News
Amsterdam ferry news
Updates on skippers, timetables, electrification, and infrastructure — with sources so you can verify what is happening.
- Infrastructure
Oostbrug debate concludes: council accepts explanation and demands earlier updates
Amsterdam's council accepts the explanation for the undisclosed Oostbrug estimate but passes three motions requiring earlier updates on major cost increases.
Read more → - Operations
No Amsterdam ferries on 9 September 2026: GVB confirms full-day shutdown
GVB confirms that no Amsterdam ferries will run on 9 September 2026 because of the national transport strike. The IJ tunnel stays closed to cyclists and Schellingwouderbrug is the designated detour.
Read more → - Operations
IJ ferries run more often and later from 1 September 2026: what changes on F1, F6 and F7
From 1 September 2026 GVB is expanding the IJ ferry timetable. F7 will sail every 10 minutes during the day, F1 gains four departures an hour and F6 runs later into the evening.
Read more → - Operations
Amsterdam ferry strike likely on 9 September 2026: how to prepare
An Amsterdam ferry strike is likely on 9 September 2026 during the national public transport action. See what is confirmed, what remains uncertain and which detours may work.
Read more → - Infrastructure
A new island in the IJ as an alternative to the Oostbrug: what would it mean for the ferries?
A'DAM Toren co-founder Sander Groet proposes building a new island in the IJ instead of one long Oostbrug. The idea is meant to make the bridge cheaper and more pleasant — but it changes nothing about Amsterdam's ferries for now.
Read more → - Infrastructure
IJ-klopper cycle tunnel returns as a cheaper alternative to the Oostbrug
The IJ-klopper cycle tunnel behind Amsterdam Centraal is again being presented as an alternative to the Oostbrug. Its promoters estimate €250 million, but the city cites limited space and road-safety concerns.
Read more → - Infrastructure
Oostbrug across the IJ may cost €850 million as opposition demands inquiry and emergency debate
The Oostbrug across the IJ is now estimated at €650–850 million. Seven opposition parties want an inquiry into when the figures were shared, while the VVD has requested an emergency debate.
Read more → - Safety
One-skipper ferry trial: works council calls the plan irresponsible
GVB is exploring a trial with one skipper per ferry on some IJ crossings. The works council calls the plan irresponsible and skippers are discussing strike action. What does it mean for your crossing?
Read more → - Operations
End of the summer timetable: Amsterdam IJ ferries return to the regular schedule on 10 August 2026
The summer timetable for the Amsterdam IJ ferries ends on Sunday 9 August 2026. From Monday 10 August the ferries run to the regular schedule again — except extra peak ferry F22, which only returns after 16 August.
Read more → - Operations
Fewer ferries during Pride 2026: GVB filled the ferry roster just in time
Amsterdam Pride 2026 was set to lose a ferry on the Centraal Station–Buiksloterweg and Centraal Station–NDSM crossings. After an extra call-out to staff, GVB filled most of the roster after all — only one ferry was missing from NDSM after 19:00.
Read more → - Operations
GVB unveils measures to tackle skipper shortage on the IJ ferries
A July 2026 letter to Amsterdam's city council sets out the measures against the skipper shortage: a new recruitment campaign, a one-skipper model on quiet routes and talks about a tailored boat licence for ferry skippers.
Read more → - Investment
Electric ferry tender: GVB aims to grow to fifteen IJ ferries
After the summer of 2026 GVB starts two tenders for electric ferries on the IJ, with an option to grow the fleet to fifteen electric ferries on the busy F3 and F2 lines.
Read more → - Operations
Skipper shortage threatens Amsterdam ferry service in summer 2026
GVB reported about 33 unfilled skipper vacancies on Amsterdam IJ ferries in July 2026. With demand from Amsterdam Noord still growing and earlier weekend cuts, the operator warns of ongoing cancellations.
Read more → - Operations
Summer 2026 timetable: fewer sailings on Amsterdam IJ ferries
Amsterdam ferries run less frequently in summer 2026 than in the winter timetable. Peak ferry F22 pauses from 29 June to 16 August 2026 — expect longer intervals on core IJ routes.
Read more → - Safety
Microcar ban on Amsterdam ferries enforced with €140 fine
Since March 2026 Amsterdam has been enforcing the microcar ban on GVB ferries. More than 4,600 owners were warned; violations can draw a €140 fine due to crowding and deck safety.
Read more → - Investment
New 10-year GVB ferry contract 2026–2036 for Amsterdam ferries
Amsterdam awarded GVB a ferry contract through 2036, requiring at least 99% reliability of scheduled sailing hours plus slightly expanded service windows for Amsterdam ferries.
Read more → - Investment
Four new electric GVB ferries for cleaner IJ routes
In January 2026 GVB ordered four new electric ferries. The first electric IJ ferry on the IJplein route is expected around 2027, while North Sea Canal ferries already run emission-free.
Read more → - Infrastructure
Oostbrug delayed again — not before 2034, ferries stay the crossing
The Oostbrug cycling and pedestrian bridge across the IJ (Sprong over het IJ) has slipped again. Opening is no longer expected before 2034 amid rising costs and new participation rounds. Until then, GVB ferries remain the primary crossing between the centre and Amsterdam-Noord.
Read more → - Works
NDSM ferry stop renovation limited F7 into early 2026
From 3 November 2025 to 27 February 2026 the NDSM ferry stop was renovated. Line F7 (Pontsteiger–NDSM) ran twice an hour temporarily; regular service resumed on 2 March 2026.
Read more → - Works
SAIL 2025: ferry suspensions at peak times and a jammed metro to Noord
During SAIL Amsterdam 2025 (20–24 August) Amsterdam ferries were suspended or heavily limited at peak times. Noord residents shifted en masse to the metro, which then jammed — a recurring pinch point at major IJ events.
Read more → - Safety
Rush-hour crowding remains a sore point on Amsterdam ferries
A late-2024 AT5 panel found Amsterdam ferries too crowded at peak times for about 70% of respondents. Fatbike and cargo-bike safety fears kept surfacing in the deck-space debate.
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