Planning a trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice? You can travel by public transport, shuttle bus or join a guided tour. Here are all the options for getting from Amsterdam to Giethoorn.
Giethoorn, a picturesque village in the province of Overijssel, is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Netherlands. Known for its charming traditional Dutch houses nestled along romantic canals, the village is unique in that the old part has no roads. Transportation is exclusively by water, with numerous canals creating a magical atmosphere. Giethoorn boasts over 180 bridges that connect its streets and homes, adding to its allure and charm.
Tip! During the Keukenhof opening season you can also join a tour and visit Giethoorn and Keukenhof in one day.
Explore Giethoorn like a local
- rent a small or sloop (from € 20/hour) and sail in Giethoorn
- rent a boat with a skipper
- rent a bike
- join a canal cruise (from € 8,50/person).
Make a boat, bike or tour reservation in advance at Visit-Giethoorn.com.
Travel to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by public transport
Giethoorn is located 121 kilometers away from Amsterdam. It is possible to travel from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport, but the journey will take 2 – 2,5 hours one way.
There is no train station in Giethoorn. If you are travelling from Amsterdam Central station, you need to take a train to Zwolle, and then change to the bus line 70. Alternatively you can travel by train to Steenwijk station and then take bus line 70 from there. Your final destination is Bushalte Dominee Hylkemaweg.
Please note: the bus line 70 departs only 1 – 2 times an hour. We recommend to check departure times via the Glimble travel planner app to avoid unnecessary waiting time at the bus stop.
You can also buy tickets for the entire trip (train + bus) to Giethoorn via the Glimble app. Return trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport costs € 57,40 per person.
Direct shuttle bus from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
A way more convenient way to travel Giethoon is by direct shuttle bus departuring from , near A’DAM Lookout and This is Holland attractions. Transfer ticket price also includes a 1-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn.
Tours to Giethoorn from Amsterdam
You can also join a guided tour to Giethoorn (from € 79) directly from Amsterdam.
Small group tour (maximum 8 persons) to Giethoorn in a luxurious minivan costs € 249. Prior booking is required.
How to get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by car
A car ride to Giethoorn will take around 1,5 hours. Check Google maps for directions.
Free parking in Giethoorn
There are several big parking lots in Giethoorn:
- Kerkweg 35, 8355 BJ Giethoorn
- Zuiderpad 58, 8355CC Giethoorn
- Maaiensteeg 1, 8355CC Giethoorn
Hotels and vacation parks in Giethoorn
To make your visit in Giethoorn more relaxed we recommend booking a place to stay. Recommended accommodations in Giethoorn:
- B & B Heida (breakfast included)
- Plompeblad Suite Giethoorn
- Waterpark Giethoorn
Check Giethoorn hotels prices and availability >>
Giethoorn boat rentals
A visit to Giethoorn is not complete without a boat ride. You can rent a small boat or sloop (from € 20/hour) and sail in Giethoorn yourself (no sailing license in required). And if you feel more confirent sailing with a captain you can join a canal cruise (from € 8,50/person) or rent a boat with a skipper.
We recommend doing all reservations online, due to the limited amount of rental boats. Here you can find an overview of all types of boats (sloop, whisper boat, canoe, traditional boat, consoleboat, boat with a skipper) with prices. You can make a reservation online in a few clicks.
Have a nice trip to Giethoorn!
Visiting the Netherlands? Plan your trip
- Arriving to the Netherlands by plane? Travel from the airport to the city center by train or bus.
- There are hundreds of hotels in Amsterdam for every taste. We recommend Hotel Estheréa, Ambassade hotel, Andaz Prinsengracht and other hotels on the canal belt of Amsterdam.
- Travel by public transport in Amsterdam with an unlimited pass for 1-7 days. With Amsterdam Travel Ticket you can also travel from/to the airport by train or bus.
- Or buy the I amsterdam city card, which includes public transport, museums entrance, canal cruise and 24 hours bike rental.
- Check out the things to do in Amsterdam and book museum tickets in advance.
- Make your trip complete by visiting Giethoorn (the Dutch Venice), Volendam and Zaanse Schans.
Related articles:
- Day trips from Amsterdam: where to go?
- The Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam: how to get there
- Travel to Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam itinerary: best of the city in 2 days
- Amsterdam with kids: things to do
- 15 best things to do in Amsterdam
- Canal cruises in Amsterdam
- Keukenhof 2025 – spring tulip gardens near Amsterdam
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