In summer the fastest way to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is the express bus 800. The rest of the year it is the train. 17 to 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, ā¬4.20 one way (2026 price). Most travel sites and videos stop right there, and for plenty of visitors that advice is fine.
But what they often leave out is the walk. Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station is a 20-minute walk from the windmills, across the bridge over the Zaan, out in the open. On a dry day in May it’s a nice way to arrive. When the weather is not that kind, or you prefer not to walk that far, it’s 40 minutes you might not have planned for.
You can skip it. The bus from Amsterdam Central drops you at the village entrance, and a pre-booked taxi takes you straight from your hotel to the gate. Both cost more than the train. But for many people both are the better option, depending on your budget and preferences.
I’m a Dutch local and a tour guide. I’ve made this trip with clients, with friends visiting from overseas, and on my own, in every season and by every method on this page. Below you’ll find seven ways to get there, with travel times, current prices, and a recommendation for each one.
If you are after the cheapest mode of transportation, and the walk doesn’t bother you, then read the train section and you’re done. If you’d rather not spend the day working out logistics, skip ahead to the tours. If you want door-to-door transport, read my private tour section or the taxi section.
Already know how you’re getting there? Here are the things to do in Zaanse Schans once you arrive.
Table of Contents
1. Zaanse Schans on an Organized Tour – The 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 this guided Zaanse Schans Half-Day tour myself to see what it was all about, I have to admit I enjoyed it. The balance felt right. The demonstrations took under an hour, followed by 2 hours of free time for photos and exploring.
The downside? There’s quite a bit to see at Zaanse Schans Park: museums, windmills you can enter, restaurants, cafes, and shopping. If you want to do it all, the tour’s two-hour free time window can feel limited. If you want more time, a private tour, a pre-booked taxi, public transport, or a bicycle are better options.
Half-Day Tour (What I Booked)
What’s included:
- Transportation to/from Amsterdam
- A guided tour of Zaanse Schans
- Demonstrations (wooden clog and cheese-making)
- 2 hours of free time
Time: 5 hours
Cost: Around ā¬35
I recommend this half-day Zaanse Schans Windmill tour. It’s the one I took, and my guide Fleur was terrific.
Money-saving tip: This tour is included in the Go City Amsterdam Pass. If you’re doing multiple Amsterdam activities, this pass saves serious money.
ā¤· 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
Time: 8-10 hours (it’s a packed day, but you’ll see a lot of classic Holland)
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
2. A Private Tour to Zaanse Schans and Beyond
You can also book a private tour with me as your guide. I can take you to a corner of Zaanse Schans the tour buses never reach, then drive you along small roads they cannot fit through, while you still see all the classics.
I also have a local alternative where we skip Zaanse Schans and you see a beautiful part of the Netherlands you would otherwise miss.
ā¤· Visit my private tour page to learn more and request a booking.
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 and brings you right to the gate. No other people around you. It’s the fastest and most comfortable way to visit Zaanse Schans on your own.
Taxis are of course more expensive, but you can save if you pre-book. (I recommend this over a ride-share app. Ride-shares like Uber often cancel trips outside Amsterdam, and they are not available for your return journey, since they only start journeys in Amsterdam or at the airport.)
Save Up To 50%
Book a Taxi in Advance & Save
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
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4. Travel by Train from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
Why Choose the Train?
Trains are faster and more direct than the bus, and they have a toilet on board (two big wins for me). It takes 17-20 minutes from Amsterdam, but the downside is that you’ll need to walk 20 minutes from the station to Zaanse Schans.
Schedule & Price: Direct trains run every 30 minutes. A one-way costs ā¬4.20 (2026 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. And remember, a card stored in your phone counts as a separate card from the physical one.
Trains leave from Amsterdam Central Station. Look for trains to Uitgeest and get off at Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station.
ā¤· Here is my article on 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, and the airport, all much cheaper than single tickets.
5. How to Get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans by Bus
The bus is a convenient and relatively low-cost way to reach Zaanse Schans. For most of the year it takes longer than the train, but the bus drops you right at the village entrance. You skip the 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 the trip takes 40 minutes.
How to pay: For a single one-way ticket, the best way to pay is contactless. Tap your debit or credit card (or phone) when you board and when you get off. Remember: one card per person, no sharing. The cost is about ā¬5.50 one-way.
Better value: I recommend getting the Amsterdam + Region Travel Ticket (ARTT).
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 ā saves serious money over single tickets.
Get Your Transit Tickets
6. Travel to the Zaanse Schans by Car
Why Choose to Drive?
If you are only going from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, driving doesn’t make much sense. The other options on this page 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 to 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 the A10 ring road, then the A8. The travel time is about 20 minutes.
Parking: Parking is expensive and the lot fills up fast. A spot is never guaranteed.
7. Can You Bike from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?
Yes, and it’s easier than you think. The cycling route is 20 kilometers (12 miles) one-way, a bit longer than the direct route. It sounds far, but it’s totally doable with an e-bike. The electric motor does most of the work, so you won’t arrive sweaty or tired.
You might have seen my post where I say “don’t rent a bike in Amsterdam.” And it is true. The city center is too busy. But taking a trip to the countryside is a great idea. The Dutch are great at keeping bike lanes separate from motorized traffic, and you’ll see much more of the surroundings.
The Route
Here is a good route in Google Maps and I would avoid the alternative route Google offers. It runs through built-up areas and is far more boring.
You can also head northwest via the free ferry at Hembrug and pass the Instagram-worthy Kissing Couple XXXL statue. 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 how to use the cycling junction network.
Cycling on an e-bike takes about an hour, but I recommend doubling that to allow for stops, photos, and the ferry crossings.
Where to Rent: I recommend renting a comfortable e-bike here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Zaanse Schans
What is the fastest way to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?
In summer the express bus 800 is fastest at 20 minutes, and it drops you at the entrance. The rest of the year the train is fastest at 17 to 20 minutes, though it adds a 20-minute walk. The regular bus 391 takes 40 minutes. Get an Amsterdam and Region Ticket to cover the journey.
What is the easiest way to reach Zaanse Schans?
Take a half-day guided tour from Amsterdam. Everything is handled for you, no tickets, and no navigation worries. You get 2 hours of free time at the park, plus entry to two demonstrations.
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?
The address is: Zaanse Schans, Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, The Netherlands.
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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.
I have more handy “How to Get from Amsterdam To…” travel guides. You can find them all here.
