How cool that you’re considering traveling from Amsterdam to Den Bosch in the heart of the Brabant Region. Not many people do, and it’s a great destination.
This city is also called ‘s-Hertogenbosch (its official name, but way too hard to pronounce, even for us Dutch).
It’s completely off the tourist map for most people. It’s missed when you only travel to Utrecht or you’ll pass it by on your way to Eindhoven or Maastricht.
And that’s a shame.
Because there is a lot to do in this city. Have a Bossche Bol. This is my favorite pastry in the entire country. And that opinion is shared by many Dutchmen.
Yes, when you eat them, your hands will be dirty, and you’ll have chocolate all over your face. But who cares? We all have the same problem. No one is watching.
Then there is the amazing Binnendieze waterway that uniquely passes under houses, a very different experience from canal cruises in Amsterdam.
The Noordbrabants Museum (they have early works from Vincent van Gogh) and the Gothic Cathedral of St John, where a climb to the top of the tower will reward you with incredible views of the city.
And, of course, the hospitality of the South can easily be felt in this beautiful old city. It’s a great city break or a fun day trip.
The best part is that nothing is often further apart than a five-minute walk.
Looking for more ideas on things to do? You might like my article: Best Things To Do In Den Bosch Netherlands🍴
In this article, I cover the different transportation options, their pros and cons. And what the quickest and easiest ways to get there are.
If you’re short on time: here is the quick answer: for most journeys, the train is the best mode of transportation when you travel between Amsterdam and Den Bosch
You can book your train tickets here in advance.
Or take a taxi, and enjoy private door-to-door transportation. You can pre-book your taxi to Den Bosch here.
Or rent a car and drive yourself. Expect paid parking in the entire city center.
Table of Contents
Traveling by Train From Amsterdam To Den Bosch
Regarding convenience and speed, traveling by train from Amsterdam to Den Bosch is a top choice. The Dutch national railways (NS) is the main railway operator in the Netherlands, and they have an extensive and well-maintained network, with regular direct trains connecting these two cities. All these departures are direct. You do not need to change trains and leave at least There are even night trains during the weekend. Arriva, one of the other train companies in the Netherlands, operates these trains. But prices are the same.
All trains leave from the Amsterdam Central Railway station. (Amsterdam Centraal)
Traveling by train allows you to enjoy a comfortable ride while looking out the window and watching the Dutch countryside pass you. What I always appreciate about this mode of transport is that I do not have to watch traffic. I can just read. And walk around to stretch my legs. Plus, enjoy amenities like onboard free WiFi, all making your journey more enjoyable. I always travel first class on this journey. It’s relatively quieter, and the seats are wider and a little more comfortable. It’s worth the premium (about 50%) for me.
Handy resources for your train journey will be the NS website (the national rail operator) or download the NS App on your phone. The latter provides all kinds of handy travel information. You can look up train times, a journey planner, prices, how busy trains are, and much more.
There are many ways to buy your train tickets from Amsterdam. But the two easiest ones are:
If you’re traveling in 2nd class (standard): it’s easy to check in when you get to the gates at the station with a contactless debit or credit card. Do the same when you arrive. And you’ve paid. Train prices are set by distance (and not by the time of booking). This is often the best price you pay. It’s certainly convenient.
If you prefer to travel in 1st class (like me), you can’t use this method. The next best thing is to buy your train in the app. That way, you don’t need to print anything. I have a comprehensive guide on how to buy tickets for Dutch trains in the app and the other ways to purchase a train ticket. Just follow the link.
I also have a super helpful article on how to travel by train in the Netherlands. It covers in-depth what you need to know. And answers questions like how to board the train, where to find the correct class of travel, how flexible your tickets are, and much more.
PS If you’re looking for the cheapest train tickets by train, you’re out of luck. Ticket prices are pretty much fixed. It’s the distance and the amount of miles you travel. But you can save money by traveling 2nd class versus 1st class.
Booking Train Tickets (Domestic & International)
Buy your train tickets online. You avoid the €1 surcharge at the machine. you can print your tickets or download them to your phone.
If you book at least 4 days in advance and travel during off-peak hours you can save up to 60%. The longer you book in advance the more you can save.
Traveling from Amsterdam to other European cities like Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Paris, London, and many more is easy by train.
Make sure to book online in advance. Prices go up fast. I always recommend a 1st class ticket.
Taking a Taxi
Taking a taxi is also possible and a great option if you prefer private transportation from door to door.
If you pre-book your taxi you can pay as little as €150 to €160 per taxi. I recommend pre-booking your taxi from Amsterdam to Den Bosch here.
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 70% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Traveling by Bus
Actually, there are no long-distance buses between Amsterdam and ‘s-Hertogenbosch. There are buses from Amsterdam to the Efteling in the morning (which is handy because they arrive when the park opens), but not the city itself.
Suppose you want to use that bus line, then make sure to book your bus tickets to the Efteling in advance; the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket. And remember your ticket is departure specific. Your destination to search for is Kaatsheuvel.
It’s to know these buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi.
These buses leave from Amsterdam Bijlmer or Amsterdam Sloterdijk train stations. You can get there by train or by taking a GVB metro, tram, or bus. Just use Google Maps to plan your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions Amsterdam to ‘s-Hertogenbosch
What is the quickest mode of transportation from Amsterdam to Den Bosch?
The quickest way to get from Amsterdam Centraal to Den Bosch is by train. The travel time between Amsterdam and this city is only 55 min. Covering the distance of around 50 miles (80 kilometers) by car will add at least 15 minutes more to your journey time, even without traffic. Making the train the best way to travel.
Is renting a car in Amsterdam without a Dutch driving license possible?
Yes, absolutely, it is for most Western countries. If you’re from Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States or Australia, or New Zealand, there is no problem renting a car with your driving license and a credit card. You do not need an international driving license. If you have a driving license not in English, double-check the requirements with your local Automobile Association.
How reliable is the train service from Amsterdam to Den Bosch?
The train service from Amsterdam to Den Bosch is generally very reliable. The Netherlands boasts one of the world’s densest and most punctual railway networks. Trains between these two cities run frequently, and disruptions are relatively rare.
However, like any public transportation system, it’s not immune to occasional delays or cancellations due to factors like maintenance work, extreme weather, or unexpected incidents. When such disruptions occur, the Dutch, known for their candidness, love to complain. We will aim our arrows on the train system if it’s not for the weather.
But don’t let this deter you – it’s more of a national pastime than a sign of significant dissatisfaction. Overall, you can count on Dutch trains to get you from Amsterdam to Den Bosch efficiently and comfortably.
Is traveling by train in the Netherlands difficult?
No, traveling by train is straightforward. Most major cities have direct services that depart at least every 30 minutes. This is also the case on the route between Amsterdam and ‘s Hertogenbosch.
There are not many different ticket types. And the easiest way to travel is just by checking in and out with your contactless debit or credit card at the entry gates. The first train will always leave early in the morning, and the last late at night.
Is Den Bosch a good destination for first-time visitors?
Den Bosch certainly is worth visiting. But first-time visitors might go to larger tourist destinations first, like Rotterdam, Delft, or even Maastricht.
If you’re coming for a 2nd time (or even more) or have some extra time, this city is absolutely worth your time. If not only for a stop on your way to Maastricht to get one of those incredible “Bossche Bollen.”
Conclusion
Whether you choose the train, the freedom of a rented car, or the convenience of a taxi, your journey from Amsterdam to Den Bosch is bound to be an enjoyable part of your Dutch adventure. You will be off the beaten tourist track for sure.
Remember, the right choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and schedule. I hope this guide has provided valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Safe travels!
