- Must visit
Groninger Museum
Leading museum in a bold postmodern building, known for modern art, design, and changing exhibitions beside the station.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Houten to Groningen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $111.
Distance: 101 miles (163 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$111 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Houten to Groningen:
A bus is $85 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Houten to Groningen costing on average $111.
Other travel options to Groningen take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 37m.
Tickets start at around $111 compared to roughly $46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-65.03. The journey takes 2h 12m versus 2h 8m 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 Houten to Groningen run on average 102 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $111 but you can travel from only $25 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:06, the last at 22:18. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (163 km) distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 101 miles (163 km) |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $111 |
Trains per day 102 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 5:06 AM |
Last train 10:18 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Groningen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Groningen trip today.
Leading museum in a bold postmodern building, known for modern art, design, and changing exhibitions beside the station.
University museum with interactive science and medical exhibits, ideal for learning about research and discovery in Groningen.
Photography gallery presenting contemporary visual culture, documentary work, and thought-provoking exhibitions in the city center.
Grand central square framed by key landmarks, markets, events, and historic architecture; the natural starting point for exploring Groningen.
Green park with ponds, paths, and open lawns, popular for walks, relaxing, and open-air events near the center.
Scenic canal-side route ideal for walking, with houseboats, bridges, and classic Groningen waterside views.
A rich spiced cake from Groningen made with rye flour and syrup. It is a classic regional treat, often enjoyed sliced with butter.
A small round biscuit from nearby Nieuwolda, known across Groningen. Its crisp texture and caramelized sugar flavor make it a beloved local sweet.
A local rye bread specialty, dark and dense, traditionally baked in the northern provinces and commonly served with cheese or cured meats.
Popular modern venue with creative seasonal plates, good wines, and a relaxed stylish atmosphere in the city center.
Well-known Groningen restaurant serving refined French and Dutch cuisine in an elegant, classic atmosphere.
Casual, reputable dining spot with quality Dutch and international dishes, known for consistent food and warm service.
Moderate for the Netherlands: hotels and dining are mid-priced, public transport is manageable, and student-focused spots help keep daily costs reasonable.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small tips in cafes are optional.
Official public transport app
Groningen Airport Eelde -> Grote Markt, Groningen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Houten to Groningen 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 Groningen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Houten to Groningen trains use the Houten Castellum to Groningen Europapark station pair, with some services arriving at Groningen. Use this guide to compare Houten and Groningen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Houten Castellum is 1 km from Houten city centre. Public transport options include:
Houten Castellum has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Houten Castellum.
ATMs are available at Houten Castellum.
Available at Houten Castellum: Parking, WC.
Available at Houten Castellum: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houten Castellum.
Houten has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Houten.
ATMs are available at Houten.
Available at Houten: Parking.
Available at Houten: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houten.
Groningen 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Drie Gezusters, Mr. Mofongo
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Groningen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Groningen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Groningen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Groningen Hotel, The Student Hotel Groningen, City Hotel Groningen.
Groningen Europapark is 1 km from Groningen city centre. Public transport options include:
Groningen Europapark has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Groningen Europapark.
ATMs are available at Groningen Europapark.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Groningen Europapark: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Groningen Europapark.
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