Amsterdam To Groningen By Train, Car & Cab (+ How To Know What's Best!)

The journey from Amsterdam to Groningen is a relatively easy one. It was just one part of our long journey and we did a lot of research about this leg because we were traveling with two kids, a cat and a lot of luggage.

This wasn’t just a regular journey. It was a relocation and Groningen was going to become our home. That was the reason why we had so much luggage. Anyways, I digress…

Our journey from Bangalore to Groningen was a long one to say the least. Instead of taking a direct flight from Bangalore to Amsterdam (KLM) we chose to fly with Lufthansa and make a stopover in Frankfurt. This was because we were relocating to the Netherlands with a pet.

That was why we were searching for the best mode of transport that was quick, cost effective and reliable. We decided to travel from Amsterdam to Groningen by train but I will enumerate the other options in this post as well.

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Amsterdam To Groningen: Table of Contents

By Train
By Car/Cab
By Flight
Final Verdict

Amsterdam To Groningen By Train

Getting from Amsterdam to Groningen by train is one of the best options especially if you are headed in from the airport. This is because the main train station is located at Schiphol airport so you don’t even have to head out.

Pros: This eliminates the need for transport to another station which really saves money. If you have luggage, you can also pile it up on a trolley and take it to the train station. This makes transporting a larger amount of luggage particularly easy.

Cons: The trains leave at an hourly interval so if you want a train ASAP you may not be able to get one.

During the peak hour time, that is during the morning and the afternoon, the trains tend to be crowded. This is one the reasons why traveling with luggage at this time of the day isn’t really advisable since there isn’t a lot of place to put your luggage in the compartments.

Train Tickets From Amsterdam To Groningen

Buying the train tickets from Amsterdam to Groningen was easy enough. There was a ticket counter at the Schipol airport where we could buy our train tickets. All you have to do is follow the signs.

Each ticket cost us 30 euros per adult. The children traveled for free. Mind you, this was the journey from Schiphol to Groningen. If you are in Amsterdam city then the journey from Amsterdam to Groningen is easier if you head to Amsterdam Centraal station.

Train Stations To Catch The Train From Amsterdam To Groningen

One of the train stations is at the Schiphol airport which makes it extremely convenient.

Honestly, the journey can be made from two different stations. If you are coming out of the airport after a long trip, then the best way is to find the station at the airport and travel directly from Schipol to Groningen.

If you are in the city on the other hand, you will find that the Amsterdam Centraal station is very conveniently located.

Note that there are different train routes. Some require a swap of trains at Zwolle. The best trains however are the direct ones which run straight to the Groningen station.

On a total side note, Amsterdam Centraal Station is gorgeous and is so perfect if you are looking for Instagram spots in Amsterdam. Just pair it with your favorite quotes about Amsterdam before you post your pics and you’ll be racking up those likes!

The Journey From Amsterdam To Groningen

Time Taken: 2 hours 5 min

Experience: The experience of traveling from Schiphol to Groningen by train was an interesting one. For one, the lift was not working. That meant that we had to haul our bags one at a time down the travellators. Luckily, there was someone to mind the luggage while we made our journey down.

Honestly, we had a lot of luggage but when you pack up your life, there is nothing much you can do but travel as light as you can. With two kids and a cat, our luggage was not light by any means.

Luckily we had booked our train directly from Schipol to Groningen so there was no need to swap trains midway. The train journey was comfortable aside from the fact that the train is not really built for people with lots of luggage.

We accidentally got into the second class compartment. Yes! That can happen. Usually you can easily walk through with no problem at all. If you have luggage however, the journey from first class to second class is difficult!

Getting down at Groningen station is easy. The train stops for a relatively long amount of time. You do have to walk a bit to get to the bus stand and the taxi stand but it is easy enough.

Amsterdam To Groningen By Car

Another great way to get from point to point is to go from Amsterdam to Groningen by car. This could be done in various ways. You could use your own transport which is great.

Hire A Cab

Renting a cab is one of the ways to go from Amsterdam to Groningen.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you could hire a cab. This however tends to be pretty pricey since the distance is pretty far.

The limousine service is super comfortable. They offer pickups from anywhere in Amsterdam. In fact, they even monitor the flights so that they aren’t late for your flights arrival.

If you are looking for an extremely comfortable ride then booking a cab or a limousine from Amsterdam to Groningen is the way to go.

It also eliminates the need for a valid license. Plus if you are tired after a long journey then you can actually sit back and relax without worrying about driving in a new country.

Hire A Cab

Note: Make sure to rent car seats too!

Rent A Car

The cheaper alternative if to rent a car. If you are doing this, note that the cost of renting a car is always cheaper if you return it back to the pick up point. If you choose to drop off the car at other points then there is an additional fee.

But this makes the journey so much more comfortable. It is also much cheaper than taking a cab.

I love this option for a secondary reason. It allows you to catch a glimpse of the countryside. When you are in a train, you are often busy with your luggage. It is also much more comfortable.

Rent A Car Now!

Note: Children in the Netherlands must use car seats when traveling in cars. This means that if you are traveling with a child from Amsterdam to Groningen by car, make sure to rent one with car seats.

You also need a valid license to drive in the Netherlands. I recommend getting an international drivers permit from your base country. That is what we have always done when visiting Europe.

Amsterdam To Groningen Via Flight

While Groningen does have a small airport, there are no connecting flights between Schiphol and Groningen.

The airport does connect you to other parts of Europe and has lower fees when compared to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. This is one of the reasons why it is well loved by the residents.

Amsterdam To Groningen: The Final Verdict

Honestly, if you are on a budget and traveling with luggage take the train from Schiphol to Groningen. It is the easiest and cheapest way to head from city to city.

If you have the extra budget, take a cab from end to end or rent a car. It is less tedious and is easier. It however may burn a hole in your pocket.

Alternatively you could ask a friend or a colleague to drive down and collect you. People usually choose this alternative and reimburse them for their fuel.