The fastest way from Amsterdam to Utrecht is by train – just 30 minutes direct for less than 10 euros in 2nd class, and 16 in 1st class (which is worth it).
For door-to-door comfort, I recommend a private transfer at €80-100 for up to 4 people, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or prefer not to navigate train stations.
I make this journey regularly since I live near Utrecht, and these are the two options I suggest to all visitors. The train works well if you’re comfortable with public transport and traveling light. The private transfer makes sense when convenience outweighs the extra cost.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Utrecht
Utrecht serves as the Netherlands’ railway hub, but that’s not why you should visit. This city has a beautiful old center with something you won’t find anywhere else – terraced cafes built into the sides of the canals, sitting 15 feet below street level. It’s what creates Utrecht’s distinctive atmosphere which is different from Amsterdam.
The city centers around the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands at 112 meters. You can climb it for views across the old city, though the church itself was partially destroyed in a 1674 storm. Utrecht also happens to be where Miffy (Nijntje in Dutch) was created by Dick Bruna, with a small museum dedicated to the famous rabbit.
What I appreciate about Utrecht is how it feels authentically Dutch without the tourist crowds of Amsterdam. You’ll find locals going about their daily business, students cycling between classes, and a pace that’s noticeably more relaxed.
Book Attractions in Utrecht
Find Places to Stay in Utrecht
Have you already booked your accommodation in Utrecht?
My 3 Favorite Utrecht Hotels
- My top pick: Beijers Hotel Utrecht – Quaint, great location, beautiful rooms, Different
- Special: Mother Goose Hotel – Fabulous staff. Great location. Nice little touches. Almost Home
- Classic Luxury: Karel V Utrecht – Peaceful retreat with quiet, attractive grounds.
Train From Amsterdam to Utrecht: The Standard Choice
Trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours between Amsterdam Centraal and Utrecht Centraal. The journey takes just under 30 minutes with no changes required. I’ve taken this route countless times, and it’s super easy. Just make sure you board an Intercity train and not a Sprinter train (much slower).
The cost is less than €10 for a standard second-class ticket. You can pay by tapping any contactless debit or credit card at the station gates – no need for special tickets or apps. But if you want first class tickets, you do need to buy them online, see the link below for more details.
Trains run around the clock, though frequency drops to once hourly between midnight and 6 AM. During the day, you have 4-6 direct services per hour, so you never wait long. Tickets are flexible, so you do not have to worry about booking a specific departure.
⤷ Here my article about “How to book train tickets in the Netherlands”
Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Comfort
A private transfer costs €80-100 for up to 4 people and takes 40-50 minutes depending on traffic.
The driver picks you up at your Amsterdam hotel and drops you wherever you need to go in Utrecht. No walking to stations, no carrying luggage up stairs, no figuring out which platform. For anyone who prefers this level of comfort, the extra cost often makes sense.
I recommend to pre-book your taxi in advance, because you’re safe significantly compared to metered prices.
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 50% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
Bus service exists via Flixbus, but buses don’t leave from central Amsterdam. You’d need to get to Amsterdam Sloterdijk first, making the total journey longer than the train with minimal cost savings.
Driving yourself: I do not recommend this option for city center to city center travel. The motorway between the two cities is very busy, and parking costs are very expensive.
Driving in these two old cities is not exactly relaxing. However, if you plan to do multiple destinations on the same day in the surrounding area of Utrecht, or when you’re going to visit more rural locations booking a rental car can make sense.
Utrecht offers P+R (Park and Ride) locations on the outskirts for €6 per day, including public transport to the center.
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 Utrecht
Train Tickets
When you travel in second class, you do not need to book any tickets you can just tap in and out using your contact list bank or credit cards. Apple Pay or Google wallet will also work.
When you do not want to use this method or you want first class tickets you need to book through the official NS website and then load your tickets onto the app to avoid the €1,50 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.
You’ll need internet access for your train tickets and navigating Utrecht 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 metered journeys. When booking it’s worth it to select “Luxe” instead of “Standard” for a nicer driving experience. Standard is comparable with a regular ride-share experience. Luxe 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 50% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
What to Do in Utrecht
Utrecht’s old center can be walked in a few hours, but tif you do Utrecht well, time flies without moving to much. The unique wharf cellars were converted into restaurants and cafes, creating dining spaces you won’t find in any other Dutch city.
Dom Tower is great – climb it if the weather’s clear for views across the old city and surrounding countryside. Then there is the amazing museum “Speelklok”, truly a hidden gem (I know that word is overrated, but it is).
The Centraal Museum houses the largest collection of medieval art in the Netherlands, plus works by Utrecht-born Gerrit Rietveld, founder of the De Stijl movement. The nearby Rietveld Schröder House is a UNESCO World Heritage site and excellent example of modernist architecture.
For something lighter, the Miffy Museum appeals to families, while the Railway Museum showcases the Netherlands’ train history in a beautiful 19th-century station building. The Railway museum is really great.
Shopping in Utrecht centers around the pedestrian-only Lange Elisabethstraat and Vredenburg square. The Hoog Catherijne Mall is famous nationwide and connects directly with the train station. The Saturday market on Vredenburg is one of the largest in the Netherlands.
Book Attractions in Utrecht
Frequently Asked Questions How to Get from Amsterdam to Utrecht
Is the extra cost of a private transfer worth it for a short trip like this?
There is a premium for a private transfer, but it can be worth it when you factor in convenience, no train stations, no hauling your luggage. I recommend it for travelers with mobility issues, heavy luggage, or those who simply prefer door-to-door service. When you pre-book a taxi you pay less then when you order one and travel on a meter.
Is Utrecht safe for travelers unfamiliar with the area?
Utrecht is very safe with low crime rates. The old center is compact and well-lit, with good signage. Most locals speak English well if you need directions or assistance. The relative “problem areas” in Kanaleneiland is far from the city center near the edge of the city, where tourist never get to. You really do not have to worry about safety visiting this city. But of course it is a city, so like any other city you always need to watch your belongings and be vigilant.
What’s the best option if I’m staying one night in Utrecht?
The city of Utrecht is a fantastic place to stay overnight, it is a little bit cheaper than Amsterdam, but still close to Amsterdam. The city has a lot of charisma, and some wonderful places to stay. In this article recommend three of my favorite places to stay. All three are great choices. Just check them out and see which one fits you best. They are all very different from a boutique, small hotel experience to a place that I would say almost feels like home to one of the most luxurious and best known names in the city.
When does the first train run between Amsterdam And Utrecht?
People often ask: “when is the first train from Amsterdam to Utrecht?” The answer is they run around the clock. Between midnight and 6 am the frequency is lower, just once an hour, but they do go. Around 6 the day schedule starts again with up to 6 depatures (fast Intercity trains) per hour. You never have to wait long for this train. Do you know that all trains go further than you direct, so the final destination on the screen is different than you trick. But it is super easy to check in the app or at the screens on the train station.
What is the Price of a Train Ticket between Amsterdam and Utrecht?
Prices change regularly, but currently, a one-way ticket from Amsterdam to Utrecht in standard class costs just under €10. It’s around €16 for a first class ticket.
How Far is Utrecht from Amsterdam
The distance between Amsterdam and Utrecht is about 50 km/30 miles. Did journey takes 30 minutes by train, and 45 to 60 minutes by car.
Do My Articles Help You Planning Your Trip? ☕️
Consider saying thanks by buying me a coffee.Your support helps me create more helpful travel content. Thank you ❤️
Bottom Line
Take the train if you’re comfortable with public transport and traveling light – it’s fast, frequent, and gets you city center to city center in 30 minutes. Choose a private transfer if you value door-to-door convenience, especially with luggage.
I personally use the train for quick business trips and arrange private transfers when showing Utrecht to visitors who prefer a more relaxed travel experience. Both options work well; it comes down to your priorities and comfort level with Dutch public transport.
Read More:
- All my “How To Get From Amsterdam” Transportation Guides
- What to do In Utrecht: My Full Article
- Discover the beautiful city of Amersfoort nearby
If this guide helped you plan your trip to Utrecht, consider buying me a coffee – that helps me to continue producing these detailed guides!
