In a nutshell
- In Amsterdam there is only one hop-on hop-off provider: City Sightseeing.
- You can choose between bus tours, boat tours, and a combination of both — and we’ll tell you which one is actually worth it.
- Our top pick is the hop-on hop-off boat — it takes you through the canals right in the city center, so you’re sightseeing and canal cruising at the same time.
- Read on for our full comparison, honest verdict, and everything you need to know before you buy.
What You Should Know About Hop-on Hop-off in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, there is only one provider for hop-on hop-off tours: City Sightseeing.
But this provider has one truly great feature! Not only are there hop-on hop-off buses, but also hop-on hop-off boats that take you along Amsterdam’s canals.
Because the buses are too large to travel through the city center, the boats cover that area on the water.
Highlights You Can Reach by Hop-on Hop-off Bus in Amsterdam
- NEMO Museum Amsterdam
- Hermitage Amsterdam
- Rembrandt House Amsterdam
- Jewish Cultural Quarter
- Red Light Secrets Museum
- Heineken Experience
- Rijksmuseum
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam
- A’DAM LOOKOUT
Highlights You Can Reach by Hop-on Hop-off Boat in Amsterdam
- Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal) East
- Gassan Diamonds
- Hermitage
- Albert Cuyp Market
- Rijksmuseum
- Central Station West
You can buy a single bus ticket, a single boat ticket, or a combination ticket.
Is Hop-on Hop-off in Amsterdam Worth It?
Amsterdam’s historic center is large, winding, and packed with an incredible number of sights.
The amsterdam hop on hop off is a great way to get an overview of the city first and gives you the best starting points for later sightseeing on foot.
In Amsterdam, you don’t have to choose between providers — there’s only one. But that provider offers three options: bus, boat, and a combination of both.
Of these three, the one that’s really worth your time is the hop-on hop-off boat, which takes you along the grachten right through Amsterdam’s city center.
Our Recommendation: Hop-on Hop-off Boat Amsterdam
We recommend the Hop-on Hop-off Boat Amsterdam.
Why? Because the most important sights in Amsterdam are all in the city center — and the city center is laced with the charming little canals, the grachten, that Amsterdam is famous for.
That means you’re right in the heart of things the whole time and exactly where you want to be for sightseeing. And as a bonus, you’re also ticking off the single most important experience of all: a canal cruise through Amsterdam.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- You combine sightseeing with canal cruising
- You’re in the city center the entire time
- All the major highlights are right in the center
- Discounted tickets for children under 14
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the boat is not wheelchair accessible
Book hop-on hop-off boat tickets online
Is the Hop-on Hop-off Bus in Amsterdam Really Not Worth It?
The hop-on hop-off buses in Amsterdam don’t travel through the city center — and that’s their biggest drawback, especially compared to Amsterdam’s public transportation. After all, the most important places to visit in Amsterdam are all in the center.
The bus or combination ticket are only worth considering if you already know Amsterdam’s city center well or if you’re visiting Amsterdam in the rain.
Hop-on Hop-off Options in Amsterdam at a Glance
For a quick overview, here are the most important facts about the amsterdam hop on hop off options side by side:
| Hop-on/Hop-off Boat | Hop-on/Hop-off Bus | Combo Ticket Bus + Boat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 24h & 48h | 24h & 48h | 24h & 48h |
| Prices for 24h | 29.50 € | 29.50 € | 37.50 € |
| Children free | up to 3 years | up to 3 years | up to 3 years |
| City Pass discount | Not included in City Pass | Not included in City Pass | Not included in City Pass |
| Routes | 1 route | 1 route | 2 routes |
| Stops | 8 | 10 | 8 + 10 |
| Frequency | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 25–45 minutes |
| Operating hours | 9:30 AM–5:45 PM | 10 AM–5 PM | 10 AM–5 PM & 9:30 AM–5:45 PM |
| Audio guide / Live | German | German | German |
| Buy now | Buy now | Buy now |
Our Verdict on Hop-on Hop-off in Amsterdam
If you’re considering the amsterdam hop on hop off, the hop-on hop-off boat is a great pick for relaxed sightseeing from the canals.
You’re right in the middle of it all, with all the major sights close by, and you can get off at eight different stops.
At €29.50, the hop-on hop-off canal cruise is a bit pricier than other canal tours — but the big advantage is that you can hop on and off as many times as you like for 24 or 48 hours.
The combination ticket costs only €8 more, but honestly, those €8 are better spent elsewhere in Amsterdam than on bus rides.
Book hop-on hop-off boat tickets online
Frequently Asked Questions About Hop-on Hop-off in Amsterdam
Should I buy my hop-on hop-off ticket in advance?
Yes, absolutely. We strongly recommend buying your ticket ahead of time.
Since there’s only one hop-on hop-off provider in Amsterdam, demand is pretty high. Booking in advance can save you waiting time — and it’s usually cheaper than buying on the spot.
Where can I buy hop-on hop-off tickets for Amsterdam on-site?
You can pick up tickets for the amsterdam hop on hop off at any tourist information office. Just keep in mind that on-site tickets are a few euros more expensive than buying online in advance.
Are the hop-on hop-off buses included in an Amsterdam City Pass?
The hop-on hop-off boat is unfortunately not included in any of Amsterdam’s city passes — not even the popular I Amsterdam City Card.
If you want to know what the city passes do cover, we’ve got all the details right here:
Is there a family ticket for the hop-on hop-off boats in Amsterdam?
No. The hop-on hop-off boats in Amsterdam don’t offer family tickets. You can choose between adult tickets and discounted tickets for children.
Is the hop-on hop-off ticket available digitally?
If you buy your hop-on hop-off ticket online — for example through Tiqets or GetYourGuide — you’ll have it on your phone in the app automatically. No need to print anything out.
Is the hop-on hop-off tour in Amsterdam wheelchair accessible?
The hop-on hop-off boat is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible and can only be boarded with a slim stroller, ideally one that folds up.
The hop-on hop-off bus, on the other hand, is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs.
Is the Amsterdam Hop-on Hop-off Boat Suitable for Children?
On Amsterdam’s hop-on hop-off boats and buses, children under 3 ride for free. From ages 4 to 13, tickets are half price. Beyond that, there are no additional discounts for children.
Children must sit on laps, there are no special audio guides for younger kids, and only slim strollers can be accommodated in limited numbers.
So the hop-on hop-off tour in Amsterdam is really only worthwhile once your kids are school-age.
If you’re heading to Amsterdam as a family, be sure to check out our article on Amsterdam with Kids.
Are dogs allowed on the hop-on hop-off boat in Amsterdam?
No. Dogs are not allowed on either the hop-on hop-off boats or the buses.
That said, there are other one-time canal cruises you can take with your dog — for example, the Flagship Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
Where can I find the exact route for the Amsterdam hop-on hop-off?
You can find the full route for both the hop-on hop-off boats and buses on the City Sightseeing website.
Are there alternatives to the Amsterdam hop-on hop-off?
Definitely! Instead of the hop-on hop-off options, you could also join one of the many guided tours of Amsterdam or book an individual Amsterdam canal cruise.
Our favorites are:
Anne Frank Walking Tour: A knowledgeable guide takes you through Anne’s Amsterdam — covering her life, the Jewish quarter, and WWII history in the city.
Evening Canal Cruise: Experience the beautiful canals and canal houses after dark. Seriously one of the most atmospheric things you can do in Amsterdam.
Red-Light District Tour: A fascinating tour through Amsterdam’s most famous neighborhood — you’ll learn about the work of sex workers, the coffee shops, and the history of the district.
