Day trips from Amsterdam
Two villages are popular day trips from the city. Zaanse Schans is the closer one, with its windmills, museums and old houses. Giethoorn is a canal village you can explore by boat. Both are easy to combine with a few days in the canal ring.
You can go on your own or book a trip. The tours below cover day trips and tours from Amsterdam, with live prices. For a quick feel for the numbers, see the facts on the right. To reach the countryside on two wheels, compare the guided Amsterdam bike tours.
Our pick: Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken
This day trip covers the windmill area plus two fishing villages on the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Day trips and tours from Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn and other day trips from Amsterdam, with live prices and availability.
Zaanse Schans: entry and how to get there
The area is free to enter. The pass covers the museums and open mills.
| Ticket | Price in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult pass | €29.50 |
| Child aged 4 to 17 | €20 |
| Child aged 0 to 3 | Free |
| Group of 10 or more, adult | €26.55 |
| Group of 10 or more, child | €18 |
The area and its other sights are free to enter. The pass is dated and covers the museums and the mills that are open. Do not assume free entry to every mill. You can also buy single tickets on site. For most visitors, the pass pays off if they plan to enter several museums and mills, while a short walk through the village needs no ticket at all.
From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
By train, by bus or by car.
Train
The Sprinter from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans takes about 17 minutes. From the station it is a 15-minute walk to the site.
Express bus 800
Express bus 800 takes about 24 minutes, with a bus every 15 minutes in the daytime from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the timetable for the season you travel in.
Car and coach
Parking costs €15 per visit for a car and €55 for a coach. The address is Schansend 7, Zaandam. See the Schiphol airport guide for the rules on driving in the Amsterdam area.
By bike
On the narrow paths between the houses you may not ride a bike. Use the bike racks and walk the rest.
Giethoorn: boats and village rules
Giethoorn is known for its canals. You can hire electric whisper boats and self-drive boats, and 6 km/h is the usual speed on the village canals. The municipality of Steenwijkerland publishes the boating rules, the traffic decisions and the rules on electric propulsion, so check them before you go.
Do not carry the Amsterdam boating rules over to Giethoorn. Check the route and the total travel time in a journey planner for your day, and read the local rules before you hire a boat.
What to check before you go
A short list for both trips.
Tickets
You can buy the Zaanse Schans pass for a date or buy single tickets on site. Groups of 10 or more pay less per person. Bring proof of the date you booked.
Timetables
The train and the express bus run on set timetables, and the bus times depend on the season. Check them for your date.
Bikes and boats
Do not cycle on the narrow paths at Zaanse Schans. In Giethoorn, read the local boating rules and do not assume the Amsterdam rules apply.
Back in Amsterdam
The canals are the natural end to a day out. See canal cruises or the evening cruise guide for a trip after you return.
Day trips from Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam?
Take the Sprinter from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, about 17 minutes, then walk 15 minutes. Express bus 800 takes about 24 minutes and runs every 15 minutes by day.
Is Zaanse Schans free?
The area is free to enter. The pass costs €29.50 for adults in 2026 and covers the museums and open mills, so it is not a general entry fee for the village.
How much is parking at Zaanse Schans?
Parking is €15 per visit for a car and €55 for a coach, at Schansend 7 in Zaandam.
Can I rent a boat in Giethoorn?
Electric whisper boats and self-drive boats are available, with 6 km/h as the usual speed on the village canals. Check the local rules and the current prices before you go.
Can I cycle at Zaanse Schans?
Not on the narrow paths between the houses. Use the bike racks and continue on foot.