Arriving by boat
It’s not only the white-bearded Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) who arrives in The Netherlands by boat. Each year millions of other visitors disembark in Amsterdam from sea and river craft. Considering that the Dutch have been a sea-faring nation for centuries, this is quite an appropriate gateway to the city. So how should you proceed into the city, once you’ve come down the gangplank?
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam
The striking building, with an undulating wave-like roof, has all the conveniences of a modern port – with a 600-metre-long quay, large reception halls, a touring car terminal, offices, a convention centre and underground parking. Yet it’s serene and the glass façade has a magnificent view of the IJ-harbour and the city center. The PTA is a pleasant 15 minute walk along the waterside from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station. But if you are in a hurry the day your ship comes in, then take either Tram 26 from opposite the Muziekgebouw – located just to the right of the PTA – or Tram 25 – located to the left of the PTA. Alternatively, if you’re laden down with luggage, opt for a taxi from outside the building.
DFDS Seaways Ferry from Newcastle to IJmuiden
Felison Terminal at the port of IJmuiden on the outskirts of Amsterdam is an ideal gateway to The Netherlands, especially from Scotland and the North-East of England. Two DFDS Seaways Cruise Ferries serve this port on a daily basis from Newcastle. It’s very quick and easy to reach Amsterdam from Ijmuiden, and you can do so by car, bus, fast flying ferry and taxi.
By car
If you bring your car over with you on the ferry, then take the A9 towards Amsterdam, then follow the signs for the A10. Bear in mind that while the city is hospitable to drivers, the inner city is quite congested and parking is expensive. Before arriving, it is advisable to learn about the city's motorways, roads and parking options in order to make the most of your trip.
You can also opt to leave your car at the port.There is free, unsecured parking or you can park in the DFDS Seaways parking lot for € 6 a night.
By bus
DFDS Seaways provides a connecting coach service between the Felison Terminal in IJmuiden and Centraal Railway Station in Amsterdam. Upon arrival of the ship, the bus transfer departs from IJmuiden and heads into the city centre. The coach stop in Amsterdam is opposite Central Station, in front of Hotel Victoria, Damrak 1. On departure days, coaches leave Centraal station between 15h00 and 16h00. Tickets can be purchased in advance through DFDS Seaways UK at the time of booking. You can also take bus “74” from the ‘Oranjestraat’ stop to the centre of Ijmuiden, and from there, bus “82” transports you to Amsterdam.
By taxi
Taxi journeys are rather expensive in Holland - a taxi from the port into Central Amsterdam costs around €60 each way. As IJmuiden is a small coastal village it is best to order taxis in advance using one of these numbers:
Atc Taxi: 0031 (0)251314422
Taxi Tervoort: 0031 (0)255 513838
By Fast Flying Ferry
From the port, take bus “74’ from the ‘Oranjestraat’ stop to “Pontplein Velsen-Zuid” (a 10 minute journey) and then the fast flying ferry will whisk you comfortably to Amsterdam Centraal station within 30 minutes.
Stena Line Ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland
Stena Line operates a ferry twice daily (day and overnight service) from Harwich to Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland). From there it’s easy to reach Amsterdam by car or train.
By Car
The drive from the port at Hoek Van Holland to Amsterdam takes one hour and twenty minutes. Bear in mind that the city of Amsterdam is quite congested and parking is expensive, so it might be an idea to park in the outskirts and take public transport. Before arriving, it is advisable to learn about the city's motorways, roads and parking options in order to make the most of your trip.
By train
The rail links between Hoek van Holland and Amsterdam are excellent, and the journey from the ferry port to the city will take you about one hour and 45 minutes. For the train timetable see the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch railways) website.
P&O from Hull to Rotterdam
Coming from Hull and surrounds, P&O operates nightly ferry to Rotterdam, where after your night on board you can travel easily and refreshed to Amsterdam by car or bus.
By car
The ferry terminal in Rotterdam’s Europoort lies approximately 38 kilometres from the centre of Rotterdam. The drive to Amsterdam takes about 90 minutes, but bear in mind that Amsterdam city centre is quite congested and parking is expensive. It might be an idea to park in the outskirts of Amsterdam and then take public transport. Before arriving, it is advisable to learn about the city's motorways, roads and parking options in order to make the most of your trip.
By bus/coach
P&O provides a coach service between Rotterdam Europoort and Rotterdam Central Railway Station. The bus departs after the arrival of the ship and tickets need to be pre-booked at the Reservations department.
From Rotterdam Central Railway Station to Europoort: departure is at 17h00 from the "Eurolines" bus stop at Conradstraat. From Amsterdam Central Railway Station to Europoort: departure is at 17h00 from bus stop H3, Prins Hendrikkade.
Regular trains run between Rotterdam Central Railway Station and Amsterdam Centraal. Journeys take around one hour, depending on the type of train. For the train timetable see the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch railways) website.
Sail Amsterdam
Of course if you are a maritime fan, then you won’t want to miss SAIL Amsterdam 2010. Held in August 2010, this is one of the largest maritime festivals in the world. The IJ harbour serves as a spectacular backdrop for a festive programme of music, culture and nautical riches. You can even go aboard Tall ships from around the world!
As you can see, the waterways offer an excellent entry to Amsterdam - whatever floats your boat!
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