15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train (2024)
Discover the best day trips from Amsterdam by train to see and explore more of the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam.
Going on day trips from Amsterdam by train is one of the best ways to explore the Netherlands’ diverse landscapes, historic towns, and cultural treasures.
After living in Amsterdam for 5 years I have seen not only a ton of Amsterdam but also its nearby towns and villages. Exploring the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam is such an underrated thing to do and one of my favorite ways to experience more than just the Amsterdam bubble.
From little villages to larger cities, this list of 15 best day trips from Amsterdam by train promises a memorable journey through the Dutch countryside and beyond. This is the best way to experience the Netherlands and see more than just Amsterdam.
These also might interest you:
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost; you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.)
In This Post
15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train
Everything you NEED to know for your Trip to AMSTERDAM!
📍 Don’t waste any time and get your day trips underway with a guided tour. This Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam is one of the BEST day trip tours in Amsterdam. Book it HERE.
The best hotels in Amsterdam:
➡️ The Conservatorium Amsterdam
➡️ Park Plaza Vondelpark Amsterdam
➡️ Huygens Place Amsterdam
🚗 Best way to get around Amsterdam: IAmsterdam city card
🌟 Join Tours with Get Your Guide and Viator
🚂 Secure Trains, Busses, and Flights via Omio
Delft
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 1 hour
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Delft is a charming city in the Netherlands, known for its rich history and picturesque canals. What makes Delft special is its unique blend of cultural heritage and vibrant student life.
The city is famous for its iconic blue-and-white pottery known as Delftware, and you can explore this craft’s history at the Royal Delft Factory. This paired with the city’s historic center, with its narrow streets and historic buildings, makes it one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train!
To reach Delft from Amsterdam Central, hop on a direct train. The journey takes around 1 hour. The trains are frequent, making it a convenient option!
➡️ Book the ultimate DELFT, ROTTERDAM & THE HAGUE Combo tour here!
The Hague
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 50 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
The Hague is a city of great significance and international influence, making one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train. What sets The Hague apart is its role as the political heart of the Netherlands, housing the Dutch government and the royal family’s working palace.
The city’s blend of historic charm and modernity makes it an intriguing destination. You should visit The Hague for its stunning architecture, including the Binnenhof, the Dutch parliament’s historic complex, and the Peace Palace, an emblem of international diplomacy.
💡 INSIDER TIP: The Hague is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Netherlands and a personal favorite of mine. Be sure to visit Zuiderstrand Den Haag to see endless stretches of beach – something very unexpected in the Netherlands.
To reach The Hague from Amsterdam Central, you can take a direct train. The journey typically takes around 50 minutes and trains run often. The Hague offers a diverse range of experiences making it one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train.
➡️ Book the ultimate DELFT, ROTTERDAM & THE HAGUE Combo tour here!
Haarlem
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 15-20 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Haarlem is easily one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train. This picturesque city is renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene.
💡 Haarlem is a like a mini Amsterdam. It is one of my favourite places to visit and bring people to enjoy another city in the Netherlands that has a similar feel to Amsterdam but with less people!
Haarlem’s historic center has stunning cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and iconic windmills. You should visit Haarlem for its world-class museums and for a welcome escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam!
This is one of the easiest and quickest day trips, perfect if you are short on time. The train ride typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is a direct ride.
➡️ Book THIS Haarlem Boat Tour!
Utrecht
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 30 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Utrecht is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train. This charming city is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vitality.
Utrecht’s atmosphere is influenced by its large student population, creating a lively atmosphere with trendy cafes, street art, and a thriving cultural scene. The city’s diverse offerings make it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a delightful mix of history and contemporary charm.
💡 I love Utrecht mainly because it is SO close to Amsterdam. But also because of the main canal (The Oudegrach) which goes through the center of the city. This canal is full of restaurants making the perfect place to have a meal and soak in the beauty of the city.
To embark on one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train, catch a direct train from Amsterdam Central to Utrecht. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes, providing easy accessibility for a day of exploration.
➡️ Book THIS Guided Kayak Tour!
Alkmaar
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 35-40 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Alkmaar is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train for MANY reasons. The main reason to visit Alkmaar is for its world-famous cheese market, which has been a tradition for centuries.
Every Friday morning, from April to September, the main square of Alkmaar is filled with cheese wheels, and you can witness the age-old cheese-weighing rituals. It’s a unique cultural experience that is SO Dutch.
💡 If you want to visit Alkmaar be sure to do it during the Cheese Market! This is one of the coolest experiences in the Netherlands!
Besides the cheese market, Alkmaar is home to picturesque canals, historic buildings, and a vibrant city center. The city’s ambiance, characterized by its cheese heritage and Dutch tradition, sets it apart as a special and cultural day trip destination.
To see this city for yourself catch a direct train from Amsterdam Central to Alkmaar. The journey typically takes about 35 to 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for a day of cheese and beauty.
➡️ Book THIS Cheese Market TOUR!
Bruges
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 3 hours
🚂 Number of train changes: 2-3 transfers
Bruges is a captivating city in Belgium that will transport you back in time. It is best known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture.
The city’s cobbled streets and historic buildings create a fairytale-like atmosphere that’s STUNNING! Bruges is also special for its picturesque canals and its famous chocolate shops and lace boutiques.
To reach Brugges you can take a train (My favorite place to book these trains is Trainline) from Amsterdam Central to Brussels, which takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, and then transfer to a local train to reach Bruges.
The journey usually takes around 3 hours, but exploring this magical city is worth exploring. Bruges is a city that perfectly combines history and charm, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Amsterdam.
💡 This is one of the furthest day trips from Amsterdam so be sure to start your day EARLY! For a visit to Brugges, I would also recommend staying one night to fully enjoy the city!
Antwerp
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 1 hour 15 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Antwerp is a city known with its rich history and vibrant culture. The main reason to visit Antwerp is for its historical significance in the world of art and fashion.
This Belgian city was home to the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens, and you can explore his former residence, now a museum. Antwerp is also known as a fashion capital with a thriving fashion district.
The city combines its historical architecture, including the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, with a thriving arts scene and bustling fashion boutiques. It’s a city of contrasts and a easily one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train!
This day trip involves a direct Thalys train (BOOK HERE) from Amsterdam Central to Antwerp. The journey typically takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Texel
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 2 hours
🚂 Number of train changes: Train + Ferry
Texel is the largest and most vibrant of the Wadden Islands in the Netherlands. This island is a nature lover’s paradise, known for its stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and scenic landscapes.
Texel is special because it offers an escape from the bustling city life of Amsterdam. It’s a place where you can explore diverse ecosystems, including dunes, forests, and marshes, and spot various bird species and seals along the coastline.
You can take a train from Amsterdam Central to Den Helder, a journey that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Den Helder, you can catch a ferry to Texel, which usually takes around 20 minutes.
In total, the journey takes a little over 2 hours, but the natural beauty and outdoor activities of Texel make it one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train.
💡 This is another day trip that I suggest staying a night or two for. You can totally do it in a day but with a night you can relax a little more!
➡️ Book THIS Private Day Tour!
Zandvoort
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 30 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Zandvoort is easily one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train especially on a warm sunny day. This charming coastal town promises a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.
With its beautiful sandy beaches, beach bars, and proximity to the stunning Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, Zandvoort offers a welcome escape from the city.
To reach Zandvoort hop on a direct train from Amsterdam Central to Zandvoort aan Zee. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, making it a convenient and quick escape.
💡 Zandvoort on a warm, sunny is PACKED. It is such a unique place in the Netherlands and a favourite of mine.
Zaanse Schans
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 20 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Zaanse Schans is a living museum that takes you back in time. This picturesque open-air museum is a celebration of Dutch heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
The site is dotted with well-preserved windmills, historic houses, and traditional workshops, creating a charming ambiance that transports you to the Dutch Golden Age. What makes Zaanse Schans special is its authenticity. You can explore working windmills, watch clog-making demonstrations, and savor delicious Dutch cheese.
The immersive experience lets you learn about the Netherlands’ industrial past and the enduring craftsmanship that defines Dutch culture. Zaanse Schans is a perfect day trip for history buffs and anyone seeking to experience a quintessential slice of Dutch heritage.
To go on one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train, catch a direct train from Amsterdam Central to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, making it a convenient and accessible destination.
➡️ Book THIS top rated Day TRIP from AMSTERDAM!
Leiden
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 35 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Leiden, often cited as one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train, is a charming city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Known for its prestigious Leiden University, this Dutch town offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Leiden’s well-preserved historical architecture, picturesque canals, and a wealth of museums and cultural institutions are the main draws to the city.
To embark on one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train, hop on a direct train from Amsterdam Central Station to Leiden Central Station. The journey takes around 35 minutes, offering a convenient and efficient way to reach this captivating destination.
Rotterdam
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 40 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Rotterdam is a vibrant and dynamic city that is a hub of innovation, contemporary architecture, and cultural experiences. A visit to Rotterdam allows you to witness the city’s remarkable post-war reconstruction and its dedication to modern design.
Rotterdam’s skyline and architectural designs, such as the Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge, make it a very different destination from the rest of the Netherlands. The city also hosts numerous world-class museums, including the Kunsthal and the Maritime Museum, showcasing its commitment to art and history.
To reach Rotterdam from Amsterdam, take a direct train from Amsterdam Central Station to Rotterdam Central Station, with a journey duration of approximately 40 minutes.
➡️ Book the ultimate DELFT, ROTTERDAM & THE HAGUE Combo tour here!
Gouda
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 55 minutes
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Gouda is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train offering travelers a delightful taste of Dutch history and culture.
This picturesque city is known for its namesake cheese, Gouda cheese, as well as its charming canals, historic architecture, and serene atmosphere. When you visit Gouda, you step into a classic Dutch town that truly captures the essence of traditional Netherlands.
To embark on your journey to Gouda catch a direct train from Amsterdam Central Station to Gouda Station. The train ride takes approximately 55 minutes.
Volendam
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 1 hour
🚂 Number of train changes: 2 changes
Volendam offers visitors a glimpse into the quintessential Dutch fishing village experience. Located on the shores of the Ijsselmeer, Volendam is a picturesque town known for its charming harbor, traditional Dutch houses, and local culture.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Netherlands’ maritime heritage and taste some of the freshest seafood, Volendam is the place to be.
The town’s iconic harbor, full of fishing boats, provides the perfect backdrop for exploring local culture. As you explore its charming streets, you’ll find quaint shops, art galleries, and waterfront cafes where you can indulge in delicious seafood dishes.
💡 This is the best place to try Dutch Herring (raw fish soaked in a pickled liquid) – not for me but maybe you’ll love it.
Volendam’s lively atmosphere and stunning waterfront views create a unique day trip experience, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the Dutch coast and immerse yourself in its maritime traditions.
To begin your journey to Volendam, take a direct train from Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam North Station (Amsterdam Noord) and transfer to the Volendam-bound bus. The train ride takes about 20 minutes, and the bus ride is approximately 30 minutes.
➡️ Book THIS top rated Day TRIP from AMSTERDAM!
Maastricht
🚂 Distance from Amsterdam: 2.5 – 3 hours
🚂 Number of train changes: Direct
Maastricht, located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train for its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique charm. The city’s historical significance as one of the oldest in the Netherlands is reason enough to visit.
Maastricht’s well-preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and lively squares offer a captivating glimpse into the past. The city is also famous for its culinary scene and café culture, making it a food lover’s paradise.
While in Maastricht, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the impressive St. Pietersberg Caves, which are an underground labyrinth with a fascinating history.
To reach Maastricht from Amsterdam Central Station, you can take a direct train. The journey lasts approximately two and a half to three hours, but the scenic ride through the Dutch countryside is well worth the time.
💡 This is a pretty far day trip from Amsterdam so bring a book, download a podcast and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most scenic train ride from Amsterdam?
The most scenic train ride from Amsterdam takes you through the countryside of the Netherlands and offers stunning landscape views along the way.
The journey from Amsterdam to Maastricht is often considered one of the most scenic train routes in the country.
As the train departs from Amsterdam Central Station, you’ll be treated to views of Dutch farmlands, little rivers, quaint villages, and iconic windmills. The journey offers a relaxing journey that truly captures the essence of the Dutch countryside.
The train journey not only provides a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Netherlands but also showcases the country’s rich history and cultural diversity.
For travelers seeking a scenic escape from the city, the train ride to Maastricht is an excellent choice.
Is Bruges worth a day trip from Amsterdam?
A day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges is 100% worth it to enjoy a whole new country with a different culture and offerings. The city’s well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and cobblestone streets and similar to those of Amsterdam but also completely their own.
It’s a city that exudes romance and offers a perfect setting for exploring historic sites, indulging in Belgian chocolates and waffles, and savoring local cuisine.
The journey by train, while taking several hours each way, is a scenic ride that provides glimpses of the Dutch and Belgian countryside, making the trip more enjoyable.
💡 A day may not be sufficient to fully appreciate all that Bruges has to offer. To experience the city’s rich history, walk the canals, eat copious amounts of waffles & more it’s advisable to plan a longer stay in Bruges.
A day trip can be a wonderful introduction to the city, but to truly immerse yourself in its beauty and culture, consider spending at least one night in Bruges.
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before traveling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
Like this post? Pin “15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train” for later!
Love,
SSW
