Public Transport
Travel from Amsterdam to Giethoorn easily with the Netherlands’ train and bus network.
Why Choose Public Transport?
Here are the top reasons public transport stands out as the intelligent choice for travelers across the Netherlands:
Cost-effective travel – Save hundreds of euros vs a taxi driver.
Environmental impact – Reduce your carbon footprint by up to 45% per journey, making every trip a small contribution to a peaceful, cleaner world
Stress-free commuting – No parking worries at busy train station lots, no traffic jams on weekends, no fuel concerns during holidays
Productive travel time – Read a book, catch up on work, or simply relax and plan your visit while the train handles the journey
Reliable scheduling – Modern systems offer real-time updates via apps like 9292, keeping you informed about departure times and any delays
Fun fact: The Netherlands’ public transport network seamlessly integrates NS trains with regional buses, meaning you can travel from Amsterdam Central to Steenwijk station and then catch a bus to Giethoorn village—all planned through a single app. This integration makes reaching even the most peaceful Dutch destinations surprisingly straightforward.
How Public Transport Works
Getting started with public transport in the Netherlands is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to navigate your journey to destinations like the Venice of the Netherlands:
Step 1: Plan Your Journey
Download the 9292 app to find routes, schedules, and real-time updates. For example, if you want to visit Giethoorn from Amsterdam, the app shows you that the closest train station to this famous Dutch village is Steenwijk station, with buses departing every half hour. Double check your connections and note any maintenance alerts before departing.
Step 2: Choose Your Payment Method
The Netherlands offers flexible payment options including the OV-chipkaart (contactless smartcard), mobile payments, or traditional paper tickets. For tourists, single-journey tickets work perfectly for a day trip, while regular visitors benefit from travel passes that reduce costs significantly.
Step 3: Navigate the Network
Understanding different transport modes helps you travel efficiently:
Trains connect major cities and towns (Amsterdam to Steenwijk takes approximately 2 hours)
Buses reach smaller destinations like Giethoorn’s centre
Trams and metros serve urban areas for quick city transport
The journey from Amsterdam to Giethoorn combines train and bus: take the train to Steenwijk station, then catch the bus to Giethoorn’s bus stop—an 18-minute ride through beautiful Overijssel’s canal system and countryside near Weerribben Wieden National Park.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Journey
Once aboard, sit back and enjoy the ride. The travel time from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes total, including transfers. After arriving at the bus stop, you’ll walk about 5-10 minutes through the village—passing thatched roof houses and many canals—to reach boat rental companies where you can hire whisper boats to explore Giethoorn’s waterways.
Decided to travel with our bus after all? Check out our tour.
Our most popular Giethoorn tour for first-time visitors
This comprehensive day tour includes round-trip bus transportation plus a guided canal cruise through the village’s famous waterways. Upon arrival, you’ll board a comfortable salon boat right in the center of Giethoorn – no walking to distant piers required.
Your approximately one-hour boat ride takes you past 18th-century farmhouses, under charming wooden bridges, and out onto Lake Bovenwijde for stunning views of the surrounding Weerribben Wieden National Park. A knowledgeable skipper shares stories about the village’s peat-digging history and points out the best photo opportunities.
After your cruise, enjoy free time to explore the numerous waterways on foot, browse local shops, and have lunch at a canal-side restaurant.
Best for: Couples, families, and anyone wanting a complete, worry-free unforgettable experience
1. Complete Tour Package: Transfer & Guided Boat Cruise
Chosen by 85% of our guests
Round-trip price: €59,- per person – all costs included, no hidden fees
Optional Skipper Service
Want to rent a boat but find steering it tricky? No problem! We’ll provide a skipper to join your boat and help navigate. Check here for more information.
4. Private boat tour with a friendly local captain
Hire a local skipper who transforms your rental into a private tours experience.
- Round-trip price: €189,- for the first person and €49,- per additional person.
Our Partner Tulip Tours Holland
All your transportation, boat tickets, expert guides, and professional chauffeurs are seamlessly organized through our trusted partner, Tulip Tours Holland.
All transportation services are organized in collaboration with our wonderful partner, Tulip Tours Holland. Through this platform, all your tickets are arranged: transportation, boat tickets, friendly guides, and highly professional chauffeurs.
We always depart from our fixed location in Amsterdam. From this central spot, we’re immediately on the highway and on our way to the beautiful village of Giethoorn. Did you know you can also enjoy a coffee or even have lunch at our departure point? Make sure to arrive on time—we’ll make your day a memorable one!
Departure times from Amsterdam: 8:45 AM | 9:45 AM | 10:45 AM
Return times from Giethoorn: 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM
Want to travel later back to Amsterdam? While automatic booking for later times is not yet available, you can arrange it at the departure point or at our desk in one of the Giethoorn locations.
Experience Dutch Countryside on Your Journey
The trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn isn’t just transport – it’s part of the adventure. Our route crosses some of the most distinctive Dutch scenery you’ll encounter:
Polder Landscapes
Much of the Netherlands lies below sea level, protected by an ingenious system of dikes, pumps, and drainage canals. As we travel northeast, you’ll witness this remarkable engineering firsthand – flat green fields stretching to the horizon, linear canals reflecting the sky, and farmhouses perched on slightly elevated ground.
Schokland – UNESCO World Heritage Island
Our route passes near Schokland, a former island in the Zuiderzee that became stranded on dry land when the surrounding waters were drained to create the Noordoostpolder. Recognized by UNESCO in 1995, Schokland tells the story of centuries of human struggle against the sea. The dramatic flat landscape surrounding this once-island offers a powerful visual demonstration of Dutch land reclamation.
Urk – Traditional Fishing Town
Urk was another island until the 20th century land reclamation connected it to the mainland. This traditional fishing village maintains strong maritime heritage, visible in its historic harbor, church spires, and the distinctive local culture that sets it apart from surrounding areas.
Typical Dutch Scenery
Throughout the journey, expect views of:
- Traditional windmills (both historic and modern wind turbines)
- Grazing cattle in emerald green pastures
- Small towns with church steeples rising above neat rows of houses
- Waterways lined with reeds and waterfowl
Our drivers know the route intimately and can point out interesting features along the way, transforming transit time into cultural discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 How do I get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by public transport? Take a train from Amsterdam Central to Steenwijk station (the closest train station to Giethoorn), then catch a bus to the village of Giethoorn. The bus stop is within walking distance of boat rentals and restaurants.
🔹 How long does the trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn take? The total travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 2-hour 10-minute train ride and an 18-minute bus journey. Allow extra time for transfers and potential delays.
🔹 What is the cheapest way to travel to Giethoorn? Public transport is affordable at around €56 round trip. Off-peak tickets or multi-day passes may reduce costs further. There are no direct buses from Amsterdam, so the train-bus combination is standard.
🔹 Can I rent a boat when I arrive in Giethoorn? Yes! After exiting the bus, walk 5-10 minutes to reach boat rental companies. You can hire whisper boats or join a canal cruise to explore Giethoorn’s famous waterways, canals, and houses.
🔹 What happens if I miss my connection? Buses from Steenwijk to Giethoorn depart every half hour. If you miss one, simply wait for the next. The 9292 app helps you track schedules and plan alternatives quickly.
🔹 Can I bring luggage and bikes on public transport? Absolutely. Dutch trains accommodate luggage and bicycles (bikes require a separate ticket). Check specific rules during busy periods like April holidays or summer weekends when crowds increase.
🔹 Is public transport safe during evening hours? Dutch public transport maintains high safety standards throughout the day and evening. Stations and buses are well-lit, and transport staff are available to assist visitors.
Giethoorn by Google maps
Want to visit Giethoorn by public transport? It is possible to reach Giethoorn by train and bus, and explore the charming village with ease!