Your visit to the Netherlands would not be complete without the picturesque Dutch countryside. The Zaanse Schans, a typically Dutch small village with green-timbered houses and historical windmills, is located just outside Amsterdam. How to get to Zaanse Schans and what are the things to do there?
One of the most common questions we hear from travellers: is it better to take a tour to Zaanse Schans or travel on our own? Our advice: if you have enough time in the Netherlands, travel on your own and explore the country at your own pace. If your time is limited and you want to visit multiple places in one day, consider joining a guided tour.
We recommend:
- Zaanse Schans + Giethoorn tour in small group with hotel pick-up
- Zaanse Schans + Edam + Volendam + Marken tour
Zaanse Schans Tours from Amsterdam
There are different tour companies offering half-day trips from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans. One of the cheapest options (an still a good one) is the Zaanse Schans tour from Amsterdam (from € 29,50).
Reservation for all tours is required. The tours are popular, so in the hight season we recommend to book the tours online at least 2-3 days in advance. Book now >>
Zaanse Schans: how to get there from Amsterdam?
Zaanse Schans is located just 16,5 km away from Amsterdam. If you decide to travel on your own, you can get there by car, bicycle or public transport.
- Tip! Buy a card for the day that admits you to nearly everything at the Zaanse Schans that is a paid entry.
How to get from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans by car
Navigation address for parking at the Zaanse Schanse is Schansend 7, 1509 AW, Zaandam. In 2025 parking costs € 15 per day for cars. It is not possible to pay with cash, only with a bank pass.
It is possible to park with motor homes near the Zaanse Schans, the address of the parking place is Wezelstraat 12, 1541 LZ, Koog aan de Zaan.
How to get to the Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by bus
Take Connexxion bus line 391 from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans. It departs every 15 minutes. The journey takes 40 minutes. You can buy tickets from the bus driver. A ticket costs € 11.50 and it’s valid all day.
Plan your trip to the Zaanse Schans carefully before departure. Check the route, schedule and travel times from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans via the Glimble app. It is also possible to by the bus and train tickets in the app:
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is also valid in this bus. The Region Travel Card offers you an opportunity to visit big attractions around Amsterdam (Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, the Beach at Zandvoort and much more) on your own, with flexible departure times.
- Holland Explorer tip: We definitely recommend this travel pass if you plan to actively explore the Netherlands. Order A&RTT online >>
You can also use the Dutch Countryside Card. The Card is a combination of:
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Card (unlimited public transportation in and around Amsterdam)
- canal cruise in Amsterdam.
How to get from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans by train
Take a Sprinter to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station. The train journey from Amsterdam Central Station takes only 17 minutes (book tickets online). Zaanse Schans is just a 10-minute walk from the station. You will see numerous direction signs as soon as you leave the station.
Tip! If you travel to the Zaanse Schans by train, make a stop at Zaandam.
This world-famous building in Zaandam, which facade is made of stacked typical houses from the area, is actually a hotel. So you can even stay there! It’s only 12 minutes by train to Amsterdam. Check Inntel Hotels Zaandam >>
Things to do at the Zaanse Schans
The village of the Zaanse Schans is the world famous for its collection of historic windmills. Many of them are not just heritage, but still fully-operating wooden machines. You can visit windmills and see it yourself how they are used for making spices, sawing wood, grinding oil and much more. Very impressive!
You are also welcome to visit numerous small museums and craft demonstrations. During the high season you can take a boat and explore the area from the water side. A truly Dutch experience! The Zaanse Schans also hosts numerous craft, cheese and chocolate shops where you can buy great souvenirs to take home.
Zaanse Schans opening hours in 2025
The Zaanse Schans village is open for visitors any time of the day and the year. However different attactions opening hours differ depending on the season. In the high season (from April to November) almost everything is open between 10:00 and 17:00. But in the low season it is different. We recommend you to check opening hours online before you go to visit the Zaanse Schans.
Zaanse Schans tickets (windmills, cruises)
Most of museums and craft demonstrations, and several windmills can be visited free of charge. But for some of the attractions you have to pay. For example, a ticket to Het Jonge Schaap, De Zoeker and De Kat windmills costs € 5,00 for adults and € 2,50 for children each.
You can also buy a Zaanse Schans card (€ 29,50), which includes:
- Zaans Museum ticket (usual price – € 14,50)
- Verkade Chocolate and Biscuit Factory ticket
- Weaver’s House ticket
- Coopery entrance ticket
- Museum Zaan Time ticket
- World of Windmill sticket
- De Kat paint windmill ticket
- Het Jonge Schaap saw windmill ticket
- Museum Zaanse Tijd ticket
- 30% discount on parking ticket (usual price – € 11 – € 15 per day)
Zaanse Schans with I amsterdam card
If you have the I amsterdam city card, you can visit many of the Zaanse Schans attractions for free. In 2025 Zaan Time Museum and Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience as well as several windmills in Zaanse Schans are included in the card.
How long will it take to visit the Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans will easily fill half a day. Keep in mind that the village is located close to the water, and the weather will most probably be windy. Taking some warm clothes (gloves, shawls, scarfs) will make your visit to the Zaanse Schans more comfortable.
Is it possible to visit the Zaanse Schans and Keukenhof in one day?
Actually, yes, it’s doable. You can start by visiting Keukenhof, then head back to Amsterdam and take a bus or train to Zaanse Schans, or you can do it the other way around. Just be aware that you’ll need to do a fair amount of walking at both locations.
We recommend going to the Zaanse Schans on your own and then taking a direct transfer bus to Keukenhof from Amsterdam. You can also join a tour and visit the Zaanse Schans and Keukenhof in one day.
Enjoy your visit to the Zaanse Schans!
This article is also available in German: Willkommen im Dorf Zaanse Schans!
About the author:
Hi, can we use the I AMSTERDAM CARD for the 817 and 397 buses in Zaanse Schans area?
Kindly email answer.
Thank you
Hi Hannah, to the I Amsterdam city card is only valid in the public transport within the city (operated by GVB company)/
Hi, is there direct bus 817 between the Zaanse Schans and Volendam this summer 2023 as well? can you please tell me is that bus running every day? and price too. thank you.
Hi! No, unfortunately the bus 817 is no longer operating. We’ve updated information in the article above. Sorry for the possible inconvenience!