- Must visit
Drents Museum
Leading museum of Drenthe with archaeology, art, and high-profile exhibitions, set in a historic former monastery near the center.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Alkmaar to Assen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, while a train costs an average of $127.
Distance: 79 miles (128 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$127 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Alkmaar to Assen:
A bus is $82 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alkmaar to Assen costing on average $127 (€103).
Other travel options to Assen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 50m.
Tickets start at around $127 (€103) compared to roughly $41 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-86.37 (€-70.01). The journey takes 3h 27m versus 2h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Alkmaar to Assen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $70 (€57) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 79 miles (128 km) distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 79 miles (128 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€57) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 5:33 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Assen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Assen trip today.
Leading museum of Drenthe with archaeology, art, and high-profile exhibitions, set in a historic former monastery near the center.
Open-air heritage museum showing the region’s farm life, crafts, and village buildings in a spacious green setting outside central Assen.
National prison museum in nearby Veenhuizen explaining Dutch justice and incarceration history through objects, buildings, and stories.
Large city forest on Assen’s edge with trails, ponds, and open landscapes, popular for walking, running, and quiet nature breaks.
Expansive woodland and heath reserve near Assen with trails and natural viewpoints, excellent for a scenic walk beyond the center.
Historic central square lined with monuments, shops, and terraces, ideal for starting a walk through Assen’s civic and cultural core.
Drentse knieperties are thin rolled waffles from Drenthe, served at New Year. They are a regional festive sweet tied closely to local family tradition.
Drentse turfstekers is a hearty regional dish linked to peat workers, usually potatoes with pork or sausage. It reflects Drenthe's rural working-class food culture.
Spekdikken are old-style buckwheat pancakes from Drenthe, commonly baked with bacon and syrup. They are a classic winter and fairground food in the region.
Well-known hotel restaurant offering refined French and Dutch-inspired dining. Suitable for a more formal meal in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Popular casual dining spot in Assen with a broad menu, good drinks, and a lively city-center atmosphere suited to lunch or dinner.
Established grand café and restaurant in central Assen, known for reliable Dutch and European dishes in a stylish yet relaxed setting.
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and dining cost more than smaller EU towns, but local buses and casual meals stay manageable for most visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis: round up. Cafes: small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Assen Station -> Brink, Assen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alkmaar to Assen by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Assen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Alkmaar to Assen trains use the Alkmaar to Assen station pair. Use this guide to compare Alkmaar and Assen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Alkmaar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Binnenkomer, Bistro De 13 Balcken
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Alkmaar. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Alkmaar. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Alkmaar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Alkmaar: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alkmaar.
Nearby hotels include Amrâth Hotel Alkmaar, Grand Hotel Alkmaar, Hotel Stad en Land.
Alkmaar Noord is 1 km from Alkmaar city centre. Public transport options include:
Alkmaar Noord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Alkmaar Noord. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Alkmaar Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Alkmaar Noord: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alkmaar Noord: Ramps, restrooms.
Assen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Peerdestal, Grand Café Liff
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Assen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Assen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Assen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Assen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Assen: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Van der Valk Hotel Assen, Best Western City Hotel de Jonge, Hotel de Bonte Wever.
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