Getting to Giethoorn by Public Transport: Here’s How!

Giethoorn might be a village without roads (and without a train station), but luckily, it’s still very easy to reach by public transport. Whether you’re coming from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, or Groningen – you’ll be in this water-filled paradise in no time.

First Stop: Steenwijk Station

If you’re traveling to Giethoorn by train, your first destination is Steenwijk Station. This is the closest train station and the main transfer point to Giethoorn. From there, just hop on the bus – easy peasy!

How to Get to Steenwijk by Train

From Amsterdam:
From Amsterdam Zuid, there are two trains per hour to Steenwijk. One is a direct intercity to Leeuwarden, the other requires a transfer in Zwolle.
If you’re departing from Amsterdam Central, take the intercity to Almere Centrum and transfer there to a train going to Leeuwarden or Groningen. The train to Leeuwarden stops in Steenwijk. If you’re on the train to Groningen, transfer in Zwolle to the intercity to Leeuwarden.

From Rotterdam:
From Rotterdam Central, take the intercity to Utrecht Central. There, transfer to the intercity to Leeuwarden (which stops in Steenwijk).
Accidentally on the train to Groningen? No worries – just switch in Zwolle to the Leeuwarden intercity.

From The Hague:
From The Hague Central, you can travel directly to Steenwijk once per hour. The other option each hour requires a transfer in Zwolle. Same tip here: the intercity to Leeuwarden stops in Steenwijk, the one to Groningen does not – so double-check before boarding.

And Then… Take the Bus to Giethoorn!

From Steenwijk Station, you’ll be in a boat in no time. Buses run to Giethoorn all year round:

• Bus line 70 runs hourly from Steenwijk through Giethoorn to Zwartsluis.

• From April to October, bus line 270 (the Giethoorn Express) also runs hourly. It takes a faster route and also stops in Giethoorn.

Good news: during those months, there’s a bus to Giethoorn every 30 minutes – all week long, even on holidays!

In short: Getting to Giethoorn by public transport is easier than you think. Just travel to Steenwijk and catch the bus there. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising between thatched-roof houses and ducks. Enjoy your trip!