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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

  1. 1
    Head for the IJzijde side of Centraal Station
    Head 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.
  2. 2
    Line up in the boarding lane
    Follow the staff's directions into the boarding lane, and park bikes and mopeds in the marked area on board.
  3. 3
    Walk or ride straight on
    The IJ crossings are free - there are no gates and no readers, so just walk or ride straight on when it opens.
  4. 4
    Lights off, engine off
    Switch your bicycle lights off while waiting on the quay and keep them off on board; mopeds cut the engine too.
  5. 5
    Only pay if you are crossing by vehicle
    On 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 November 3, 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+

Timetable

Typical duration A short hop straight across the IJ, leaving from the piers behind Centraal Station
Check the official site for the latest times and service status
Editor Naotaka