Ferry Ameland

The ferry to Ameland service is provided by Wagenborg Ameland, also known by many as simply Ferry Ameland. Traveling to Ameland is possible with the normal ferry and the fast ferry (express service). The ferry will take you to Ameland within 50 minutes, while the fast ferry will take you to the beautiful island in just 20 minutes. The ferry from Holwerd to Ameland leaves every hour. During the trip you can enjoy the beautiful Wadden Sea and the accompanying nature.

Ameland is a beautiful island in the Dutch Wadden Sea. Indulge your senses with pure sea air, incredible views, soothing relaxation and culinary pleasure. Ameland is an island with lots of nature, peace and space. On the island, every season has its own colors.

Ferry to Ameland

Ameland is therefore a popular holiday destination for many tourists from home and abroad. Ameland is the perfect place for a nice hike or bike ride. The fourth Wadden island of The Netherlands belongs to the province of Friesland. With the impressive sand dunes and nature reserve Het Oerd, there is more than enough to do on Ameland. It is therefore not surprising that the ferry from Wagenborg makes the crossing to Ameland for thousands of people every year.

The ferries to Ameland all have sufficient capacity for passengers. It is neither necessary nor possible to reserve a place on the ferry in advance. You can buy tickets for the ferry to and from Ameland at the Wagenborg Passenger Services counter in Holwerd. You can also buy tickets online; this way you don’t have to get in line at the counter. The crossing from or to Ameland takes around 45 minutes.

Traveling with Wagenborg to Ameland

Your journey to Ameland starts at the Wagenborg Plaza in the terminal in Holwerd. Here you can use various facilities and also check in immediately if you want to travel to Ameland without a vehicle. In the terminal you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, visit a number of boutiques and the Nobeltje Experience Shop. Here you can learn everything about the famous drink from Ameland. The Wagenborg Plaza is open from Monday to Saturday.

Fast ferry to Ameland

Starting March 28th, 2018, Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten operates the new Fast Ferry Ameland service on the Ameland-Holwerd route. The Arriva bus line #166 runs from Leeuwarden and connects with the departure times of the fast ferry. There is no connecting bus transport on extra departures.

Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten emphasizes that travelers must book online at all times. If you don’t, and tickets for the express service is sold out, your credits do not entitle you to a seat. In addition, travelers should bear in mind that they must also purchase a ferry service ticket. With the introduction of m.s. Fostaborg between Ameland and Holwerd, the Watertaxi is only available on demand.

Departure times and time table

The ferries from Holwerd to Ameland have departure times of, on average, every hour. In the summer months there are extra departures during busy days. The sailing time is approximately 45 minutes.

Special departure times for the ferry to Ameland during holidays

The ferry to Ameland also departs on public holidays, although the departure times are then different. The holidays on which the departures deviate are: Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day), Tweede Paasdag (Easter Monday), Koningsdag (King’s Day), Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day), Tweede Pinksterdag (Whit Monday), Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas) and Tweede Kerstdag (Boxing Day).

Important: this is a summary of the most common departure times for the Ameland ferry during the year. Most departures are only on certain days, periods or seasons. Always check the official departure times from Ameland to Holwerd when you plan your trip.

Departures Holwerd ferry to Ameland

Every day several departures are available for both the normal ferry and the express service.

* Fast ferry (Express service) / ** Only on certain days or periods

Departures Ameland ferry to Holwerd

Every day several departures are available for both the normal ferry and the express service.

* Fast ferry (Express service) / ** Only on certain days or periods

Note: if in doubt, always check the current Wagenborg Afvaarten Holwerd on wpd.nl or call customer service: +31 0900 9238.

Costs and prices ferry Ameland

Are you looking for costs for the ferry to Ameland? On this page you can read everything about the costs for traveling to Ameland by ferry. New rates apply for the Ameland-Holwerd ferry service for 2019. Since 2014 there are no discounts available anymore for seniors (65 and older).

The rates for the ferry to Ameland are categorized for different types of travellers. Those who visit the island on foot or by bike will pay less than visitors who bring their car on the ferry to Ameland. A discounted rate is  available for groups. Check out the different cost categories below.

* per running metre / ** driver included

Note: if in doubt, always check the current Wagenborg rates on wpd.nl or call customer service: +31 0900 9238.

Reservations and bookings

You can find a ticket machine in the Wagenborg Plaza terminal. Here you can buy a ticket for the ferry to Ameland. However, you can also do this in advance (online) or at the service counter in the terminal. For the fast ferry express service there is a ticket machine where you can pay for your ferry ticket with your debit or credit card.

With the ferry from Holwerd to Ameland. Which vehicles are allowed on the boat?

Bicycles, mopeds and scooters are allowed on the Wagenborg ferries. You can buy a special ticket online or at the service desk in Holwerd. Do you bring your bikes attached on a bike carrier on your car? Then there is no additional fee. Ameland is not a car-free island, which means that your car or vehicle is allowed on board. A reservation for your car is recommended, but not mandatory.

Please note that Wagenborg passenger services only transport cars and vehicles that are accompanied by a driver. Because Ameland is a popular holiday island, RVs, trailers and caravans are also allowed on board. A ticket for a caravan always needs to be reserved in combination with a car ticket. When you make a reservation, you must specify the length of the trailer and the vehicle.

On board facilities

During the 50-minute crossing from the mainland to the island, you can use various facilities. A self-service buffet for a delicious meal or tasty snack is available. Both the ferry and the express service to Ameland are equipped with a coffee machine. In addition, there is free WIFI available. This also applies to the terminal at Holwerd.

Traveling with your dog

Of course there are also various sanitary rooms available on the boat to Ameland. For people with a disability, the ferry service to the island also has special toilets and a lift. A wheelchair can also be arranged in the Holwerd terminal and can be taken on board for free. If you make the crossing from Holwerd to Ameland with WPD, you can take advantage of the free luggage service. On board it is permitted to carry a maximum of 30 kilos of hand luggage (suitcase or backpack).

Parking ferry Ameland

Parking in Holwerd is available at the designated places. This is possible in both the P1 and P2 parking areas. P1 is located right next to the ferry terminal. When it has reached its capacity, you can park your car at P2. Compared to P1, this is a bit further away from the terminal, although there is a shuttle bus that transports you comfortably from the parking area to the ferry terminal.

Parking in Holwerd

There are several options for parking in Holwerd. Are you visiting Ameland for a day or weekend? Then park your car on the Veerdam, which is close to the ferry to Ameland terminal. When you’re just picking up or dropping off someone, you can use the short-term parking for free.

Short-term parking Holwerd

You can park your car at the short-term parking lot, which is located in front of the departure hall. Parking for picking up or dropping off passengers, or a visit to the restaurant is free with a maximum of two hours.

Long-term parking Holwerd

For long-term parking you can park your car in the parking lot in Holwerd. The parking lot opens every day from half an hour before the arrival of the first ferry from Ameland, to fifteen minutes after departure of the last ferry to Ameland.

This parking area is open 7 days a week from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm. You can leave the parking lot at any time. Parking your car is at your own risk, there is no security available. The price for a parking ticket is € 4.50 (or less). You can pay in cash or with your credit card (VISA, Maestro, American Express and Eurocard). Debit cards are not accepted.

Holwerd Ameland Carpark

At the Holwerd Ameland Carpark you can park your car safely, both inside and outside. This parking facility, which is monitored day and night, is open 7 days a week, from 7 am to 10 pm. The parking rate for outside parking is € 5 per day. If you prefer to park indoors, the rate is € 6 per day.

After you parked your car you can take the shuttle bus to the Wagenborg ferry port. The shuttle bus leaves every 15 minutes during busy times. During less busy times, the shuttle service will leave on request.

Parking Lauwersoog

Parking in Lauwersoog is possible on the Zeedijk in Lauwersoog. This parking area is managed by Scheepspark. Check the Scheepspark website for more information.

Tip

At the payment machines, near the arrival hall, it can get quite crowded on busy days. There are also payment machines available in the parking lot, within walking distance.

Day trip to Ameland

You can already pay for your parking ticket before departure, at one of the payment terminals in Holwerd. This way you safe time on your return journey.

Parking on Ameland

Parking on Ameland is available at your convenience. There are several parking areas on Ameland where you can park your car. You can park for free in the so-called blue zones. You must then use a blue parking disc and the parking time is limited. In each blue zone you can find a sign that states how long you can park on certain days or hours.

Parking on Ameland – How does it work?

When you park your car, indicate on the blue parking card when you have arrived. Then you place the parking card on your dashboard. Make sure it is clearly visible. It is also allowed to park on the side of the road with your caravan, camper or trailer, provided that this is not longer than three consecutive days.

Free parking on Ameland

On Ameland is free available in various parking places. This is possible at the parking lot at the intersection of the Verdekspad and Stokershiem. Click here for directions. As a guest, you can park for free at many hotels on Ameland and other accommodations.

Bring your car on the ferry to Ameland

You are allowed to bring your car to Ameland. Don’t forget to reserve a spot on the ferry to Ameland. Keep in mind that brining your car to Ameland is only possible on the regular ferry and not on the express service.

Parking areas on Ameland

Parking at the Jan van Eijckweg
Location: Jan van Eijckweg, Nes.
This parking lot is located at 300 meters from the beach.

Parking area Oranjeweg
Location: Oranjeweg, Hollum
The beach of Hollum is located at about 200 meters from this parking area.

Parking area Reeweg
Location: Reeweg, Ameland
The beach of Nes is located at almost 3 kilometers from this parking area.

Parking at the beach on Ameland
Location: Strandweg, Buren
As the name suggests, you can park close to the Ameland beach (225 meters).

Verdekspad
Location: Stokershiem, Nes.
Located at about 2 kilometers from the Westerpad beach.

Ferry from Ameland to Terschelling

Are you visiting Ameland and also want to visit Terschelling? This is possible with the ferry from Ameland to Terschelling. The ferry service provides one way and return tickets. The crossing is a beautiful experience since the ferry sails along the beautiful south coast of both Ameland and Terschelling, including the Bosplaat.

Travel information ferry from Ameland to Terschelling

In the summer (June, July and August) there are a number of departures to Terschelling. On a few days a week it’s possible to go on a day trip to Terschelling by taking the Zeehond m.s. Ameland or the historic sailing clippers Willem Jacob and Helena.

The duration of the crossing to Terschelling differs per day, time and boat. The Zeehond m.s. Ameland sails from the jetty in Nes and is usually the second ship on the quay, next to the ferry to Ameland.

Tickets for the ferry from Ameland to Terschelling

It’s recommended to buy tickets in advanced. This can be done online. You can also use a debit card when you purchase tickets on the ferry.

Costs from Ameland to Terschelling

The costs for the ferry from Ameland to Terschelling can vary considerably. For full and current rates, check the Robbenboot website.

Schedule ferry Ameland Terschelling

The ferry from Ameland to Terschelling

During peak season you can take the ferry from Ameland to Terschelling a number of times a day, both in the morning and in the afternoon. Sometimes it is also possible to spend the night on board.

From Terschelling to Ameland

During peak season you can take the ferry from Terschelling to Ameland a number of times a day, both in the morning and in the afternoon. Sometimes it is also possible to spend the night on board. This timetable may vary during weekends, holidays, events and public holidays. A complete overview of sailings and any changes can be found on the website of VVV Ameland.

Ferry from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog

Are you visiting Ameland and want to visit Schiermonnikoog as well? That is possible with the ferry from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog and vice versa. The ferry sails along the beautiful east coast of Ameland, the uninhabited Engelsman plate and the far west end of Schiermonnikoog.

Travel information for the ferry from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog

During the summer months (July and August) there are a number of crossings from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog. On serval days a week it’s possible to take a day trip to Schiermonnikoog with the to ride the Robbenboot m.s. Ameland and the historic sailing clippers Willem Jacob and Helena. The duration of the crossing to Schiermonnikoog differs per day, time and boat. The Robbenboot m.s. Ameland departs from the same port as the ferry to Ameland.

Tickets for the ferry from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog

It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. On the boat you can pay with your debit card.

Costs

The costs for the boat from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog can vary considerably. For full and current rates, check the Robbenboot website.

Departures

From Ameland to Schiermonnikoog

In the summer you can take the ferry to Schiermonnikoog a number of times, both in the morning and in the afternoon. It is also possible to spend the night on the boat.

From Schiermonnikoog to Ameland

In high season you can take the boat from Schiermonnikoog to Ameland a number of times, both in the morning and in the afternoon. It is also possible to spend the night on the boat. The timetable may vary during weekends, holidays, events and public holidays. A complete overview of sailings and any changes can be found on the website of VVV Ameland.

On Ameland: what to do

Mudflat hiking Ameland

Mudflat hiking is a sporting and unique adventure, in the middle of the nature of the World Heritage Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea is also called the last wilderness and is an indescribably beautiful nature reserve.

The mudflat hike to Ameland has a length of about 10 kilometers. The walk itself takes about 3 hours. This trip, especially in the beginning is slightly heavier than mudflat walking to Texel, due to the mud. From about halfway the surface is sandy. Walking across the mud flats to Ameland is suitable from the age of 14 years.