The Hague: Day Trips and Tours from Amsterdam

The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands known for its importance in international relations. The destination is home to the International Court of Justice, as well as 150 other global organizations.

The Dutch royal family resides in the coastal city, at the beautiful Villa Eikenhorst in Wassenaar.

Take a day trip to The Hague from Amsterdam to see the incredible gothic-style architecture, a medieval palace and original artworks from masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt and Andy Warhol.

Here's all you need to know about the Hague, one of the most famous destinations for day trips from Amsterdam.

How to get to The Hague from Amsterdam?

From Amsterdam to The Hague by car

The journey by car takes a little less than an hour via the A4 highway southwest. Exit the city center on the Wibautstraat S112. After about 5 kilometers or a 10-minute drive, take the ramp onto the A10 at Duivendrecht.

From there, you’ll merge onto A4 where you’ll ride for about 35 minutes. Take the ramp at Rotterdamsebaan to reach your destination.

From Amsterdam to The Hague by train

The train from Amsterdam to The Hague can take from 35 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day.

Begin your trip at the Amsterdam South station where you’ll board the Intercity 1864 Den Haag Centraal. Ride for an average of 40 minutes before arriving in The Hague.

From Amsterdam to The Hague by bus

Flixbus runs non-stop from Amsterdam to The Hague from the Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. Ride for 45 minutes before arriving at Den Haag Centraal.

Guided tour to The Hague from Amsterdam

There are many options for a guided day trip to The Hague from Amsterdam. Most tours include an air-conditioned vehicle as transportation from the capital city allowing you to absorb the scenery during your 1-hour commute.

A majority of day trips to The Hague will include a stop in the city of Rotterdam before arriving at your final destination.

Tour the most important landmarks and marvel at the artful architecture for either a half or full-day excursion before heading back to Amsterdam.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour from Amsterdam to The Hague?

A day trip to The Hague from Amsterdam typically begins with a morning pickup from your desired location in the city.

Some tours will provide a meeting point at a location near Amsterdam Central Station. From there, you will begin the hour journey with some stops along the way.

Most day trips to Hague include a trip to the second-largest city of The Netherlands, Rotterdam. You will embark on a short city tour to catch the main highlights. Many excursions include a boat ride through the Rotterdam port.

After leaving Rotterdam, some day trips make another stop in Delft, also known as the Prince’s City. The picturesque town was the birth and death place of the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, famous for his painting, “Girl With a Pearl Earring.”

From there, you’ll continue on to the main destination of The Hague. You’ll take a fascinating tour to learn about the importance of the city for the Dutch government and royal family.

You’ll pass by stately buildings used for international affairs, as well as the Peace Palace.

Many day trips will include one final stop at the outdoor park of Madurodam to see tiny replicas of The Netherlands’ most important attractions. You will then travel back to your selected drop-off point in Amsterdam to conclude your trip.

What kinds of tours are available to go to The Hague?

Day tour to The Hague plus Rotterdam from Amsterdam

Guided day trips to The Hague typically include a stop in Rotterdam before arriving in the international city.

On this full-day excursion, you’ll be able to tour two of the country’s most prominent cities while learning information about Dutch international relations.

You’ll see foreign embassies housed in stunning gothic architecture and artwork from some of the world’s most eminent painters.

Day tour to The Hague plus Delft from Amsterdam

On this guided tour, you will make a stop in Delft before arriving in The Hague. You’ll explore the canal-filled town primarily known as the birthplace and home of artist Johannes Vermeer.

You’ll enjoy a period of free time for lunch to discover many historical monuments and the famous 17th-century porcelain factory De Delftse Pauw. Afterward, you’ll continue on to The Hague to learn about the international hub.

Day trip to The Hague plus Kinderdijk windmills from Amsterdam

Take a break from the city sightseeing to venture to The Netherlands’ countryside for a look at the remarkable UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk windmills.

You’ll take in views of Dutch farmland where you can walk and explore 19 individual windmills still in operation.

Some excursions allow for an inside look at a Kinderdijk windmill. From there, you’ll continue on to your tour of The Hague.

Day tour to The Hague plus Madurodam from Amsterdam

This guided day trip to The Hague includes a stop at the miniature park of Madurodam.

This tourist attraction is filled with tiny model replicas of the most predominant landmarks in the Netherlands. There are many opportunities for playful games and activities in this fun small-scale city.

Day tour to The Hague plus Escher from Amsterdam

Opt for a tour that includes Escher in Het Paleis to take a peek at the former royal winter palace of The Netherlands. This stunning setting is now the home of 120 prints by the famous artist M.C. Escher.

Day trip to The Hague plus Mauritshuis from Amsterdam

Choose a day trip to The Hague that includes a visit to the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery to see some of the most notable Dutch paintings from the Golden Age of art. You’ll see masterpieces from Vermeer and the iconic Rembrandt.

Day tour to The Hague plus THIS IS HOLLAND from Amsterdam

This tour includes a stop at the jaw-dropping 5D flight experience, THIS IS HOLLAND.

This video simulation ride allows you to see The Netherlands’ top attractions all at once as you fly high above the beautiful country. The 1-hour experience uses all the senses to create a realistic flight experience for visitors.

Private tour to The Hague from Amsterdam

Choose a private day trip to The Hague to add flexibility to your itinerary. On this excursion, you’ll benefit from a private pickup and drop-off in a luxury vehicle by an experienced guide.

You’ll hear insightful facts about the major landmarks of The Hague, all while traveling at your own selected pace.

How much does it cost?

A basic tour to The Hague from Amsterdam that includes a stop in Rotterdam starts from  €40 per person.

For a day trip that also includes a stop in the picturesque canal-filled town of Delft, you can expect to pay between €80 and €90 per person.

A day trip to the Hague plus Kinderdijk windmills typically costs between €200 and €250 per person.

For a tour that includes a stop at either Madurodam, Escher or MaUritshuis, you can expect to pay around €200 per person.

A full-day excursion that includes a ride on the THIS IS HOLLAND attraction will cost about €250 per person.

For private half-day trips to The Hague from Amsterdam, you can expect to spend between €150 per person or €600 for a group of up to 15 people, depending on the number of cities and landmarks visited.

A full-day private tour can cost between €400 and €800 per group of between four and seven people.

What will you see and do on a The Hague day trip from Amsterdam?

Peace Palace

While visiting The Hague, you’ll delight in seeing the center of international law at the Peace Palace. This gothic building was constructed in the early 1900s and has served as the home of the International Court of Justice ever since.

Noordeinde Palace

The stately Noordeinde Palace is a must-see stop while on a day trip to The Hague. This beautiful white castle is one of three homes used by the Dutch royal family and has served as the official workplace of King Willem-Alexander for a decade.

Escher in Het Paleis

Escher is the perfect destination for art enthusiasts who also appreciate architecture. This former royal winter palace has been transformed into a gallery with over 120 of M.C. Escher’s original works.

Madurodam

This interesting theme park is a miniature version of The Netherlands at large, featuring the country’s most important landmarks at a much smaller scale. Visit to gain a greater understanding of the beautiful nation.

Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery

This art lover’s paradise is filled with some of the most priceless paintings from Dutch masters. Catch a glimpse at Vermeer’s “Girl With the Pearl Earring,” as well as many of Rembrandt’s original works.

Kinderdijk Windmills

Leave the city behind for a look at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk. Explore 19 of the country’s most scenic windmills, while taking in the tranquility of the countryside.

When is the best time to visit The Hague?

The Hague can be visited all year long, though March through September is the most popular season.

The Netherlands is in full bloom with its signature tulip in April and May, adding beauty to country stops like the Kinderdijk windmills. The Hague can also be visited in the fall season, but rainstorms are more common at that time.

Travel Tips

• A day trip to The Hague will require a moderate amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Most tours do not include food or beverage, so plan to bring additional money to purchase nourishment during the trip.
• If you choose to visit The Hague in early spring or fall, pack a light sweater to prepare for cooler temperatures.