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Port guide: compare transport from Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands 28 transport option(s) compared
75 min Recommended return before ship
Port exit : Easy

Amsterdam

Port call at Amsterdam (Netherlands). Leaving the port is straightforward and the town centre is walkable from the pier. The cheapest option, Walk to Amsterdam Centraal, is free, and the fastest takes around 5 min. No ship shuttle has been reported for this port call.

A terminal in the heart of Amsterdam on the banks of the IJ, 1.5 km from Amsterdam Centraal. Accessible on foot or by tram in 10–15 minutes. The Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum are all within easy reach.

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam – Piet Heinkade
Cheapest option Free Walk to Amsterdam Centraal
Fastest option 5 min Tram 26 to Amsterdam Centraal
Simplest option Walk to Amsterdam Centraal Very simple
Ship shuttle Not available No comment.

Practical tips

  • Tram 26 from the terminal to Amsterdam Centraal (5 mins)
  • 15-minute walk to the city centre
  • OV-chipkaart or contactless payment for transport
  • Bikes available for hire everywhere

Warnings

  • Pickpockets are very common in the city centre and on public transport
  • Take care when crossing cycle paths
  • Large crowds of tourists in summer
  • Taxis are expensive – it’s better to take the tram

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Best option summary

By choosing your cruise line's official shuttle, you opt for complete peace of mind: even if it isn't the cheapest option, this transfer is treated as an excursion, which means the ship will wait for the shuttle before setting sail.

Ship shuttle Not available

No ship shuttle reported.

Recommended local alternative Walk to Amsterdam Centraal

Free - 15 min - free

Free and direct to the main station

Filter transport options

Choose whether you want to stay near the port, reach a connection, or go on a longer excursion.

Transport options

28 option(s) shown for Amsterdam

Walk to Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Central Station

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Free and direct to the main station

Attention point

Not ideal if you have a lot of luggage or if it’s raining

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B along Piet Heinkade towards Amsterdam Centraal; follow the signs for ‘Centrum’ or ‘Station’

Source : Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/ | Cruise Port Amsterdam: https://sea.cruiseportamsterdam.com/accessibility/

Walk to the NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Family attraction near the terminal

Attention point

Does not lead directly to the historic centre

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B to NEMO; check the pedestrian route due to roadworks around Oosterdok

Source : Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/ | NEMO Science Museum: https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en/

Walk to the National Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

A maritime museum well worth a visit for cruise passengers

Attention point

A slightly longer walk with luggage

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B to the maritime museum; the perfect option for a quick visit near the harbour

Source : Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/ | Het Scheepvaartmuseum: https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.com/

Tram 26 to Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Central Station

Metro Station / airport
Estimated cost 3,40 €
Estimated duration 5 min
Frequency roughly every 10 minutes
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

The quickest and easiest way to the station

Attention point

Not cost-effective if you can walk easily

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Take tram 26 from Muziekgebouw Bimhuis; it’s one stop to Centraal Station

Source : Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/ | GVB tram 26: https://gvb.nl/en/travel-information/line/GVB/26 | GVB prices: https://www.gvb.nl/en/prices

Taxi to Amsterdam Central Station

Amsterdam Central Station

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 18,00 €
Estimated duration 8 min
Frequency subject to availability at the terminal
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Useful for those with luggage or reduced mobility

Attention point

Not very cost-effective compared to walking or taking the tram

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; ask for an estimate or meter before departure

Source : Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/ | Amsterdamtips cruise terminal: https://www.amsterdamtips.com/amsterdam-cruise-ship

Taxi to Dam Square

Dam Square

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 30,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency subject to availability at the terminal
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

A quick trip to the historic centre

Attention point

Traffic and pedestrian zones may restrict unloading

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; please arrange for a drop-off nearby if access is restricted around Dam Square

Source : I amsterdam: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en | Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/

Taxi to the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 40,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency subject to availability at the terminal
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Straight to Museumplein and the major museums

Attention point

Traffic may be heavy around the city centre

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book museum tickets in advance during the high season

Source : Rijksmuseum: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en | Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/

Taxi to Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to the airport

Attention point

High cost and possible traffic

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; use an official taxi or a reliable booking service if you have a tight schedule

Source : Schiphol taxi: https://www.schiphol.nl/en/from-to-schiphol/taxi/ | Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/

Public ferry to A’DAM Lookout

A’DAM Lookout / Buiksloterweg

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency very frequent from Centraal, according to GVB
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Free crossing of the IJ and a beautiful view of Amsterdam

Attention point

You’ll need to catch the ferry behind Centraal first

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : A simplified route from the terminal; in practice, head to Centraal and then take the free ferry to Buiksloterweg

Source : I amsterdam ferry: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/travel-stay/getting-around/ferry | A’DAM Lookout: https://www.adamlookout.com/

Walk to Dam Square

Dam Square

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency free
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Allows you to reach the historic centre without using public transport

Attention point

A less comfortable journey after a day’s stopover

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : A straightforward direct route from A to B to Dam Square; allow 30 minutes on foot from the terminal

Source : Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/ | I amsterdam: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en

Public ferry to NDSM Wharf

NDSM Wharf

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency regular service from Centraal according to GVB
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Free tour of a creative neighbourhood north of the IJ

Attention point

Not a priority for a short stopover focused on museums

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Simplified route from A to B: head to Centraal, then take the free F4 ferry to NDSM; check the timetable

Source : GVB ferry F4: https://gvb.nl/en/travel-information/line/GVB/906 | I amsterdam ferry: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/travel-stay/getting-around/ferry

Bus 43 to Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Central Station

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 3,40 €
Estimated duration 6 min
Frequency approximately every 20 minutes according to GVB timetables
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

A direct alternative to the tram to the station

Attention point

Less easy to follow than tram 26 for a visitor

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Take the number 43 bus from Piet Heinkade to Centraal Station; check the timetable on the day

Source : GVB stop Piet Heinkade: https://gvb.nl/en/travel-information/stop/NL%3AQ%3A30008003 | GVB prices: https://www.gvb.nl/en/prices

Tram to Dam Square

Dam Square

Metro Near the port
Estimated cost 3,40 €
Estimated duration 18 min
Frequency frequent after a stop at Centraal
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Convenient access to the historic centre

Attention point

Please note that a change is required from tram 26

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Simplified route from A to B: take tram 26 towards Centraal, then either another tram or a short walk to Dam Square. Please check the route.

Source : GVB journey planner: https://www.gvb.nl/en/travel-information/journey-planner | I amsterdam: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en

Tram to the Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House

Metro Near the port
Estimated cost 3,40 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency frequent service with a change at Centraal
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Convenient access to a major, highly sought-after site

Attention point

A time-stamped ticket is required to visit

Accessibility : moyenne, rues étroites à l’arrivée

Practical tip : Simplified route from A to B: take tram 26 to Centraal, then take a tram or walk to the Anne Frank House; book your museum ticket in advance

Source : GVB journey planner: https://www.gvb.nl/en/travel-information/journey-planner | Anne Frank House: https://www.annefrank.org/en/

Tram to the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

Metro Near the port
Estimated cost 3,40 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency frequent service with a change at Centraal
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Very useful for Museumplein and the major museums

Attention point

Longer than a taxi adapted for people with reduced mobility

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Simplified route from A to B: take tram 26 to Centraal, then a tram or metro to Museumplein. Please check the route.

Source : GVB journey planner: https://www.gvb.nl/en/travel-information/journey-planner | Rijksmuseum: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en

Tram to Leidseplein

Leidseplein

Metro Near the port
Estimated cost 3,40 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency frequent service with a change at Centraal
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

A great location for restaurants, canals and the Museum Quarter

Attention point

It can get very busy during the day

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Simplified route from A to B: take tram 26 to Centraal, then a tram to Leidseplein. Please check the route.

Source : GVB journey planner: https://www.gvb.nl/en/travel-information/journey-planner | I amsterdam: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en

Train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Train Station / airport
Estimated cost 7,10 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency around 8 trains an hour
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Fast, frequent and reliable for the airport

Attention point

You’ll first need to get to Amsterdam Centraal

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from Amsterdam Centraal; allow 15 minutes on foot or take tram 26 from the terminal

Source : Schiphol train: https://www.schiphol.nl/en/from-to-schiphol/by-public-transport/train | NS tickets: https://www.ns.nl/en/tickets

Train from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem

Haarlem Station / city centre

Train Distant excursion
Estimated cost 8,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency common, according to NS
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

A historic town easily accessible by train

Attention point

Not a top priority for a first visit to Amsterdam

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem; a practical option for a long layover

Source : NS journey planner: https://www.ns.nl/en | Visit Haarlem: https://www.visithaarlem.com/en/

Taxi to the Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 18 min
Frequency subject to availability at the terminal
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Go straight to a must-visit site

Attention point

Limited car access and a time-stamped ticket required

Accessibility : moyenne, rues étroites à l’arrivée

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; arrange to be dropped off nearby and book your ticket well in advance of your stopover

Source : Anne Frank House: https://www.annefrank.org/en/ | Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/

Private hire car to the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

Private car (VTC) Near the port
Estimated cost 45,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency on request, dynamic pricing
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct and convenient to Museumplein

Attention point

Dynamic pricing in the event of high demand

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; check the exact drop-off point near Museumplein

Source : Uber Amsterdam: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/amsterdam-nh-nl/ | Rijksmuseum: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en

Private hire car to Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Private car (VTC) Station / airport
Estimated cost 95,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency on request, dynamic pricing
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Price shown in the app and direct route

Attention point

Availability varies on arrival days

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; please confirm the pick-up point on the Piet Heinkade side

Source : Uber Amsterdam: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/amsterdam-nh-nl/ | Schiphol airport: https://www.schiphol.nl/en/

Taxi to Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 100,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency by pre-booking or by taxi from the terminal
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct to Les Moulins with no changes

Attention point

More expensive than the train

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book a return journey or request a hold if the stopover is short

Source : Zaanse Schans: https://www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/ | Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/

Train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans

Zaandijk Zaanse Schans / Zaanse Schans

Train Distant excursion
Estimated cost 8,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency regular according to NS
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

A classic and authentic day trip from Amsterdam

Attention point

Allow time for the walk between the station and the venue

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Simplified route from Centraal to Zaanse Schans; check NS timetables and the final leg on foot

Source : NS journey planner: https://www.ns.nl/en | Zaanse Schans: https://www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/

Taxi to Muiderslot Castle

Muiderslot Castle

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency by pre-booking or by taxi from the terminal
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

A nearby castle and a practical family outing

Attention point

Less central than Amsterdam’s attractions

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; check opening times and book your return journey

Source : Muiderslot: https://muiderslot.nl/en/ | Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/

Taxi to Volendam Harbour

Volendam Harbour

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 110,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency by pre-booking or by taxi from the terminal
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Classic excursion to a Dutch harbour village

Attention point

High cost and return to be organised

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book a return ticket if your layover time is limited

Source : Visit Volendam: https://www.visitvolendam.nl/en/ | Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: https://www.ptamsterdam.com/attainability/

Private hire car to Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 110,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency on request or by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible tour of the mills

Attention point

Dynamic pricing; no guarantee of a return journey without a booking

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book your return journey or check availability before you set off

Source : Uber Amsterdam: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/amsterdam-nh-nl/ | Zaanse Schans: https://www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/

Taxi to Keukenhof

Keukenhof

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 130,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency by reservation, seasonal
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

A major spring flower-viewing trip

Attention point

Seasonal, expensive and dependent on traffic

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; this option is only available during Keukenhof’s opening season

Source : Keukenhof: https://keukenhof.nl/en/ | Schiphol taxi: https://www.schiphol.nl/en/from-to-schiphol/taxi/

Private hire car to Keukenhof

Keukenhof

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 140,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency on request or by private booking, seasonal
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible tour during tulip season

Attention point

Seasonal, high prices and potential traffic

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; this option is available for booking only whilst Keukenhof is open

Source : Uber Amsterdam: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/amsterdam-nh-nl/ | Keukenhof: https://keukenhof.nl/en/

Indicative data based on local sources and field estimates.