This post shows you the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train or Bus
Looking for the best day trips from Amsterdam by train or bus?
You don’t need a car or a guided tour.
It’s easy to explore charming towns, peaceful nature, and cultural gems nearby.
In this guide, I share my favorite day trips —
simple to reach and full of local character.
Haarlem – Historic Streets, Art and a Quieter Canal Life
Just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, Haarlem feels like a calm, elegant cousin to the Dutch capital.
It has cobbled streets, cozy cafés, and canals, with fewer tourists.
The city’s heart is Grote Markt, where historic buildings frame a lively square.
Visit the local market on a Saturday for Dutch cheeses, breads, and flowers — perfect for a quick snack.
Don’t miss the Frans Hals Museum, which is dedicated to one of the great Dutch Golden Age painters.
Even if you’re not into art, the building and courtyards are worth a look.
For local eats or events, I Amsterdam has updated tips on cafés, museums, and more.
How to Get There
Take an Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal — it runs every 10–15 minutes.
The ride takes just 15 minutes and costs €5.20 one way.
From the station, it’s a short walk to the historic center.
Leiden – Canals, Museums and a Taste of Old Holland
Just over 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Leiden is filled with canals, history, and a calm university-town feel.
Visit Pieterskerk or climb the Burcht van Leiden, a small hilltop fort with lovely rooftop views across the city.
Look for the mural near Rembrandt’s birthplace, then stop by one of Leiden’s compact museums — perfect for a rainy afternoon.
End your visit with a quiet canal stroll or a coffee by the water, surrounded by locals and students.
How to get there:
Take a direct Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Leiden Centraal. The ride takes about 36 minutes and costs €11.30 (second class).
It’s just a 10-minute walk from the station to the historic city center.
Utrecht – A Local’s Favorite Just 30 Minutes from Amsterdam
Utrecht is just 30 minutes from Amsterdam and full of charm. Locals love it, and many tourists don’t even visit.
The canals are unique — walk along terraced paths below street level lined with cafés, benches, and bikes. It’s peaceful and scenic.
Don’t miss the Dom Tower, the tallest in the Netherlands. Climb up for views, or explore Domplein and its historic vibe.
Wander to Ledig Erf and the Louis Hartlooper Complex, a cozy cinema in an old station. Utrecht feels creative, calm, and local.
How to get there:
Take an Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal. The ride takes 26 minutes and costs €9.40. You’ll arrive right in the city center via Hoog Catharijne mall.
Peaceful Villages Near Amsterdam by Train or Bus
Monnickendam – Quiet Streets, Lakeside Views and a True Dutch Village Feel
Just 30 minutes north of Amsterdam by bus, Monnickendam is a peaceful town full of charm, red rooftops, and narrow canals. Unlike the more touristic Volendam, this small village still feels genuinely local — no crowds, no gimmicks, just everyday Dutch life in a beautiful setting.
You can go there directly by bus or make it an active adventure: start in Ilpendam, a tiny village just outside the city, and walk or bike through scenic countryside, passing grazing sheep, open pastures, and quiet waterways. This kind of slow travel makes the Netherlands special—flat, calm, and beautifully connected by nature.
Once in Monnickendam, you can stroll along the harbor, admire the historic gabled houses, or relax at one of the lakeside terraces for coffee or lunch. The town is also home to a small but fascinating museum housed in the former weighing house, which gives you a glimpse into the area’s rich maritime and fishing history.
How to get there:
Take the 315 or 316 bus from Amsterdam Centraal (IJzijde, behind the station). The ride takes about 25–30 minutes. You can also get off in Ilpendam for a 1.5–2 hour walk or a shorter bike ride through the Waterland countryside.
Ouderkerk aan de Amstel – River Views, Local Cafés and an Easy Walk from the City
If you want a quiet escape without leaving Amsterdam’s city limits, head south along the Amstel River. Just minutes from the city, you’ll find one of the calmest and most scenic stretches of countryside.
After about an hour on foot, you’ll arrive at Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. It’s a small village with a peaceful rhythm and riverside charm.
The walk or bike ride takes you past houseboats, grazing sheep, open meadows, and old bridges. The scenery reminds you why slow travel is worth it.
Once in the village, you’ll find cafés with terraces by the water and the Oude Kerk, a 12th-century church.
This route is perfect if you want to take one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train or bus while staying close to the city and completely disconnecting.
If you want to follow this scenic route step by step, I shared the whole experience in this post: Amsterdam Amstel River Hike
How to get there:
You can walk or bike straight from central Amsterdam by following the Amstel River south. The route is about 9 km (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on foot), or 30 minutes by bike. Alternatively, take bus 170 or 174 to Ouderkerk in about 20 minutes.
Nature-Filled Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train or Bus
These nature escapes are all less than an hour from Amsterdam. They’re perfect if you’re looking for something more peaceful than museums or nearby cities.
Amsterdamse Bos – Forests, Lakes and Peace Just Outside the City
Amsterdamse Bos (the Amsterdam Forest) is a massive green space, three times the size of Central Park. It’s technically part of Amstelveen, but it’s easy to reach by bus or bike from the city center. Once there, you’ll find walking trails, bike paths, and a goat farm. There are also canoe rentals, open meadows, and small lakes where locals come to relax or swim in the summer.
Despite being so close to the city, Amsterdamse Bos feels miles away. It’s ideal for travelers who want to disconnect without spending a full day in transit.
How to get there:
Take bus 170 or 172 toward Amstelveen from Amsterdam Zuid or Station RAI and leave at “Van Nijenrodeweg.” It’s about a 20–30 minute ride.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park – Sand Dunes, Forest Trails and Wild Bison
Just outside Haarlem, Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland offers a peaceful escape. The landscape includes quiet forests, dunes, and wide coastal trails. I’ve been there twice. It truly feels like stepping into an enchanted world.
The park has a network of marked walking routes. Some lead to the beach at Zandvoort aan Zee. You’ll walk through pine and oak forests, open fields, and rolling dune valleys. If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild bison. They live in a protected area and can sometimes be seen from marked viewpoints.
Zuid-Kennemerland is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train or bus. It is part of the official Dutch National Parks network and offers a unique mix of dunes, forests, and wildlife close to Amsterdam.
How to get there:
Take the Sprinter train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zandpoort Noord. The ride takes less than 30 minutes. From the station, you can access the park directly.
Final Thoughts on These Peaceful Day Trips from Amsterdam
You might be drawn to historic cities like Utrecht or Leiden, or quiet villages like Monnickendam and Ouderkerk. The Netherlands has something for every traveler. Open trails like Zuid-Kennemerland and the scenic Amstel Riverwalk show how beautifully connected the country is.
Each day trip offers something different: a slower pace, a more local vibe, or a deep breath of fresh air. And the best part? You don’t need a car, a tour, or a rush to enjoy them.
These are some of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train or bus — and they’re all within reach.
Have you taken any of these day trips already, or are you planning one now? Let me know in the comments! If you found this helpful, feel free to save it or share it with someone planning a trip to Amsterdam.
Helpful Travel Resources for Day Trips from Amsterdam
The NS (Dutch Railways) official website offers English schedules and real-time updates, making checking train times and booking tickets easy.
This post shows you the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train or Bus
Other Itineraries and Walks in the Netherlands You Might Enjoy
Whether you’re staying longer or looking for more off-the-beaten-path inspiration, here are other guides and walking routes in the Netherlands that you might love:
Amsterdam Travel Tips: 35 Things to Know Before You Go
Amsterdam 3-Day Itinerary: Best Ideas to Plan Your Trip
Amsterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour – Explore the Canals
Hiking in the Netherlands – Discover Nijmegen’s Scenic Trails