Kids Sail Free: Maximizing Family Savings on the Marken Express
Planning a family day out around Amsterdam? Here’s a simple win: Kids Sail Free on the Marken Express—and smart ticket choices can cut your costs even more. This guide shows you exactly how to structure tickets, choose between one-way and return options, and bundle extras so you get the most value while sailing between Volendam and Marken.
What “Kids Sail Free” means on the Marken Express
On the Marken Express, children under four travel free. For older children, discounted fares make crossings affordable for families.
- Children under 4: Free of charge
- Child tickets: Discounted fares apply for ages 2–10
- Adults: Standard one-way and return fares
At-a-glance fares
| Ticket type | Adults | Children (ages 2–10) | Children under 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way (single crossing) | €10.00 | €5.00 | Free |
| Return (round trip) | €16.50 | €8.25 | Free |
- Crossing time: about 30 minutes per single journey.
- Boats sail every day, with departures roughly every 45 minutes from about 09:45 to 19:15, and extra sailings marked with an asterisk (*) during busy periods.
Round trip or one-way? How to choose and save
Return tickets deliver immediate savings compared with buying two one-ways for an out-and-back journey.
- Adult saving (return vs 2 × one-way): €3.50 per person per round trip
- Child saving (return vs 2 × one-way): €1.75 per child per round trip
When a return makes sense:
- You plan to sail both directions between Volendam and Marken the same day.
- Your schedule is flexible and you want simple, best-value pricing.
When a one-way can fit better:
- You’d like a change of scenery and will return by bus to Amsterdam or Volendam.
- Nap times or dinner plans mean a single crossing is plenty.
Tip for variety: After your crossing, public bus lines 305, 314, 316, and 391 link Amsterdam Central Station with Volendam during the day (night routes N06, N14, N94 operate after hours).
Bring the bikes or scooter? Family-friendly transport add-ons
If your day includes cycling or an e-scooter adventure, dedicated tickets bundle passenger + vehicle in one simple price per single crossing:
- “Bootticket incl fiets” (passenger + bicycle): €11.00 per single crossing
- “Bootticket incl scooter” (passenger + scooter/e-chopper): €12.00 per single crossing
These options make it easy to plan mixed travel days—ride, sail, and keep exploring without juggling separate add-ons.
Onboard comfort that keeps kids happy
The Marken Express sails with comfortable heated boats—a family-friendly advantage in cooler seasons. On board you’ll find:
- A toilet for easy pit stops
- A bar for drinks and snacks
- A sound system for live commentary by the crew
- A panoramic deck with outdoor seating to soak in IJsselmeer views
These features help parents relax while kids enjoy the short, scenic crossing.
When do the ferries run?
- Every day: The Marken Express runs daily.
- Typical departures: From Volendam around 09:45, then roughly every 45 minutes; last sailings are around 18:45. From Marken, sailings start around 10:30 with similar frequency until about 19:15.
- Peak periods: Extra sailings are marked with an asterisk (*).
For a smooth day, aim for earlier crossings to give yourself more time in both harbours.
Smart booking moves: how to lock in value
- Book online: Use the website’s “Koop tickets” (Buy tickets) option to reserve and pay before you arrive. This keeps queues short and plans clear.
- Pick the right ticket type: If you’re sailing both ways, choose return tickets for instant per-person savings.
- Bundle memorable extras: You can purchase add-ons alongside your ferry crossing, such as:
These small upgrades turn your travel into a full family experience, often without adding much to overall costs.
Example savings for common family setups
To show how “Kids Sail Free” and returns work in practice, here are clear, numbers-only comparisons based on standard fares:
1) Family of 4: 2 adults + 2 children (ages 6 and 9), round trip by boat
- Two one-ways per person: Adults 2 × (2 × €10) = €40; Children 2 × (2 × €5) = €20; Total €60
- Return tickets: Adults 2 × €16.50 = €33; Children 2 × €8.25 = €16.50; Total €49.50
- Savings with returns: €10.50 per family round trip
2) Family of 4: 2 adults + 1 child (age 6) + 1 child (under 4), round trip by boat
- Two one-ways per person: Adults €40; Child 6 €10; Child under 4 €0; Total €50
- Return tickets: Adults €33; Child 6 €8.25; Child under 4 €0; Total €41.25
- Savings with returns: €8.75 per family round trip
3) One-way + bus: 2 adults + 2 children (ages 6 and 9), boat one-way then bus
- Boat one-way total: Adults 2 × €10 = €20; Children 2 × €5 = €10; Total €30
- Add bus fares as needed for the other leg (sold separately). This option swaps scenery and can better match nap times or dinner plans.
Quick answers for fast planning
- How long is the crossing? About 30 minutes.
- Do kids sail free? Yes—children under four travel free.
- Are there child discounts? Yes—ages 2–10 have reduced fares (see table above).
- Do you sail daily? Yes—every day, roughly every 45 minutes (with extra peak sailings).
- Are boats heated and family-friendly? Yes—heated vessels with a toilet, bar, sound system, and panoramic deck with outdoor seating.
- Can I buy tickets online? Yes—use the website’s Koop tickets option.
- Can I bring a bike or scooter? Yes—use the dedicated single-crossing tickets: bootticket incl fiets €11 or bootticket incl scooter €12.
- How do I connect by public transport? Daytime buses 305, 314, 316, 391 link Amsterdam Central Station and Volendam (night services N06, N14, N94).
Practical takeaways
- Choose return tickets when you’re sailing both ways—easy savings per person.
- Remember: Kids Sail Free applies to children under four.
- For older children, use discounted child fares (ages 2–10).
- If you’re planning only one crossing, combine it with the Amsterdam–Volendam buses for a flexible itinerary.
- Bringing wheels? Pick €11 incl fiets or €12 incl scooter to keep ticketing simple.
- Enhance the day with add-ons like Coffee & Apple Pie, a clog factory visit, a stroopwafel bakery stop, or a traditional attire photoshoot.
- Book ahead online to skip lines and lock in your plan.
Conclusion
With Kids Sail Free for under-fours, child discounts for ages 2–10, and clear return savings, the Marken Express makes it easy to plan a standout family day that’s gentle on your budget. Add the 30-minute scenic crossing, heated boats, and fun extras, and you’ve got an effortless win for everyone.
Ready to go? Reserve your seats now via the website’s “Koop tickets” option and, if you wish, bundle popular add-ons like Coffee & Apple Pie or the clog factory to complete your family adventure between Volendam and Marken.