WaterShuttle

WaterShuttle

Fast direct boat between the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam and the Kinderdijk windmills in 30 minutes, with a ticket combined with entry. Part of Aqualiner.

Who they are

WaterShuttle is the boat service of Aqualiner, a water transport company based in Zwijndrecht, next to Dordrecht, which also works with boats for companies, trade fairs and temporary projects. Its scheduled line links the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam with the entrance to Kinderdijk, the World Heritage windmills, in about 30 minutes, with no changes. Since the Waterbus stopped calling at Kinderdijk in October 2025, it is the direct way to get there by river from Rotterdam.

The line and timetables

In Rotterdam you board at the Erasmusbrug stop, on the Willemskade, at the foot of the bridge; at Kinderdijk, the stop is on the Molenkade, at the entrance to the windmill site.

In season it sails daily; in winter, from 26 October, only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The summer and winter timetables are published on their website as PDFs. On 25 December there is no boat, on 26 it sails on the normal timetable and on 1 January there is a single departure, at 11:20 from Rotterdam and 11:55 from Kinderdijk. There is a toilet on board.

Tickets and prices

It is not public transport: you buy your own ticket on their website or on board, subject to availability, and Waterbus tickets are not valid here. A single costs €9.75 and a return €19.50. The combined ticket, only on the website, joins the boat and entry to the windmills for €32.50 and does not oblige you to choose a time for the site. Ages 4 to 12 pay half, or €15 for the combined ticket, and under-4s travel free. On board you can only pay by card or contactless, not in cash.

Buying on the website guarantees a place at the chosen time; on board you depend on a free seat. Note: tickets cannot be cancelled, refunded or changed. What you can do is return earlier or later than the time on your ticket, if there are places.

Bikes, dogs and accessibility

Bikes travel free, and so do scooters, so you can combine the boat with a bike ride. Dogs board free on a lead. The boat is wheelchair accessible, although the company says it is at the traveller's own risk and there is no reduced fare for disability. The website is in Dutch and English.

What they run

The Geocalia activities run by WaterShuttle, with the prices and terms they publish.

Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

€9.75 single, €19.50 return and €32.50 for the combined ticket with entry; ages 4 to 12, half price or €15 for the combined ticket.

Can you change the return time?

Yes, you can return earlier or later depending on places.

Can you cancel the ticket?

No. Tickets cannot be cancelled, refunded or changed.

Independent company: you book with them, on their terms.

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Is this your company? Write to us to correct or complete the details.