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Amsterdam canal cruise location: Getting there

Planning an Amsterdam canal cruise? Whether you're seeking a romantic sunset sail or a historical daytime voyage, identifying your Amsterdam canal cruise location is the first step to a seamless experience. Since the city’s historic waterways are managed by various operators, there is no single "main terminal." Instead, you will find an Amsterdam canal cruise departure point at several strategic hubs across the city.

This guide details the major boarding zones, what to expect at each Amsterdam canal cruise location, and which popular operators utilise each Amsterdam canal cruise departure point.

Amsterdam canal cruise departure points

Finding the right Amsterdam canal cruise departure point is the first step to experiencing the city's historic waterways. Because Amsterdam’s canal ring is extensive, operators are spread across key hubs like Central Station, the Museum District, and the Jordaan. Identifying your specific Amsterdam canal cruise location ensures you spend less time navigating the streets and more time on the water.

Centraal Station

The area surrounding the main railway station is the most popular Amsterdam canal cruise departure point. Most major operators have docks here, making it a convenient location for travellers arriving by train or tram.
Closest landmark: Amsterdam Centraal Station

Popular operators near Centraal Station:

  • LOVERS Canal Cruises: Prins Hendrikkade 25, 1012TL Amsterdam.
  • Flagship Amsterdam & Amsterdam Circle Line: Prins Hendrikkade 33A, 1012 AB Amsterdam.
  • Stromma Netherlands: Prins Hendrikkade 37, 1012 AB Amsterdam.
  • EcoBoats & Friendship: Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam.
  • Amsterdamliebe: Oosterdokskade 8 
Cruises from Centraal Station

Museumplein

If you are visiting the Rijksmuseum or the Heineken Experience, this is the ideal Amsterdam canal cruise location. This departure point allows you to transition seamlessly from world-class art to a scenic boat tour.
Closest landmark: Rijksmuseum and Heineken Experience

Popular operators near Museumplein:

  • Blue Boat Company (Dock 1): Stadhouderskade 550 (Opposite Heineken Experience).
  • Blue Boat Company (Dock 2): Stadhouderskade 501 (Opposite Hard Rock Cafe).
  • LOVERS Canal Cruises: Stadhouderskade 511, 1071 BN Amsterdam.
  • Stromma: Stadhouderskade 520, 1071 ZD Amsterdam.
  • Flagship Amsterdam: Museumbrug 1, 1017 SG Amsterdam.

Anne Frank House

Located in the heart of the historic Jordaan district, this Amsterdam canal cruise location is perfect for those exploring the western canal belt. Choosing this departure point offers immediate views of the Westerkerk.
Closest landmark: Anne Frank House and Westerkerk

Popular operators near the Anne Frank House:

  • Flagship Amsterdam: Prinsengracht 263, 1016 GV Amsterdam.
  • LOVERS Canal Cruises: Prinsengracht 265, 1016 GV Amsterdam.
  • Stromma: Prinsengracht 281, 1016 GW Amsterdam.
  • Amsterdam Circle Line: Prinsengracht 261A, 1016 GV Amsterdam.

Red Light District & City Centre

For a more intimate or "local" feel, several boutique operators use an Amsterdam canal cruise location along the city’s oldest canals. This departure point is tucked away from the main transport hubs.
Closest landmark: Oude Kerk and Rembrandt House Museum

Popular operators near the City Centre:

  • Starboard Boats, We Are Amsterdam & Friendship: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230, 1012 DV Amsterdam.
  • Starboard Boats: Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam.

Amsterdam North

For modern architecture and the "Pancake Boat," head across the IJ river. This Amsterdam canal cruise location is easily accessible via the free ferry from Central Station.
Closest landmark: A’DAM Lookout and NDSM Wharf

Popular operators in Amsterdam North:

  • Pannenkoekenboot: Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 33, 1033 RC Amsterdam.
  • Holland Ticket Services: Badhuiskade 3/Overhoeksplein or NDSM Wharf.

Getting to your Amsterdam canal cruise departure point

Navigating to your chosen Amsterdam canal cruise location is straightforward thanks to the city's integrated transport network. Whether you are heading to the bustling docks near Central Station or the scenic docks by the Rijksmuseum, here is how to reach every major Amsterdam canal cruise departure point.

Central Station

This is the primary Amsterdam canal cruise location for operators like LOVERS, Stromma, Flagship, and EcoBoats.

  • Best for: Speed and direct access from the north, south, or southeast districts.
  • Travel time: 15–20 minutes.
  • Distance: 5 km (from Amsterdam RAI/South)

Take Metro lines 51, 52, 53, or 54 to "Centraal Station." Follow the signs for the "Stationsplein" or "Centrum" exit. Once you emerge at street level, the tour docks are immediately visible across the water.

  • Best for: Scenic travel from central neighbourhoods like Jordaan or Leidseplein.
  • Travel time: 10–15 minutes.
  • Distance: 2.5 km (from Slotermeer/West)

Routes 2, 4, 12, 13, 17, 24, and 26 terminate here. The tram stops are positioned directly in front of the station, making this Amsterdam canal cruise departure point the easiest to find.

  • Best for: Travelers coming from outlying residential areas or North Amsterdam.
  • Travel time: 10–12 minutes.
  • Distance: 3 km (from North Amsterdam)

City and regional buses arrive at the IJ-zijde (the river side/back of the station) or the front bus station. Walk through the station building toward the city side to find your Amsterdam canal cruise location.

  • Best for: Travelers coming from outside the city with high mobility needs.
  • Travel time: 20–30 minutes (dependent on traffic).
  • Distance: 12–15 km (from Schiphol).

Driving into the centre is difficult due to low-traffic zones. Use the Q-Park Centraal or P1 Parking Amsterdam Centre. Expect heavy traffic near the Prins Hendrikkade and very limited street parking.

Museum District

The ideal Amsterdam canal cruise location for those visiting the Rijksmuseum, primarily served by Blue Boat Company and Stromma.

  • Best for: Fast transit from the city centre without surface traffic
  • Travel time: 5 minutes.
  • Distance: 1.5 km (from Amsterdam Centraal).

Take Metro Line 52 from Centraal Station to the Vijzelgracht stop. It is a 400-meter walk south to the Stadhouderskade docks. This is the most efficient way to reach this Amsterdam canal cruise departure point.

  • Best for: Direct drops near the Museum Square from Leidseplein.
  • Travel time: 3–5 minutes.
  • Distance: 750 m (from Leidseplein).

Board Tram 1, 2, or 12 at Leidseplein. Disembark at the Rijksmuseum stop. The Amsterdam canal cruise location is just a 1-minute walk toward the Singelgracht canal.

  • Best for: Arriving directly from the airport or international bus stations.
  • Travel time: 30–40 minutes.
  • Distance: 15 km (from Schiphol).

Take the Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397). It stops at "Rijksmuseum," providing immediate access to the Amsterdam canal cruise departure point across the street from the museum.

  • Best for: Those using the city's largest underground parking facility.
  • Travel time: 15–20 minutes from the city ring.
  • Distance: 4 km (from the A10).

Navigate to Q-Park Museumplein. From the garage exit, walk 5 minutes toward the Heineken Experience to find your Amsterdam canal cruise location.

Anne Frank House

A picturesque Amsterdam canal cruise location used by Flagship, LOVERS, and Amsterdam Circle Line.

  • Best for: Avoiding the busy tram lines during peak hours.
  • Travel time: 5 minutes (ride) + 12 minutes (walk).
  • Distance: 1 km (from Rokin Metro).

Take Metro Line 52 to Rokin. Exit toward "Dam Square" and walk west along the Raadhuisstraat. You will reach the Amsterdam canal cruise departure point at the intersection of Prinsengracht.

  • Best for: The shortest walking distance from the stop.
  • Travel time: 8–10 minutes.
  • Distance: 2 km (from Centraal Station).

Take Tram 13 or 17 from Centraal Station to the Westermarkt stop. The Amsterdam canal cruise location is less than 150 meters away, located directly behind the Westerkerk.

  • Best for: Reaching the Jordaan from the West side of the city.
  • Travel time: 10 minutes.
  • Distance: 1.8 km (from Westerpark).

Take Bus 21 to Marnixplein or Bus 18 to Westermarkt. These drop you within a short walk of this historic Amsterdam canal cruise departure point.

  • Not recommended; driving here involves narrow one-way streets.
  • Travel time: 20–35 minutes from the ring.
  • Distance: 3 km (from the city edge).

Use the Q-Park Europarking on Marnixstraat. It is a 10-minute walk from the garage to the Amsterdam canal cruise location on the Prinsengracht.

City Centre & Red Light District

This Amsterdam canal cruise location is tucked within the city’s medieval heart, primarily serving boutique and small-boat operators like Starboard, We Are Amsterdam, and Friendship.

  • Best for: Travelers coming from the South or East side of the city.
  • Travel time: 5–10 minutes.
  • Distance: 2.5 km (from Weesperplein).

Take Metro lines 51, 53, or 54 to the Nieuwmarkt stop. Exit toward "De Wallen." It is a 5-minute walk through the historic district to reach the Amsterdam canal cruise departure point at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230.

  • Best for: A short walk from the iconic Dam Square.
  • Travel time: 10 minutes.
  • Distance: 1.2 km (from Leidseplein).

Take lines 4, 14, or 24 to Dam Square. Walk east behind the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky into the Red Light District. You will find the Amsterdam canal cruise location alongside the oldest canal in the city.

  • Best for: Late-night travellers or those using regional connections.
  • Travel time: 15 minutes.
  • Distance: 3 km (from Amsterdam East).

Take bus 22 to Central Station and walk 10 minutes south, or use the night buses that stop at Dam Square. This Amsterdam canal cruise departure point is best reached on foot once you are in the city centre.

  • Not recommended due to strictly enforced low-traffic zones.
  • Travel time: 15–25 minutes from the A10.
  • Distance: 13 km (from the city ring).

Parking is extremely restricted. The most viable option for this Amsterdam canal cruise location is P1 Parking Amsterdam Centre (Prins Hendrikkade 20), followed by an 8-minute walk into the district.

Amsterdam North

Located across the IJ waterway, this Amsterdam canal cruise location is home to the Dutch Pancake Boat and Holland Ticket Services.

  • Best for: A free, scenic commute that is an experience in itself.
  • Travel time: 5-15 minutes.
  • Distance: 900 m (from the back of Central Station).

Head to the riverside (IJ-zijde) of Central Station. Board the F4 ferry (NDSM) or F3 ferry (Buiksloterweg). Both are free. This is the most direct way to reach the Amsterdam canal cruise departure point in the North.

  • Best for: Reaching the Overhoeks/A’DAM Lookout area quickly.
  • Travel time: 2 minutes.
  • Distance: 1.5 km (from Centraal Station).

Take Metro 52 (North-South line) one stop to Noorderpark. From here, it is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride to the Amsterdam canal cruise location near the A’DAM Lookout.

  • Best for: Direct access from the northern residential neighbourhoods.
  • Travel time: 15–20 minutes.
  • Distance: 4 km (from Buikslotermeer).

Take bus 391 or 394 toward the NDSM area. These buses drop you within a short walking distance of the Amsterdam canal cruise departure point for the Pancake Boat.

  • Best for: Visitors who prefer easier parking away from the narrow canal belt.
  • Travel time: 10–15 minutes from the A10 Noord.
  • Distance: 14 km (from the A10 highway).

This is a much more car-friendly Amsterdam canal cruise location. Navigate to APCOA Parking NDSM or the A’DAM Lookout underground parking. Traffic is generally lighter here than in the city centre.

Walking to the Amsterdam canal cruise locations

Walking is one of the most rewarding ways to reach your Amsterdam canal cruise location, as it allows you to cross the very bridges and cobblestone streets you will soon see from the water. Many docks are located just a short, scenic stroll from major landmarks.

  • Starting point: Dam Square
  • Walking time: About 8–10 minutes
  • Distance: 800 meters

From the Royal Palace at Dam Square, walk north along the Damrak. This wide thoroughfare leads you directly toward the iconic station building. As you approach the water, you will see the Amsterdam Canal Cruise departure point for Stromma and LOVERS on your left and right before you even reach the station entrance.

  • Starting point: Westerkerk
  • Walking time: About 2 minutes
  • Distance: 150 meters

After admiring the tower of the Westerkerk, simply walk around the corner to the Prinsengracht. The Amsterdam canal cruise location for Flagship and Amsterdam Circle Line is located directly in front of the Anne Frank House. This is a very short but historic walk through the heart of the Jordaan district.

  • Starting point: Rijksmuseum (Main Entrance)
  • Walking time: About 5 minutes
  • Distance: 500 meters

From the front of the Rijksmuseum, walk south toward the Stadhouderskade. Cross the bridge over the Singelgracht, and you will find the Amsterdam canal cruise departure point for Blue Boat Company and Stromma along the canal bank, directly opposite the Heineken Experience or the Hard Rock Cafe.

  • Starting point: Dam Square (National Monument)
  • Walking time: About 5 minutes
  • Distance: 400 meters

Stand at the white National Monument on Dam Square and head east down Damstraat. At the very first canal (Oudezijds Voorburgwal), turn left before crossing the bridge. Within a few steps, you will arrive at the Amsterdam canal cruise location at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230, used by Starboard and Friendship.

  • Starting point: EYE Film Museum
  • Walking time: About 4–6 minutes
  • Distance: 450 meters

From the futuristic EYE Film Museum, walk along the waterfront path toward the A’DAM Tower. Just past the tower, you will find the Amsterdam canal cruise departure point at Badhuiskade 3/Overhoeksplein. The walk offers stunning panoramic views of the IJ River and the city skyline across the water.

Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam canal cruise departure points

Are there signs at the departure points to guide me?

Yes, every major Amsterdam canal cruise location is clearly marked with branded ticket kiosks and boarding piers. Large operators like LOVERS, Stromma, and Blue Boat have prominent signage visible from the main streets to help you find your Amsterdam canal cruise departure point without difficulty.

Are there any landmarks near the departure points to help identify the location?

Absolutely. Most docks are positioned near iconic sites. For instance, a popular Amsterdam canal cruise departure point is directly across from Amsterdam Central Station. Others are located immediately adjacent to the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, or the Heineken Experience, making the Amsterdam canal cruise location easy to spot.

Are the departure points wheelchair accessible?

Many Amsterdam canal cruise departure point locations offer accessible boarding, particularly those operated by Blue Boat Company. However, because many docks are historic stone quays, accessibility varies. It is highly recommended to check the specific Amsterdam canal cruise location on your ticket and contact the operator in advance to ensure a lift-equipped boat is available.

Are there any metro stations directly at the departure points?

While no station is "inside" a dock, the Centraal Station and Vijzelgracht metro stops are less than a 5-minute walk from several major Amsterdam canal cruise location options.

What is the fastest way to reach the Amsterdam canal cruise departure points?

The metro (specifically Line 52) is the quickest way to reach a central Amsterdam canal cruise location. It avoids the city's narrow, congested streets and bicycle traffic, dropping you within a short walk of major hubs like Central Station or the Museum District.

What is the most affordable way to reach the Amsterdam canal cruise departure points?

Using the city's extensive tram and bus network is the most budget-friendly choice. If your Amsterdam canal cruise departure point is in Amsterdam North (like the Pancake Boat), the free GVB ferry from behind Central Station is the most cost-effective transport option.

What if I go to the wrong Amsterdam canal cruise location?

If you arrive at the wrong Amsterdam canal cruise departure point, check your ticket immediately. Many operators (like Stromma or LOVERS) have multiple docks. While some tickets are flexible, others are time- and location-specific. If you are at the wrong Amsterdam canal cruise location, a quick tram ride or a 5-minute taxi/Uber is the fastest way to correct your course.

Are there pedestrian-friendly routes to the departure points?

Yes, Amsterdam is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Most Amsterdam canal cruise departure point locations are accessible via scenic, paved canal-side paths, offering a beautiful walk through the UNESCO World Heritage canal ring.

Can I walk between the docks?

Yes, many docks are within walking distance. For example, you can walk from a Central Station Amsterdam canal cruise location to a Red Light District dock in about 10–15 minutes. However, walking from the Museum District to the Anne Frank House takes roughly 25 minutes. Always verify your specific Amsterdam canal cruise departure point to ensure you have enough time.

Are there restaurants or cafes near the departure points?

Yes, every Amsterdam canal cruise departure point is situated in a high-traffic tourist area with plenty of dining. Near Central Station, you’ll find the Sea Palace floating restaurant; near the Museum District docks, there are numerous cafes along Stadhouderskade and the Leidseplein.

Are there any restroom facilities near the departure points?

Most major Amsterdam canal cruise departure point hubs have public restrooms nearby, often located inside the operator's ticket office or nearby cafes. Larger canal boats also feature restrooms onboard, though smaller open-air boats usually do not.