Amsterdam-Noord Bicycle Route

Cycling through Amsterdam-Noord

Want to discover a different side of Amsterdam? Then the Amsterdam-Noord bike route is a great choice. From the city center, you’ll take the ferry across the IJ River and then cycle through a part of the city that feels more spacious, more creative, and less traditional than the city center.

This bike tour through Amsterdam-Noord is perfect if you don’t want to tackle a long route outside the city right away, but would like to see something other than canals, squares, and busy shopping streets. Highlights include the IJ River, the NDSM shipyard, the Eye Film Museum, the A’DAM Tower, Noorderpark, and quiet stretches toward Nieuwendam or Schellingwoude.

Don't have a bike yet? Then you can easily rent one in advance rent a bike in Amsterdam and head from the city center toward Noord.

Amsterdam-Noord Cycling Route: Distance, Duration, and Type of Ride

The Amsterdam-Noord bike route is an accessible route for visitors looking to take a short to medium-length bike ride in Amsterdam. You can keep the route compact, focusing on the ferry, NDSM, and the IJ, or extend it toward quieter parts of Noord.

  • Distance: 10 to 25 kilometers
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on stops
  • Route type: city, ferry, IJ, creative spots, and parks
  • Level: easy
  • Suitable for: city bike or e-bike

The route is mostly flat and easy to cycle. A city bike is usually sufficient for a loop around Amsterdam-Noord. If you want to go further toward Nieuwendam, Schellingwoude, Durgerdam, or Waterland, an e-bike might be more comfortable.

Starting point of this bike route in Amsterdam

Many visitors start this bike route in downtown Amsterdam or at Amsterdam Central Station. From there, you cycle toward the IJ River and take the ferry to Amsterdam-Noord. That’s what makes the route so special: you’re still right in the heart of the city, but crossing the river makes it feel like you’re cycling into a whole new area.

Common starting points include:

  • Downtown Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam Central Station
  • Buiksloterweg Ferry
  • NDSM Ferry
  • Eye Film Museum
  • A’DAM Tower
  • NDSM Shipyard
  • Noorderpark

If you're starting in the city center, it's a good idea to rent a rent a bike in downtown Amsterdam. Then you can cycle straight to the ferry and continue your route from Noord.

Directions for the Amsterdam-Noord bike route

This route is easy to adapt to your own pace. You can opt for a short loop along the IJ and the well-known spots in Noord, or extend the bike ride toward quieter neighborhoods and dykes.

Step-by-step walking tour of Amsterdam-Noord

  • Start at Amsterdam Central Station or in the city center
  • Cycle toward the IJ and take the ferry to Amsterdam-Noord
  • Drive past the Eye Film Museum and the A’DAM Tower
  • Continue cycling toward Overhoeks or the Van der Pek neighborhood
  • Continue toward Noorderpark
  • Then drive toward the NDSM shipyard
  • Take some time to explore street art, old warehouses, and waterfront spots
  • Take the ferry back to Amsterdam Central Station
  • Or extend the route toward Nieuwendam or Schellingwoude

This bike route shows you a completely different side of Amsterdam in just a short time. You don’t have to cycle far, but you’ll quickly notice the difference from the city center: more open space, more water, and a more raw, creative vibe.

Shorter bike route through Amsterdam-Noord

If you’d like to go for a short bike ride, you can take the ferry to Noord and cycle around Eye, the A’DAM Tower, the Van der Pek neighborhood, Noorderpark, and NDSM. This is a great option if you want to cycle for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

A shorter route is ideal for visitors who want to cycle in Amsterdam-Noord but don’t want to cover too many miles.

Longer bike ride via Nieuwendam or Schellingwoude

If you’d like to see more of Noord, you can extend the route toward Nieuwendam, Buiksloterdijk, or Schellingwoude. This will give the route a more peaceful feel and bring you closer to the border with Waterland.

If you really want to continue cycling toward the villages and dikes, this route connects seamlessly with the Waterland Cycling Route from Amsterdam.

What you'll see on this bike tour through Amsterdam-Noord

On this route, you’ll see a side of Amsterdam that feels different from the city center. You’ll cycle along the IJ River, on wide bike paths, through modern neighborhoods, and past places with a creative or industrial vibe.

Along the way, you'll pass by places such as:

  • the IJ
  • the ferry to Amsterdam-Noord
  • Eye Film Museum
  • A’DAM Tower
  • Diagonally
  • Van der Pek Neighborhood
  • Noorderpark
  • NDSM Shipyard
  • street art and old shipyards
  • cafés and waterfront spots
  • Nieuwendam or Schellingwoude as an extension

The ferry crossing and the stretch around NDSM, in particular, set this route apart from a typical city tour. You’ll cycle along the water, passing old warehouses, modern buildings, and areas where Amsterdam feels a bit more rugged and open. That makes Noord an interesting destination for visitors who already know the city a little, but also for those who want to see more than just the city center on their first visit.

Why cycling through Amsterdam-Noord is so popular

Cycling through Amsterdam-Noord is popular because it gives you a completely different feel for the city in just a short time. From Amsterdam Central Station, you take the ferry across, and within a few minutes you’re cycling along the IJ, through modern neighborhoods, and toward creative hotspots like NDSM.

You don’t have to ride very far to experience a lot of variety. It’s precisely the combination of water, architecture, parks, an old shipyard, and quieter streets that makes this bike tour through Amsterdam-Noord so appealing.

Amsterdam-Noord is also a logical starting point for longer routes. From Noord, you can easily cycle on toward Waterland, Durgerdam, or the Zaanse Schans.

Who is this Amsterdam-Noord bike route suitable for?

This bike route is perfect for visitors who want to experience Amsterdam in a different way. The route is flat, easy to follow, and can be easily adapted to your own pace.

The Amsterdam-Noord bike route is particularly suitable for:

  • tourists who want to see a different side of Amsterdam
  • day-trippers looking for a short bike ride
  • couples or friends who want to go for a leisurely bike ride
  • visitors who want to explore NDSM and the IJ
  • People looking to go for a bike ride through Amsterdam-Noord
  • cyclists who want to continue on toward Waterland

For families, the shorter route around the ferry, Eye, Noorderpark, and NDSM is particularly suitable. Those who want to cover more ground can extend the route toward Nieuwendam, Schellingwoude, or Waterland.

Which bike should I choose for this bike route in Amsterdam?

A city bike is usually the best choice for this route. You’ll be cycling through the city, making short stops, and riding on well-maintained bike paths. A city bike is practical, comfortable, and well-suited to the pace of this route.

If you want to extend your route toward Schellingwoude, Durgerdam, or Waterland, an e-bike might be a good option. You’ll be able to ride a bit farther and it’ll be easier when it’s windy.

For this route, you might consider:

For Amsterdam-Noord alone, a road bike isn't usually necessary. It's better suited for longer routes, such as the Zaanse Schans or a route along the Amstel.

Tips for Cycling Through Amsterdam-Noord

  • Take the ferry from Amsterdam Central Station for a great start to the route.
  • Please be aware that it may be crowded on and around the ferry.
  • Please ride your bike carefully near NDSM, especially during busy times.
  • Plan a stop along the IJ or at a café at the NDSM shipyard.
  • Choose a city bike if you mainly ride short distances.
  • Choose an e-bike if you're extending your route toward Waterland.
  • Check in advance which ferry is most convenient for your route.

Amsterdam-Noord is spacious, but popular spots like the ferry and NDSM can get crowded. So take your time and enjoy a leisurely bike ride.

Rent a bike in Amsterdam for this bike route

If you want to ride the Amsterdam-Noord bike route, you’ll need a good bike to start with. Many visitors choose to rent a rent a bike in Amsterdamso they can cycle directly from the city center to the ferry.

City bikes are particularly popular for this route. They make it easy to cycle from the city center to Noord, and you can easily stop along the way at Eye, the A’DAM Tower, Noorderpark, or NDSM. Check out the selection via bike rentals in Amsterdam and choose the bike that suits your route.

Discover other cycling routes around Amsterdam

Want to discover more bike routes in Amsterdam? Here are some logical follow-up routes:

  • Cycling Routes in Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam City Center Bike Route
  • Waterland Cycling Route from Amsterdam
  • Cycling Route to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
  • Cycling route along the Amstel River from Amsterdam
  • Cycling route through the Amsterdamse Bos from Amsterdam

You can choose between a short city tour, a creative tour through Noord, or a longer bike ride outside Amsterdam.

Want to cycle the Amsterdam-Noord bike route? Hit the road right away

The Amsterdam-Noord bike route is a great choice if you want to see Amsterdam from a different perspective. You start by taking the ferry across the IJ, cycle past modern buildings and creative spots, and discover along the way just how different Noord feels from the city center.

Choose a short loop past Eye, Noorderpark, and NDSM, or extend your route toward Nieuwendam, Schellingwoude, or Waterland. With a good rental bike, you can easily start from the city center and explore Amsterdam-Noord at your own pace.