Canal bike vs boat rental Amsterdam: which is right for you?

Amsterdam and water go hand in hand. The city has over 100 kilometres of canals, and getting out on the water is one of the best things you can do as a visitor. But once you decide to explore by water, the next question comes quickly: do you rent a canal bike (pedal boat) or go for a boat rental?

Both are fantastic. Both give you that close-to-the-water feeling that no canal tour bus can match. But they suit different types of travellers, different budgets, and different energy levels. This guide walks you through the key differences so you can pick the right one for your day on the Amsterdam canals.

What is a canal bike?

A canal bike, also called a pedal boat or waterfiets, is a small pedal-powered vessel that seats up to four people. You sit in pairs and pedal together, steering with a simple handle. No engine, no fuel, no noise.

Stromma has offered pedal boat rentals in Amsterdam since 1984, making it one of the longest-running canal attractions in the city. They operate from multiple locations in the city centre, including near the Rijksmuseum and on the Leidseplein. Each rental covers one hour and fits up to four people.

Canal bikes are completely emission-free, which makes them one of the more sustainable ways to explore the water.

What is a boat rental?

A boat rental (sloep verhuur) means hiring a small electric open boat, typically for two hours or more. You become the skipper: you choose your route, set your speed, and stop wherever you like. No licence required for most small electric sloeps in Amsterdam.

Boat rentals tend to be larger than canal bikes, often fitting four to eight people. They also cover more ground in less time, which makes them ideal for longer routes through the canal ring.

Browse the full range of self-guided boat rentals on OnTheCanals.

Canal bike vs boat rental: the key differences

Canal bikes are the more budget-friendly option. Stromma's pedal boats start from around €23.50 per boat for a one-hour rental, shared between up to four people. That works out to under €6 per person.

Boat rentals vary by provider and boat size, but expect to pay roughly €65 to €120 for a two-hour slot. The per-person cost is comparable once you split it across a group, but the upfront cost is higher.

Best for budget: canal bike, especially for small groups of two to four people.

Canal bikes require actual pedalling. It is not a workout by any stretch, but you will feel it if you go for the full hour. For most people that is part of the fun, especially with kids on board.

Electric boat rentals require almost no physical effort. You steer, you throttle, you drift. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon on the water.

Best for a relaxed experience: boat rental. Best for an active, playful outing: canal bike.

Canal bikes seat up to four people, with two passengers in front doing the pedalling and two in the back. If your group is larger than four, you would need to rent multiple canal bikes and travel together.

Boat rentals are more flexible on group size. Many sloeps seat six to eight people comfortably, making them better suited to larger groups, families, or a small group of friends who want to stay together.

Best for larger groups: boat rental.

A one-hour canal bike rental covers a modest area around your departure point. You are not going to pedal across the entire canal ring in sixty minutes, and that is fine: the experience is more about enjoying the moment than covering distance.

Boat rentals typically start at two hours and allow you to cover far more of the city. If you want to reach the Jordaan, the Eastern Docklands, or the quieter residential canals, a sloep gives you that range.

Best for exploring more of Amsterdam: boat rental.

Canal bikes by Stromma are available for rent every day of the year. Walk-in is often possible, though booking in advance is recommended during summer and weekends.

Boat rentals are also widely available, with several providers operating across the city. Peak season (May to September) books up quickly, so reserving ahead is strongly advised.

Who should choose a canal bike?

A canal bike is the right choice if you:

Book the Stromma canal bike via OnTheCanals.

Who should choose a boat rental?

A boat rental is the right choice if you:

Browse all self-guided boat rentals on OnTheCanals.

Can you combine both?

Absolutely. Some visitors spend the morning on a canal bike near the Rijksmuseum and follow it up with an afternoon sloep rental to reach the quieter northern canals. Both experiences are different enough that they do not feel repetitive.

If you want a guided perspective as well, a canal tour is a great way to get oriented before you head out independently.

Practical tips before you go

Both options give you something that no guided tour does: the feeling of being on the Amsterdam canals on your own terms. Whether you pedal or cruise, the city looks different from the water. Better, actually.

Ready to get out there? Check all water activities on OnTheCanals.

Frequently asked questions

What is a canal bike in Amsterdam?

A canal bike is a pedal-powered boat, also called a pedal boat or waterfiets in Dutch. It seats up to 4 people and is one of the most fun and affordable ways to explore the canals, especially with kids.

Is a canal bike or boat rental better for families?

Canal bikes are great for families with kids who want an active experience. Boat rentals are better for larger family groups or if you prefer a more relaxed, no-effort outing.

How much does a canal bike cost in Amsterdam?

Stromma's canal bike rental starts from around €23.50 per boat per hour, which works out in USD to under $7 per person for a group of four.

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Written by: YLP