What are the best day trips from Amsterdam?

Top day trips: Zaanse Schans (windmills, 30 min), Keukenhof (tulips, spring only), Haarlem (charming city, 15 min), Rotterdam (modern architecture, 45 min), Utrecht (university town, 30 min), and Giethoorn (Venice of Netherlands, 2 hours).

When is Keukenhof open in 2026?

Keukenhof is typically open mid-March to mid-May (exact dates TBC). Peak tulip bloom is usually mid-April. Book tickets in advance — sells out quickly on weekends and holidays.

Is Zaanse Schans worth visiting?

Yes, but go early (before 10am) to avoid cruise ship crowds. Entry to the village is free; individual windmills charge €5-6. It's touristy but the windmills are authentic and worth seeing.

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam 2026: Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof & More

            The Netherlands is tiny: Almost everywhere is under 2 hours by train. Don't take organized tours — they're overpriced and rushed. Go independently!
        

Classic Dutch Experiences

🏗️ Zaanse Schans

Distance: 20 km | Time: 30 min by bus/train

Cost: Free entry (windmills €5-6 each)

Working windmills, traditional houses, clog workshops. Very touristy but genuinely beautiful. Go early (before 10am) to avoid cruise ship crowds.

How to get there: Bus 391 from Central Station (direct, 40 min) or train to Koog-Zaandijk + 10 min walk.

Spring Only

🌷 Keukenhof

Distance: 35 km | Time: 1 hour by bus

Cost: €19.50 + bus €5

World's largest flower garden. 7 million tulips. Open mid-March to mid-May only. Peak bloom: mid-April. Book tickets in advance!

Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid massive crowds. Combine with bike ride through tulip fields.

🎣 Marken & Volendam

Distance: 20 km | Time: 30 min by bus

Cost: Free (ferry €11.50 between villages)

Traditional fishing villages. Volendam is more touristy (cheese shops, costume photos). Marken is quieter, more authentic. Take the ferry between them for scenic views.

Charming Cities

Recommended

🏛️ Haarlem

15 min by train | €5

Amsterdam's charming little sister. Beautiful market square, Grote Kerk, Frans Hals Museum. Perfect half-day trip.

Recommended

🎓 Utrecht

30 min by train | €9

University town with canal-side terraces (below street level!). Dom Tower, de Haar Castle nearby. Less touristy than Amsterdam.

🏙️ Rotterdam

45 min by train | €16

Modern architecture after WWII bombing. Cube Houses, Markthal, Erasmus Bridge. The anti-Amsterdam — bold, contemporary.

🎨 Delft

1 hour by train | €15

Blue pottery, Vermeer's hometown, charming canals. Combine with The Hague (15 min) for a full day.

Unique Experiences

⛵ Giethoorn ("Dutch Venice")

Distance: 120 km | Time: 2 hours by bus/train

Cost: Transport €20-30 | Boat rental €15-25/hour

Village with no roads — only canals. Incredibly picturesque but VERY touristy (Instagram famous). Best visited on a weekday off-season.

Honest take: It's beautiful but overcrowded. If you've seen Venice, you might be underwhelmed. The journey is long for what you get.

🏖️ The Hague & Scheveningen

Distance: 60 km | Time: 50 min by train

Cost: €13 one-way

Political capital + beach resort. Mauritshuis (Vermeer's Girl with Pearl Earring), Peace Palace, beach promenade. Great combo: culture + sea air.

🧀 Gouda

Distance: 50 km | Time: 1 hour by train

Cost: €12 one-way

Famous for cheese and stroopwafels. Thursday morning cheese market (April-August) is the main attraction. Otherwise, a quiet pleasant town.

Day Trip Tips

Skip organized tours: They're 2-3x more expensive than going independently. Trains are easy!
Buy NS day ticket: €20 after 9am for unlimited train travel. Worth it for 2+ destinations.
Check opening hours: Many attractions close Mondays. Museums often close early.
Combine destinations: Utrecht + Muiden Castle. The Hague + Delft. Haarlem + beach at Zandvoort.
Download 9292 app: Best for planning public transport routes across Netherlands.