Easiest
Our direct coach
Non-stop from Amsterdam to our dock in Giethoorn and back the same day. Return ticket € 39, or € 49 including a one-hour canal cruise with the boat ready on arrival.
Home›How to get to Giethoorn
Plan your visit
How to get to Giethoorn
By car, by train and bus 70, by coach or with our direct bus from Amsterdam. Driving times, connections and the last bus back.
Where we are
At the entrance of the village
Giethoorn lies in the Weerribben-Wieden nature area in the north of the province of Overijssel, about nine kilometres from Steenwijk. There is no railway station in the village, so you arrive by car, by bus 70 from Steenwijk station or by coach.
Our boat rental is at Zuiderpad 14A, right at the start of the village canal with free parking. Canal cruises leave from Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7, next to our restaurant and Old Art Hotel.
- Free parking at both locations
- Bus stop within walking distance of the cruise dock
- Coach parking and group check-in
Driving times to Giethoorn
Indicative distances and driving times without traffic. Navigate to Zuiderpad 14A, 8355 CA Giethoorn.
| From | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 116–121 km | 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 |
| Utrecht | 118 km | 1 h 30 |
| Rotterdam | 176 km | 1 h 45 |
| The Hague | 174 km | 2 h 05 |
| Eindhoven | approx. 180 km | 2 h 10 |
| Groningen | 91 km | 1 h 15 (A7) |
| Zwolle | approx. 35 km | 35 min |
| Düsseldorf | 241 km | 2 h 20 |
| Bremen | 187 km | approx. 2 h 20 |
| Antwerp | 239 km | 2 h 40 |
From the A32 take exit 7 (Steenwijk) and follow the N333 and N334 to Giethoorn. Weekends and school holidays are busy on the roads into the village; see the best time to visit.
By train and bus 70
Train to Steenwijk
Take the train to Steenwijk station. From Amsterdam this takes about 90 minutes, from Zwolle about 15 minutes. Travellers from Rotterdam and Utrecht usually change in Zwolle.
Bus 70 to Giethoorn
In front of the station, take RRReis bus 70 towards Giethoorn. The ride is about a quarter of an hour. The bus runs at least hourly; in the season there are extra departures, and express line 270 also stops in Giethoorn.
Get off at Ds. Hylkemaweg
For the canal cruise, our restaurant and Old Art Hotel, get off at the Ds. Hylkemaweg stop. The self-drive boats at Zuiderpad 14A are a short walk from the village entrance.
Pay with your bank card
No cash on board: check in and out with your bank card or phone (OVpay) or an OV-chipkaart. Check the current timetable and the last bus back at 9292.nl.
From Amsterdam
Two ways from Amsterdam
The full comparison, with timings and prices, is on our Amsterdam pages.
Flexible
Train + bus 70
About 2 to 2.5 hours each way via Steenwijk. You choose your own times, but plan the last bus back carefully.
By coach or minibus
Tour operators, schools and companies arrive by coach every day. Our cruise dock at Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7 has coach parking, large toilets and a restaurant within 25 metres, so a group can go from bus to boat without waiting.
Let us know your arrival time in advance so the boat and the check-in are ready. See the groups page or contact us directly.
From other cities
Every route ends at the same two addresses. We wrote a short page per starting point.
UtrechtAbout 1.5 hours by car via the A28. From Utrecht.
Rotterdam & The HagueAround two hours by car, or by train via Zwolle. From Rotterdam and The Hague.
ZwolleHalf an hour by car, or train plus bus 70 in under an hour. From Zwolle.
GroningenAbout 1 h 15 via the A7 and A32. From Groningen.
EindhovenAbout 2 h 10 by car. From Eindhoven.
BelgiumAntwerp to Giethoorn is about 2 h 40. From Belgium.
Questions about getting here
How do I get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn?
By car in about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30, by train to Steenwijk plus bus 70 in 2 to 2.5 hours, or with our direct coach that brings you to the dock and back for € 39.
Is there a train station in Giethoorn?
No. The nearest station is Steenwijk, about nine kilometres away. From there bus 70 takes you into the village in about a quarter of an hour.
How often does bus 70 run?
At least once an hour, with extra departures in the season. The first bus leaves Steenwijk around 07:00 and the last one before 20:00. Always check 9292.nl for the current times.
Can I pay cash on the bus?
No. Check in with your bank card or phone (OVpay) or an OV-chipkaart.
Which bus stop is closest to the boats?
The Ds. Hylkemaweg stop for the canal cruise, our restaurant and Old Art Hotel. The self-drive boats at Zuiderpad 14A are a short walk from the village entrance.
Is a day trip from Amsterdam worth it?
Yes, if you give it time. Plan at least four hours in the village so you can rent a boat, have lunch and walk the Binnenpad. Our coach gives you about four hours of free time.
Your boat is ready when you arrive
Book online in advance for the best price and a guaranteed boat. Choose your boat, date and time.