If youāre deciding how to get to Kinderdijk, you have a few options:
Most people take the train to Rotterdam and continue by Waterbus to Kinderdijk.
With a combined ticket for both the waterbus and entrance, this is a very scenic and affordable way to travel.
Itās simple, it works well, and the arrival by boat makes the experience better.
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Find Places to Stay in Rotterdam
Have you already booked your accommodation in Rotterdam?
My 3 Favorite Rotterdam Hotels
- My top pick: nHow Rotterdam – incredible architecture. Book a water view room
- Special experience: SS Rotterdam – historic former transatlantic cruise liner now hotel
- Heritage pick: Hotel New York – where transatlantic passengers once departed for NY
Start here: how do you want to get there?
Before booking anything, decide how you want to travel. That decision determines which ticket you need.
1. Train + Waterbus (what I recommend for most people)
This is the option I suggest to most travelers. You take the train to Rotterdam (the high-speed train is the quickest option) and continue by Waterbus to Kinderdijk.
- The journey is straightforward and reliable
- You arrive at Kinderdijk by boat, which is the nicest way to approach it
- No need to deal with parking or navigation
If this is your plan, book a combined Waterbus + Kinderdijk entrance ticket here.
That way everything is arranged in one go and you keep flexibility on the day.
2. Private driver
If you prefer private transportation, door-to-door without a guided tour. Booking transportation in advance is a great option. It’s cheaper than a metered taxi, you know what you pay in advance, and who will drive you. (tip: don’t use uber, they won’t cover the return journey)
- Door-to-door from your hotel
- No transfers
- More comfortable
In this case, you only need a standard Kinderdijk entrance ticket (get your ticket here), since transport is handled separately.
ā¤· This is the company I recommend for private transfers
3. Private tour
If you would like a full-day guided tour with a local guide, I recommend a private tour instead rather than just transport:
- Kinderdijk combined with Delft or Bruges or a custom route
- Door-to-door, no planning needed
- Tickets are included, no need to book a ticket yourself
- Lunch is included too
- More context during the day
- A local enthusiastic tour guide
Here, I arrange both the transport and the tickets for you.
ā¤· To learn more about my tours click here
4. Driving yourself
You can rent a car, but I generally donāt recommend it for this trip.
- Parking is not at the windmills
- Youāll walk 15 to 20 minutes from the parking area
- The route is not as simple as it looks
If you do choose this, youāll just need a standard entrance ticket.
Getting to Kinderdijk by train and waterbus – Ā© Hidden Holland
What to expect at Kinderdijk
Here are few quick pointers to make sure Kinderdijk is the right choice for you:
- The journey is more complex as traveling to Zaanse Schans. But the destination is more authentic and the route more scenic.
- Plan 3 to 4 hours for your visit, and another 4 hours for travel time from and to Amsterdam.
- The windmills are spread out a bit, you will be walking, but there is also a lovely boat ride included in your ticket.
- The entrance ticket includes:
- Access to museum windmills
- Boat tour (for great vista’s and background information from the driver)
- Visitor center
You can walk the paths for free, but you miss the context, access to a windmill, and the boat, which is the part what makes the visit worthwhile.
Bottom line:
If you just want a clear recommendation, this is what I advice most people:
- Take the train to Rotterdam
- Continue by Waterbus
- Book the combined Waterbus + Kinderdijk ticket
If you prefer more comfort and privacy, book a private driver.
If you want a more complete day, turn it into a private tour.
Picture you’ll make while visiting Kinderdijk – Ā© Hidden Holland
Frequently asked questions
Is Kinderdijk worth it?
Yes, if you want to understand how the Dutch managed water and if you want the most beautiful windmill views. Compared to Zaanse Schans, it’s more authentic, more windmills, is a Unesco site, and relatively less tourists.
Can I see the windmills without a ticket?
Yes, from the outside. But you cannot enter them, and you miss the boat tour.
If youāve come this far, I would get the ticket. (or get a discounted waterbus from Rotterdam + ticket combo)
Is the Waterbus from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk difficult to use?
No. It runs on a fixed schedule and boarding is straightforward. Book your ticket in advance and you avoid any friction on the day, you just walk on board and show your ticket if someone ask. Then you just take a comfortable seat in the indoor lounge.
Can I do this with luggage?
I would avoid it. You have transfers in Rotterdam There is no luggage storage at Kinderdijk Do this as a day trip, or go to your hotel first. If you want to visit while moving hotels, why not book a private tour with me? We can leave your luggage in the car while you visit Kinderdijk.
What is the best time to visit Kinderdijk?
Earlier in the day is quieter. Late afternoon can also be good. But compared to places like Zaanse Schans, it never feels overly crowded.
Tickets for Waterbus to Kinderdijk and Entrance to Kinderdijk
Read More:
- All my āHow To Get From Amsterdamā Transportation Guides
- Here is my article on āThings to do In Rotterdamā
- And here is my article on Delft, a wonderful city close to Rotterdam
If this guide helped you plan your trip to Kinderdijk, consider buying me a coffee – that helps me to continue producing these detailed guides!
