Welcome to IJmuiden, a buzzing port town along the vibrant Dutch coast, just a short 25-kilometer drive from the lively heart of Amsterdam and a quick 30-kilometer journey from the bustling Schiphol Airport. The town’s historical fortifications, bunkers, and remnants from its lively past highlight its strategic role as the true gateway to the Low Lands.
Thanks to its unbeatable location, IJmuiden isn’t just a fantastic starting and finishing point for a sea adventure; it’s also the ultimate launchpad for exploring a plethora of attractions and sights in the nearby vicinity. Brace yourself for a journey that seamlessly combines coastal allure with a touch of maritime magic!
In Cruise Port IJmuiden, you’ll find not one, but two cruise terminals, unfortunately with almost the same names (not the best idea ever!), which might be confusing. To avoid any annoying mix-ups, please double-check your intended destination!
Embark on a magical cruise experience as you arrive at the Felison Cruise Terminal in IJmuiden aan Zee, just steps away from the beautiful beach. This exclusive location is a top choice for renowned cruise lines, providing convenient access to key tourist attractions and major cities in the Low Lands.
One of the main reasons cruise ships choose IJmuiden is to make your journey even more enjoyable. By docking here, they avoid navigating through the ship locks of IJmuiden and the long North Sea Canal all the way to Amsterdam. This clever choice saves an average of about 6 hours sailing time!
Thanks to the hassle-free connection to the main road network and public transportation system, all the region’s attractions, highlights, and significant places are easily reachable from IJmuiden. So, get ready to explore the best of the area without any unnecessary delays!
Only a handful of smaller cruise ships will dock at the smaller Felison Terminal (see maps), which is closer to the heart of IJmuiden. This terminal neighbors the well-known ferry terminal, serving the daily DFDS Seaways route to Newcastle-upon-Tyne/North Shields in the United Kingdom.
Both terminals are easily accessible via public transportation but keep in mind that there’s no longer a train station in IJmuiden. Therefore, you’ll need to catch a bus from Amsterdam (Sloterdijk station), Haarlem (Central station), or nearby Beverwijk (station).
In the past, a convenient and cost-effective connection between IJmuiden and Amsterdam existed through fast hydrofoils known as the “Fast Flying Ferries.” Unfortunately, this service ceased on January 1, 2014. Some websites and even cruise lines may still mention this connection, but it’s no longer operational and won’t be in the future. The alternative mode of transportation to and from IJmuiden is by taking the frequent and comfortable public buses. You can easily find information on all connections by visiting the website www.9292.nl.
Keep in mind that many taxi drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area (and there are many of them!), may not know the exact location of the two different cruise terminals. This could unintentionally lead to you being dropped off at the wrong terminal. Given the difficulty in finding another taxi and the potential 45-minute walk between terminals, here’s a general rule: if you can’t spot (the funnel of) the ship you’re meant to board, you’re most likely at the wrong place!