Getting to Volendam: Overview
Volendam is perfectly positioned just 20 kilometers north of Amsterdam in the province of North Holland, making it one of the most accessible day trip destinations from the capital. This picturesque fishing village on the shores of the Markermeer (former Zuiderzee) is well-connected by an excellent network of public transport, clearly marked cycling paths, and modern roads. Whether you prefer the convenience of public transport, the freedom of driving, or the adventure of cycling through the Dutch countryside, reaching Volendam is straightforward and enjoyable. The journey itself offers beautiful views of the typical Dutch polder landscape with its canals, windmills, and grazing cattle.
Distance
20 km from Amsterdam
35 km from Schiphol Airport
By Bus
30-40 minutes
Direct connection
By Car
20-25 minutes
Free parking available
By Bike
1-1.5 hours
Scenic route
How to Get to Volendam from Amsterdam Public Transport
Bus Route 316 (Recommended)
The most popular and convenient way to reach Volendam from Amsterdam is by taking bus 316, operated by EBS (previously R-net). This direct service connects Amsterdam Central Station with Volendam, passing through picturesque villages like Broek in Waterland along the way. The bus is modern, comfortable, and equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Route Details:
- Departure: Amsterdam Central Station (Perron H)
- Bus Number: 316 (EBS/R-net bus)
- Direction: Edam via Volendam
- Journey Time: 30-40 minutes
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes (weekdays), every 20-30 minutes (weekends)
- Key Stops: Station Noord, Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, Volendam
- Final Stop: Volendam, Zeestraat (town center)
Ticket Information:
- Single Ticket: €4.50-5.50 with OV-chipcard
- Waterland Day Ticket: €12.50 (unlimited travel)
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Valid on this route
- Payment: OV-chipcard, contactless payment, or mobile app
- Buy Tickets: From driver (more expensive), GVB ticket office, or online
- I amsterdam City Card: Includes free ferry to Marken
Alternative: Via Amsterdam Noord
If you're staying in Amsterdam Noord or want to avoid the busy Central Station, you can catch bus 316 from Amsterdam Noord station, which is easily accessible by free ferry or Metro line 52.
- Take free ferry or Metro 52 to Amsterdam Noord
- Transfer to Bus 316 towards Edam
- Total journey: 35-45 minutes
- Same ticket prices apply
- Less crowded than Central Station
From Schiphol Airport
International visitors can reach Volendam directly from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with one connection at Amsterdam Central Station.
- Train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central (15-20 min, €5.50)
- Bus 316 to Volendam (35 min)
- Total journey: 60-75 minutes
- Total cost: approximately €10-12
- Trains run every 10-15 minutes
Driving to Volendam
By Car from Amsterdam
Driving to Volendam is straightforward and takes approximately 20-25 minutes from Amsterdam city center in normal traffic conditions. The route is well-signposted and offers scenic views of the North Holland countryside. GPS navigation works well, but turn it off when entering Volendam and follow the parking signs instead.
Route via A10/N247 (Fastest):
- From Amsterdam, take A10 ring road north (direction Zaandam)
- Exit at junction S116 toward Volendam/Monnickendam
- Follow N247 north for approximately 15 km
- At the roundabout, turn right following signs for Volendam centrum
- Follow Zeestraat/Julianaweg to the harbor area
- Look for blue P-signs for parking areas
Distance: 22 km
Time: 20-25 minutes (without traffic)
Time in rush hour: 35-45 minutes
Tolls: None
Fuel cost: Approximately €3-4
Alternative Scenic Route via Waterland:
- Take N235 from Amsterdam Noord
- Drive through the villages of Durgerdam and Uitdam
- Follow the dike road along the Markermeer
- Continue via Monnickendam to Volendam
- More scenic but 5-10 minutes longer
Distance: 26 km
Time: 30-35 minutes
Highlights: Waterside views, traditional villages
Note: Popular with cyclists on weekends
Where to Park in Volendam
Volendam offers several parking options ranging from free lots to paid parking garages. During peak season (April-September) and weekends, arrive before 10 AM for the best parking availability near the harbor. The town has implemented a clear parking guidance system with electronic signs showing available spaces.
P1 - Marinapark (Free)
The largest and most popular free parking area, located at the entrance of Volendam near Roompot Marinapark resort.
- Location: Pieterman 1/Strandweg 1
- Capacity: 300+ cars, 18 coaches
- Price: FREE
- Distance: 10 min walk to harbor
- Note: First section max 3 hours with blue disc
- Best for: All-day visits
P2 - Slobbeland (Free)
Smaller free parking area closer to the harbor, ideal for visitors with mobility issues.
- Location: Slobbeland 2
- Capacity: 90 spaces
- Price: FREE
- Distance: 5 min walk to harbor
- Note: Limited spaces, fills quickly
- Best for: Short visits, mobility issues
P3 - Parallelweg (Free)
Free parking directly along the famous dike with quick access to tourist areas.
- Location: Parallelweg 5
- Capacity: 125 cars, 32 coaches (paid)
- Price: FREE for cars
- Distance: 2-5 min walk to dike
- Best for: Quick harbor visits
Parkeergarage Centrum
Modern underground parking garage in the town center with the best rates for all-day parking.
- Location: Boegstraat 2a
- Capacity: 120 spaces
- Price: €1 first hour, max €9-19.50/day
- Hours: Mon-Fri until 22:00, Sat-Sun until 23:00
- Height limit: 2.10 meters
- Payment: Pin/credit card only
Parkeergarage Havenhof
Covered parking under the Havenhof shopping center, very central location.
- Location: Under Winkelcentrum Havenhof
- Capacity: 160 spaces
- Price: €0.50 first 30 min, €1 per 30 min, max €30/day
- Height limit: 1.95 meters
- Features: Elevator, disabled spaces
Hotel Spaander Parking
Small parking area in the heart of the tourist district.
- Location: Via Noordeinde 1
- Capacity: 20 spaces
- Price: €5/hour, hotel guests €15/day
- Distance: On the harbor
- Note: Very limited availability
- Follow blue P-signs when entering Volendam - don't rely on GPS in town center
- Free parking fills up by 10-11 AM on sunny weekends
- Marinapark has the most spaces and is reliably available
- Don't park in residential areas - €95 fine for illegal parking
- Disabled parking available at harbor entrance and shopping areas
- Consider park & bike - rent bikes at Marinapark for €10/day
Other Ways to Reach Volendam
Cycling to Volendam
Cycling to Volendam is a quintessential Dutch experience, offering beautiful views of the Waterland region with its polders, canals, and traditional villages. The Netherlands' excellent cycling infrastructure makes this a safe and enjoyable option for reasonably fit cyclists.
Route Information:
- Distance: 20-25 km from Amsterdam Center
- Time: 60-90 minutes depending on fitness
- Difficulty: Easy (completely flat terrain)
- Path: Dedicated cycle paths 95% of the way
- Signage: Follow red/white signs marked "Volendam"
Popular Routes:
- Via Waterland (Most Scenic): Through Durgerdam, Uitdam, along the dike
- Via Broek in Waterland: Through historic village centers
- Direct Route: Along N247 (dedicated bike path, less scenic)
- Marken Loop: Include Marken island for 45-50 km total
Bike Rental Options:
- Amsterdam Central: MacBike, Yellow Bike (€10-15/day)
- Amsterdam Noord: Cheaper options (€8-12/day)
- E-bikes available: €20-30/day (recommended for less experienced cyclists)
- Free ferry behind Central Station to start your ride
Tips: Download the official "Fietsknoop" app for navigation, bring rain gear, and watch for ferry times if including Marken in your route.
Organized Tours
Many companies offer organized day trips to Volendam, often combined with other attractions for a comprehensive Dutch experience. These tours include transportation and often a guide.
- Typical Combinations: Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans (windmills)
- Duration: 5-8 hours including all stops
- Price Range: €35-65 per adult, €20-35 per child
- Includes: Air-conditioned bus, professional guide, sometimes cheese tasting
- Languages: Usually English, often multilingual
- Departure: Central Station or major hotels
- Booking: Online (recommended) or tourist information centers
Popular Tour Operators:
- Tours & Tickets: Highly rated, includes windmills
- Lindbergh Excursions: Small groups, personal service
- Dutch Countryside Tours: Includes lunch option
Taxi & Ride Services
While more expensive than public transport, taxis offer door-to-door convenience, especially for groups or those with limited mobility.
- Taxi from Amsterdam Center: €45-65 (20-25 minutes)
- Uber available: Similar pricing, sometimes slightly cheaper
- Taxi from Schiphol: €55-75 (30 minutes)
- Local Volendam taxi: +31 299 363 363
- Pre-booking: Often 10-15% cheaper
- Return trip: Can arrange fixed time with driver
Money-saving tip: Share a taxi with other tourists - check hotel lobby or tourist forums
By Boat (Seasonal)
While you cannot sail directly from Amsterdam to Volendam, boat connections are available from nearby Marken.
- Volendam-Marken Express: 30-minute crossing, €10 single/€16.50 return
- Schedule: Every 45 minutes (summer), limited winter service
- Season: March-October daily, weekends only in winter
- Private boat tours: From Amsterdam via IJsselmeer (2-3 hours)
- Marina available: For private boats at Marinapark
- Water taxi: Available on request (expensive)
Note: The historic ferry service is an attraction itself, offering beautiful views of both villages from the water.
Travel Times & Distances
| From | Distance | By Car | Public Transport | By Bike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Central | 20 km | 20-25 min | 30-40 min | 60-75 min |
| Schiphol Airport | 35 km | 30-35 min | 60-75 min | - |
| Amsterdam Noord | 18 km | 18-22 min | 25-35 min | 50-65 min |
| Zaanse Schans | 25 km | 25-30 min | 60-75 min | 75-90 min |
| Marken | 8 km | 15 min | 30 min ferry* | 25-30 min |
| Edam | 3 km | 5 min | 10 min (bus) | 10-12 min |
| Monnickendam | 6 km | 8 min | 15 min (bus) | 20 min |
| Utrecht | 45 km | 40-45 min | 75-90 min | - |
| The Hague | 75 km | 60-70 min | 90-120 min | - |
| Rotterdam | 85 km | 70-80 min | 120-150 min | - |
*Marken ferry operates March-October frequently, limited winter service. Alternative bus route via Monnickendam takes 45-60 minutes.
Where is Volendam Located?
Geographic Location
Volendam is strategically located in the heart of North Holland, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's many attractions. The village sits on the shores of the Markermeer, a large freshwater lake that was once part of the saltwater Zuiderzee before the construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932. This unique location has shaped Volendam's character as a fishing village and continues to define its appeal as a tourist destination.
Location Details:
- Province: North Holland (Noord-Holland)
- Municipality: Edam-Volendam
- Coordinates: 52.4952°N, 5.0707°E
- Waterfront: Markermeer (former Zuiderzee)
- Elevation: -2 meters (below sea level)
- Area: 31.85 km²
- Population: ~22,000 residents
Nearby Cities & Attractions:
- Amsterdam: 20 km south (capital)
- Edam: 3 km west (cheese market)
- Marken: 8 km east (former island)
- Monnickendam: 6 km south (historic port)
- Purmerend: 10 km west (shopping city)
- Alkmaar: 35 km northwest (cheese city)
- Zaanse Schans: 25 km southwest (windmills)
Practical Travel Tips
Best Times to Travel
- Avoid Rush Hours: 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM weekdays
- Best Arrival Time: Before 10 AM or after 2 PM
- Quietest Days: Tuesday-Thursday
- Busiest Times: Summer weekends, Dutch holidays
- Weather: April-September best for cycling
- Events: Check calendar for Volendammer Kermis (fair)
- Ferry Schedule: More frequent in summer months
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- Camera for photos in traditional costume
- Cash (some vendors don't accept cards)
- Reusable water bottle
- Day pack for purchases
- Sunscreen (summer)
- Rain jacket (weather changes quickly)
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Volendam from Amsterdam?
Volendam is approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) north of Amsterdam. By car it takes 20-25 minutes, by direct bus 30-40 minutes, and by bicycle 60-75 minutes depending on your route and fitness level.
Is there a train to Volendam?
No, there is no train station in Volendam. The nearest train stations are in Purmerend (10 km) or Amsterdam, from where you can take bus 316 directly to Volendam. The bus service is frequent and reliable.
Can I visit Volendam and Marken in one day?
Yes! Both villages are just 8 km apart and connected by the Volendam-Marken Express ferry (30 minutes, €10 single/€16.50 return) which runs every 45 minutes in summer. You can also cycle between them or take the bus via Monnickendam.
Is parking free in Volendam?
Yes, there are several free parking options including Marinapark (300+ spaces), Slobbeland (90 spaces), and Parallelweg (125 spaces). For closer parking, paid garages charge €9-30 per day. Arrive early on weekends for free parking.
What's the best way to get to Volendam?
For most visitors, bus 316 from Amsterdam Central Station offers the best combination of convenience, price, and frequency. If you're driving, free parking at Marinapark is abundant. For a memorable experience, consider cycling through the scenic Waterland region.
Do I need to book transport in advance?
Bus tickets can be purchased on board or with an OV-chipcard - no advance booking needed. For organized tours, book 2-3 days ahead in summer. The Volendam-Marken ferry doesn't require reservations. Taxi services can be pre-booked for better rates.