If you’re trying to figure out how to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans. You’re in the right place.
I am a local expert, and a tourguide. I’ve visited Zaanse Schans countless times – with customers, friends from overseas, and on my own. In this article I am going to cover how to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans in detail.
If you want to know things to do in Zaanse Schans once you’re there, I’ve got a separate article for that.
There are seven different ways to make the trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam:
- Organized Tour (including my recommendations)
- Private Tour (by me)
- Taxi (pre-book to save money)
- Zaanse Schans by train
- Bus (Public Transport)
- Car (including tips)
- Bicycle (really a fun option; details below)
I’ll admit something: I went one of these super touristy group tours. As a local – And I loved it. We locals tend to skip Zaanse Schans, but honestly I get why people love it. It’s close to city and just look at the photo above.
It was included in my Amsterdam Go City Pass (it’s a steal; here is my full review) that I was testing and I was the only Dutch person on the bus, which was hilarious 🤣.
⤷ This the tour I took, you can book it too. Or get it included in a Go City pass which is an even better deal.
Tours take the hassle out of getting there. You don’t need to figure out tickets or worry about missing your stop. Group tours are simple – hop on the bus and relax while someone else handles the details. Private tours give you a car to yourself and a trip tailored just for you, and we can go off the main tourist track.
If you’re more adventurous, public transport will be cheaper and more flexible. And don’t write off going by bike. I know I advise against bike rental in Amsterdam (it’s dangerous), but outside the city, it’s lovely with pleasant routes.
If you have a car, you can get there quickly. But parking isn’t cheap or easy to find, so it’s not worth renting just for this trip. Just get a taxi. However, if you’re visiting multiple nearby places, then getting a rental car is perfect!
I cover all these options below.
It’s important to know The Zaanse Schans is super touristy, but it’s also a lovely open-air museum – the closest place to Amsterdam for Dutch working windmills with beautiful photo spots.
Book Attractions in Zaanse Schans
Table of Contents
1. Zaanse Schans On A Tour – Pros and Cons
Tours offer convenience you can’t beat – no worrying about stops, tickets, or getting lost. Plus, you get background info and someone to answer questions.
Tours also guarantee entry to the popular free cheese and clog demonstrations that fill up fast. When I took a guided Zaanse Schans Half-Day tour, the balance felt right – demonstrations took under an hour, then 2 hours of free time for photos and exploring.
The downside? There’s more to see at Zaanse Schans Park (ticket to all attractions inside) – museums, windmills you can enter, restaurants. If you want to do it all, go by public transport, bicycle, or car instead.
My private tour works well if you want to see more of the country with complete privacy.
Half-Day Tour (What I Took)
What’s included:
- Transportation to/from Amsterdam and guided tour of Zaanse Schans Demonstrations at clog workshop and cheese-making demonstration
- 2 hours of free time
Time: 5 hours
Cost: Around €35
I recommend this half-day Zaanse Schans Windmill tour. It’s the one I took – my guide Fleur was terrific.
Money-saving tip: This tour is free with the Go City Amsterdam Pass. If you’re doing multiple Amsterdam activities, this pass saves serious money. ⤷Here’s my Go City Pass review.
Best Value for Money
Half-Day Zaanse Schans Windmill Tour
The tour I took and loved. See working windmills, watch cheese and clog demonstrations, and get 2 hours of free time to explore – all with transport included.
Book This Zaanse Schans Tour
Full-Day Tour (Better Value)
For just a bit more money, you can see a lot more of Holland in one day. This full-day Charm of Holland tour is the most complete day trip I know. You get Zaanse Schans plus Volendam and Marken (two iconic fishing villages), Edam, and a boat ride.
What’s included:
- Transportation to/from Amsterdam and guided tours of all four locations
- Lunch at a local Volendam restaurant (own expense)
- Boat ride between Marken and Volendam
- It’s a packed day, but you’ll see a lot of Holland!
Time: 8-10 hours (full day)
Tip: book early – these sell out April through September.
Best Classic Holland Tour
Full-Day Dutch Countryside and Windmill Tour
Visit four Dutch highlights in one day: Zaanse Schans windmills, Volendam and Marken fishing villages, plus Edam. It even includes a boat ride between Volendam and Marken.
Book This Countryside Tour
Prefer a Private Tour to Zaanse Schans?
Book a private tour with me as your guide. Visit my private tour page to learn more and request a booking.
Gerrit!!! Thank you for making our “Flower Day” so special. We enjoyed our time with you so much! Best wishes to you and Herman during your upcoming move!🌷🌷
– The Miller Family. Austin, Texas
3. Travel By Taxi from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
Why Choose a Taxi?
Because you can skip the hassle of transit, tickets, and walking to stations. A private taxi picks you up right at your hotel – no crowds, no stress.
Pre-book your taxi to save serious money compared to calling one at your hotel.
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
4. Travel By Train from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
Why Choose the Train?
Trains are faster and more direct than the bus, and they a toilet on board (two big wins for me). It takes just 17-20 minutes from Amsterdam, but you’ll walk 15-20 minutes from the station to the Zaanse Schans park.
Schedule & Price: There are direct train services and they run every 30 minutes. A one-way costs €3.90 (2025 price).
How to Pay: Tap your contactless bank or credit card when entering Amsterdam station, then tap again at Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station (pole on platform). One card per person – you can’t share a card.
Trains leave from Amsterdam Central Station – look for trains to Uitgeest, get off at Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station.
⤷ Here is my article: train travel in The Netherlands
Money-saving tip: The Amsterdam + Region Travel Ticket (ARTT) covers all buses, trams, metros, and trains in Amsterdam and the region. You can go to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, Edam, the airport – much cheaper than single tickets.
Save Money
Amsterdam + Region Travel Ticket (ARTT)
One ticket that covers all buses, trams, metros, and trains in Amsterdam and the region. Perfect for visiting Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, Edam, and the airport – saves serious money over single tickets.
Get Your Transit Tickets
5. How to Get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans By Bus
Convenient and relatively low-cost way to reach Zaanse Schans. It takes longer than the train (40 minutes vs. 20), but the bus drops you right at the village entrance – you can skip the 20-minute walk from the station.
Schedule: Buses depart frequently – up to 4x an hour from Amsterdam Central Station bus station (north side, towards the water). In summer the Express line 800 gets you there 20 minutes faster at no extra cost, the rest of the year it takes 40 minutes.
How to pay: For just a one-way ticket the best way to pay is contactless. Tap your debit/credit card (or phone) when boarding and leaving, but remember only one card per person, no sharing. The cost is about €5.50 one-way.
Better value: I recommend to get the Amsterdam + Region Travel Ticket (ARTT).
Note: The I amsterdam Card only covers Amsterdam city transport – this does not include regional trips to Zaanse Schans.
Save Money
Amsterdam + Region Travel Ticket (ARTT)
One ticket that covers all buses, trams, metros, and trains in Amsterdam and the region. Perfect for visiting Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, Edam, and the airport – saves serious money over single tickets.
Get Your Transit Tickets 4. Travel to the Zaanse Schans by Car
Why Choose to Drive?
For just Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, driving doesn’t make much sense – other options are easier and cheaper. If you want private transportation I recommend pre-booking a taxi.
But if you want the freedom to explore multiple towns in one day or plan a multi-day trip getting a rental car is great. It’s perfect for combining multiple nearby villages like Volendam, Edam, Marken, or adding a beach stop.
The drive from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is straightforward: take any main S road to A10 ring road, then A8. The travel time is about 20 minutes.
Parking: Parking costs €15 per day and fills up super quickly in summer. Finding a spot isn’t always guaranteed.
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
I recommend getting an eSIM so you can easily navigate on the road – it’s super affordable, and works on most modern phones, plus it saves you from expensive roaming charges.
⤷ Check out my article on eSIM cards for which one I recommend.
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
5. Can you bike from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?
Yes, and it’s easier than you think. Even if don’t bike often! It’s 20 kilometers (13 miles) one-way, which sounds far but is totally doable with an e-bike. The electric motor does most of the work, so you won’t arrive sweaty or tired. Even if you haven’t biked in years, an e-bike makes it feel effortless.
You might have seen my post where I say “don’t rent a bike in Amsterdam” – the city center is too busy. But taking a trip to the countryside is a great idea. The Dutch are great with seperate bikelines, and you’ll experience your surroundings much more.
The Route
Here is a good route in Google Maps but be aware of the alternative route. That one is super boring through built-up areas.
You can also head west via the free ferry at Hembrug and pass the Instagram worthy Dutch Kissing Couple Statue XXL. Stop at Boer Geert for the best sandwiches in the country.
For a more detailed route, book a call with me. I can help fine-tune this route and give you more tips, including using the cycling number network.
Cycling on an e-bike will take an hour. But I recommend to double that amount to account for a stop, and ferry times.
Where to Rent: I recommend to rent a comfortable e-bike here.
High Quality E-Bike
E-Bike Rental Amsterdam
Cycle anywhere without the effort. The motor in an e-bike assists your pedaling so distances feel short, and the wind will not bother you – arrive fresh and relaxed, not tired and sweaty.
Reserve a Ebike
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?
The express bus 891 in summer (20 minutes). The train is also fast at under 20 minutes, but requires a 15-minute walk. Outside summer, regular bus 391 takes 40 minutes. Get a Amsterdam and Region Ticket to cover the journey.
What is the easiest way to reach Zaanse Schans?
Take a half-day tour from Amsterdam. Everything is handled for you – no tickets, and no navigation worries.
What is the distance from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans?
The distance from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is about 11 miles (18 kilometers). The journey takes 20-40 minutes depending on your transportation choice. Read the full article for all details.
What is the Zaanse Schans Address?
Zaanse Schans
Schansend 7
1509 AW Zaandam
The Netherlands.
Book Attractions in Zaanse Schans
Did I Help You? Say Thanks with a Coffee ☕️
Every Coffee ☕️ Counts! If this guide helped you, consider supporting my work. Your support helps me create more helpful travel content. Thank you ❤️
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped you plan your trip. It’s an easy day-trip destination from Amsterdam. For tips on what to do once you get there make sure to check out my other page on things to do at Zaanse Schans.
You might also be interested in my day trip to Volendam post, which you can find here.
I have more handy “How to Get from Amsterdam To…” travel guides. You can find them all here.
If this guide helped you plan your trip to Zaanse Schans, consider buying me a coffee – that helps me to continue producing these detailed guides!
