Most popular
Rent your own electric boat
Silent whisper boats for 4 to 12 people. No licence needed, a short briefing at the dock and a free navigation app with routes of 1 to 4 hours.
from24per hour
Boat rental
Home›From Utrecht to Giethoorn
Getting here
From Utrecht to Giethoorn
118 km and about an hour and a half by car, or by train via Zwolle and Steenwijk. A perfect day trip from the centre of the country.
Day trip
Leave after breakfast, on the water by ten
From Utrecht, Giethoorn is an easy day out: 118 km by car, about 1 hour 30 without traffic. Set your navigation to Zuiderpad 14A and park for free next to the boats.
Prefer the train? Travel to Zwolle, take the train to Steenwijk (15 minutes) and bus 70 to the village. Plan the connection on 9292.nl and note the time of the last bus back.
- 118 km, about 1 h 30 by car
- Free parking at the dock
- By train via Zwolle, Steenwijk and bus 70
Utrecht – Giethoorn at a glance
| By car | By public transport | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Navigate to Zuiderpad 14A, Giethoorn | Train to Zwolle, train to Steenwijk, bus 70 |
| Distance | 118 km | — |
| Travel time | About 1 h 30 | Check 9292.nl; Zwolle–Steenwijk 15 min, bus 70 about 15 min |
| Arrival | Free parking next to the boats | Bus stop Dominee Hylkemaweg, short walk |
Car times are without traffic. On the bus you pay with a contactless bank card or OVpay; no cash.
Why book with us
Three things that make the trip easy
Free parking at the boatsOur car park is right next to the dock at Zuiderpad 14A. Park, check in and you are on the water within minutes.
No boat licence neededEvery boat is electric and easy to steer. You get a short briefing and the navigation app shows the way.
Book online, pay lessBooking online in advance gives you the best price, and your boat is guaranteed on busy days. Start early or late for the lowest price.
What to do in Giethoorn
Three ways to spend the day
Boats, cruises and private tours all leave from our two docks at the entrance of the village.
Sit back
One-hour canal cruise
A guided tour on a large, heated canal boat past thatched farmhouses and wooden bridges. Ideal if you would rather not steer yourself.
from10per person
Canal cruises
With a captain
Private tour for your group
Your own boat with a local captain: open boat from €80 or a closed, heated boat from €200. Add a picnic or drinks on board.
from80per boat
Private toursDay programme
A day in Giethoorn from Utrecht
Arrive around 09:30
Rental opens at 09:00. Arriving early means quiet canals, the lowest off-peak price and a free parking space right at the dock.
Two hours on the water
Pick up your boat at Zuiderpad 14A. The 2-hour route takes you through the village canals and onto the Bovenwijde lake, with time to moor at a terrace.
Lunch at our restaurant
Our restaurant at Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7 is a 15-minute walk from the rental dock (two minutes by car). Or order a picnic basket and eat on board.
Walk the Binnenpad
The 4.3 km footpath along the canal is free and passes the thatched farmhouses, the small museums and the cheese shop.
End with a canal cruise
Let a captain do the work for the last hour: the guided cruise leaves from our dock at Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7. Book your time slot online.
Questions about travelling from Utrecht
How far is Giethoorn from Utrecht?
About 118 km. By car that is roughly 1 hour 30 without traffic.
How do I get from Utrecht to Giethoorn by train?
Travel to Zwolle, take the train to Steenwijk (15 minutes) and then bus 70 to Giethoorn. Get off at Dominee Hylkemaweg. Plan it on 9292.nl.
Where do I park?
At Boatrental Giethoorn, Zuiderpad 14A, right next to the boats. Parking is free for our guests. See the parking page.
Do I need a boat licence?
No. Our electric boats are easy to steer, you get a short briefing at the dock and the navigation app shows the routes.
How long should I rent a boat?
Two hours is the favourite: the village canals plus a loop on the Bovenwijde lake. Boats from €24 per hour, see prices.
Book before you leave
Book online and your boat is ready when you park. Booking in advance gives you the best price.