How to Get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
Are you looking for a day trip away from the capital? It’s really easy to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans to enjoy the Dutch countryside.
A day trip to Zaanse Schans is the perfect opportunity to learn about one of the things the Netherlands is famous for: windmills!
In this article, we’ll see all the available options to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans.
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Train: Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans
The most convenient and quickest choice is to take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans.
It only takes 20 minutes and you’ll get to see some beautiful landscapes outside of your window.
The Zaanse Schans station can be reached from Amsterdam in 17 minutes.
After arriving at the station, you’ll have to walk for around 15 minutes to reach the Windmill Village.
The bridge that crosses the river Zaan (before reaching the village) will give you one of the best panoramic photos of all the windmills. Don’t miss it!
The Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans train price is 3.70 euros one way.
Bus: Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans
Alternatively, you can take bus number 391 from Amsterdam Central Station (CS IJzijde) to the Zaanse Schans, Zaandam.
Buses run every 15 minutes and the journey takes 40 minutes.
From the bus stop, you’ll have to walk for around 20 minutes to reach the village.
Regarding the price of the bus ticket, it will cost you 5,19 euros one way.
I strongly suggest the purchase of a travel ticket for the Amsterdam region because it will save you time and money. It’s valid on all public transportation within the region of Amsterdam, including buses, ferries, subways, trains and trams and you can choose from 1 up to 3 days of transportation.
For planning your trip with public transport check out the 9292 website or app.
Bike: Zaanse Schans Bike Rental
If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, consider a bike rental from Amsterdam.
Biking from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans will give you a very local perspective of the Dutch countryside.
Also, it will give you more flexibility to stop along the way with many opportunities to take photos and enjoy nature at its finest.
I especially recommend renting a bike during the spring season so you can see the blooming flowers in their natural habitat.
Biking to Zaanse Schans, depending on the speed takes you around an hour.
Feeling lazy to bike on a normal bike? Then, check out this e-bike tour available from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans.
Zaanse Schans Route
If riding a bike is your chosen option, check out the Zaanse Schans route here for a comprehensive bike route from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans.
Planning a trip to the Netherlands
Car: Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans
The distance from the Dutch capital to the Windmill Village is approximately 20 km.
You can of course rent a car to get to Windmill Village.
Driving to Zaanse Schans will take you around 20 minutes depending on the traffic.
The exact address is Schansend 7 in Zaandam.
Zaanse Schans Parking
The parking at Zaanse Schans costs 11 euros up to 15 euros per day, depending on the season. You can check for the exact price at the entrance.
Be aware that parking on the road at Zaanse Schans is not allowed and you may get a ticket if you do so.
Tours from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
There are many different tours available and also tours that include more Dutch villages.
Some of the best-rated tours are the following:
- Zaanse Schans Windmills and Bike Tour Half-Day Tour: A guided tour that includes transportation, an entrance fee to one of the windmills, and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who will share the history of the village.
- Zaanse Schans and Windmills Tour: This tour not only takes you to Zaanse Schans but also includes visits to working windmills and the clog workshop. Moreover, you can taste the cheeses at the cheese farm, all this in a small group.
- Villages & Windmills Zaanse Schans Small Group Tour: Visit the fishing villages of Volendam and Broek, and take a stroll through Zaanse Schans. Visit a cheese factory for a tasting. This is a small group tour.
- Amsterdam: Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Tour: Guided tour to the famous North Venice called Giethoorn and the Windmill Village in a day trip.
Comparison Between Route Options
Below you’ll find a comparison between all options of transportation we discussed in this article.
Despite the option you choose, enjoy the trip!
| Train | Bus | Bike | Car | Guided Tour | |
| Duration of Journey | 20′ | 40′ | 1h +/- | 20′ | Half-day to Full day trip |
| Directions | Amsterdam Central Station – Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans | Bus number 391 Amsterdam Central Station (CS IJzijde) – Zaanse Schans, Zaandam | Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans | Schansend 7 in Zaandam | – |
| Cost One Way | 3.70 euros | 5.19 euros | It depends on the rental. | 11 euros up to 15 euros parking + fuel | It depends on the tour. |
