Where Cruise Ships Dock in Amsterdam – Ocean & River Port Guide 2025-2026
INTRODUCTION
Planning to arrive in Amsterdam by cruise? The city welcomes hundreds of ships every year — from luxury ocean liners to intimate riverboats. But not all docks are the same distance from the city center.
This guide explains where ships dock, how to reach Amsterdam Central, and what to expect at each terminal.
⚓ Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA)
📍 Address: Piet Heinkade 27, 1019 BR Amsterdam
🚶♂️ Distance: 1.5 km from Central Station (≈15 min walk or 5 min by tram)
🛳️ Type: Ocean cruises (Celebrity, Holland America, P&O etc.)
The Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) is the main dock for large ocean ships. Located directly on the River IJ, it’s next to the Mövenpick Hotel and offers easy access to trams, taxis, and Central Station.
- 🚶♀️ Walkable to city center
- 🏨 Beside Mövenpick Hotel and cruise bus stop
- ♿ Wheelchair-accessible ramps and lifts
- 🏛️ Close to NEMO Science Museum & Maritime Museum
💡 Tip: Stay nearby at Hotel Jakarta, Monet Garden, or Mövenpick for smooth boarding.
🌊 River Cruise Terminals
📍 Main Quays: De Ruyterkade & Oosterdokskade
🚶♀️ Distance: 0.3 – 1.5 km from Central Station
🛳️ Type: River cruises (Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Riverside, Scenic)
Amsterdam is Europe’s river-cruise hub, linking the Rhine, Main, and Danube routes. Riverboats dock on several city-center quays rather than one terminal.
Common docking points:
- De Ruyterkade East & West (behind Central Station)
- Oosterdokskade (near NEMO)
- Westersdokdijk & Westerhoofd (west side)
Most are within 5 – 20 min walk of Dam Square, Jordaan, and the Canal Belt.
- 🏙️ Central location near main sights
- ☕ Cafés and shops nearby
- 🚾 Public facilities and benches
- 🌅 Great views of the River IJ
🌳 Zaandam Cruise Port
📍 Address: Havenstraat 1, 1506 PR Zaandam
🚗 Distance: 17 km (≈30 min drive from Amsterdam)
🛳️ Type: Smaller ocean or mixed river ships
The Port of Zaandam offers a calm atmosphere with Dutch charm — near Zaanse Schans windmills and chocolate factories. Still close enough for a quick train ride into Amsterdam.
- 🚆 Direct trains every 15 minutes
- 🧀 Perfect for Zaanse Schans tours
- 😌 Less crowded than PTA
- 🏡 Authentic local town experience
🌊 IJmuiden Cruise Terminal
📍 Address: Felison Cruise Terminal, Sluisplein 55, 1975 AG IJmuiden
🚗 Distance: 40 km (≈45 – 60 min drive)
🛳️ Type: Deep-sea ocean liners
The IJmuiden terminal, on the North Sea coast, handles ships too large for Amsterdam’s inner harbor. Modern facilities and direct transfers make it convenient for long-distance passengers.
- 🚌 Shuttle buses to Amsterdam Central & Schiphol
- 🚖 Taxis and private transfers available
- 🌊 Seaside cafés and hotels nearby
- ⚠️ Always confirm terminal (Felison or Felison Cruise) before travel
💡 Travel & Transfer Tips
- ✅ Confirm your docking location in advance
- 🚕 Pre-book transport if in IJmuiden or Zaandam
- 🕐 Allow extra time for road or rail delays
- 💳 Use OV-chipkaart or contactless cards for trams and metro
- 🗺️ Most major sights are within 2–3 km of PTA
🗺️ Quick Summary of Cruise Terminals
| Terminal | Location / Address | Distance from Centre | Cruise Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) | Piet Heinkade 27 | 1.5 km | Ocean cruises |
| River Cruise Quays | De Ruyterkade / Oosterdokskade | 0.3 – 1.5 km | River cruises |
| Zaandam Port | Havenstraat 1 – Zaandam | 17 km | Small ocean / river |
| IJmuiden (Felison Terminal) | Sluisplein 55 | 40 km | Ocean cruises |
🚴♂️ Exploring Amsterdam After Your Cruise
Once docked, discovering Amsterdam is easy. The city is flat, compact, and designed for slow travel. You can explore by tram, bike, canal boat, or bike taxi for a personal experience.
🌼 Bike Taxi – See Amsterdam the Fun Way
For a memorable and sustainable ride, try the colorful Flower Bike Taxi — a decorated rickshaw service operated by friendly locals. They offer private sightseeing rides, photo tours, and pick-ups from cruise docks or hotels.
- 👨👩👧 Great for families and seniors
- 💕 Romantic evening rides by the canals
- 📸 Stops for photos and local stories
- 🚲 Eco-friendly and comfortable transport
📞 Booking: Message via WhatsApp or the official Flower Bike Taxi site.
💡 Tip: Include your ship name + terminal for smooth pickup.
Disclaimer: Bike Taxi is independent and not affiliated with cruise lines or the Port of Amsterdam. Availability depends on weather and season.
🌆 Final Thoughts
Whether you arrive by river or sea, Amsterdam is the perfect gateway to the Netherlands. From the central quays at PTA to the coastal docks at IJmuiden, each port connects you to Dutch art, canals, and culture.
Plan ahead, confirm your terminal, and enjoy the city’s first gentle breeze from the water — because in Amsterdam, every cruise ends with a view worth remembering.