Most cruise passengers passing through IJmuiden choose to stay in Amsterdam or Haarlem — both are easy to reach and offer far more accommodation choice. That said, there are a handful of good options in and around IJmuiden itself if you prefer to stay close to the terminal, particularly for very early embarkations or late-night arrivals.
Best Hotels Near IJmuiden Cruise Terminal
1. Hampshire Hotel — Owned by Van der Valk ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trawlerweg 2, IJmuiden | 10-minute taxi from terminal
The best hotel option directly in IJmuiden, with comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and easy road access to both the cruise terminal and the beach. A practical choice for pre-cruise stays with minimal transfer time on embarkation day.
2. Hotels in Haarlem — 35 Minutes from Terminal
Haarlem city centre | 35 min by bus 74
Haarlem offers a wonderful range of hotels in the historic city centre — from boutique canal-side stays to reliable chain hotels. Staying in Haarlem gives you a beautiful Dutch city to explore the evening before your cruise, with an easy bus connection to IJmuiden terminal in the morning. Recommended options include the Carlton Square Hotel and Stempels Hotel.
3. Amsterdam Hotels — For Maximum Choice
Amsterdam Centraal | 50 min from terminal by bus & train
Amsterdam offers the widest choice of hotels across all price points. If you’re arriving a day early to explore, staying in Amsterdam makes perfect sense — take the bus and train to IJmuiden on embarkation morning. Allow 60 minutes for the journey, including walking time. The Mövenpick Amsterdam (near the PTA) and DoubleTree by Hilton near Centraal are both excellent pre-cruise options.
Getting from Your Hotel to IJmuiden Terminal
From Haarlem: Bus 74 from Haarlem Centraal station runs directly to IJmuiden cruise terminal. Journey time approximately 35 minutes. Buses run regularly from early morning on embarkation days.
From Amsterdam: Train to Haarlem Centraal (15 minutes) then Bus 74 to IJmuiden (35 minutes). Allow 60–75 minutes total, plus time at the station. Alternatively, take a taxi or rideshare direct from Amsterdam — around €65–85, taking 40–50 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a hotel at IJmuiden cruise terminal?
There is no hotel directly at the terminal. The closest hotel is the Hampshire Hotel in IJmuiden town, about 10 minutes by taxi. Most passengers pre-cruise prefer staying in Haarlem or Amsterdam for more options and atmosphere.
Should I stay in Amsterdam or Haarlem before my IJmuiden cruise?
Both are great choices. Amsterdam offers more to see and do the day before, but Haarlem is closer to the terminal, quieter, and often more affordable. From Haarlem, the bus journey to IJmuiden takes just 35 minutes — very manageable even with luggage on embarkation morning.