it across the IJ for free.

Which Amsterdam ferry should you take?

For most visitors, there are two ferry routes that are particularly useful.

For A'DAM Lookout, Eye Filmmuseum, This Is Holland and Overhoeks: take the F3 ferry to Buiksloterweg.

For NDSM Wharf, STRAAT Museum and the IJ-Hallen: take the F4 ferry directly to NDSM.

The F2 ferry towards IJplein can also be useful if you are heading towards eastern Amsterdam Noord, but most sightseeing trips begin with F3 or F4.

F3 ferry: Central Station to Buiksloterweg

The F3 between Amsterdam Central Station and Buiksloterweg is the most frequently used ferry by visitors. The crossing takes only a few minutes and runs day and night.

Once you arrive, several major attractions are within easy walking distance, including A'DAM Lookout, Eye Filmmuseum and This Is Holland. The waterfront around Overhoeks also gives you excellent views back towards Amsterdam's historic centre.

Buiksloterweg is also a good starting point if you want to continue farther into Noord. By bicycle you can easily continue towards Van der Pekbuurt, Noorderpark, Nieuwendam and the quieter areas farther north and east.

Our Amsterdam Noord guide explains the different parts of the district, including Overhoeks, NDSM, the garden villages, historic dykes and cycling routes towards the countryside.

F4 ferry: Central Station to NDSM Wharf

The F4 ferry travels directly from Amsterdam Central Station to NDSM Wharf. The crossing takes longer than the Buiksloterweg ferry but gives you a good view across the IJ along the way.

NDSM was once one of Amsterdam's major shipbuilding areas. Today the former shipyard combines enormous industrial buildings, cranes and docks with street art, studios, cafés, restaurants, events and new development.

One of the main attractions is STRAAT Museum, which is located inside a huge former industrial hall and focuses on large-scale street art and graffiti. NDSM itself is also filled with murals and creative spaces, making it an interesting area to explore on foot or by bike.

The IJ-Hallen flea market also takes place at NDSM on selected weekends and is one of the largest flea markets in Europe.

If you want to continue exploring rather than immediately taking the ferry back, you can cycle east through Amsterdam Noord towards Buiksloterham, Overhoeks, Noorderpark and the older neighbourhoods farther east.

NDSM is also part of our Zaanse Schans and countryside cycling route, which combines Amsterdam Noord with Broek in Waterland, Het Twiske, Zaanse Schans and Zaandam before returning via NDSM.

Amsterdam ferry routes

GVB operates several ferry connections across the IJ. The main routes are:

F1: Zamenhofstraat – Azartplein
F2: IJplein – Amsterdam Central Station
F3: Buiksloterweg – Amsterdam Central Station
F4: NDSM – Amsterdam Central Station
F6: Distelweg – Pontsteiger
F7: NDSM – Pontsteiger
F9: Zeeburgereiland – Sporenburg

F3 and F4 are normally the most relevant for visitors staying in or around the city centre. The other connections are particularly useful for local journeys or when travelling between different parts of Noord, West and Oost.

Amsterdam ferry schedule

The main Amsterdam ferry routes run frequently, but departure times depend on the route, day and time of day.

The F3 between Central Station and Buiksloterweg operates day and night and is generally the most frequent ferry. Other ferry routes have more limited operating hours and may run less often during evenings or weekends.

Timetables can also change during holidays, maintenance work or temporary timetable periods. For the actual departure times on the day you are travelling, check the current GVB ferry timetable before leaving.

At the ferry terminals, digital screens also show upcoming departures.

Can you take a bike on the Amsterdam ferry?

Yes. Taking a bike on the ferry is completely normal and is one of the easiest ways to explore Amsterdam Noord.

You do not have to pay extra for a normal bicycle on the IJ ferries. When boarding, wait until passengers and cyclists leaving the ferry have passed before moving onto the deck.

Once on board, move your bicycle into the designated area and leave enough space for others. During very busy periods, it can sometimes be more comfortable to wait for the next ferry rather than squeezing onto a crowded crossing.

If you are unfamiliar with cycling in the city, our guide to biking in Amsterdam explains the most important cycling rules, routes and practical tips for visitors.

Ferries during busy periods

The ferries can become crowded during the morning and evening rush hours, particularly the short crossing between Central Station and Buiksloterweg.

NDSM ferries can also become busier during festivals, events and IJ-Hallen weekends.

Boarding usually remains quick because the ferries are designed for large numbers of pedestrians and cyclists. If a ferry looks extremely busy, another departure often follows soon afterwards on the main routes.

Other ferry routes outside central Amsterdam

GVB also operates ferries across the North Sea Canal farther west of Amsterdam. These routes are mainly used by commuters and local residents rather than visitors exploring the city centre.

The main North Sea Canal crossings are:

F20: Hempontplein – Zaandam
F21: Spaarndam – Assendelft
F22: Velsen-Zuid – Velsen-Noord

These services work differently from the IJ ferries. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross free of charge, while cars and other motorised vehicles require payment.

Unless you are cycling farther outside Amsterdam or travelling towards places such as Zaandam or Velsen, you are unlikely to need these routes during a typical visit.

Exploring Amsterdam Noord by ferry and bike

Taking a bicycle across the IJ is one of the easiest ways to see a very different side of Amsterdam. Within a few minutes, the narrow streets and historic canals of the centre give way to wider roads, modern architecture, former industrial areas and open waterfronts.

For a short visit, take the ferry to Buiksloterweg and explore Overhoeks, Eye Filmmuseum and the surrounding waterfront.

For something more industrial and creative, take the direct ferry to NDSM and explore the former shipyard, street art, cultural venues and cafés.

With more time, a bicycle allows you to continue much farther through Amsterdam Noord, following historic dykes towards Nieuwendam and Durgerdam or even continuing into the countryside north of Amsterdam.

The ferry itself is simple: choose the right dock, take your bike on board, and in a few minutes you are on the other side of the IJ.