← Groningen Marathon·3 nights

Amsterdam: Museums and Canals After Groningen

A direct train south to Amsterdam, with museums that have lifts, a seated canal cruise and a quick link to the airport.

Duration3 nights
TransitNS train from Groningen to Amsterdam Centraal, about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes
DepartsGroningen station

After the Groningen Marathon: Amsterdam

The Route: Groningen → Amsterdam → Schiphol Airport Logistics: NS train, about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes, with a change on some services. Amsterdam Centraal is a short walk or tram from the canals. Marathon Month: April Duration: 3 nights

Groningen ──(2h-2h15, NS)──> Amsterdam Centraal
                                   │
Schiphol Airport (AMS) <──(about 20 min, NS)──┘

Amsterdam in the week after a marathon is a city of ramps, lifts and trams, and a recovering runner can see most of it seated. The distances are small and the trams are frequent. The one real hazard is the bicycle lane, which is not a pavement.

Dutch rail has no advance fares. Tap in and out with a contactless card or OVpay, and check the NS planner for the connection from Groningen.

April in Amsterdam: highs are about 12°C to 14°C, with sun and showers in rapid succession. The Keukenhof gardens near Lisse open in late March and run until mid May, so they are open after a mid-April race. Check the current dates and book a timed ticket, since the garden is busy in season.

Night One: Arrival

Choose a hotel near a tram line, and avoid cobbled streets for the first day. Hotel Estheréa, on the Singel canal, is central and has a lift. Hotel Jan Luyken, near Museumplein, is close to the main museums. Confirm lifts and breakfast times when you book.

Walk only as far as you need. A canalside café and an early night are the right plan after the train.

Night Two: Museums

The Rijksmuseum has a lift, seating throughout and a garden. Entry is about €22 and prices vary, so use the figure as a guide only. Book a timed ticket in advance. Allow three hours at an easy pace.

The Van Gogh Museum is next door and also needs a timed ticket. Check the current schedule at the museum's website.

A canal cruise is the best seated activity. Boats leave from Centraal and from near the Rijksmuseum, and an hour is long enough. Dress for wind on the open deck.

The Vondelpark is flat and has benches throughout. A slow walk there is an easy second activity.

Night Three: A Slower Day

Choose one museum or one market. The Albert Cuyp market is flat and busy, with stroopwafels fresh from the iron. The Hortus Botanicus, a botanical garden in the centre, has paved paths and a café. Check the opening days.

Keukenhof can be reached by bus from Schiphol or by tour from the centre. It is a full day, so only choose it if you have energy.

Getting to Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol take about 15 to 20 minutes and run every few minutes. Airport station is beneath Schiphol Plaza, with lifts to the terminal.