Q&A
The Best Weekend Day Trips from Amstelveen by Train?
The Best Weekend Day Trips from Amstelveen by Train?
Amstelveen is perfectly positioned for day trips. Because you are so close to Amsterdam Zuid (via Tram 25), you can bypass the crowded Amsterdam Centraal and hop on direct Intercity trains that head south and west.
It is currently March 31, 2026, which means you are in the prime “Tulip Window.” Here are the best weekend escapes for this spring.
1. The “Spring Essential”: Keukenhof & Lisse
From now until May 10, 2026, this is the #1 trip in the country.
- The Destination: 7 million flower bulbs in bloom.
- How to get there: Take Bus 300 from Amstelveen Busstation to Schiphol Airport (15 mins), then hop on the Keukenhof Express (Bus 858) directly to the gardens.
- Pro Tip: In 2026, entry is by pre-booked time slot only. If you try to go on a sunny Saturday without a ticket, you will be turned away at the gate.
2. The “Royal & Beach” Combo: The Hague (Den Haag)
- The Destination: The seat of the Dutch government and the famous Mauritshuis museum (home to Girl with a Pearl Earring).
- How to get there: Direct Intercity from Amsterdam Zuid (approx. 40–50 mins).
- Weekend Hack: After seeing the palaces, take Tram 1 or 9 for 15 minutes to Scheveningen. In 2026, the beach clubs (Strandpaviljoens) have just opened for the season—perfect for a sunset drink.
3. The “Miniature Amsterdam”: Delft
- The Destination: Famous for blue pottery, leaning churches, and beautiful canals, but far less crowded than the capital.
- How to get there: Direct Intercity from Amsterdam Zuid (approx. 45 mins).
- What to do: Visit the Royal Delft factory or climb the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) for a view that reaches all the way to Rotterdam.
4. The “Modern Architecture” Hub: Rotterdam
- The Destination: A complete contrast to Amstelveen. Think skyscrapers, the Cube Houses, and the massive Markthal.
- How to get there: Direct Intercity from Amsterdam Zuid (approx. 40 mins).
- 2026 Must-See: The Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen—the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility—is a giant mirrored “bowl” that is the city’s most Instagrammed spot this year.
5. The “History & Canals” Mix: Utrecht
- The Destination: A vibrant student city with unique “wharf-level” canals (you can sit right at the water’s edge).
- How to get there: Direct Intercity from Amsterdam Zuid (approx. 20–25 mins).
- Event Alert: From May 14–23, 2026, Utrecht hosts the SPRING Performing Arts Festival, featuring international theater and dance across the city.
How Htel Apartments Powers Your Weekends
- Early Starts: Since you aren’t staying in a hotel with strict breakfast hours, you can use your Htel kitchen to pack a picnic and coffee, hitting the 08:30 train to beat the crowds at Keukenhof or Delft.
- The “Zuid” Connection: Most expats think they have to go to Centraal. Our Guest Service team can show you how to use the GVB app to time your tram perfectly so you arrive at Amsterdam Zuid just 3 minutes before your Intercity departs.
- Recovery: After a long day of walking through Dutch cities, you can return to the peace of Amstelveen and relax in our on-site sauna or jet-pool to soothe your feet.
Explore the best of the Netherlands, then come home to the comfort of Htel.