Most people get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by train — it's fast, it's cheap, and it's completely unremarkable. A private boat from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans takes longer, but it turns the journey itself into part of the trip: 1.5 hours along the Zaan River, past historic warehouses and working windmills, on a boat that's entirely yours. This guide covers what the private boat experience actually includes, plus every other way to get to Zaanse Schans — train, bus, bike — so you can see exactly why the boat is worth it.
No Transfers, No Crowds
No train platforms, no bus queues. Private pickup, one boat, straight to the windmills.
The Journey Is the Highlight
The Zaan River route itself — passing historic warehouses and industrial-era architecture — is part of the experience, not just transit.
On-Board Comfort
Minibar drinks, a welcome drink included, and a restroom on board the Ritz for the full round trip.
Your Own Schedule
Choose your own departure time, spend as long as you like at Zaanse Schans, and return when you're ready.
See the Route Before You Book
A quick look at what the private boat trip from Amsterdam actually looks like on the water — the Zaan River, the approach to the windmills, and the Ritz's own deck.
The Private Boat
Depart From Amsterdam, Arrive at the Windmills
The saloon boat Ritz departs from Amsterdam and follows the Zaan River north for around 1.5 hours, arriving directly at Zaanse Schans. You can start the day with breakfast or lunch on board before departure, and your captain shares the history of the route as you go — the same industrial waterway that shaped this whole region.
Additional drinks beyond the included welcome drink are available from the on-board minibar: beer, white and red wine, Champagne, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.
On Board
Restroom, Minibar, and Room to Relax
Unlike a train carriage or a tour bus, the Ritz gives you a proper cabin, outdoor deck space, and a restroom on board — genuinely useful on a round trip that runs most of a day. It's built for sitting back and watching the countryside go by, not for standing in an aisle.
What a Private Boat to Zaanse Schans Costs
The minimum charter time for the Zaanse Schans trip is 5 hours, starting from €960 including tax and fees. That covers roughly 1.5 hours each way on the water plus at least 2 hours to explore Zaanse Schans itself. The final price depends on your group size and whether you add an extra host on board — who can also act as your local guide once you arrive at Zaanse Schans.
- Includes one welcome drink per guest
- Additional drinks and catering charged separately on board
- Final price varies with group size, and with whether an extra host/local guide is added for the day
- Book via the online booking system, and note in the comment field that this is a Zaanse Schans trip with a minimum 300-minute (5-hour) charter
- Flexible departure point — including breakfast or lunch on board before setting off
What to See at Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a living open-air museum — a working windmill village you can walk through, not just photograph from a distance.
Historic Windmills
De Kat (the world's only working windmill still producing paint pigments), Het Jonge Schaap (a functioning sawmill), and De Zoeker (an oil mill) are all open to visit.
Zaans Museum
The region's history — Dutch art, local industry, cocoa and biscuit manufacturing — with useful context before exploring the rest of the village.
Clog Workshop
Watch traditional Dutch clogs being made by hand at the Wooden Shoe Workshop, and pick one up as a souvenir.
Cheese Farm "Catharina Hoeve"
Free tastings and demonstrations of how Gouda and Edam are made, right on site.
Weaver's House
Traditional weaving techniques and the story of local sailcloth production, with weavers in period costume.
Albert Heijn Museum Shop
The original Albert Heijn grocery store, preserved as a museum showing Dutch shopping life in the early 1900s.
How to Get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam: Every Option
If a private boat isn't what you're after, here's exactly how the alternatives compare — train, bus, and bike are all straightforward options for reaching Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam Centraal.
| Method | Travel Time | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private boat | ~1.5 hours each way | From €960 (5-hour charter; final price depends on group size and optional host/guide) | Scenic Zaan River route, door-to-door, minibar and restroom on board |
| Train (NS, Amsterdam Centraal → Zaandijk Zaanse Schans) | ~17 minutes, plus a 10–15 min walk to the village | From €4.20 one-way, per person | Direct trains roughly every 15–30 minutes; fastest and cheapest option |
| Bus 391 (from Amsterdam Centraal) | ~35–45 minutes | Regular OV-chipkaart/contactless fares apply | Departs roughly every 15 minutes; drops closer to the village entrance than the train |
| Bike | ~1 hour each way | Cost of a rental bike | Around 16–19 km one-way; a flat, well-marked Dutch cycling route |
| Car | ~20–30 minutes | Parking fees at Zaanse Schans apply | Fastest by road, but you'll want the walking/cycling routes once there anyway |
Prices and journey times are approximate and can change — always check current fares before you travel. The private boat trip is priced separately as a full charter (see above), not per person.
Best Time to Visit Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans is open year-round, but April to October is the best window — mild weather and a better chance of seeing the windmills actually turning. Spring brings tulips and green fields along the route. Arrive early or visit on a weekday if you want to avoid the busiest crowds, especially in peak summer season.
Travel Tips for Visiting Zaanse Schans
- Dress comfortably — cobblestone paths and uneven terrain throughout the village.
- Bring a camera — the windmills and traditional houses make for the best photo opportunities in the region.
- Book in advance — private boat charters fill up quickly in summer.
- Eat locally — cafes around Zaanse Schans serve traditional Dutch pancakes and poffertjes.
- Use the on-site map — an interactive map at the entrance covers opening hours and attraction locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by boat?
Boatboys runs a private boat charter from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans along the Zaan River, taking around 1.5 hours each way. The minimum charter is 5 hours, starting from €960 including tax, covering the full round trip plus time to explore Zaanse Schans. The exact price depends on your group size and whether you add an extra host on board, who can also act as your local guide at Zaanse Schans.
How far is Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam?
By boat, it's around 1.5 hours one way along the Zaan River. By train or car, the distance is about 20 km and takes roughly 17–25 minutes.
How do I get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans by train?
Take a direct NS train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans — it takes about 17 minutes and starts from €4.20 one-way. From the station, it's a 10–15 minute walk to the village entrance.
Is there a bus from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?
Yes — bus 391 runs from Amsterdam Centraal roughly every 15 minutes and takes about 35–45 minutes, dropping closer to the village entrance than the train station does.
Can I cycle from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?
Yes, it's a popular cycling route — around 16–19 km one-way on flat, well-marked paths, taking roughly an hour at a relaxed pace.
What's the best way to get to Zaanse Schans — train, bus, or private boat?
The train is fastest and cheapest for a quick visit. The private boat takes longer but makes the journey itself part of the experience — a scenic 1.5-hour cruise up the Zaan River with a captain, on-board minibar, and restroom, instead of a 17-minute train ride.
Can I return to Amsterdam by boat the same day?
Yes — the private boat trip is a round trip designed as a single day. You choose your own departure and return times when booking.
Is Zaanse Schans suitable for children?
Yes. Kids typically enjoy the windmills, the clog-making demonstrations, and the cheese tastings. We can also pick up near your hotel, which keeps the day simple for families.
Is there an entrance fee for Zaanse Schans?
Entry to the Zaanse Schans area itself is free. Some individual windmills and museums charge a small admission fee.
How much time should I spend at Zaanse Schans?
At least 2–3 hours in addition to travel time, to see the windmills, a museum or two, and the clog and cheese demonstrations without rushing.
Ready to See Zaanse Schans From the Water?
Whether it's a couple's day out, a family trip, or a group looking for something more memorable than a train platform, the private boat turns the trip to Zaanse Schans into the highlight of the day rather than just the way there.
Book Your Private Boat to Zaanse Schans