Giethoorn is a village in the Dutch countryside, often called the “Venice of the Netherlands” for its network of canals and traditional farmhouses. The historic centre has no roads: the only way to get around is by boat, bike, or on foot. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, and for good reason.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
Getting from Amsterdam to Giethoorn takes some planning: the village has no train station, so you can’t just hop on a direct train. The quick answer: take the Intercity from Amsterdam Centraal to Zwolle and then bus 70 to the Dominee Hylkemaweg stop (2 to 2,5 hours, € 58 return), or book a direct shuttle bus with a canal cruise included (from € 65). Below we compare all your options with up-to-date prices for 2026.
How to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam
- By train and bus 70: 2 to 2,5 hours, € 58 returnTrain and bus route →
- By car: 1,5 hours, free parkingDriving and parking →
- By shuttle or tour: from € 65, boat ride includedCompare tours →
Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam: the best group tours
| Tour | Included | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn small-group tour🌬️ two villages in one day | Hotel pickup + boat cruise | from € 179 | Check availability |
| Giethoorn roundtrip by luxury coach🚌 explore at your own pace | Return transfer + boat trip Most popular | from € 65 | Check availability |
| Giethoorn guided tour from Amsterdam🧭 with a local guide | Guide + boat trip | from € 79 | Check availability |
You can also book a small group tour to Giethoorn + Zaanse Schans with a hotel pickup. Read our full Zaanse Schans guide for more on that village.
| Private tour | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Zaanse Schans, Windmills & Giethoorn private trip🌬️ two highlights in one day | from € 390/person | Check availability |
| Giethoorn private trip with drone footage🚁 for groups up to 3 | € 400/group | Check availability |
Tip: If you decide to join a tour to Giethoorn (which we think is a good idea), compare prices on several websites, including GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Tours & Tickets, for the best deal.
Giethoorn, a picturesque village in the Dutch province of Overijssel, is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Netherlands. Known for its charming traditional houses nestled along romantic canals, the village is unique in that the old part has no roads.
Amsterdam to Giethoorn by train and bus 70 (and back)
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 to 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.
| Route | Step 1 | Step 2 | Get off at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Zwollemost common | Intercity train Amsterdam Centraal to Zwolle | Bus 70 from the bus terminal right outside Zwolle station | Dominee Hylkemaweg |
| Via Steenwijkalternative | Train Amsterdam Centraal to Steenwijk | Bus 70 from Steenwijk station | Dominee Hylkemaweg |
Total: 2 to 2,5 hours each way, € 58 return per person. Bus 70 runs only 1 or 2 times an hour, so check the times on 9292.nl.
Please note: the bus line 70 departs only 1 or 2 times an hour. We recommend to check departure times at 9292.nl website or app.
A return trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport in 2026 costs € 58 per person. You don’t need to buy separate tickets: you can check in and out with your contactless bank card (OVpay) on both the train and bus 70.
Giethoorn and Zwolle in one day
Because you change from the train to bus 70 in Zwolle anyway, it’s easy to combine both places in one trip. Go to Giethoorn first, while the village is still quiet in the morning, and stop in Zwolle on the way back: its historic Hanseatic centre is a short walk from the station. Just make sure you don’t miss one of the last buses back from Giethoorn.
Prefer a hassle-free way to visit Giethoorn? Compare Giethoorn tours from Amsterdam →
Direct shuttle bus from Amsterdam to Giethoorn in 2026
A much more convenient way to travel to Giethoorn is by direct shuttle bus departing from Overhoeksplein 51, 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 in 2026
You can also join a guided tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam, organized by local tour guide Tours & Tickets.
Small group tour (maximum 18 persons) to Giethoorn costs € 118. Prior booking is required.
How to get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by car
Based on the average daily cost of € 60, it will cost you around € 420 for a week to rent a car in the Netherlands. A car ride to Giethoorn will take around 1,5 hours. Check Google maps for directions.
Is Giethoorn free?
Yes, there is no entrance fee to enter Giethoorn. It is free.
Good to know
Free parking in Giethoorn
There are also several big free 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 availability >>
Giethoorn boat rentals
A visit to Giethoorn is not complete without a boat ride. Choose the option that suits your group:
| Boat | Best for | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⛴️ Canal cruisethrough the village and national park | Couples and solo travellers Cheapest | from € 9/person | Check availability |
| 🚤 Self-drive boat2 hours, up to 8 people | Families and groups | from € 69/group | Check availability |
| 🧑✈️ Boat with captain2 hours, up to 4 people | A private tour with local stories | from € 153/group | Check availability |
Make a boat, bike or tour reservation in advance at GetYourGuide.com.
FAQ about visiting Giethoorn in 2026
Does Giethoorn village have a train station?
No, Giethoorn doesn’t have its own train station. The nearest train stations are Zwolle and Steenwijk. From there you need to take bus line 70 to Giethoorn.
How long does it take to get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by train?
There is no direct train. By Intercity from Amsterdam Centraal to Zwolle (or train to Steenwijk) and then bus 70, the whole journey takes 2 to 2,5 hours each way. A direct shuttle bus or a car (about 1,5 hours) is faster.
How much is the train ticket from Amsterdam to Giethoorn?
A return trip by train + bus 70 costs € 58 per person in 2026. You can check in and out with a contactless bank card (OVpay) on both the train and the bus. The shuttle bus costs from € 65 and includes a 1-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn.
How far is Giethoorn from Amsterdam?
Giethoorn is 121 kilometers from Amsterdam: about 1,5 hours by car or 2 to 2,5 hours by train and bus.
What’s the transfer like at Zwolle station? How long is the layover between train and bus?
Zwolle station has its own bus terminal right outside the main exit, so the walk from your train platform to bus line 70 only takes a few minutes. Since the bus runs about once an hour, your actual wait can be anywhere from a few minutes to nearly an hour depending on how your train connects, so it’s worth checking the exact times on 9292.nl before you travel and timing your arrival with a departure.
If you do end up with a longer layover, Zwolle is a beautiful historic Hanseatic city in its own right, with a well-preserved old centre just a short walk from the station, so it can be worth stepping out to explore rather than waiting on the platform.
How do I get back from Giethoorn to Amsterdam?
You take the same route in reverse: catch bus line 70 from Bushalte Dominee Hylkemaweg back to Zwolle or Steenwijk station, then the train onward to Amsterdam Centraal. Keep in mind that bus line 70 stops running relatively early in the evening, so if you’re visiting Giethoorn as a day trip by public transport, plan to catch one of the last buses back rather than leaving it for the last minute. Double-check the exact return times on 9292.nl, as they can vary by day and season.
How much time do I need in Giethoorn?
For a relaxed visit to Giethoorn, it’s best to allow 4 to 6 hours. Arrive early in the morning or after 16:00 to avoid the crowds.
What is the entrance fee for Giethoorn in 2026?
Giethoorn is a real village, not a museum. You don’t need to pay an entrance fee to enter Giethoorn. There are also many parking spots where you can park for free.
What time does Giethoorn open?
Giethoorn is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Can I visit Giethoorn on a day trip?
Yes, it’s possible. But take into account that travelling to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by public transport takes 2 to 2,5 hours one way. For a day trip we recommend Giethoorn guided tour or Giethoorn roundtrip by luxury coach from Amsterdam. Both will take you directly to the center of Giethoorn and allow plenty of time to wander the village at your own pace.
Do I need to pre book a boat/canal cruise in Giethoorn?
Yes, we recommend doing all reservations online, due to the limited amount of rental boats. You can make a reservation online in a few clicks.
Are there any boats available with a captain/guide?
Sure! You can take a group canal cruise (from € 9/person) or hire a boat with an experienced captain.
I want to visit Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans in one day. Is it doable?
If you travel by public transport, it’s hard to visit Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans in one day. You will spend most of the day just travelling. But you can join a small-group tour to Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans with hotel pick up and visit both villages in one day. See our Zaanse Schans guide for more on what to expect there.
What is the best time to visit Giethoorn?
This is what you can expect in Giethoorn during different seasons:
Spring (April-May): flowers and mild weather
Summer (June-August): longest days but busiest period
Autumn (September-October): quieter and beautiful colours
Winter: peaceful atmosphere and fewer visitors.
The busiest period in Giethoorn is from June to August.
Is Giethoorn crowded?
Yes, it can be crowded. Despite its popularity, it’s still possible to enjoy Giethoorn with a little planning. Giethoorn is usually much quieter in the early morning and late afternoon. If you visit outside the peak summer season, particularly in spring or autumn, you’ll find a more relaxed atmosphere.
Have a nice visit to Giethoorn!
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