Giethoorn, often called the Dutch Venice, is located 121 kilometers away from Amsterdam. In 2026, travelling from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport takes about 2 to 2,5 hours one way. For a day trip, we recommend booking a group or private tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam.
Why I recommend a tour instead of public transport
- Saves 2+ transfers
- Boat trip is already included
- No need to coordinate bus schedules
- More time in the village
- Good option for first-time visitors
Unlike most of the places in the Netherlands, Giethoorn village doesn’t have a train station. Therefore travelling from Amsterdam requires a combination of train and bus. So visiting Giethoorn on your own is definitely possible, but it requires some planning and takes quite some energy.
The price you pay for public transport from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is not low: € 58 per person for a return trip. That is why we would consider booking a tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam Central station for around € 79, which includes a boat trip.
If you don’t like walking around with other people, you can also book just a direct bus transfer from Giethoorn to Amsterdam. Tickets cost from € 65, including a boat ride. This bus departs from This is Holland.
| Tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn | Ticket price | Guide | Best for | Tickets in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus transfer | from € 65 | No | Budget | Book >> |
| Guided group tour | from € 79 | Yes | Most visitors | Book >> |
| Small group tour | from € 118 | Yes | Comfort | Book >> |
| Private tour | from € 445 per group | Private | Families | Book >> |
Tip: check these popular private tours to Giethoorn with a guide:
- Zaanse Schans, Windmills & Giethoorn private trip, from € 390 per person
- Giethoorn private trip with drone footage, € 400 per group up to 3
Check all Giethoorn tours options.
The most popular day trips from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
The prices for a day trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam start from € 79 a person.
The tour is operated by Tours & Tickets, Amsterdam’s renowned travel company. The bus departs from the back side of Amsterdam central train station. The tour price is very reasonable, as when you travel by public transport, you will pay € 58 just for the train and bus tickets. The tour price also includes 1 hour traditional boat tour.
Departure times in 2026
Giethoorn tours departure times depend on the season. Check the most up-to-date departure times and tickets availability:
The Tours & Tickets tour to Giethoorn includes:
- Transportation by comfortable coach bus.
- Live guide.
- Boat tour in Giethoorn (please note: weather conditions can have influence on the boat trip).
Book a tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn >>
Small group tours to Giethoorn in 2026
You can also choose a small group tour (maximum 8 persons) to Giethoorn with a hotel pick-up in Amsterdam. The price starts from € 179 per person. Prior booking is required.
Things to do in Giethoorn in 2026
- rent a small electric boat (from € 20/hour) and sail in Giethoorn yourself. Make a boat reservation at the official Visit-Giethoorn.com website.
- enjoy your lunch on Grand Cafe Fanfare open terrace. The place is named after the famous comedy Fanfare, filmed in Giethoorn by the Dutch film maker Bert Haanstra in 1958. This movie has actually made Giethoorn so famous!
- rent a bike and explore the outside of village and its corners off the beaten track.
Enjoy your day trip to Giethoorn in 2026!
FAQ: day trips to Giethoorn from Amsterdam
Is there a train from Amsterdam to Giethoorn?
No, Giethoorn doesn’t have its own train station, so there’s no direct train. Getting there independently means combining a train with a bus, which is why most visitors book a direct tour or bus transfer from Amsterdam Central instead.
Is Giethoorn worth visiting from Amsterdam?
Yes. Giethoorn’s car-free canals, thatched-roof farmhouses, and little wooden bridges make it a genuinely different day out from the city, which is why it’s nicknamed the Dutch Venice. It’s a longer trip than closer villages like Zaanse Schans or Volendam, so it’s best for visitors with a full day to spare.
Can I visit Giethoorn without a tour?
Yes, it’s possible by public transport, combining a train with a bus, but it takes some planning and around € 58 per person for a return trip. A direct bus transfer or guided tour from Amsterdam Central saves the transfers and usually includes a boat ride, for a similar or only slightly higher price.
How much does a day trip to Giethoorn cost?
Prices start from € 65 for a direct bus transfer with a boat ride included, and from € 79 for a guided group tour by coach. Small group tours start from € 118, and a private tour by car starts from around € 445 per group.
What if it rains during the boat tour?
The boat tours generally still run in light rain, but weather conditions can affect the trip, and operators may adjust or cancel in more severe weather for safety. Giethoorn’s canals and village are worth walking even without the boat, so a rainy day isn’t a reason to skip it.
How long is the boat tour in Giethoorn?
The boat tour included in the guided group tour is around 1 hour. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, you can also rent a small electric boat locally from around € 20 an hour.
Related articles:
- How to get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
- 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
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