The train is your best choice at just 2 hours for €31-€53 for the journey from Amsterdam to Groningen, trains depart multiple times daily with comfortable seating and free WiFi.
If you prefer door-to-door convenience, a private driver costs around €250-€280 for up to 4 people.
As a travel consultant and tour guide I help travelers choose between these options regularly.
The train works well for those who enjoy rail travel and don’t mind navigating stations with their luggage.
The private transfer is best for visitors who want complete convenience and prefer to skip public transportation altogether, it can also be cost effective for groups of 4.
Table of Contents
Why Groningen Deserves Your Time
Groningen stands apart from other Dutch cities through its lively student culture and being the northern most city.
Groningen is home to the University of Groningen (founded 1614), this city pulses with energy from its 40,000 students while maintaining its historic character.
The city center features beautiful architecture. The striking Forum cultural center offers panoramic views from its rooftop, while the renowned Groninger Museum showcases contemporary art in a striking postmodern building.
The surrounding Groningen province offers easy access to the UNESCO Wadden Sea, charming villages like Bourtange, and some of the Netherlands’ most pristine countryside that not many tourists get to see.
Find Places to Stay in Groningen
Have you already booked your accommodation in Groningen?
My 3 Favorite Groningen Hotels
- My top pick: Hotel Prinsenhof – a luxurious central hotel, with character 🏰
- The Market Hotel Groningen – another luxurious hotel, very central on market square 🥗
- Countryside pick: Van Der Valk Westerbroek – 20 min by bus, great views, and fantastic breakfast 🐄
Your Two Best Travel Options Between Amsterdam and Groningen
Option 1: NS Intercity Train (Efficient & Frequent)
Dutch Railways operates regular direct service between Amsterdam Centraal and Groningen with comfortable modern trains.
Service Details:
- Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes station-to-station
- Cost: €31 (2st class) – €52 (1st class)
- Frequency: Approximately every 30 minutes
- Amenities: Free WiFi, luggage racks
- Stations: Central locations in both cities
Your experience: trains are modern with spacious seating and large windows showcase the Dutch landscape, you have more room if you travel 1st class which I recommend for this longer journey. You get more space and quiet. You can work, read, or simply watch the scenery. Both stations connect easily to city centers and accommodations.
Best suited for: those comfortable with public transport, and visitors who enjoy train journeys.
⤷ Here my article about “How to book train tickets in the Netherlands”
Option 2: Pre-booked Private Transfer (Maximum Comfort)
A pre-booked taxi eliminates every transportation worry while providing a comfortable, direct journey, at lower prices than a metered journey.
Your driver meets you at your Amsterdam location and handles everything for you from luggage to navigation.
Service Details:
- Duration: 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours door-to-door
- Cost: €250-280 per vehicle (not per person)
- Vehicle: Choose a standard car, or a more luxurious car
- Service: Licensed driver with flight monitoring (if needed)
- Luggage: Can fit in the trunk, if you have a lot book a van!
- Flexibility: Choose your departure time
This is for you if: you want to avoid train stations, platform navigation, and luggage management completely. The fixed price includes all costs, and you can relax while enjoying the countryside.
Ideal for: Travelers prioritizing comfort, those with bags, anyone preferring private transportation, or visitors wanting maximum convenience.
Save Up To 50%
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.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
Alternative Transportation
FlixBus Service
Budget travelers can choose FlixBus from €10 with journey times around 2 hours 10 minutes. Modern coaches include WiFi and power outlets, though with less space than trains. There are multiple daily departures serve both cities. But you have to know busses leave from Amsterdam West (Sloterdijk Station) so there is extra time and costs involved getting there.
Self-Drive Option from Amsterdam to Groningen
With a rental car you can cover the 183-kilometer route in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
If you consider renting a car I recommend renting from Amsterdam Airport and not from Amsterdam city center, for convenience. It’s hard to drive in Amsterdam, it’s a lot easier to drive away from the airport, plus you have more options there.
It’s good to know Groningen’s city center restricts vehicle access, making parking challenging and expensive. Unless you plan to the explore the countryside, other options might be better.
Compare Car Rental Companies
Find the lowest price for Car rental in the Netherlands
A Rental Car is perfect for exploring the Dutch countryside and attractions, harder to reach at your own pace.
Book Your Rental Car
Booking Your Transportation from Amsterdam to Groningen
Train Tickets
Book through the official NS website and then load your tickets onto the app to avoid the €1 machine surcharge. Your ticket works for any train that day, giving you complete flexibility.
⤷ Here is my article where I tell you all about booking your train tickets in the Netherlands
Money-saving tip: When you book 4+ days ahead you’re often eligible for a discount if you travel off-peak, the earlier you book the higher the discount. More information about this in the article above.
You’ll need internet access for your train tickets and navigating Groningen with an app like Google Maps. Skip the expensive international roaming charges, or plans—an eSIM costs a fraction of your provider’s rates and gives you more data. Plus, it’s simple to install before you travel.
Inexpensive and Flexible SIM
Stay connected in the Netherlands
Skip hunting for WiFi. Get on the go navigation, translations and mobile internet that works everywhere in Europe – skip expensive international charges from your phone company.
My Phone Abroad Guide
Private Driver
Book your taxi in advance and you save significantly on the fare compared to a metered taxi journey which will set you back around €400, but you’ll pay 30-40% less if you book ahead.
When booking it’s worth it to select “Luxurious” instead of “Standard” for a nicer driving experience. Standard is comparable with a regular ride-share. Luxurious means a driver in suit, and a nicer vehicle.
Save Up To 50%
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.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
What to Do in Groningen When You Arrive
Groningen’s compact center makes walking or cycling the best way to explore.
Must-see attractions include climbing the Martinitoren for panoramic views, exploring the innovative Groninger Museum, and discovering hidden courtyards (hofjes) scattered throughout the old town.
The trendy Forum building houses a cinema, a library, and exhibition spaces, topped by a spectacular rooftop terrace which you can access for free.
Sample local specialties like the Groninger Eierbal (a unique egg-filled snack) and explore the student-friendly café culture that gives this city its distinctive energy.
Groningen Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions How to Get from Amsterdam to Groningen
Is the private transfer worth the significant cost difference compared to the train?
Many travelers find the premium worthwhile for the convenience and comfort. You’re paying for door-to-door service, luggage assistance, flexible timing, and eliminating any public transport stress. For couples, that’s €90 per person for a significantly more relaxed journey. If you pre-book your taxi you save on metered prices.
How reliable are both transportation options to Groningen?
Both are. We Dutch love to complain about the trains, but the reality is that we have one of the best systems in the world. Private transfer companies use professional drivers and monitor flight schedules when needed.
How easy is it to get around Groningen once I arrive?
Groningen’s compact city center makes walking ideal for most attractions. The train station puts you right downtown, while private transfers can drop you at your accommodation door.
Does the Groningen university atmosphere affect my visit if I am not that young?
I say not at all. The 40,000 students create wonderful energy and keep the city lively, but Groningen offers plenty for mature travelers. The student presence actually enhances the cultural scene with festivals, museums, and great restaurants.
What’s the journey experience like – will I see much of the Dutch countryside?
Both options offer lovely views of classic Dutch landscapes – mostly flat farmland. The train provides larger windows and the freedom to move around, while private cars offer more comfort door-to-door.
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My Recommendation
Choose the private transfer if: you value convenience above cost savings, prefer avoiding public transportation, have luggage, or want a completely stress-free journey.
Select the train if: You’re comfortable with public transport, want excellent value for money, enjoy rail travel, and don’t mind handling your own luggage. The frequent service and central stations make this an efficient choice. I recommend traveling first class.
Both options deliver you safely to Groningen, where this remarkable university city is waiting for you.
Read More:
- All my “How To Get From Amsterdam” Transportation Guides
- Here is my article on another great Dutch City on the opposite side of the country: Maastricht
- Want to learn more about train travel in the Netherlands, then this article is for you
If this guide helped you plan your trip to Groningen, consider buying me a coffee – that helps me to continue producing these detailed guides!
