Zaanse Schans, a typically Dutch village with the green houses (people actually still live there) and windmills, is located just outside Amsterdam. It’s easy to travel to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam on your own. But if you want to visit multiple places in one day, it can be a good idea to join a tour. Compare prices of both options in 2026 and check out things to go in Zaanse Schans.
Day trip from Amsterdam · 30 min
Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam: tours & travel options in 2026
Zaanse Schans is just 16 km from Amsterdam — close enough to visit independently, but many people prefer a tour to combine it with Volendam or Giethoorn in one day. Here are all your options with prices.
💡 Local tip: Zaanse Schans is free to enter — you only pay for individual attractions inside (windmill, clog workshop, cheese farm).
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How to travel to the Zaanse Schans? Travel options compared
The distance between the Zaanse Schans and Amsterdam is just 16,5 km. You can join a tour from Amsterdam or travel by car, bicycle or public transport. In this article we’ll give the detailed travel instructions and links to the tickets.
| From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans | Ticket price (return trip) | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| By train | € 9,40 | Book → |
| By bus (391, 800, 801) | € 9,50 | How to get there → |
| By transfer bus | from € 19,50 | See prices & book → |
| Tours | from € 32 | See prices & book → |
How to travel to the Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by bus
Take bus line 391 or bus line 800 or 801 from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans. It departs every 15 minutes and travel time is 40 minutes. You can pay with OV-pay (€ 4,75 one-way) or use Amsterdam & Region Travel ticket. Check departures time from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans via 9292.nl website or app.
Between 15 March and 18 October 2026, bus routes 800 and 801 will run to the Zaanse Schans every 15 minutes. Line 801 (Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Volendam) will run every 30 minutes between 09:40 and 16:10. After that, the regular bus service will resume.
As we’ve just mentioned, Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (from € 14,67 per day) is also valid on this bus. The Region Travel Card offers you an opportunity to visit big attractions around Amsterdam (Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, the beach at Zandvoort and much more) on your own, with flexible departure times. Order ARTT online.
You can also use the Dutch Countryside Card. The card is a combination of:
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Card (public transport in and around Amsterdam)
- canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Travel from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans by train
Take a Sprinter to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station. The trip from Amsterdam Central Station by train takes only 17 minutes (book tickets online). And the Zaanse Schans is just a 10-minute walk from the station. You will see direction signs as soon as you leave the station.
Tip! If you travel to the Zaanse Schans by train, make a stop at Zaandam.
Thinking of staying overnight and exploring at a slower pace? The iconic Inntel Hotels Zaandam is a perfect base — its facade is made of stacked traditional Zaan-style houses and it’s one of the most photographed buildings in the Netherlands. It’s just 12 minutes by train to Amsterdam city centre. Check availability and prices →
How to travel from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans by car
Rent a car in the Netherlands and explore the Dutch countryside at your own pace. Use the navigation address for parking at the Zaanse Schanse is Schansend 7, 1509 AW, Zaandam. In 2026 parking ticket costs € 15 per day for cars. It is not possible to pay with cash, only with a bank pass.
It is possible to park with motor homes near the Zaanse Schans, the address of the parking is Wezelstraat 12, 1541 LZ, Koog aan de Zaan.
Tours to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
Taking a tour to the Zaanse Schans is a good idea, especially if you have a short visit to the Netherlands. One of the cheapest options in 2026 is the Zaanse Schans tour from Amsterdam (from € 32).
We recommend these group tours:
- Zaanse Schans + Giethoorn — small group tour with hotel pick-up and boat cruise. See prices →
- Zaanse Schans + Edam + Volendam + Marken — full day countryside tour. See prices →
Reservation for all tours is required. The tours are popular, so in the high season we recommend to book the tours online at least 2–3 days in advance. Book now →
Tip: check these popular private tours in the Netherlands in 2026:
- Private Keukenhof and windmills tour, from € 397 per person. See prices →
- Private Zaanse Schans windmills and Volendam trip, from € 318 per person. See prices →
- Holland highlight helicopter tour, from € 2,410 per group up to 3. See prices →
Map of Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans with I amsterdam City Card in 2026
If you have the I amsterdam city card, you can visit many of the Zaanse Schans attractions for free. In 2026 Zaans Time Museum and Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience and several windmills in Zaanse Schans are included in the card.
Things to do at Zaanse Schans in 2026
Want to see everything? The Zaanse Schans Card (€ 29,50) covers all paid attractions in one ticket — windmills, Zaans Museum, Verkade Chocolate Factory, Weaver’s House and more — plus 30% off parking. Buy the card →
The village of the Zaanse Schans is the world famous for its collection of historic windmills. Many of them are still fully-operating machines. You can visit windmills and see how they are used for making spices, sawing wood, grinding oil and much more.
You can also visit numerous small museums and craft demonstrations. During the high season you can take a boat and explore the area from the water side. And the Zaanse Schans hosts numerous craft, cheese and chocolate shops where you can buy great souvenirs.
Zaanse Schans opening hours in 2026
The Zaanse Schans village is open for visitors any time of the day and the year. Opening hours of the windmills depend on the season. In the high season (from April to November) almost everything is open between 10:00 and 17:00. We recommend you to check opening hours before you go to visit the Zaanse Schans.
Planning your visit? Book your Zaanse Schans tour or transfer for 2026 →
Zaanse Schans tickets (windmills, cruises)
Most of museums and craft demonstrations, and several windmills can be visited free of charge. For some of the attractions you have to pay. For example, a ticket to Het Jonge Schaap, De Zoeker and De Kat windmills costs € 5,00 for adults and € 2,50 for children each.
You can also buy a Zaanse Schans card (€ 29,50), which includes:
- Zaans Museum ticket (usual price – € 14,50)
- Verkade Chocolate and Biscuit Factory ticket
- Weaver’s House ticket
- Coopery entrance ticket
- Museum Zaan Time ticket
- World of Windmill ticket
- De Kat paint windmill ticket
- Het Jonge Schaap saw windmill ticket
- Museum Zaanse Tijd ticket
- 30% discount on parking ticket (usual price – € 11 – € 15 per day)
FAQ about visiting Zaanse Schans in 2026
Most travellers spend 2 – 3 hours at the Zaanse Schans.
Yes, you can find public toilets at two locations: at the East Entrance, in the ‘De Bezem’ building on Schipperplein, and near the jetty on Kalverringdijk. You need to pay to use these toilets € 1 per person per visit.
No, unfortunately the Zaanse Schans does not have lockers or other facilities to store your luggage.
No, drones are not allowed on the Zaanse Schans or in the Kalverpolder due to nuisance for residents, visitors and animals. Flying drones are not allowed at the Zaanse Schans both for commercial and private purposes.
Enjoy your visit to the Zaanse Schans!
This article is also available in German: Willkommen im Dorf Zaanse Schans!
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