Delft, in southern Holland, is famous for its blue and white ceramics and as the former home of Dutch royalty and artist Jan Vermeer. Ancient buildings line canals and the Schie River, creating ideal photo ops.

Shop for Delftware or watch its creation. Venture beyond Delft to nearby towns like the Hague and Rotterdam that are too tantalizing simply to pass by.

A day trip to Delft from Amsterdam is an ideal way to soak in Dutch culture and history.

Here's all you need to know about Delft, one of the most exciting day trips from Amsterdam.

How to get to Delft from Amsterdam?

Delft sits between the Hague and Rotterdam, about 70 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam.

From Amsterdam to Delft by car

Travel to Delft from Amsterdam takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. In Amsterdam, take the S112 to the A4. Follow the A4 for about 60 kilometers until you reach the Oostpoortweg / Exit 9-Delft.

Continue on Oostpoortweg until you reach central Delft.

From Amsterdam to Delft by train

Save time and hassle by traveling by train to Delft from Amsterdam. Train trips between the two cities take about 60 minutes. From Amsterdam Centraal Station or Sloterdijk, trains leave every 30 minutes.

Guided tour to Delft from Amsterdam

Book a hassle-free guided tour to Delft from Amsterdam to combine transportation and guided visits to the top landmarks. Guided tours to Delft also include a visit to another town near Delft, like Rotterdam, the Hague or Leiden.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day tours to Delft from Amsterdam start early from Amsterdam’s central train station or with pickup from hotels in the city. Most tours last from 8 to 10 hours, but 5-hour tours also exist.

During the 1-hour drive south, stop at the Hague for a tour of this powerful city and maybe a visit to Madurodam. Your tour may take you to Rotterdam instead of the Hague, and some tours include both cities.

In Delft, tour the top landmarks with a guide and enjoy free time to explore the medieval streets on your own. Most tours include a tour of a Delftware factory to watch the coveted pieces evolve from clay into finished works of art.

A few tours introduce you to the windmills of Leiden, south of Delft. Others take you to the fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths of Keukenhof Gardens during the drive back to Amsterdam.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Delft

Day tours to Delft also tour neighboring towns like the Hague or Rotterdam. Some include both stops. Decide which destination will add the most to your excursion to Delft.

Guided tours to Delft plus Rotterdam from Amsterdam

Choose a day tour that makes a stop in Rotterdam after your visit to Delft. Day trips typically include a guided tour of Delft and a ceramic factory before allowing you time to explore on your own.

Delft’s most renowned native son is Johannes Vermeer who made the town famous through his 17th-century paintings.

Head just 15 minutes south to Rotterdam for a guided tour of the town that has become internationally-renowned for its innovative architecture.

Hop on a boat or stroll the streets with a guide to witness how Rotterdam was rebuilt after World War II and how it’s thriving in the new millennium.

Day trip to Delft plus the Hague from Amsterdam

On the way to Delft is Holland’s seaside political and royal capital. Many tours take advantage of its proximity to Delft by including a bus or walking tour of this powerful city.

Day trip to Delft plus the Hague and Rotterdam from Amsterdam

Along the 80-kilometer route from Amsterdam to Rotterdam are found two of Holland’s most famous destinations.

Take a guided tour to the country’s political capital in the Hague, followed by a visit to Delft’s royal stomping grounds before hitting multifaceted Rotterdam.

Guided tours to Delft plus Keukenhof Gardens from Amsterdam

After taking in all the history and culture of Delft, stop by Keukenhof to fill your senses with fields of flowers at Keukenhof Gardens, just outside of Amsterdam.

Private tour to Delft from Amsterdam

Book an outing for just you and your favorite people on a private tour to Delft. Avoid crowds and hassles with a tour package that comprises transportation and guided visits to attractions.

How much does a day trip to Delft from Amsterdam cost?

Day trips to Delft plus Rotterdam cost €175 per person. Five-hour group tours to Delft and the Hague cost €65 per person and include entry tickets to Madurodam.

Tours to Delft and Keukenhof cost €150 per person and include entry tickets to the gardens.

Delft day trips with visits to the Hague and Rotterdam cost from €75 per person to €200 per person, depending on group size.

Private tours cost from €245 to €610 per person, depending on the destinations and your group size. Many private tours require extra purchase of tickets to attractions.

All tours include round-trip transportation to Delft and at least one other town from Amsterdam as well as insightful commentary from your guide.

What will you see and do?

Delftware

The distinctive blue and white pottery known world-wide is called Delftware and is produced in a few factories and studios in Delft.

Tour De Porceleyne Fles, the last remaining producer of Royal Delft pottery. De Delftse Pauw is a smaller but high-quality option for a visit. Watch as craftspeople hand-paint the pieces to exacting standards.

Royal residences and historic buildings

Delft was once the seat of Dutch royalty and is the traditional resting place of royal family members.

Pass by Prinsenhof and the House of Orange-Nassau for a taste of how the historical rulers of the country lived. Wander the town’s quintessential canals as you pass from site to site.

While neighboring Rotterdam was decimated during World War II, Delft was largely spared.

See structures that date from the 13th century. Top photo ops are the Old and New Churches, both centuries old, and the imposing red-shuttered Town Hall.

Vermeer Center

Stop by Vermeer Centrum Delft for a look into the life of one of the world’s most famous painters.

Vermeer spent his life in Delft and immortalized the city in his work titled, “View of Delft.” The center displays reproductions of his entire oeuvre as well as his love letters.

The Hague

The Netherlands’ political and royal seat, the Hague, is a destination on many guided tours to Delft.

Just off the A4 between Amsterdam and Delft, a tour of the city shows you Dutch and international government buildings, the Royal Palace and renowned art museum Mauritshuis.

The Hague is also home to Madurodam, an attraction that features the Netherlands’ major landmarks in miniature as well as a variety of cultural exhibits. Many tour packages include a ticket to the park.

Rotterdam

Holland’s second-largest city suffered massive destruction in the last world war. Seeing opportunity in tragedy, Rotterdam was rebuilt over the last half of the 20th century and has emerged as a model of contemporary architecture.

Marvel at the creativity behind the yellow Cube Houses, the Markthal, Erasmus Bridge and the central train station.

Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, and French-born Maas River as well as numerous canals cut through the city.

Some tours include boat rides that afford unimpeded views of the modern buildings and up-close glimpses of the goings-on in this bustling waterway.

When is the best time to visit Delft?

Any time of year can be great for a visit to Delft. Experience the best weather in June through August but largest crowds and highest prices.

In May or September, avoid crowds while still seeing flowers in bloom or taking advantage of pleasant weather.

Travel tips

Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for an active day with lots of walking.
Tours do not include lunch, so plan accordingly.
Carry rain gear and/or sun protection.
If you want to see the flowers at Keukenhof, book your trip from the end of March to mid-May.

Delft: Day Trips and Tours from Amsterdam