A canal cruise in Amsterdam is arguably the best way to explore the city, particularly if it’s your first time in the Netherlands. Hop aboard a boat and see Amsterdam from a unique perspective. The city’s canal district, with its charming 17th-century houses, scenic waterways, and iconic Dutch houseboats, offers plenty to admire and discover!
Canal cruises in Amsterdam: departure locations
There are over 200 kinds of canal boats and dozens of canal tour companies (Lovers, Blue Boat, Stromma and many others) that can offer you a tour around the canals of Amsterdam.Most of these tours depart from Stationplein or Prins Hendrikkade, right across from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Most canal boats begin their tours around 9:00 am and run until 10:00 pm. While departure times may vary slightly, generally, boats depart every 30 minutes during the summer season and once an hour in the winter.
- Check it out: SAIL 2025 Amsterdam: dates, tickets and program
Canal Cruises Prices in Amsterdam in 2025
A standard 1-hour boat tour prices start from € 17,50 per person. Some boat companies offer audio guides only in the most popular languages (English, German, Dutch). While some, like Lovers have audio guides in 19 different languages.
Order your canal cruise tickets online >>
There is also a number of evening canal cruises, including:
- Dinner Cruise. 2-hour Amsterdam canal cruise, including three-course meal and drinks. Tickets from €79. Book online >>
- Pizza Cruise. Enjoy a 1,5-hour long cruise and your favourite pizza and wine served on board. Tickets from €42,50. Make a reservation >>
We also recommed considering combi-tickets for canal cruises and Amsterdam museums and attractions. It’s a great way to save money while exploring the city.
- Van Gogh museum + canal cruise
- Rijksmuseum + canal cruise
- Heineken Experience + canal cruise
- Madame Tussauds museum + canal cruise
During the Keukenhof opening season you can also book these combi-tickets:
- Keukenhof entrance + canal cruise in Amsterdam for € 33
- Keukenhof + transfer + Amsterdam canal cruise for € 51,75
Which canal cruises are free with I amsterdam City Card?
Have you already heard about I amsterdam City Card? It gives a free access to 70+ museums, the city’s top attractions, free public transport in Amsterdam and a free 1-hour canal cruise.
Here is an official full list of participating cruise companies in Amsterdam. You can also take a free cruise in Haarlem and Volendam.
Rent a boat in Amsterdam
If you are looking for some privacy, you can rent a private boat and relax with your friends or family. Private boat rentals require an online reservation.
- Read more: Amsterdam in one day: things to do >>
Hop on Hop off boat tours in Amsterdam
You can also choose to take hop on, hop off canal bus which will take you through all the famous canals and past all the famous museums. You can buy ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours and enjoy navigating through Amsterdam by the so called “water taxi”.
Prices in 2025:
- 24 hours – € 27,50. Book online >>
- 48 hours – € 35. Book online >>
Canal Cruises on King’s Day
The best way to celebrate Kings’s Day in Amsterdam is on a boat on the canals, like a local. You can join a 90-minute cruise, including a skipper, drinks and music.
Enjoy your visit to Amsterdam!
About the author:
Hi, my family and myself plan to visit Amsterdam in December. Will there be any canal cruise in winter season? Your reply will be most appreciated.
Hi, yes, canal cruise companies in Amsterdam operate all year round. There is a special Winter season departures schedule valid from October 31 to March 22. You can select the cruise from the list and check departures schedule in the right column.