Leiden > Rotterdam > KINDERDIJK > Bruges

A ferry is just a waterbus. It is mere terminology, but waterbus is common useage in the Netherlands, and is what they call themselves. I've been on other similar ferries in the Netherlands, which call or called themselves waterbus.

Not every domestic ferry in the country is a waterbus, but this one is.

This page from Visit Rotterdam gives succint details on your various options- https://en.rotterdam.info/locations/kinderdijk-with-the-waterbus-en/

It is part of the public transport system, so use the same payment method as for your train and tram from Leiden.

This is the website of the actual operator with both "paper" timetables and a journey planner. At that time of year it should be at least hourly service, may even be half hourly service. Note the other option to go further to Dordrecht. -https://www.waterbus.nl/en/Kinderdijk-travel

The easiest option is just return on the same direct boat to the Erasmus bridge.

This was some time ago, but our Kinderdijk admission (arrival by car, avoided line and wait for a car ferry) included an introductory lecture and video in their interpretive center building. I felt that eliminated any need for a tour or guide. I'd compare a transit time by pure numbered city bus before adding a ferry ride, but that's a personal preference.

I believe any train trip to Bruges will have a change in Brussels or Antwerp. But there are several unreserved local trains per hour to Bruges.

You should be able to pay for all public transport within the Netherlands by contactless credit/debit card or a device with Google/Apple Pay. This includes second class trains, buses, trams, and the "waterbuses". I suppose there may be some private buses that are not covered under OV Pay, but they probably still take contactless payment.

For getting to Bruges, it is probably as quick to do regional/intercity trains. The most direct route would be Rotterdam-Antwerp-Ghent-Bruges, requiring changes in Antwerp and Ghent, some also require a change at Breda. 3 Hours is about right, you can knock off 30 minutes or more by taking a Eurostar train to Brussels, then regional/intercity trains to Bruges, but at twice the price.

Thanks for all the details, I am feeling more confident in getting there now.
How much time is reasonable to explore on foot once you get off the waterbus? I will try to find more videos.
Thanks thanks thanks
EDIT- I think it's too early to see the April waterbus schedule. It may still be considered winter schedule, whatever that is.

Rotterdam itself is worth more than a passing glance. The terrible WW2 bombing left a lot of open space that has been filled in with mind-boggling experimental architecture. As one of the worlds biggest freight harbours, there is plenty for nautical tourists to see on port excursions. What was left intact includes the Pilgrim church, departure point for the pilgrims daring to sail to America.

Southampton, thanks for your info. I have more research to do now!

“Is there a difference between a water bus and ferry?”

Yes, there is a difference. A ferry (veer in Dutch) is a boat that constantly goes back and forth between 2 places to transport people, bikes and sometimes cars too.
A waterbus is like a regular bus, with various stops along its route and it only transports people, with limited space for bikes.

We spent all of a Sunday afternoon at Kinderdijk. We loved it all! Years earlier we had been taken to other , more touristed sites with a windmill or two. Kinderdijk is so much more authentic!

Dutch Traveler,
Is it too early for the mid-April schedule for the boat from the Erasmus Bridge to Kinderdijk, and return? I have played with the websites, and am not getting the info. Perhaps I just don't know how to use the website correctly.
Thanks so much.

Pat, here is a timetable listed for Waterbus #21 from April through October. https://www.waterbus.nl/en/timetable Is this what you are looking for?

ETA: Here is a link to the actual timetable for Monday through Friday, WB #11 (summer timetable): https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/storage.waterbus.nl/storage/20230404144559/Dienstregeling-lijn-21-1.pdf

Mardee, yes, yes, yes, that's what I was looking for, and I really did try to find this , so thank you so much!
I just did a screenshot and printed it all and you made my day! Another check off on the to-do list!

Strictly speaking that is the Summer 2023 timetable- you do need to check later for any changes for Summer 2024. What is disappointing is the relatively low frequency of service. In Summer 2019 (when I last saw the timetable) it was at least double the frequency, due to demand.

I remember wandering across the Erasmus bridge (on a cruise call) having first been to the SS Rotterdam, and being so impressed with the frequency. Sadly I had other things to do that day at Den Haag, in Rotterdam and down to Hoek van Holland. A distinctly packed day. I'm not even sure if I don't have the then printed timetable filed away somewhere. No point trying to find it, as only of academic interest.

Whether they put on unadvertised additional sailings is a good question.

On all my previous ferry calls at Rotterdam I have always explored the Netherlands, rather than Rotterdam City.

Isn31c,
Oops, it is 2023, great eyes. I had previously emailed the website and asked for a current schedule, with no response so far. Maybe I'll try the local TI.
Thanks

I understand you want to plan things, but I would just relax and not worry too much. The waterbus will definitely run in April 2024. There is also no point in contacting the Tourist Information as they don’t make the schedule. The Waterbus is public transport and the company that runs the waterbusses will publish the schedule on their website.
Right now, the 2024 summer schedule simply isn’t ready yet and it might not even be published before the end of March.
You can use the 2023 summer schedule or the current winter schedule for reference.

Dutch Traveler,
Thanks. I'm just coordinating travel from Leiden to Rotterdam that day,
Then onto Bruges after Kinderdijk.
Since the water bus times from the Erasmus Bridge are so far apart, 1 hr 40 minutes between water buses , I don't want to just miss one and be waiting.
The Rotterdam Tourist Info Center was kind to respond to my email, confirmed the summer schedule isn't out, but said most likely the water bus will follow the same summer schedule as last year.
Thanks once again!

If you have time, I would suggest doing a version of Rick Steves' walking tour on your way back from Erasmusburg to Rotterdam Centraal. You could do the whole thing, or split it in half--take the Witte de Withstraat route and then north to Centraal, or head to the Markthal via the center of town with Oude Harbor (old harbor) and cube houses.

Blakeweathers,
Thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it.