Dutch Grand Prix ⋅ Getting There

Getting to the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort should be easy compared with some of the tracks on the calendar. Located on the coast just 10 km from Haarlem and 30km from Amsterdam, international arrivals won’t have much further to go after landing at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Regionally there are a number of buses and trains that can bring you to within a leisurely stroll from the circuit gates.

Arrival in the Netherlands for the Dutch Grand Prix

Amsterdam’s Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe’s major air transport hubs. It’s the base for national airline KLM who have arrivals from dozens of destinations worldwide.

From the UK British Airways fly from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. Several low cost carriers also have flights to Amsterdam including easyJet, TUI fly, Transavia and Level.

Kiwi.com lets you search for the lowest cost flights and shows you route combinations that often don’t show up on other search engines. If you miss a connecting flight due to delay the Kiwi guarantee means you can take the next available flight at no extra cost.

From Schiphol Airport there are bus and train connections to Amsterdam, Haarlem and Zandvoort.

For the most stress free arrival, book a ride in advance with global airport transfer specialists Kiwitaxi.com, and your driver will be ready and waiting for you. They offer a range of vehicle types depending on your needs, from budget small cars, luxury sedans all the way up to 16 seater minibuses.

Keep reading for information on bus and train connections from the airport to central Amsterdam, Haarlem and Zandvoort.

Local Travel – Getting to Zandvoort Circuit and transport to and from the airport.

There are numerous bus and train and bus-train combinations to get to the track but below are some of the most common and useful options. The train is the best option for most fans but some bus services may start earlier and will probably be less crowded, if that’s a concern. Time estimates given here are for normal traffic conditions so allow ample extra time to get to the circuit on race weekend.

Train

Regular and inexpensive Intercity and Sprinter trains operated by NS Dutch Railways connect Schiphol airport, Amsterdam Central, Harlem and Zandvoort. For many fans these will be all they need to get around in the area and go to and from the circuit. Note that bikes will not be permitted on these routes during the Grand Prix weekend due to the volume of traffic.

for the Grand Prix

From Amsterdam Central to Harlem, Sprinter or Intercity trains leave frequently (5-10 minutes) and cover the journey in about 15-20 minutes. From here it’s just another 10 minutes to Zandvoort aan Zee, the nearest train station to Circuit Zandvoort.

From Zandvoort train station it’s about a 20 minute walk to the track.

Friday’s and Saturdays these services start at about 5.30am and on Sundays the first train usually leaves just before 9am. Check schedules near the time though as extra earlier trains might to laid on for the Grand Prix. If there isn’t and you’re planning on getting to the track any earlier than that on Sunday, either take the metro to Amsterdam, Station Zuid or an Intercity train to the airport where buses are available.

You can search train schedules across multiple operators simultaneously to and from just about any station in Europe using Omio (formerly GoEuro) and purchase tickets for the same cost as buying direct from the train lines.

for the Airport

There are no direct train connections between Schiphol Airport and Zandvoort (or Haarlem) Take an Intercity train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Central Station and change to another Intercity or Sprinter train.

Bus

There are a couple of public buses operated by Connexxion connecting Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport and Haarlem with Zandvoort. These drop passengers off within walking distance to the main entrance of the circuit. For information on park and ride buses refer to the ‘Driving’ section below.

for the Grand Prix

Bus 81 departs from just outside Haarlem train station every half an hour. It takes about half an hour to reach the circuit and stops just a few minutes walk from the main entrance.

Alternatively Bus 80 leaves every 15 minutes leaves from Heemstede-Aerdenhout station (one stop from Haarlem main station). This service doesn’t stop so close the the circuit, terminating in Zandvoort town centre. From here it’s about a 30 minute walk to the track, which you might have already guessed given what country we’re in, is not up hill.

If you want to take the bus all the way from Amsterdam you can. Bus no. 80 that stops in Haarlem originates at De Vlugtlaan station which can be reached on metro lines 50 and 51. It takes about 80 minutes in normal traffic.

for the Airport

To central Amsterdam bus 397 connects the airport with Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein and takes about 40 minutes. Services depart every 15 minutes from platform B9.

Bus 300 departs Schiphol Airport about every 5 – 10 minutes and connects with Haarlem station. If you plan to go directly from the airport to the circuit, you can change here to bus no. 81. Expect the journey to Haarlem to take about an 40 minutes and an hour and a half to the circuit. Departs from platform B8-B10.

Driving to Zandvoort

Traffic can be bad between Haarlem and Zandvoort even on a normal weekend and driving is certainly not encouraged as a way of getting to the Dutch Grand Prix.

Driving as far as Amsterdam or Haarlem to continue by public transport or by peddle power could be a better way to avoid the tailbacks as well as the parking charges.

Parking

There will be paid parking for the Grand Prix but not close to the circuit. From these car parks visitors can use park and ride shuttle buses or cycle to a cycle park at the track. More information on parking will be published here once more details are announced.

Going to Zandvoort by Bike

There are plans for a cycle park where you can lock your bicycle near the circuit making cycling probably the most practical way to go to the Dutch Grand Prix and avoid what could be heavy traffic in the circuit area. Just keep in mind that over the weekend bikes won’t be permitted on trains servicing Zandvoort.

Depending on your level of fitness, even Amsterdam is cycling distance, the typically flat 30km trip taking about 1 hour 45 minutes. Haalem is only 10km (30 minutes) away.

If that all sounds like too much effort you can use the park and bike car park and drive most of the way. Organisers are planning to have bikes available to rent at this area.

There are also a number of bike rental shops in the Haarlem and Zandvoort area where you can typically rent bikes and e-bikes from €15-40 per day.

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I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 25 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.

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