King's Day 2026 Amsterdam: all the info at a glance

Note: in 2026, additional rules will apply during King's Day. Read the new measures below and visit the municipality's website for more information.

Transport to and within Amsterdam

Celebrate King's Day by taking the train to Amsterdam. The Dutch Railways (NS) operates according to the Orange timetable; longer and additional trains run during this period. Plan your journey in advance via 9292.nl or ns.nl. Good to know that Science Park station is closed on King's Day.

For public transport within the city, you no longer need to buy a separate ticket. With OVpay, you can easily check in and out using your debit or credit card, or your mobile device, on trains, buses, trams, and the metro. Or if you're a resident in the Netherlands, request a new OV card via ovpay.nl.

Still, the best way to get around the city is on foot. Notable signs and special pedestrian routes will direct you to the major events and locations. If you're taking a taxi, be sure to check the map on the municipality's website. It shows exactly where you can and cannot find a taxi.

For the full details on getting around Amsterdam, read our guide.

Important points

On the map, you can see where you can find useful facilities during King's Day in Amsterdam. You will find locations of first aid posts, public toilets and deposit points for deposit cups here.

New measures in 2026

To ensure King's Day runs smoothly, six additional measures will be implemented this year. Below is a brief summary for visitors, but visit the municipality's website for more information.

1. The Westerstraat and Noordermarkt will become event grounds from 2027, but in 2026, private supervisors will already be deployed here.
2. Illegal alcohol sales and illegal parties are being checked more thoroughly.
3. Paid festivals on the outskirts of the city can continue until 22:00. Events in Zuid end at different times to coordinate the crowd at Zuid station.
4. More bike-first aid teams will be introduced in the city centre.
5. Help arrives faster due to improved collaboration between emergency services.
6. The 12+1 rule on the water is being enforced; from 2026, there will be no exceptions. This means a limit of a maximum of 12 persons plus the skipper per boat.

Drinks and crowds

With the huge influx of visitors from home and abroad, King's Day in Amsterdam is the busiest day of the year. To keep this grand national celebration under control, a number of rules have been established so that everyone can have a fun and safe day in the capital:

• You may carry no more than one can or bottle of alcohol on the street between 06:00 and 00:00 on 26 April. A home tap or six-pack counts as more than 1. Do not bring alcohol to the stations and in NS trains.
• Stores sell 1 can or bottle of alcohol per person.
• Do not bring glass, as it creates unsafe situations.
• There are various water points in the city where you can fill your water bottle.
• Parents are advised to avoid the Jordaan and Westerstraat areas with children due to the crowds.
• Music installations or amplified (live) music in public spaces are not permitted.

Need help during King's Day

Do you have questions or need assistance during Kingsday? Sign up for Livecrowd. Through your favourite messaging app on your smartphone, such as iMessage, Instagram DM or WhatsApp, you can ask questions, provide feedback or receive tips from the right services or teams.

Are you sailing? Pay attention to the sailing rules

The Amsterdam canals are extremely busy on King's Day. There are also special navigation rules to keep water traffic safely managed. Make sure you're aware of the current navigation rules in advance, such as having an activated vignette, not sailing faster than 6 kilometres per hour, and not consuming alcohol if you're operating the boat. Please note, this year, the 12+1 rule will be enforced on the water. This means a maximum of 12 people, including the skipper, per boat.

Read more information about boating during King's Day here.

Questions?

If you have questions about King's Day in Amsterdam, you can also call the municipality's information number: 14020. Information about transportation, boating, permits, public toilets, and other practical information can be found on the website of the municipality of Amsterdam.