Discover Amsterdam’s iconic canals and landmarks from both land and water.
Lindbergh Tour & Travel
Lindbergh Tour & Travel
Lindbergh Tour & Travel
Lindbergh Tour & Travel
Lindbergh Tour & Travel
Quick Guide
Amsterdam Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours
City Sightseeing Amsterdam gives you two ways to explore the city: by bus or by boat. The red buses take you around the edge of the city center, stopping near major museums, neighborhoods, and attractions you’d otherwise spend hours walking between. The canal boats glide through Amsterdam’s famous waterways, giving you that classic Amsterdam experience from the water.
Bus-Only Ticket The red bus circles Amsterdam’s city center with 10 stops near major attractions: Museum District, Jordaan neighborhood, Heineken Experience, and more. Buses run every 25 minutes, and a full loop takes 60-75 minutes. Perfect if you’re focused on museums and neighborhoods beyond the walkable center. From €29.50 for 24 hours.
Bus + Boat Combo Ticket (Best Value) Get both the bus and the canal boat for just €8 more than a single ticket. The boat glides through Amsterdam’s famous UNESCO canals with 8 waterside stops, including the Anne Frank House and Albert Cuyp Market. Switch between land and water views whenever you want. This is the smart choice—you see Amsterdam from every angle for less than €24 per day with the 48-hour option (€47.50 total).
Both include free entry to Gassan Diamonds, audio guides in 19 languages, and real-time tracking through the app. Book online, show your phone when you board, and you’re set. No printed tickets, no queues, no complicated planning.
Highlights
Tickets & Prices
City Sightseeing Amsterdam gives you flexibility to explore the city your way. You can choose bus-only tickets, boat-only tickets, or combine both for the ultimate Amsterdam experience.
Tickets are available in two durations: 24 hours or 48 hours. Your ticket activates the first time you board, and you can hop on and off as many times as you want during that period.
48-hour combo tickets offer the best value. At only €23.75 per day (a single 24-hour combo ticket costs €37.50) and you’re getting two full days of both bus and boat access.
Pricing Table
| Ticket Type | 24 Hours | 48 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Only | Adult: €29.50 Child: €14.75 | Adult: €37.00 (€18.50 per day) Child: €18.50 |
| Boat Only | Adult: €29.50 Child: €14.75 | Adult: €37.00 (€18.50 per day) Child: €18.50 |
| Bus + Boat Combo | Adult: €37.50 Child: €18.75 | Adult: €47.50 (€23.75 per day)Best Value Child: €23.75 |
Child rates are for children ages 4-13. Children under 4 ride free (maximum 2 per paying adult).
Choose a Ticket
Choose the 48-hour combo ticket if you want to see both museums and canals. Museum hopping takes time—the Rijksmuseum alone can take 2-3 hours, and you’ll want to visit Van Gogh Museum and at least one more. Add a 2-hour canal boat loop and exploring the Jordaan neighborhood, and you’ve easily filled two days. At €47.50, you’re paying just €10 more than the 24-hour combo for a whole extra day.
Go for the 24-hour combo if you’re doing a quick Amsterdam hit list. You can ride the full bus loop (60-75 minutes) in the morning to see the city layout, hop off at Museum District for one museum, take the boat through the canals (2 hours) in the afternoon, and still have time for the free Gassan Diamonds tour. It’s tight but doable if you’re selective.
Pick the bus-only ticket if museums are your priority. Stop 8 puts you right at Museum Square where four major museums are clustered together—Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Stedelijk, and Moco. The bus also gets you to Heineken Experience, Vondelpark, and the Jordaan neighborhood efficiently. Skip the boat if canals aren’t your thing.
Pick the boat-only ticket if you want the classic Amsterdam canal experience. The boat takes you through the famous Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht canals, stopping at Anne Frank House and Albert Cuyp Market. It’s more relaxed than the bus, and at 2 hours for the full loop, you’re getting a proper canal cruise with hop-off flexibility.
The 48-hour tickets let you split your sightseeing across two days. Do museums and Jordaan on day one, then come back for the canal boat and any spots you missed. With boats running every 30-45 minutes and buses every 25 minutes, you’re not wasting time waiting around either day.
FAQs About Tickets & Pricing
Where can I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets online or at the departure point. We recommend booking online—you’ll skip the queue and have your mobile ticket ready to go when you arrive.
Is it cheaper to buy hop-on-hop-off tickets online?
The price is the same whether you book online or on-site. But booking online saves you time and guarantees your spot, especially during busy seasons.
How much does Amsterdam hop-on-hop-off cost?
Prices start at €29.50 for a 24-hour bus or boat ticket. The most popular option is the 48-hour combo ticket (bus and boat) at €47.50.
Do children get discounts?
Yes! Children aged 4-13 get discounted tickets. Children under 4 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult (maximum 2 free children per adult).
Can I change my booking date?
Absolutely. You can reschedule for free up to 24 hours before your visit date.
What’s your cancellation/refund policy?
Cancel for free up to 24 hours before your visit and get a full refund.
Are combo tickets with attractions available?
Your ticket includes free entry to Gassan Diamonds. The ticket focuses on transportation flexibility, so you can choose which attractions to visit and book those separately based on your interests.
Can I use my mobile ticket or must I print?
Mobile tickets work perfectly—just show your smartphone when you board. No need to print anything.
What’s included in my ticket?
You get unlimited hop-on-hop-off access for your ticket duration, an audio guide in 19 languages, free Wi-Fi, a city map, free earphones, free entry to Gassan Diamonds, and access to free walking tours through the City Sightseeing Amsterdam app.
Route Map & Stops
Explore Amsterdam with 2 routes covering 18 stops at major attractions across the city. The bus route circles the city center with 10 stops, while the boat route glides through Amsterdam’s famous canals with 8 stops.
Both routes connect at key points, making it easy to switch between land and water whenever you want a different perspective.
Download the free City Sightseeing Amsterdam app to see all stops on the map and track buses and boats in real-time. You’ll never have to guess when the next one’s arriving.
Bus Route
The bus route takes you around the edge of Amsterdam’s city center, connecting you to major museums, neighborhoods, and attractions. A full loop without hopping off takes 60-75 minutes.
10 Stops:
- Central Station East – Your starting point in the heart of Amsterdam
- Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) – Cruise ship terminal and waterfront
- National Maritime Museum – Explore Dutch naval history and see the replica VOC ship
- World of Gassan – Diamond Museum – Free tour of the diamond factory (included with your ticket)
- Waterlooplein / Jewish Cultural Quarter – Historic neighborhood with markets and museums
- Royal Theatre Carré – Stunning 19th-century theater on the Amstel River
- Heineken Experience – Interactive brewery tour and tasting rooms
- Museum District – Home to Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Moco Museum
- Leidseplein / Vondelpark – Entertainment square and Amsterdam’s most popular park
- Jordaan / Westerpark – Charming neighborhood with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries
Route Highlights:
You’ll pass by the iconic Windmill De Gooyer, cruise along the edge of Museum Square where you can visit four world-class museums in one stop, and explore the trendy Jordaan neighborhood known for its narrow streets and hidden courtyards. The route also takes you to Vondelpark, where locals gather for picnics and bike rides, and drops you near the Heineken Experience for beer lovers.
Boat Route
over 100 km of waterways that define the city. The full loop takes about 2 hours and includes the three most famous canals: Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht.
8 Stops:
- Central Station East / Restaurant Loetje – Start your canal adventure
- Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) – Waterfront departure point
- National Maritime Museum – Approach the museum from the water
- World of Gassan – Diamond Museum – Canal-side access to the diamond factory
- Waterlooplein / Amsterdam Icebar – Historic Jewish Quarter and unique ice bar
- Albert Cuyp Market – Amsterdam’s most famous street market
- Rijksmuseum / Museum Square – Access the museum district from the canals
- Westermarkt / Anne Frank House – Visit Anne Frank’s hiding place near the Westerkerk
Route Highlights:
Glide past the elegant canal houses that once belonged to wealthy spice merchants, cruise under famous bridges like the Skinny Bridge and Milkmaid Bridge, and see Amsterdam from the water the way locals have for centuries. The boat gives you a peaceful view of the gingerbread-looking houses lining the canals and the endless parade of bikes zipping along the waterside paths.
Note: The boat route operates with reduced service during winter season (November 3 – March 18).
Timetable
| Bus Route | Boat Route | |
|---|---|---|
| First Departure | 10:00 (Stop 1) | 09:30 (Stop 1) |
| Last Departure | 17:00 (Stop 1) | 17:45 (Stop 1) |
| Frequency | Every 25 minutes | Every 30-45 minutes |
| Full Loop | 60-75 minutes | About 2 hours |
Both routes operate daily. The boats start earlier (09:30) and run later (until 17:45) than the buses.
Starting Point
Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam
Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands · Google Maps
Address: Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam (at Central Station East)
This is Stop 1 for both the bus and boat routes. You’ll find the bright red City Sightseeing buses and boats clearly marked at the station.
Coming by car? You can park close to the departure points at Central Station, Nieuwendijk, or Museumplein.
How Hop-On-Hop-Off Works
Getting around Amsterdam with City Sightseeing couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how it works:
Book Online and Receive Your Mobile Ticket
Purchase your ticket through the booking module on this page. You’ll get a mobile ticket sent to your smartphone immediately. No printing required.
Board at Any Stop Along the Route
You don’t have to start at Stop 1. Head to whichever stop is closest to your hotel or wherever you happen to be. Just look for the bright red City Sightseeing buses and boats.
Show your mobile ticket to the driver or crew when boarding, and you’re good to go.
Explore at Your Own Pace—Hop Off at Attractions
When you see something you want to explore, just hop off at the next stop. Spend as much time as you want at each attraction. There’s no rush and no schedule to keep.
Hop Back On When Ready
When you’re done exploring, head back to any stop and catch the next bus or boat. Buses come every 25 minutes, boats every 30-45 minutes. Check the app for real-time tracking so you know exactly when the next one’s arriving.
What to Bring
- Mobile phone or printed voucher
- Headphones: Free earphones are provided, but you can use your own if you prefer
- The City Sightseeing Amsterdam app: Download it for real-time bus/boat tracking and access to free walking tours
What to See & Do
Amsterdam is compact, with many attractions within walking distance of each other. But to really experience the city—from the museum district to the canals to hidden neighborhoods—you’ll want the hop-on-hop-off service to connect the dots without wearing out your feet.
Listen to Engaging Audio Commentary in 19 Languages
Pop in your earphones and select your language. The GPS audio guide provides running commentary as you pass landmarks, sharing stories about Amsterdam’s history, architecture, and culture.
Available in: English, Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish.
You’ll learn about the spice merchants who built those elegant canal houses, the history of Amsterdam’s famous bridges, and the stories behind the city’s most iconic sights.
See Amsterdam’s Most Famous Landmarks
The bus and boat routes connect you to all the attractions that make Amsterdam special. You’ll cruise past centuries-old windmills, glide under picturesque bridges, and ride along canals lined with narrow, gingerbread-looking houses.
Major landmarks you’ll see include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Experience, Anne Frank House, National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Theatre Carré. From the bus, you’ll spot the Windmill De Gooyer and enjoy panoramic views through the specially designed roofs.
Explore World-Class Museums at Your Own Pace
Amsterdam’s Museum District is one of the best stops on the route. Hop off at Stop 8 (bus) or Stop 7 (boat) and you’re steps away from:
- Rijksmuseum: Dutch masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer
- Van Gogh Museum: The world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings
- Stedelijk Museum: Modern and contemporary art
- Moco Museum: Banksy, Warhol, and street art
Spend a few hours getting lost in art, then hop back on to continue your Amsterdam adventure.
Discover the Jordaan’s Hidden Charm
The Jordaan neighborhood (Stop 10 on the bus) is where Amsterdam feels most local. This former working-class area is now filled with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and tiny galleries tucked into narrow streets.
It’s perfect for wandering without a plan—just follow the canals and see where they take you. When you’re ready to move on, the bus picks you up right in the neighborhood.
Visit Gassan Diamonds for Free
Your ticket includes complimentary entry to Gassan Diamonds, one of Amsterdam’s historic diamond factories. Hop off at Stop 4 on either the bus or boat route.
You’ll get a free tour of the factory floor where you can watch master craftsmen cutting and polishing diamonds. Learn about diamond cuts, clarity, and what makes each stone unique. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a fascinating look at Amsterdam’s long history in the diamond trade.
Glide Through UNESCO World Heritage Canals
The boat route is an extended canal cruise with the freedom to hop off whenever something catches your eye. You’ll travel through over 100 km of waterways, including the three most famous canals: Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal), Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal), and Herengracht (Gentlemen’s Canal).
Watch the city drift by from the water—there’s something magical about seeing Amsterdam from a boat. You’ll understand why these canals earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
Rest Your Feet and Enjoy Panoramic Views
Amsterdam is a walking city, and after a few hours of exploring museums and wandering neighborhoods, your feet will thank you for hopping back on the bus. The specially designed panoramic roofs give you incredible views of Amsterdam’s spires and skyline as you cruise from one area to the next.
Plus, with free Wi-Fi onboard, you can look up restaurant recommendations or research your next stop while you ride.
FAQs
Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible. However, wheelchair users must be able to enter and exit the bus independently due to safety reasons. If you need assistance, please bring someone who can help you board.
Where does the hop-on-hop-off bus start in Amsterdam?
The bus starts at Stop 1: Central Station East, located at Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam. But you can board at any of the 10 stops along the route—you don’t have to start at Stop 1.
How long does the hop-on-hop-off bus take in Amsterdam?
A full loop without hopping off takes 60-75 minutes on the bus. The boat route takes about 2 hours for the complete loop. But most people hop on and off throughout the day, so your total time depends on how many stops you want to explore.
What is the best hop-on hop-off tour to take in Amsterdam?
It depends on what you want to see! The bus route is great for covering ground quickly and visiting attractions beyond the city center, like the Museum District, Jordaan neighborhood, and Heineken Experience. The boat route gives you a relaxed canal cruise experience with the freedom to hop off at waterside attractions like the Anne Frank House and Albert Cuyp Market. The combo ticket (bus and boat) gives you the complete Amsterdam experience from every angle.