How to get to Zandvoort from Amsterdam?

How to get to the beach?

So, you have tickets to attend the Formula One race at Circuit Zandvoort. Or you are anxious to cool off and relax at the beautiful Zandvoort beach. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for milder weather to hike in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Or you simply enjoy visiting Zandvoort.

But how do you get to Zandvoort from Amsterdam?

It’s really quite simple. By car, train, bus, or bicycle.

Driving to Zandvoort

Driving to Zandvort is not recommended when there are major events taking place in the region. The Formula One race in May 2020 is one example of an event that is likely to bring the crowds to the roads, and result in traffic jams. Travelling the jammed roads on hot, sunny weekends in the summer, is also a reason to consider other modes of transportation.

Without the potential for stalled traffic, your drive from Amsterdam to Zandvoort should take approximately 45 minutes, along the N205/N201, which can be reached via the A5 or the A10. Another option is to take the route via Haarlem, turning onto the A9, and then the N201.

Taxis are available, but will run into the same traffic jams as your own vehicle or a rental car.

Taking the train

Riding the train from Amsterdam to Zandvoort is highly recommended. Trains leave Amsterdam Centraal every 30 minutes, and even more frequently on those sunny days when the beach is calling out to you. The ride from Centraal Station takes 30 minutes to Zandvoort aan Zee.

The train to Zandvoort stops in Sloterdijk and Haarlem. If it suits you better, you can take the train to Haarlem, and then switch trains to travel on to Zandvoort.

It’s just a 10-minute walk from Zandvoort aan Zee to the beach. Similarly, it takes 10 minutes to reach the Zandvoort Circuit. Exact walking directions to the race track are provided on the Circuit Zandvoort website.

Bussing to Zandvoort

Bus route #81 takes 50 minutes to reach Zandvoort from Marnixstraat in Amsterdam-Noord. Another option is to take the #80, which is a 30-minute journey from Haarlem.

Cycling the whole way!

Are you up to it? It’s a 30 Km journey by bicycle, but it can be done. One of the cycling routes follows the old tram lines, known as the Voormalige Trambaan. The terrain is mostly flat, and will take approximately an hour and 40 minutes to complete. Then there is a cycling path that takes one and a half hours.

And don’t forget – if you get stuck, there is always 9292, which will show you the rest of the way!