A canal cruise in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to explore the city, especially if it’s your first visit. In this guide, I’ll cover the different types of Amsterdam cruises, from budget-friendly to luxury experiences, compare prices (starting at €15,50), and share my tips on where to book the best deals in 2026.
Hop aboard a boat and see Amsterdam from a unique perspective: the city’s canal district, with its charming 17th-century houses, iconic Dutch houseboats.
In this guide
Last updated: 12 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
Which Amsterdam canal cruise should you choose?
Not sure which Amsterdam canal cruise to book? Here’s my quick guide:
| If you are | Best canal cruise | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor | 1-hour classic canal cruise | €15,50 – €25 |
| Couple | Evening or wine & cheese cruise | €35 – €60 |
| Family with children | Standard daytime or pancake cruise | €15,50 – €25 |
| Food lover | Dinner cruise | €89 – €142 |
| Special occasion | Small luxury boat cruise | €40 – €100 |
| Group of friends | Private boat rental | from €150 |
My tips:
- High-end 3-course dinner canal cruise in Amsterdam. Book online >>
- Visit 70 museums, take a free canal cruise and use public transport with the I amsterdam City Card. See what is included and order it online.
You can also use this tool to choose a cruise that best fits your budget.
What’s your budget per person?
Select a range to see the best cruises for your budget.
Prices verified October 2026. Online prices are lower than at the counter.
My best experiences with canal cruises in Amsterdam:
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and have taken canal cruises dozens of times, but these three are the ones I would definitely do again:
- a simple one-hour Lovers cruise made me fall in love with Amsterdam during my first visit in 2012
- Starboard Amsterdam, evening cruise during SAIL Amsterdam 2025 was unforgettable (check photos and video)
- on a sunny day in June my friend rented a boat for her birthday – and I cannot recommend it more!
Which company to choose for a canal cruise in Amsterdam?
My advice is simple: don’t overthink the cruise company. There are dozens of canal cruise operators in Amsterdam (Lovers, Blue Boat, Stromma, Starboard Amsterdam (nice affordable luxury boats), Captain Jack, KINboat and many others).
But for most visitors the type of cruise matters more than the company itself. You only need to choose between six types: classic sightseeing cruises, luxury small-group boats, dinner cruises, wine & cheese cruises, private boat rentals and hop-on hop-off boats.
Whether you choose Lovers, Stromma or another well-known operator, the canals are largely the same. Focus on the experience you want rather than spending hours comparing companies.
Is a canal cruise in Amsterdam wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair-accessible departures are limited and usually require booking a specific time slot in advance. Blue Boat is the only Amsterdam canal cruise operator with wheelchair-accessible boats, so if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair, you will need to reserve ahead of time.
Wheelchair-accessible sailings run at 11:00, 12:30, 14:30 and 16:00. When you book one of these time slots, mention in the booking’s note field that a wheelchair user will be joining, so the crew can prepare the right boarding spot. After the booking, contact Blue Boat customer service (reservations@blueboat.nl) to ensure an accessible boat is assigned to your time slot.
Canal cruises in Amsterdam: what are the best boarding locations?
Many tours depart from Stationplein or Prins Hendrikkade, right across from Amsterdam Centraal Station – these are also the most convenient departure locations for most travellers.
Canal boats begin their tours around 9:00 in the morning and run until 22:00. While departure times may vary, generally, boats depart every 30 minutes during the summer season and once an hour in the winter.
If you’re planning our one-day Amsterdam itinerary, the cruise fits well around 15:00.
Canal cruises prices in Amsterdam in 2026
How much is a canal cruise in Amsterdam in 2026? Prices range from €15,50 for a standard 1-hour tour to €150+ for a private boat rental, depending entirely on the type of cruise you choose.
Which is least expensive? The standard 1-hour canal cruise is the cheapest option in Amsterdam, starting from just €15,50 per person. It’s the best-value pick if you just want to see the canals without extras.
Most Amsterdam canal boat tours include an audio guide, though some companies only offer them in the most popular languages (English, German, Dutch). Lovers, however, has audio guides in 19 different languages.
| Cruise type | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 1-hour canal cruise | 1 hour | €15,50 |
| Evening canal cruise | 1 hour | €17,50 |
| Wine & cheese / candlelight cruise | 1.5 hours | €35 |
| Pizza & drinks cruise | 75 min | €37,50 |
| Dinner cruise (4-course) | ~2 hours | €89 |
| High-end 3-course dinner cruise | 2h15 | €142 |
| Hop-on hop-off boat (24h) | 24 hours | €27,50 |
| Hop-on hop-off boat (48h) | 48 hours | €35 |
| Private boat rental | varies | from €150 |
Prices per person unless noted, correct as of 26 September 2026 – always double-check the current price before booking.
- Order your canal cruise tickets online >>
Best online deals for Amsterdam canal tours in 2026
Looking for the best online deals for Amsterdam canal tours? I usually compare prices across Tiqets.com, GetYourGuide and Lovers.nl official website. The Amsterdam canal cruise prices for a 1-hour tour are always cheapest when booked online in advance rather than at the dock.
- Standard 1-hour cruise from €15,50 – book with Lovers >>
- Often even cheaper on Tiqets >>
- Browse deals on GetYourGuide >>
Looking for an evening or dinner cruise?
For a full sit-down meal on the water, see our guide to Amsterdam dinner cruises — it compares the LOVERS 4-course cruise, the high-end 3-course saloon boat, and the private BBQ cruise, with menus and prices.
Prefer something lighter? Our guide to Amsterdam evening cruises covers short night cruises, pizza boats, cheese & wine cruises and jazz/cocktail cruises after dark.
We also recommend 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 + boat cruise
Which canal cruises are free with I amsterdam City Card in 2026?
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 in 2026. You can also take a free cruise in Haarlem and Volendam.
Amsterdam canal cruises routes
Most boat tours in Amsterdam will take you along the most famous canals: Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht, past the Nine Streets, the Jordaan, National opera, NEMO museum at the Skinny Bridge. Exact routes are not always the same, as they depend on canal traffic.
Tip: if you want to see smaller canals, choose an open small boat cruise.
Rent a boat in Amsterdam
If you are looking for some privacy, you can rent your own boat and relax with your friends or family. Private boat rentals require an online reservation.
Free tools
Not sure what to book?
Use our free travel planners to make the right decisions for your Netherlands trip.
Try the tools →- Read more: Amsterdam: things to do in one day >>
Hop-on hop-off canal boat tours in Amsterdam in 2026
You can also choose to take a hop-on hop-off canal boat Amsterdam tour, which will take you through all the famous canals and past all the famous museums. You can buy a ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours and enjoy navigating through Amsterdam by the so-called “water taxi”.
Prices in 2026:
- 24 hours – €27,50. Book online >>
- 48 hours – €35. Book online >>
Canal boat 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. Book this special Kings Day party cruise in advance. Tickets for the 2027 season are already available online.
FAQ about canal cruises in Amsterdam:
Here are the questions I get asked most often about canal cruises in Amsterdam. If you have more questions, please ask in the comments.
How much do canal cruises in Amsterdam cost in 2026?
Standard 1-hour canal cruise tickets in Amsterdam start from €15,50 per person. Evening dinner cruises start from €89. Pizza cruises cost from €42,50. Hop-on hop-off boat tickets cost €27,50 for 24 hours or €35 for 48 hours. Private boat rentals are also available and require an online reservation.
I want to book an Amsterdam canal cruise at the best price, which site should I use?
Compare both: Tiqets usually has the widest range of Amsterdam-specific operators (Lovers, small open boats, hop-on hop-off), while GetYourGuide often has better prices on themed cruises like dinner, pizza or cocktail tours. Check both for your specific cruise before booking, prices and availability shift often. You can also get an extra discount if you combine your cruise with a museum ticket.
Are canal cruises in Amsterdam free with the I amsterdam City Card?
Yes. The I amsterdam City Card includes one free 1-hour canal cruise. Participating companies in 2026 include Blue Boat, Lovers Amsterdam, Amsterdam Circle Line Sightseeing, Stromma, Smidtje Canal Cruises, and Amsterdam Boat Cruises. With the card you can also take a free cruise in Haarlem and Volendam. No prior reservation is required for the canal cruise in 2026.
Where do canal cruises depart from in Amsterdam?
Most canal cruises in Amsterdam depart from Stationsplein or Prins Hendrikkade, right across from Amsterdam Central Station. Some cruise companies also have additional departure points along the canals.
What time do canal cruises run in Amsterdam?
Canal boats in Amsterdam start their tours around 09:00 and run until 22:00. Boats generally depart every 30 minutes during the summer season and once an hour in winter. Canal cruises operate all year round, including in winter.
Are there canal cruises in Amsterdam in winter?
Yes, canal cruise companies in Amsterdam operate all year round, including in December and other winter months. A special winter season departure schedule runs from late October to late March, with boats typically departing once an hour.
What types of canal cruises are available in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers many types of canal cruises: standard 1-hour sightseeing cruises with audio guide, dinner cruises with a 3- or 4-course meal, pizza cruises, jazz cruises with live music, hop-on hop-off boat tours (valid 24 or 48 hours), private boat rentals, and special event cruises such as King’s Day party boats. Combination tickets with museum entry (Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, Madame Tussauds) are also available.
Can I rent a private boat in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can rent your own private boat in Amsterdam to explore the canals with friends or family at your own pace. Private boat rentals require an online reservation in advance.
How much does a hop-on hop-off boat tour cost in Amsterdam in 2026?
In 2026, a hop-on hop-off boat ticket in Amsterdam costs €27,50 for 24 hours or €35 for 48 hours. The boat passes all major museums and landmarks along the canals.
Do Amsterdam canal cruises have audio guides?
Yes, most Amsterdam canal cruise companies provide audio guides on board. Some companies offer audio guides in a limited number of languages, while others – such as Lovers Amsterdam – offer audio guides in up to 19 languages.
Can I combine a canal cruise with a museum visit in Amsterdam?
Yes, combination tickets are available for canal cruises paired with popular Amsterdam museums and attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, and Madame Tussauds. These combi-tickets are a good way to save money compared to buying each ticket separately.
Hop-on hop-off canal cruise in Amsterdam – is it worth it?
A hop-on hop-off canal cruise is absolutely worth it in Amsterdam. Seeing the city’s historic canal houses from the water is a great experience, and the flexible format lets you explore at your own pace. Skip the hop-on hop-off bus, though – in Amsterdam, buses are not allowed in much of the historic city center, so you won’t see as much.
What’s the difference between the hop-on hop-off bus and boat in Amsterdam?
The boat runs on the canals and gives you the classic view of Amsterdam’s historic canal houses, while the bus runs on the streets and can reach a few sights further from the center. For most visitors the boat is the better choice: buses aren’t allowed in much of the historic city center, so you’ll see far less of what makes Amsterdam Amsterdam from a bus seat. If you need to reach something outside the center, combine a canal cruise with regular public transport instead.
Where can I buy canal cruise tickets on arrival in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the docks when you arrive, most companies have a ticket kiosk near their departure point. But booking online in advance is almost always the better option: it’s usually about €5 cheaper per ticket than paying at the counter, and you avoid the risk of your preferred time slot selling out. For the standard 1-hour cruise, book the Lovers cruise on Tiqets ahead of time and just show up at your chosen slot.
What is a Water Colors Cruise in Amsterdam?
The Water Colors Cruise is a canal boat tour that runs during the Amsterdam Light Festival, taking you past the festival’s illuminated art installations along the canals. The 2026/2027 festival season runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, and tickets are already available. See our Amsterdam Light Festival cruise recommendations for the best options.
Can I get seasick on an Amsterdam canal cruise?
It’s very unlikely. Canal cruise boats sail mainly on Amsterdam’s canals, where the water generally stays very calm.
Is there a canal cruise in Amsterdam with unlimited drinks?
Yes, several operators in Amsterdam offer canal cruises with unlimited drinks included. The Amsterdam canal booze cruise includes unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks, while the luxury cruise with unlimited cocktails and snacks adds Spritzers, Prosecco, beer and wine. Alcoholic drinks are restricted to guests 18 and older, while unlimited soft drinks are available to everyone.
Which canal cruise in Amsterdam is least expensive?
The standard 1-hour Lovers cruise from Central Station is the one that’s least expensive, and it’s often even less online: booking it on Tiqets can bring the price down to around €13 per person.
Is there a dinner cruise available on the Amsterdam canals?
Yes – Amsterdam has several canal dinner cruises, from a relaxed 3-course saloon-boat dinner to a livelier 4-course cruise; see our full guide to Amsterdam dinner cruises for menus, prices and booking.
Enjoy your visit to Amsterdam!
About the author:
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself – real tips, not tourist traps.
Booking a cruise? Share this guide:
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.