There are several companies which organize canal cruises in Amsterdam, but Lovers canal cruises is definitely one of my favourite options. The classic Lovers canal cruise (also called a Lovers boat tour) takes one hour and leaves from several locations in Amsterdam. In this article, I focus on the Lovers 1-hour canal cruise from Amsterdam Centraal.

Modern comfortable boats, convenient departure locations and an audio guide in 19 languages make it a comfortable way to explore Amsterdam.

Last updated: 8 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina

Lovers 1-hour canal cruise from Amsterdam Centraal: when is it the best choice?

This popular Amsterdam canal boat cruise is usually the best choice for:

• Layover passengers: you can take a train from Schiphol to Amsterdam, and the Lovers departure point is literally a few minutes’ walk from the train station.
• Cruise passengers spending a shore day in Amsterdam: if you travel from Ijmuiden, you’ll arrive at Amsterdam Centraal. From Amsterdam cruise port you can simply walk to the Lovers Amsterdam Centraal departure point.
• Visitors who come to Amsterdam for a day trip by train.
• Travellers on a budget: Lovers cruises from the central station are usually one of the cheapest options for a canal boat tour in Amsterdam.

Where does the Lovers cruise leave from Amsterdam Centraal?

The classic one hour Lovers canal cruise has a departure point opposite Amsterdam Centraal station, at Prins Hendrikkade 25.

This is a very convenient location if you arrive in Amsterdam by train. You don’t have to travel across the city before starting your canal cruise. You can simply walk from Amsterdam Centraal to the departure point. After leaving the station (direction Centrum) turn left, and you will see the dock. If you’re leaving from platform 1/2, you will see it as soon as you walk down the stairs.

I took the photo below while standing on Amsterdam Centraal platform 1/2, and you can see that Lovers departure point with an orange logo is very close.

The exact departure address can depend on the cruise you book, so make sure to check the cruise description and your ticket before you go.

If you’re staying closer to the museum quarter or the Jordaan, Lovers also runs the same 1-hour cruise from two other departure points:

• Lovers canal cruise from the Anne Frank House: departs from Prinsengracht 265, directly across from the Anne Frank House.
• Lovers canal cruise from the Rijksmuseum: departs right by the Rijksmuseum, on Stadhouderskade.

How long is the Lovers canal cruise?

The classic Lovers canal cruise takes 1 hour. It’s a good length for a first canal cruise in Amsterdam: you can see many of the city’s canals, bridges and historic buildings without spending too much time on the boat.

It is also easy to fit a one-hour cruise into a busy day of sightseeing in Amsterdam.

How much does the Lovers canal cruise cost?

How much is an Amsterdam canal cruise? In 2026, the classic 1-hour Lovers canal cruise costs €20 per person at the standard price. You can book it online for €15,50 per person.

I recommend checking the Tiqets.com website: it’s a local ticket seller that often offers Lovers cruise tickets even cheaper. Book the Lovers 1-hour canal cruise >>

Is it better to book the Lovers canal cruise online?

Yes, I recommend booking your canal cruise in advance, especially if you are visiting Amsterdam during a busy period. Online Lovers cruise tickets are usually way cheaper than the price at the dock.

Also, on some days the lines to the ticket office at the dock can be huge, while visitors with an online ticket can go straight to the skip-the-line entrance.

What can you see during the Lovers canal cruise?

During the cruise, you’ll see Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed 17th-century canal ring and admire the historic architecture along Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht. The route also takes you past areas such as Jordaan, De Pijp and the Nine Streets, with plenty of opportunities to take photos of Amsterdam landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and the Red Light District.

Please note that the exact route may vary depending on canal traffic.

Are Lovers cruises free with the I amsterdam City Card?

Yes, the classic 1-hour Lovers boat tour is free with the I amsterdam City Card.

If you already have the City Card and plan to visit several museums and attractions, taking a canal cruise can be a nice way to use it. Prior reservation is not required: you can just come to the dock and show your City Card.

Lovers evening canal cruises

Amsterdam looks completely different after dark. Lovers also offers several evening canal cruises and dinner cruises, including cruises where you can combine the boat tour with dinner or drinks.

• Dinner Cruise: a 4-course dinner cruise, about 2 hours, with wine, beer, and soft drinks included. Tickets from €89.
• Wine & Cheese Cruise: a 1,5-hour evening cruise with local cheeses and a choice of wine.
• Pizza Cruise: a 1,5-hour cruise with pizza and drinks included. Tickets from €42,50.

If you are mainly interested in seeing Amsterdam from the water, I would choose the classic 1-hour cruise. The evening cruises are a better choice if you also want to have dinner or drinks during your boat trip.

Lovers canal cruise during Amsterdam Light Festival

During the Amsterdam Light Festival, Lovers also offers special canal cruises to see the light artworks from the water.

For the 2026–2027 season, the Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 until 17 January 2027. The Lovers Light Festival cruises depart from Amsterdam Centraal at Prins Hendrikkade 25.

If you are visiting Amsterdam during the festival, taking a boat cruise in the evening is one of the nicest ways to see the artworks.

FAQ: Lovers 1-hour canal cruise

Where is the Lovers canal cruise meeting point?

The classic 1-hour Lovers canal cruise meets opposite Amsterdam Centraal station, at Prins Hendrikkade 25. Other Lovers cruises, such as the evening and dinner cruises, can have a different meeting point, so always check your booking confirmation for the exact address before you go.

How long is Lovers Canal Cruise?

The classic Lovers canal cruise from Amsterdam Centraal lasts 1 hour. Other Lovers cruises, such as the evening and dinner cruises, can have a different duration, so check your booking confirmation for the exact length.

Do I need to reserve the Lovers canal cruise?

I recommend booking your canal cruise tickets in advance. It is also possible to buy tickets at the departure location, but the cruise you want may be sold out.

Is there a Lovers canal cruises discount code?

There’s no separate promo code (kortingscode) needed: booking directly online already gets you the discounted price of €15,50 per person instead of the €20 standard price at the dock. If you have the I amsterdam City Card, the classic 1-hour cruise is included for free, no code required.

Can I take my luggage on the Lovers boat?

No, unfortunately it’s not allowed for safety reasons: all aisles and seats need to stay clear. There is also no storage space at the departure points. But there are self-storage lockers open 24/7 near Amsterdam Centraal station, just a 1-minute walk from the Lovers departure point. You can see the storage prices (as of 1 September 2026) in the photo below.

Can I change my Lovers cruise booking?

Yes, you can change the date and time of your cruise online for certain products. The possibility to rebook depends on the ticket you have booked, so check the product information before booking.

Do I need to print my Lovers canal cruise ticket?

No, you can simply show your ticket on your mobile phone.

Is the Lovers 1-hour canal cruise worth it?

Yes, especially if this is your first visit to Amsterdam.

The 1-hour cruise is easy to fit into a sightseeing day, the boats are comfortable and the departure point near Amsterdam Centraal is very convenient.

If you are arriving in Amsterdam by train and want to take a canal cruise without spending time travelling to another part of the city, this is one of the options I would consider.

Enjoy your Lovers canal cruise and your stay in Amsterdam!

Related articles:

• Canal cruises in Amsterdam: prices and tickets compared
• Things to do in Amsterdam with kids
• Red Light District in Amsterdam
• Evening cruises in Amsterdam: explore the city by night
• I amsterdam City Card: prices from € 67, discounts and tips

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