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Ferry Services in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a number of local ferry services operating from the waterfront behind central station. The GVB ferries serve the inner harbour whilst the Connexxion hydrofoil can take you to Velsen Zuid near Ijmuiden beach. |
GVB ferries - services around the harbour area
The city transport company GVB operates a number of small ferries from De Ruyterskade (just behind Amsterdam Central station) which serve the immediate IJ harbour area to the northern side. The ferries are FREE and take foot passengers, as well as cyclists and moped users.
There are 3 regular services running from Central station wharf:
to
NDSM-wharf (journey time 14 minutes)
to Buiksloterweg (just across
the water, journey 5 minutes, operates 24 hours)
to IJplein (5 minutes)
2
other services run north from "Tasmanstraat" wharf, which is
located in the Western Islands area about 1.8km from central station:
to
NDSM-wharf
to Distelweg
These free ferries provide an opportunity to get out on the water and see Amsterdam from another perspective. The waterfront area is undergoing a lot of development including the striking new Film Museum (being built next to the Overhoeks/Shell building).
A trip to NDSM wharf is recommended, an old shipyard wasteland area being regenerated into offices and art exhibition/festival space. The NDSM ferry runs from approximately 0700 weekdays (0900 weekends) until around midnight (last ferry back 0100 Fri/Sat).
Connexxion Fast Flying Ferry service
 | Connexxion runs a fast hydrofoil service from Amsterdam Central (De Ruyterskade, pier 14) to Velsen Zuid, which is not far from Ijmuiden port and beach. The ferry (number 419) runs from 0700 twice hourly until 2000 and then hourly until 2300. |
The ferry reaches speeds of up to 65kph and the journey takes just under 30 minutes. A trip costs €5.15 one-way, €9.70 day return or €8.25 off-peak day return after 0900. OV chip cards are also valid on board. Bikes can be brought on board for €3.10 supplement, valid the whole day.
In July and August there is a Beach Bus service from Velsen Zuid to Ijmuiden beach (15 minutes) - this is free with a ferry ticket. Connexxion Bus 82 also runs to Ijmuiden beach year round (not free).