Best Short Family Trips Within 2 Hour Train Ride From Amsterdam
I've been living in Holland for over 4 years now. 1 of the best parts of the Netherlands is how easy it is to take solar day trips within the netherlands! I include insider tips from my time living in Amsterdam for the best day trips from Amsterdam to other gorgeous Dutch cities, including Gouda, Leiden, and Giethoorn. I include easy day trips from Amsterdam as well as off the beaten path day trips from Amsterdam.
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An alphabetize of the 20 best twenty-four hour period trips from Amsterdam covered in this post
- Haarlem
- Lisse for the Dutch tulip fields
- Broek in Waterland to experience "small-boondocks Holland"
- Zaanse Schans
- Beverwijk Flea Marketplace
- Utrecht
- Leiden
- Hoorn
- Alkmaar
- Zandvoort
- Rotterdam
- Amersfoort
- Muiderslot Castle
- The Hague and Scheveningen
- Delft
- Gouda
- Kasteel De Haar
- Zwolle
- Giethoorn
- Nederlandse Kremlin
- Twenty-four hours trips toskip in the netherlands: Volendam
- Information about taking the train in the Netherlands
A bit of an caption about the Netherlands and taking day trips from Amsterdam
The Netherlands is a pocket-size country compared to many other countries, so you tin can cross the Netherland in about 3.5 hours at its widest part. As a upshot, what one person may consider an piece of cake twenty-four hour period trip from Amsterdam might seem quite long to another person. I've tried to cap all the one-twenty-four hour period trips outside of Amsterdam at ii hours with public transit.
I've tried to grouping these mean solar day trips into easy to find categories, so you can make up one's mind what's best given your fourth dimension. Time estimates come from Amsterdam Centraal and do not include the time to go a ticket!
Taking day trips past train in the Netherlands
Information technology's very easy to take day trips from Amsterdam every bit the Holland region has a well-integrated bus network and holland, in general, has a robust train network that worksvirtually of the time. Be warned that on weekends and late nights, you're more likely to encounter train delays/cancellations due to construction on different train tracks.
The Dutch train system is commonly referred to as NS and you can become to their website or download their app to buy tickets/bank check ticket prices. It is besides possible to buy a ticket on the day of. Dutch trains within the country practise not typically have assigned seating (unless it's an international train), so y'all don't demand to worry about the train selling out. You lot might be continuing for a bit and if yous don't want to stand, you tin splurge for a fantabulous ticket where seats are bachelor.
It's good to build in a bit of actress time in example the trains aren't running well. Most of these trains run at to the lowest degree once an hr towards nearly major cities, if not in one case every fifteen minutes. Double-decker schedules should exist checked every bit they are heavily impacted past the day of the calendar week. Be certain to make sure that you lot can make your connection and note the last bus/train out of more remote locations. Renting a cycle can help your mobility a lot!
Taking mean solar day trips from Amsterdam by car
With a motorcar, nigh of these places are fifty-fifty closer although you lot'll need to find parking, which is typically not complimentary. You'll find cheaper parking on the outskirts of the city centers. Most major Dutch cities are good near having paid public parking, but information technology might exist a bit of a walk from the city center.
I haven't included Kinderdijk here every bit information technology'due south a tough twenty-four hours trip from Amsterdam although possible if you're very committed to visiting these beautiful windmills. It'southward far easier to visit from Rotterdam and you can read my guide on how to visit Kinderdijk independently here. I'd recommend visiting Zaanse Schans instead.
Day trips from Amsterdam less than thirty minutes away
Haarlem for a quintessentially Dutch town
Haarlem is a typically Dutch town but fifteen minutes from Amsterdam by railroad train. If yous're tired of the crowds and you don't have that much time in the netherlands, I recommend visiting Haarlem.
This ambrosial Dutch boondocks has a stunning medieval church, a church turned brewery, cute canals with affordable boats that you lot can rent, an interesting science museum that explores what science has meant historically, a gorgeous square with a nice market, and a lot of compages.
How to become from Amsterdam to Haarlem: Catch a railroad train towards a number of destinations (Den Haag, Zandvoort, Beverwijk), but check that it stops atHaarlem. The railroad train ride should be nigh fifteen minutes. From the train station, it's a ten-minute walk to the center.
Click for my one day guide to Haarlem!
Lisse for the tulip fields in the Netherlands!
Near everyone that I've met who was planning their first trip to kingdom of the netherlands in spring asked me almost taking a mean solar day trip to visiting the tulip fields outside of Amsterdam. It's very piece of cake to take a mean solar day trip from Amsterdam to Lisse, the town of Keukenhof.
Keukenhof is more of a garden and although y'all'll see tulips, the bodily tulip fields are outside of Keukenhof in the surrounding towns. It's very easy to combine a one-half-day visiting the tulip fields with visiting Haarlem.
How to get to Keukenhof/Lisse from Amsterdam: Take a train to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Have the coach towards Keukenhof. From Keukenhof, follow my gratuitous cocky-guided tulip field tour towards Hillegom and take the train back from Hillegom.
It'due south too possible to take a double-decker from Haarlem to Keukenhof if you want to combine a half-day in Haarlem with visiting the tulip fields in the morning without a tour. The train ride/bus should accept well-nigh 30 minutes in total.
Click for more information near how to get to the tulip fields in holland from Amsterdam!
Broek in Waterland to experience "small-town Holland"
If you're interested in taking a day trip to the Dutch countryside without going too far, you lot can take amotorbus from Amsterdam Centraal to the picturesque town of Broek in Waterland, but exterior of Amsterdam.
If y'all want a taste of the cute farm animals, polders, and small towns that dot most of the Netherlands, Broek in Waterland is a great 24-hour interval trip from Amsterdam.
How to get from Amsterdam to Broek in Waterland: Accept the 312, 314, or 316 charabanc from Amsterdam Centraal until y'all become to Broek in Waterland in about fifteen minutes. If y'all're into cycling and the weather is good, it's likewise possible to cycle out to the countryside within thirty minutes!
Zaanse Schans
Who can resist the pull of cute windmills and clogs? Zaanse Schans is an iconic sight for tourists around the globe although yous need to be prepared for the crowds, specially in peak flavor. Exist sure to stop into the clog workshop for manus-carved clogs, which brand a neat souvenir from the netherlands.
The actual town is pretty ambrosial, so don't miss the commencement Albert Heijn supermarket. On the way dorsum, consider stopping off in Zaandam to see the iconic mod take on Dutch houses at its iconic hotel.
Y'all really merely demand a one-half of a 24-hour interval from Amsterdam to visit Zaanse Schans. It'due south best to avoid the afternoon as the tourist buses are particularly active then. I recommend coming early on or staying until dusk for the best views without the crowds. I'll be updating this post soon with a complete guide to Zaanse Schans including some absurd places to swallow in Zaandam, which is full of upcoming restaurants now.
How to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam: If you lot're taking the day trip from Amsterdam and prefer to walk less, take the 391 bus towards Zaanse Schans. Although it'south possible to take the railroad train, you'll have a 1.5km walk from the platform towards the village of Zaanse Schans. The weather tin quickly alter and the motorcoach is a ameliorate bet…
Solar day trips from Amsterdam most thirty minutes abroad to 1 hour abroad
Utrecht
I consider Utrecht to exist one of the virtually perfect day trips from Amsterdam. This stunning city, only thirty minutes from Amsterdam by train, has two-story canals, medieval history, kid-friendly museums, and a stunning atmosphere.
Surprisingly, nigh touristsdon't exit Amsterdam, so if you lot're trying to experience the history and civilization in the Netherlands, I recommend Utrecht. This lively city has innovative restaurants, great beer, and the tallest church belfry in the netherlands. If you're not sold, y'all will be when you arrive.
How to go from Amsterdam to Utrecht: Accept the train towards Utrecht Centraal, which takes virtually thirty minutes.
Click for my one day guide to Utrecht with things to practise in Utrecht!
Leiden
Leiden is some other cozy academy boondocks that is easy to visit from Amsterdam. Although it's sleepier than Utrecht, those interested in enjoying the historic grounds of the university, the pretty celebrated city eye, and 1 of the oldest botanical gardens in the earth might be curious to finish off in Leiden. Be certain to catch market day if you can every bit Leiden becomes live during this time with many vendors!
As the stride is slower here and there are a bit fewer things to do here, I'd recommend combining Leiden with one of the nearby cities if you lot're interested in experience both sides. If you're a fan of history, I recommend retracing the steps of the Pilgrims in Leiden, who lived here before leaving for America.
Leiden is on the way to other Dutch cities, so if you're interested in heading to Rotterdam or The Hague, you might be able to end off in Leiden for a curt wander while taking a mean solar day trip from Amsterdam. Click for my one mean solar day guide to Leiden.
How to go from Amsterdam to Leiden: A number of trains heading towards Zuid Holland stop in Leiden and it should take about 25-35 minutes on the railroad train depending on your starting point in Amsterdam.
Hoorn
Hoorn is often left off the listing of twenty-four hours trips from Amsterdam, which surprises me as this town is thereal deal. Many tourists flock to Volendam for a reason that I don't comprehend, nevertheless, Hoorn is where Dutch tourists go to experience the charm and dazzler of this harborside city that played a significant office in Dutch trading historically.
The city heart dates back to the 16th century and the architecture is considered ane of the most beautiful in the netherlands. Prices here are very reasonable as they don't get many strange tourists and I think that
Hoorn is a bang-up day trip that allows you to experience an authentic town that is not yet overrun past tourists. One time y'all visit Hoorn, you'll wish that you were staying the night. Click for your complete guide to Hoorn!
How to get from Amsterdam to Hoorn: Accept the train towards Enkhuizen and get off at Hoorn. Information technology's possible to combine Hoorn with the Nederlandse Kremlin (info below) if you're looking for something different than the typical day trips from Amsterdam.
Alkmaar
Alkmaar is the "cheese" capital of Holland and if yous're a cheese lover, at that place's nothing cheesier than the cheese market in Alkmaar. Information technology is a tourist attractio
(For a less touristy cheese-focused day trip from Amsterdam, head to the Dutch cheese markets in other Dutch cities, including Woerden, Gouda, Hoorn
Beyond cheese, Alkmaar is a celebrated city with well-preserved architecture with stunning canals, then if you lot're interested in enjoying a walk in a gorgeous Dutch setting, Alkmaar might be a good option for a day trip from Amsterdam. It's an easy train journeying hither and the boondocks is seriously adorable.
How to get from Amsterdam to Alkmaar:Accept the railroad train from Amsterdam Centraal to Alkmaar Centraal, which should take about thirty minutes. The city is a curt walk from the railroad train station.
Zandvoort
If you're lucky enough to be in the Netherlands during one of its good days in summertime, yous tin head to the beach. Nigh people don't acquaintance the embankment with holland as information technology's typically as well cold to have a dip in the North Sea.
There's a nice boardwalk and if you're looking for a quiet day trip from Amsterdam, consider stopping off in Haarlem for the afternoon after a relaxing morning walk forth the beach. (Haarlem is merely ten minutes from Zandvoort.) You can too savour the nearby dunes and forest of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park if you're looking for a hike. Although we don't have proper mountains, the dunes are nice for a walk.
How to get from Amsterdam to Zandvoort: Take the train from Amsterdam Centraal towards Zandvoort aan het Zee. The train should accept near xx-five minutes if information technology'southward direct. It's also possible to accept the double-decker from Haarlem.
Amersfoort
This sleepy medieval boondocks is perfect for those interested in enjoying a walk through a historic center away from the crowds. Most of the entreatment of Amersfoort is taking it easy in its cozy cafes and strolling forth its cozy canals. The metropolis got rich off beer and you can believe that the beer-making tradition continues today at the various craft breweries around the metropolis!
Click for my complete guide to a solar day (or a weekend) in Amersfoort.
How to go from Amsterdam to Amersfoort: Take the train towards Deventer or Amersfoort Vathorst and get off at Amersfoort Centraal. It takes virtually 40 minutes from Amsterdam if the trains are running well.
Day trips from Amsterdam one 60 minutes away
Rotterdam
For people who experience like they've seen the typical Dutch compages and they're looking for something dissimilar, Rotterdam is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam. A lot of people compare Rotterdam to New York, which is easy to come across.
This iconic Dutch metropolis was reconstructed later massive damage in Globe State of war II in a modern way unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands. Rotterdam is one of my favorite cities to bring friends who don't have much time in the Netherlands. Don't miss the gorgeous Blaak Houses, the Markthal, Witte de Withstraat for absurd restaurants, or the iconic Erasmus Bridge. Don't miss Amsterdam's cooler big blood brother. 😉
Click for a consummate guide to Rotterdam with the best things to see in Rotterdam in i day.
How to get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam: Take the train to Rotterdam Centraal or Rotterdam Blaak. I recommend Getting off at Rotterdam Blaak as it's a shorter walk to the major sights of the city. It takes virtually forty minutes on the train.
Be careful virtually getting on the Intercity Directly from Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam as in that location'southward an extra fee compared to the slower railroad train. You can be fined for not having a supplemental ticket, fifty-fifty if y'all didn't know improve. (Guilty). Information technology is faster on the Intercity Direct, so it'south worth it if you have limited time!
Muiderslot Castle
This stunning castle is 1 of my favorite day trips from Amsterdam. Muiderslot castle dates dorsum to medieval times and it'south 1 of those castles that you imagine when you think of a children's book. Consummate with a moat and look-out towers, you'll find enough to do while visiting Muiderslot Castle for one day. Information technology's gratis with the iAmsterdam carte as a bonus! The town of Muiden is absolutely adorable too, so information technology'southward definitely worth the twoscore-minute journey from Amsterdam past train then bus.
Click for more than information well-nigh Muiderslot castle
The Hague and Scheveningen
The Hague is my new home and I beloved this adorable old capital of the Netherlands, which is an easy day trip from Amsterdam for those interested in civilisation. The Hague is often consideredboring if you ask Dutchies, but the historical city center, complete with the working palace of the Dutch King, stunning Binnenhof, Peace Palace (the home of the International Criminal Court of Justice), Mauritshuis museum (The Girl with the Pearl earring is here!) and the beach resort of Scheveningen are the big attractions in the Hague.
I don't feel that plenty people appreciate the amazing mix of cultures here equally the Hague boasts the largest Chinatown in kingdom of the netherlands and a significant international population.
Click for my complete guide on what to do in the Hague with insider tips, my favorite cafes in the Hague, and a one day guide to The Hague!
Either way, take a day trip to the Hague via the train heading towards Rotterdam and get off at Den Haag Centraal or Den Haag HS station. (Both railroad train stations are 15 minutes from the city center). You can click for detailed directions on how to go to the Hague from Amsterdam by train.
Delft
If yous've ever heard of Delftware, y'all've maybe heard of Delft. This charming city, famous for its pottery, is a beautiful and like shooting fish in a barrel twenty-four hours trip from Amsterdam. My married man works in Delft, so I routinely visit this urban center. It's total of stunning canals, cozy cafes, and celebrated churches.
In summer, it tin can be a little crowded in the Grote Markt square, simply the tourists from the tour buses unremarkably don't stick around beyond going to the Delftware factory. Compared to Amsterdam, you lot can take a breath of fresh air here and admire the gorgeous compages! Information technology'south generally quiet here and many of my friends who visit me tell me that it'south straight out of a storybook. I'thou inclined to agree.
To get to Delft from Amsterdam, you will need to hop on the train to Vlissengen from Amsterdam Centraal. It volition take about an hour and you'll go off at Delft. It's a short walk to the city center of Delft from the station. The railroad train will cost well-nigh 28 euros round-trip as of 2020.
Click for my complete guide to Delft.
Gouda
This mannerly city (pronounced K-h-oo-da with a difficult Dutch G) is one of the best cheese destinations in holland. Although about tourists head to Alkmaar for the cheese market, Gouda is a great place to attempt Gouda cheese at its source.
In that location's lots of sleepy Dutch countryside around here, perfect for a cycle ride, afterwards exploring the small historic city heart. Stock upwardly on cheese while you're here! You'll also want to try a siroopwafel hither!
It takes about an hr to get to Gouda from Amsterdam. You can transfer afterward looking upward the directions on Google or on the NS railroad train app, however y'all can also get on a slower train that volition be straight. Your choice! The journey will toll about 13 euros per way.
Click for my solar day trip guide to Gouda!
Dordrecht
Dordrecht is a beautiful city known as the Venice of Kingdom of the netherlands. This isle that has been separated from the rest of the land due to a flood was only accessible past boat for many years. (Information technology's still possible to take a boat ride around the metropolis!)
It'due south full of charming warehouses and cozy cafes. It's the perfect place for a relaxing day trip if you lot're looking for an off the beaten path day trip.
Click for my guide to Dordrecht.
In order to get to Dordrecht from Amsterdam, you'll need to take a train about 1 to 1.5 hours. It'due south possible to get to Rotterdam before transferring to another train or even a ferry if you're looking for a slower scenic road through the countryside! Otherwise, there is a straight line although information technology volition accept longer (i.5 hours). Information technology's a xx-minute walk to the city center.
Beverwijk Flea Marketplace (Bazaar)
This off the beaten path mean solar day trip from Amsterdam takes you to Europe's largest covered marketplace where you can buy practicallyanything. There are dissimilar sections for antiques, flowers, fruit, computers, restaurants… etc. The absurd part is that the Beverwijk market place feels like you've left kingdom of the netherlands as it's so diverse.
Although youcan spend half a day here, marketplace lovers and deal hunters will want to take the full twenty-four hours as the market ismassive. My father-in-constabulary took a twenty-four hour period trip to the Beverwijk flea market and felt similar he only saw ten% of the marketplace while browsing for antiques. In that location are over 2500 stalls, so bring a large pocketbook with you as you're probable to carry a lot of souvenirs dorsum to Amsterdam.
How to go from Amsterdam to the Beverwijk Flea Market: Accept the Sprinter train towards Alkmaar. The station is Beverwijk. It'southward a bit of a long ride (55 minutes), however, you lot'll get there somewhen although you might need to transfer depending on the day.
Day trips from Amsterdam upwardly to ii hours away
Kasteel De Haar
Kasteel De Haar is one of the most magnificent castles in the Netherlands without question. This castle dating dorsum to the 1800s is romantic, g, and unique. It's even so owned past the original family unit and for those obsessed with fairytale castles, Kasteel de Haar must be added to your Dutch bucket listing!
Although Kasteel de Haarlooks shut to Amsterdam and Utrecht, information technology's more involved to become here than I realized initially. As a event, you really need a full day from Amsterdam to get hither and to probably see the grounds. I've been several times and I underestimated the size of the castle, which is why I had to come up back.
Kasteel De Haar is easiest with a car without question, simply information technology's possible to get to Kasteel de Haar with public transportation if you're able to put upwardly with two transfers, including i to a bus. It's best to get to Utrecht past train earlier taking some other train to Vleuten (the destination to blazon in!). From there, you will transfer to a bus. The full journey if it goes well, the journey takes approximately an hr, but information technology can take longer if you miss the bus.
Click for more information about Kasteel de Haar.
Zwolle
This city in kingdom of the netherlands outside of the Noord and Zuid province is the capital of Overijssel, a Dutch province. Zwolle enjoyed its prominence in the Hanseatic League, however with the terminate of the Zuiderzee, it ceased its influential office in trading.
The urban center heart is cute and mannerly although I call up that information technology's worth coming here solely for the Waanders in het Broeren bookstore, a gorgeous bookstore in a converted Catholic church. If you're a book lover (like me), it was worth the one and a hour train journey from Amsterdam to Zwolle. (You'll demand to pass through Zwolle to go to Giethoorn, and then possibly stop hither for a meal!)
Click for more data near i day in Zwolle, including where to eat.
In order to get to Zwolle from Amsterdam, you lot can catch a direct Sprinter train towards Zwolle. The total journey should accept virtually 1.v hours.
Giethoorn
You've definitely heard of Giethoorn. This idyllic village, a favorite amidst foreign tourists, has canals instead of roads. As much as I was skeptical that it would live up to the images that I saw online, information technology truly did. Renting a boat and taking an independent day trip to Giethoorn is 100% possible, so you can read my guide to Giethoorn for more information.
Getting from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is fairly complicated involving buses likewise equally trains, and then you lot need at least 2 hours when starting off your morn in Amsterdam. Equally much as I want to claim that it's an easy day trip from Amsterdam, information technology'due south not and requires quite a bit of effort without a car. It's worth it in my stance. You lot volition need to pass through Zwolle.
Click for my guide to one solar day Giethoorn with detailed directions on getting to Giethoorn.
Nederlands Kremlin
This off the beaten path allure in the Netherlands is a attestation topassion.Created by a Dutch welder/creative person over the past 20 years, this quirky attraction is something really different. I idea that I'd merely be here an 60 minutes but ended upwards spending almost two-3 hours here.
The owners speak some English language, however, you don't need much of an explanation across affectionate the time and effort that got put into this creative work of art. There'due south a cute kitty that will follow y'all around and it's very possible to combine the Kremlin with Hoorn or Alkmaar inside i mean solar day trip from Amsterdam.Email beforehand.
Getting to the Nederlands Kremlin without a motorcar is possible, only you'll need to take a train towards Schagan prior to communicable a bus (#150 towards Alkmaar). Get off at Nieuwe Niedorp and walk until you get at that place. It takes about an hour and a half from Amsterdam to get here, and so it's a bit of commitment.
Click for more than information almost the Nederlands Kremlin!
Day trips from Amsterdam to skip
Volendam is a bit of a tourist trap and there are many other cities in kingdom of the netherlands that you can visit to feel the cuteness of a small boondocks on the bounding main. Instead, I recommend Hoorn. Volendam is very piece of cake to visit past railroad train.
Do you need a tour to have a day trip from Amsterdam?
No! The trains and buses work bang-up here in the netherlands. All of these day trips are possible using public transportation. In the case of Giethoorn, I believe information technology's easier with a car, but that'south only my opinion.
Train information for the Netherlands
Unless otherwise noted, you will need to take the train to these destinations. Prior to going on the train, you need a ticket. Y'all can purchase a train ticket one-way or roundtrip at the NS machines using a credit/debit menu. You can too buy your ticket on your telephone using the NS.nl website or the app. Just ensure that you lot have a charger with you! I often will print my ticket for longer journeys in case my telephone dies.
In order to practice and so, y'all'll need a credit bill of fare or debit card with a chip. If you accept a card without a pivot, your cardshould work, but friends of mine occasionally have issues. Most larger stations have a staff member who will help y'all purchase tickets during the day. Smaller stations don't always accept staff members on hand or a toilet within their families.
Prior to getting on the train, tap your card against the gates.Of import note:Be certain to tap out when you get off the train as yous can invalidate your ticket (if information technology'south round-trip) if y'all forget.
Accept you taken whatsoever of these twenty-four hours trips from Amsterdam? Any other favorites?
- v Dutch Cheese Markets
- Public transit in Holland
- Tips for visiting Amsterdam for the offset time
- Leiden: A subconscious jewel in Holland
- 10 Dutch Cheeses to effort in the Netherlands
- Three days in Amsterdam
Source: https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/best-day-trips-amsterdam
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