Netherlands
Amsterdam
A bicycle city ringed by fan-shaped canals. Trams spread out from Centraal station across town.
IJveren (GVB ferries)
GVB's ferries across the IJ are all free - no gates, no readers, nothing to buy or tap. The only time a card comes out is on the F20-F22 vehicle crossings of the Noordzeekanaal, paid on board and never in cash.
Updated on August 2, 2026
How to ride
- 1Head for the IJzijde side of Centraal StationHead out of the north (IJzijde) side. F3 and F4 leave from pier D towards the west end, F2 from pier E at the east end.
- 2Line up in the boarding laneFollow the staff's directions into the boarding lane, and park bikes and mopeds in the marked area on board.
- 3Walk or ride straight onThe IJ crossings are free - there are no gates and no readers, so just walk or ride straight on when it opens.
- 4Lights off, engine offSwitch your bicycle lights off while waiting on the quay and keep them off on board; mopeds cut the engine too.
- 5Only pay if you are crossing by vehicleOn the F20-F22 crossings over the Noordzeekanaal, motor vehicles pay the crew on board with a card.
Fares
Single fares2
IJ ferries (F1-F7, F9)
Free for pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and disability vehicles - no ticket, no check-in.
0 EUR
Noordzeekanaal single crossing (car/motorbike)
Vehicle fare on F20-F22, paid on board by card only (no cash). Pedestrians and cyclists cross free.
1.55 EUR ≈ $2
Estimates use exchange rates as of September 5, 2026
Payment
Tap to ride On board for vehicle fares on the Noordzeekanaal; IJ ferries take no payment
IC card There are no readers on the IJ ferries - nothing to tap
Paper tickets On the Noordzeekanaal, ask the crew; otherwise your bank statement is proof
Cash The IJ crossings are free; on the Noordzeekanaal, cash is refused on board
Quick facts
Fares from
0 EUR+