You can visit Dutch theme parks without a car by combining trains, buses and trams. The easiest route depends on where you are staying, how often services run and how you will get back after your visit.
Our comparison below highlights public transport options for four popular Dutch theme parks and the connections you should check before travelling. Compare the route from your accommodation, the final connection to the entrance and the return journey before booking your visit.
Last updated: October, 2026.
| Theme park | Main route to check | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Efteling | Train to Den Bosch or Tilburg, then the bus | Bus routes and departure times |
| Walibi Holland | Train to Harderwijk, then the bus | Bus availability on your visit date |
| Duinrell | Train to The Hague or Leiden, then the bus | Connection to the park entrance |
| Toverland | Train to Horst-Sevenum, then the bus | Local bus timetable and return service |
Still choosing a destination? Explore our guide to the best theme parks in the Netherlands before comparing your travel options.
How to plan your theme park trip
1. Check the complete journey
Start with the 9292 public transport planner, which combines journey information from Dutch transport operators. Enter your departure point, destination, travel date and preferred arrival time. Then compare the total journey time, transfers and walking distances.
Alternatively, use NS to check train connections. However, remember that the nearest railway station is not always the most convenient option. A slightly longer train journey may provide a better bus connection.
2. Check the return journey
Before booking your visit, check the last suitable bus and train home. Some services operate less frequently in the evening, on weekends or outside the main theme park season. Therefore, a convenient outbound journey does not automatically mean an easy trip back.
Also allow time to leave the park and reach the bus stop. If missing a connection would cause a long wait, consider an earlier departure or an overnight stay.
How to reach popular Dutch theme parks
Efteling by public transport
Efteling in Kaatsheuvel can be reached by bus from Den Bosch and Tilburg railway stations. The park lists several bus routes, with the stop close to the entrance. Consequently, you can travel by train for most of the journey and complete the trip by bus.
Check the official Efteling travel information for current connections. If you are still deciding whether the park suits your trip, read our Efteling guide.
Walibi Holland by public transport
Walibi Holland is in Biddinghuizen, Flevoland. Its official route information identifies bus 247 from Harderwijk station. However, availability can depend on the operating schedule, so confirm the connection for your visit date before purchasing admission.
Use the official Walibi route information to check the latest details. Afterwards, explore our Walibi guide to learn more about the park.
What to check before you leave
- Confirm transport times for your visit date.
- Check the nearest stop and walking route to the entrance.
- Compare return fares and any combined ticket offers.
- Make sure your park admission is booked separately if required.
Finally, if you have not chosen a destination yet, browse our guide to the best theme parks in the Netherlands. You can then compare your preferred park’s transport options before planning your day.
More Dutch theme parks you can visit without a car
Besides Efteling and Walibi Holland, several other Dutch theme parks are accessible by public transport. However, the best option depends on your departure point, the available connections and the time you want to leave the park. Therefore, check the complete journey before choosing your destination.
Duinrell: convenient from The Hague and Leiden
Duinrell is located in Wassenaar, making it worth considering if you are staying near The Hague or Leiden. According to the park’s official route information, the bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes from The Hague Central and 40 minutes from Leiden Central.
Additionally, EBS offers a Duinrell return bus ticket for €10 under its published 2026 fare information. This ticket covers the bus journey, not park admission. Check its official ticket conditions before travelling, as fares and availability can change.
Plan your journey using the official Duinrell route page. If you are deciding between parks, our Efteling versus Duinrell comparison can help you weigh up your options.
Toverland: a short bus ride from the station
Toverland is in Sevenum, Limburg. To reach the park, take a train to Horst-Sevenum station and continue by bus line 79 or 679. The bus stop is on the road opposite the park entrance.
Check the latest bus timetable for your visit date, including the final departure from Toverland. Services may vary by day and season, so confirm your return journey before travelling.
Check the official Toverland travel information and Arriva’s transport guidance before leaving. You can also read our Efteling versus Toverland comparison if you are still choosing a park.
Familiepark Drievliet: travel by tram
Familiepark Drievliet is in The Hague and is a useful option if you prefer urban public transport. According to its official visitor information, tram 15 connects Den Haag HS and Den Haag Centraal with the Laan van ‘s-Gravenmade stop near the park.
Consequently, Drievliet may be convenient if you are already staying in The Hague. Check the official visitor information for current transport and opening details.
Slagharen: check connections from nearby railway stations
Slagharen is another possibility, although reaching it may require more planning if you are travelling from western Netherlands. The park lists bus connections from Hardenberg, Coevorden, Zwolle and Hoogeveen, with a stop directly outside the entrance.
Use the official Slagharen visitor information and a journey planner to confirm current services. In addition, check the return timetable before purchasing admission.
How to choose the most convenient park
The easiest park to visit without a car is not necessarily the closest one. Instead, compare the complete journey from your accommodation, including transfers, waiting times and the return trip.
- Staying in The Hague or Leiden? Consider Duinrell or Drievliet.
- Travelling to Efteling? Compare train connections to Den Bosch and Tilburg.
- Interested in Toverland? Check the bus connection from Horst-Sevenum.
- Considering Walibi or Slagharen? Verify the onward bus and final return service before booking.
Finally, if you want to compare attractions as well as travel convenience, browse our guide to the best theme parks in the Netherlands. You can then choose the destination that best fits your interests and travel plans.
How much does it cost to visit a theme park without a car?
The total cost depends on your departure point, the number of travellers and the type of transport tickets you choose. Therefore, compare the complete return journey rather than looking at a single train fare.
Compare tickets before you travel
You can use 9292’s ticket and fare information to explore payment options. In addition, its journey planner provides estimated travel costs for many journeys.
In the Netherlands, you can generally choose between contactless payment through OVpay, eligible public transport cards and separate tickets. With OVpay, check in and out using the same contactless card or device. However, each traveller needs their own payment method, and discounts or season tickets may require separate arrangements.
Also check whether a park offers a combined transport and admission package. For example, Efteling sells train and bus ticket options, although ordinary transport tickets do not include park admission.
Calculate the complete day trip
Before booking, add together your return transport, park admission and any additional transfers. Consequently, you can compare destinations fairly and avoid unexpected costs.
How to make your return journey easier
Check the timetable before the park closes
First, check the last suitable bus and train for your visit date. Then allow enough time to leave the park and reach the stop. This is particularly important during seasonal events, when closing times and transport schedules may differ from normal operating days.
If the final connection is inconvenient, consider leaving earlier, choosing another visit date or staying overnight. Although this may require extra planning, it can prevent a stressful end to your day.
Use this pre departure checklist
- Check the complete route in 9292.
- Confirm that every bus or tram operates on your visit date.
- Check return connections before buying admission.
- Compare transport tickets and any available discounts.
- Save your tickets and journey details on your phone.
- Keep an alternative route in mind in case of disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dutch theme parks are easiest to visit without a car?
It depends on where you are staying. Duinrell and Drievliet may be convenient for visitors near The Hague, while Efteling has bus connections from Den Bosch and Tilburg. Therefore, compare complete journey times before deciding.
Can you visit a Dutch theme park from Amsterdam in one day?
Yes, several parks are possible as day trips. However, travel time varies, so check both the outbound and return connections before booking.
Can you pay for Dutch public transport with a foreign bank card?
Many eligible contactless debit and credit cards work with OVpay. Nevertheless, acceptance depends on the card and payment conditions. Check the official OVpay guidance before travelling.
Is it cheaper to use public transport or drive?
That depends on your group size, ticket discounts, parking costs and destination. Compare the total return transport cost with the cost of driving before choosing.
Choose your theme park and plan your journey
Visiting Dutch theme parks without a car is possible with a little preparation. The best destination is not necessarily the closest one, but the one that offers a convenient journey, manageable costs and a reliable way home.
Still deciding where to go? Start with our guide to the best theme parks in the Netherlands. Alternatively, compare Efteling and Duinrell or Walibi and Toverland before choosing your destination.
Once you have chosen your park, check the official transport information and book your tickets. With the right planning, you can enjoy your day out without needing a car.
