A day trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, a guided tour can cost little more than public transport – and sometimes even less with special discounts. Plus, you’ll enjoy a comfortable journey, with options for hotel pickup and small-group or private tours to Giethoorn.
Last updated: 7 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
Giethoorn, the village with no roads, which is often called the Dutch Venice is located 121 kilometers away from Amsterdam. It’s definitely worth visiting during your trip to Holland. But it’s not that easy to get to. A journey from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport (train and bus) will take 2 – 2,5 hours one way.
After visiting Giethoorn multiple times, I found the biggest challenge isn’t the train journey itself. It’s coordinating train and bus connections, especially during busy weekends. If you want to save time and energy I recommend booking a tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam.
Why most visitors choose a tour to Giethoorn:
- No train-to-bus transfers
- Guaranteed seat
- Boat trip included
- More time exploring the village
- Easier for first-time visitors
Giethoorn tours prices in 2026
The prices for a trip to Giethoorn start from € 65 a person (including a boat trip). The price is very reasonable, as when you travel independently you’ll need to pay almost € 55 just for transportation. Joining the tour to Giethoorn will let you save time and avoid waiting at the bus stops and stations.
| Tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn | Ticket price | Guide | Best for | Tickets in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus transfer | from € 65 | No | Budget | Book >> |
| Guided group tour | from € 79 | Yes | Most visitors | Book >> |
| Small group tour | from € 118 | Yes | Comfort | Book >> |
| Private tour | from € 445 per group | Private | Families | Book >> |
You can also book a small group tour to Giethoorn + Zaanse Schans with a hotel pickup.
When do Giethoorn tours depart?
Departure times vary by season and by which tour you choose – most operators run one or two departures a day in the high season, and fewer in winter. Rather than list times here that could go out of date, select your travel date in the booking widget below to see the exact time slots available that day.
A tour to Giethoorn departs from the center of Amsterdam (De Ruijterkade 34) and includes:
- Two-way transportation by a shuttle bus
- Live guide in English, Spanish and German
- Boat tour in Giethoorn (please note: weather conditions can have influence on the boat trip)
Book a tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn >>
You can also choose a small group tour (maximum 18 persons) to Giethoorn in a luxurious minivan costs from € 118 per person. Prior booking is required.
Accommodation in Giethoorn
If you want to spend a few days in Giethoorn make sure you book a place to stay in advance. Giethoorn offers a wide selection of hotels and B&Bs. Staying in a traditional Giethoorn house is definitely something to experience!
Things to do in Giethoorn
- rent a small electric boat or sloop and sail in Giethoorn yourself.
- or order a group guided canal tour to explore the canals and take photos of the beautiful farmhouses.
- enjoy your lunch at Grand Cafe Fanfare. The place is named after the famous comedy Fanfare, filmed in Giethoorn by the Dutch film maker Bert Haanstra in 1958. This movie has actually made Giethoorn famous.
- rent a bike and explore the outside of village and its corners off the beaten track.
FAQ: Giethoorn tours from Amsterdam
How much does a tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam cost?
Prices start from € 65 per person for a bus transfer without a guide, up to € 118 per person for a small group tour with a guide and electric boat trip, or from € 445 per group for a private tour.
Do I need to book a Giethoorn tour in advance?
Yes, all tours require prior booking, and popular time slots – especially on weekends and in the high season – can sell out. We recommend booking a few days ahead.
How long does it take to get to Giethoorn by public transport?
By train and bus, the journey takes around 2 to 2,5 hours one way, and usually involves coordinating a train-to-bus transfer. A guided tour skips this transfer and takes you there directly by shuttle bus.
Enjoy your visit to Giethoorn!
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About the author:
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself: real tips, not tourist traps.