A city with more bikes than people, it’s no surprise you can get just about anywhere by bike in Amsterdam. But have you ever thought about cycling outside the city—to another Dutch town altogether? Spoiler: yes, it’s totally doable!
The Netherlands is incredibly well connected by bike paths, making it easy (and fun) to explore beyond Amsterdam on two wheels.
So if you’re craving a change of scenery and looking for a day trip that’s active, scenic, and a little off the beaten path, consider biking to Haarlem.
I recently made the trip myself—and here’s how it went. Is Haarlem worth the ride?
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How far is Haarlem from Amsterdam?
Coming from the city centre of Amsterdam, Haarlem is roughly 21 km by bike, following the route we took.
Those 21 kilometers equate to about an hour and 10 minutes of cycle time. If you use an e-bike (we didn’t), I imagine you’d get there about 30% faster.
The terrain is nice and flat making it a smooth ride. The only reason it should take any longer is if the wind is against you–and the wind can be strong in such a flat country!
Day Trip: Amsterdam to Haarlem By Bike
Start off with the bike you’ll need for the trip. We rented bikes for €40 for 3 days each. There are tons of bike rental locations in Amsterdam. Your hotel will likely recommend you one that is close to the accommodation. Otherwise, you can secure your bike rental in advance.
If you prefer to use an electric bike, you’ll probably have a more enjoyable experience if there is wind. Luckily, many of the bike rentals carry e-bike now, so it’ll be easy to pick one up.
Amsterdam to Halfweg
We started our journey in the city centre of Amsterdam near the train station. To get to Haarlem, we first started toward Halfweg, which has an ironic name because it was the halfway point of our ride.
If you type in Amsterdam Centraal to Halfweg on Google Maps, you should get roughly the same route we followed–if you follow the bike option (not walking or car).
You’ll follow the Haarlemmerweg for most of the ride, but just before reaching that road, you’ll cross a picturesque canal lined with lily pads and lush greenery—such a peaceful little moment along the way!
After about 40 minutes of cycling, you’ll roll into Halfweg.
I definitely recommend stopping for lunch at Gemaal Halfweg, a cozy café set right on the water with both indoor and outdoor seating. We grabbed a spot outside and enjoyed views of the little dock as we ate.
I had the fried goat cheese toast, which came beautifully plated with greens, walnuts, tomatoes, and other fresh veggies. My boyfriend went for the tuna melt and gave it two thumbs up.
Halfweg to Haarlem
After lunch or a quick stopover in Halfweg, continue along Haarlemmerweg for another 30 minutes.
You can use the Google Maps bike route for this, or follow along with the Holland Cycling route.
I found this to be the least exciting part of the journey. It felt like we followed along a highway for the majority of it. The wind was a bit brutal through here as well–to the point that we couldn’t wait to reach Haarlem.
Anywho, you’ll eventually arrive to the outskirts of Haarlem and keep following signs that point you toward the city centre.
Haarlem City Center
Soon enough, you’ll see the charming city begin to take shape. There’s a canal system that winds through much of the center, dotted with cafes and local eateries as well as a local windmill!
However, I suggest stopping first at the medieval Grote Markt, which is often considered the country’s most beautiful urban square.
Besides, Grote Markt is home to City Hall, the Frans Hals Museum, and the stunning Sint-Bavokerk (St. Bavo’s Cathedral). The area had a very old-world and enchanting feel.
Then, if you’re up for it, stop at The Coffee Spot for a pick-me-up by the main canal.
Optional: Continue to Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland
After walking around the historic center of Haarlem, you have the option to cycle to the coastline and visit the Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland.
This is one of the Netherland’s most stunning national parks with massive dunes, wild cows, wetlands, and beaches.
Needless to say, you will be sufficiently exhausted after cycling from Amsterdam to Haarlem and to the Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland, but it’s definitely worth it if you want a unique experience in the Netherlands.
We were a little bit confused getting to the national park as some of the signs were vague, but after just 10 minutes of cycling from Haarlem, you’ll reach Overveen and from there it’s essentially straight up to the park.
City Beach the Oerkap- City Beach the Oerkap
Evening in Haarlem
On our way back to Haarlem, we made a pit stop at Brouwerij ‘t IJ for a craft beer break—and it did not disappoint. Set right along the canal, this spot had awesome outdoor seating and a laid-back, local vibe. The beer was great but the vibes were even better. We felt like locals being there.
To wrap up the day, we headed to City Beach the Oerkap in Haarlem. My boyfriend grabbed a local beer, I ordered a glass of wine, and we shared a couple of appetizers (they serve pizza too, if you’re feeling hungrier!).
City Beach the Oerkap felt really unique—in the best way. It’s set along the canal too, but with a rustic, beach house twist.
Accommodation in Haarlem or Return to Amsterdam
Once you’ve had your fill of adventure, you can either head back to Amsterdam or book a room in Haarlem.
While you can totally cycle from Haarlem to Amsterdam at the end of the day, if you rode a regular bike (not an e-bike), you might be a bit exhausted–at least we were!
So, we opted to take the train from Haarlem to Amsterdam. Keep in mind you will need to purchase a bike ticket AND your regular train ticket to Amsterdam Centraal. Book your ticket online or at the Haarlem train station.
The ride is very quick! The train tends to arrive in Amsterdam in under 15 minutes. They run very frequently and well into the night. However, check timetables so you have a rough idea of when you’d like to leave Haarlem.
Otherwise, for accommodation in Haarlem, check out the Carlton Square Hotel for something charming and eco-certified. Otherwise, Boutique Hotel Staats is also a beautiful and centrally located choice.
Is Haarlem worth visiting?
Set near the coast, Haarlem is a charming Dutch city that’s well worth a visit. Just a short 30-minute train ride—or a scenic one-hour bike ride—from Amsterdam, it makes for an easy and rewarding day trip.
I really enjoyed the ambiance of its terraced cafés, sprawling medieval square, old windmill, tranquil canals, and the cozy bars we stopped by. And, since it’s so close to Zuid National Park, there’s really something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam that feels less touristy and more intimate, Haarlem is a great pick. That’s why I include it as an optional day trip in my 4 Days in Amsterdam itinerary.
Thanks for reading this guide to cycling from Amsterdam to Haarlem! I hope you enjoy this day trip. Feel free to comment down below any questions or thoughts you may have. I’ll respond as soon as I see it 🙂
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