With Wagenborg to Ameland
Ferry to Ameland
As soon as you drive towards the ferry terminal for the boat to Ameland, you can feel your holiday beginning. The fresh sea air, the view over the salt marshes and the peaceful rhythm of the Wadden Sea immediately put you at ease. Once on board, you can make yourself comfortable by the window with a cup of coffee or go out on deck to look out over the water towards Ameland. Can't wait for your Ameland adventure to begin? Then board the fast service and travel to the other side in just 20 minutes. Read all the practical information about the boat trip to Ameland below!
Please note: It is important to book the ferry immediately after booking your campsite.
Off to Holwerd
The boat to Ameland departs from the harbour of Holwerd and is easy to reach. If you are travelling by car, follow the route via Leeuwarden-Stiens or Groningen-Dokkum. Are you travelling by public transport? Bus line 66 will take you directly from Leeuwarden station to the ferry terminal. Check the current timetable at 9292.nl/en
Parking at the ferry terminal
Are you travelling to Ameland with your own vehicle? Then turn right before P1 to the car ticket office. Are you travelling to the island without your own vehicle? Then park at P1. If this car park is full, this will be indicated in Holwerd by a digital sign. You can then park at P2 and will be taken to the boat by shuttle bus.
Please ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Book your ferry ticket
We recommend booking your crossing well in advance, especially during holiday periods. This will give you the widest choice of crossing times and guarantee you a place (because once it's full, it's full). The cost of the ferry to Ameland depends on the number of people and the size of your vehicle.
Tip: your ticket for the outward journey is not automatically a ticket for the return journey. Therefore, book a return ticket at the same time.
By foot
As a pedestrian, you can easily buy your ticket online or at the ticket machine in the terminal, where you can immediately reserve a date and time for your outward and return journey.
Tickets can be changed or cancelled online up to 1 hour before departure.
By bicycle, motorbike, car or caravan
Are you taking a bicycle, motorbike, car or caravan to Ameland? Then book online in advance to be sure of a spot on the ferry. You can make a reservation by telephone on 0900-9238. Please provide your registration number and travel dates.
Tickets can be changed or cancelled online up to 1 hour before departure.
Did you know...?
There are three boats that sail from Holwerd to Ameland: Fostaborg, Sier and Oerd. The name Fostaborg has a link to the history of Ameland. The island used to be called Fostalân, named after the patroness Fosta from Frisian mythology. There was even a temple dedicated to her on the island. The second part of the name, -borg, refers to the family business Royal Wagenborg, which includes Wagenborg Passenger Services.
Sier is named after a village on Ameland that disappeared into the sea. Sier was a fishing village on the westernmost tip of the island, west of Hollum, which disappeared into the waves around 1730. Oerd is named after a village on the eastern tip of Ameland, Oerd, where the nature reserve is now located.
Timetable
Ferry service (including cars)
Choose the regular ferry service and enjoy a relaxing crossing of approximately 50 minutes, ideal for getting into the holiday mood.
Fast service (no cars)
Can't wait for your Ameland adventure to begin? Then board the fast service and travel to Ameland in just 20 minutes.
The departure times of the ferry to Ameland may vary. Depending on the day of the week, there are regular departures between 7:00 and 20:00. Select your desired day and time when booking the ferry to Ameland on the Wagenborg website. View a current overview of the departures here.
Luggage transport to Ameland
Would you like to start your holiday without stress and lugging heavy luggage around? Then our Ameland luggage service is just the thing for you. Our new luggage service ensures that your luggage or camping equipment is transported safely and comfortably from Holwerd directly to our campsite, for only €45.00!
Transport on Ameland
Many visitors on Ameland travel by foot or bicycle, but there are of course other ways to get around the island, such as by bus or taxi.
Read more about transport on Ameland
Frequently asked questions about the ferry to Ameland
Route and crossing
- How do I get to the campsite from the boat?
If you come by car, you can drive directly to the campsite. Also, you can rent a bike, your luggage will be brought to the campsite. Buses and taxis are also available from the quay. These will take you directly to the campsite.
- How do I book tickets for the ferry to Ameland?
You can book your ticket for the crossing to Ameland via Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten.
- Can I take my car on the ferry to Ameland?
Yes, the boat leaves from Holwerd and your car can come along. Just make sure you book in advance and do not take the express service. No means of transport is allowed on the express service.
- Where does the ferry to Ameland depart from?
The crossing to Ameland starts in the small town of Holwerd in the province of Friesland. From there, the ferry sails to the island several times a day. Holwerd is located directly on the Wadden Sea and is the only port of departure for Ameland.
- How much does the ferry to Ameland cost?
The cost of the ferry to Ameland depends on the number of passengers and any vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists pay a lower price than motorists or motorhome owners. In addition, a small tourist tax is charged per person.
- How much does the ferry to Ameland cost with a car?
Prices for the ferry to Ameland with a car start at €103.50 for cars up to 5.5 metres long. Additional costs and tourist tax per passenger apply. It is not necessary to bring your car, as Ameland can also be easily explored without one.
- What does the ferry crossing to Ameland cost with a motorhome?
Travelling with a motorhome to Ameland involves additional costs. The price depends largely on when you travel, how many people there are, the size of your motorhome, and whether you have accessories like a bike rack. Often, the total cost is over € 200. Check Wagenborg’s website for up-to-date rates.
- How long is the ferry trip to Ameland?
The travel time with the standard ferry to Ameland is approximately 50 minutes. If you want to get there faster, you can take the speedboat, which takes about 20 minutes. Both connections depart from Holwerd and take you comfortably and directly to Ameland.
