Travel to SAIL Amsterdam by public transport
This summer, SAIL Amsterdam will take place for the 10th time from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August. The event focuses on ships and maritime heritage. Fun for all ages!
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 will take place in the city of Amsterdam and along the North Sea Canal. You can watch the boat parade on Wednesday 20 and Sunday 24 August.
Special offer: Buy your GVB day ticket for €7.50*
Planning a day trip to Amsterdam? With the GVB day ticket, you get unlimited travel throughout Amsterdam. You pay €7.50* and can board all GVB buses, trams, and metros for 24 hours. The ticket is available for purchase and use until 31 August 2025. Click here for more information about the GVB day ticket.
*Excluding service fees
Travel to the SAIL-In and SAIL-Out parades by public transport
The North Sea Canal is 18 kilometers long and connects the North Sea to Amsterdam. On Wednesday 20 and Sunday 24 August, the canal will be the stage for a stunning parade of historic and modern ships.
How to reach the North Sea Canal by public transport:
Take the train to Beverwijk or Zaandam. From both stations, shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes to two stops along the Kanaalweg, where you’ll have a great view of the parade.
On Wednesday 20 August, shuttle buses run from 08:30 to 15:30.
On Sunday 24 August, buses begin at 10:30.
To Zaandam: buses run until 16:30
To Beverwijk: buses run until 18:00
Shuttle bus fare: €5 per person for a return ticket.
Reserve your ticket and time slot on the website of Province of North Holland (Dutch only).
You can also travel there with the regular bus lines in the area. Be aware of crowds and delays. Plan your trip in advance with the 9292 app or on the 9292 website.
Source: Province of North Holland (Dutch only)
Travel to SAIL 2025 in the city centre of Amsterdam
NS will operate a revised timetable from 18 to 24 August. During this period, longer trains will operate in and around Amsterdam. As a result, fewer trains will operate in other parts of the country. Please plan your journey in advance using our journey planner on 9292.nl or in the 9292 app.
Source: NS (Dutch only)
Travel to Amsterdam at a reduced fare with the Teenager Day Ticket
Young people aged 12 to 17 years old can travel all day on NS trains with this 9292 e-ticket. The ticket is valid only during off-peak hours and at weekends.
More information about the Teenager day ticket
Travelling by public transport in Amsterdam city centre
During SAIL 2025, various streets in Amsterdam will be closed. The City of Amsterdam strongly advises to travel to Amsterdam by public transport, bike, or on foot. Plan your journey before you leave in the 9292 planner on our website or in the 9292 app.
Ferries in Amsterdam
Using one of the ferries across the IJ river? Expect longer travel times due to busy waterways and extra passengers heading to SAIL.
Ferry F3 operates 24/7.
Ferry F4 runs until 02:00 on weekdays and 03:00 on weekends.
Ferry F9 (Sporenburg – Zeeburgereiland) does not operate from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August.
A special SAIL ferry will operate between KNSM Island and Amsterdam North, departing from Azartplein and arriving at Noordwal/Motorwal.
This ferry is intended for SAIL visitors and runs regularly from 09:00 on.
Source: GVB
Please note – Once the ferry reaches the other side, you must disembark. Round trips on the same ferry crossing are not allowed.
Ferries on the North Sea Canal
During the SAIL-In (Wednesday 20 August) and SAIL-Out (Sunday 24 August) parades, GVB ferries on the North Sea Canal may run less frequently or not at all for several hours.
On Saturday 23 August (day and evening) and Sunday 24 August (day), ferry line F20 (Amsterdam Westpoort to Zaanstad) will provide an extra ferry.
Source: GVB
Public transport on land in Amsterdam
With so much happening around the water, be aware of crowds in certain areas. GVB will operate an adjusted timetable for buses and trams during the event.
Bus 43 (Borneo Eiland – Central Station)
Operates via alternate routes due to road closures.
Bus 246 (Borneo Eiland – Schiphol Airport/Plaza)
Operates an alternate route between Borneolaan and Kattenburgerstraat.
From Kattenburgerstraat to Schiphol, it operates according to the regular route.
Tram 26 (Central Station – IJburg)
Expect heavy crowds on this tram.
Trams will operate more frequently than usual.
No bicycles allowed on Tram 26 during SAIL 2025.
Night Bus 89 (IJburg – Central Station)
Operates according to the regular route between IJburg and Piet Heinkade.
Operates according to an alternative route between Kattenburgerstraat and Central Station.
Source: GVB
Jan Schaefer Bridge closed
The Jan Schaefer Bridge will be closed to pedestrians from 11 to 26 August.
From Wednesday 20 to Tuesday 24 August, a temporary pedestrian bridge will be in place.
More Information about SAIL 2025
Curious about what to see and do during SAIL? Visit the official SAIL Amsterdam 2025 website.