Hoorn is directly connected to Amsterdam by train — about 35 minutes on a direct service from Amsterdam Centraal. Trains run frequently throughout the day. The station is a 10-minute walk from the old town centre and harbour.
By car from Amsterdam, Hoorn is about 45 kilometres north via the A7 motorway. There is parking near the station and on the edge of the old town. The A7 also connects Hoorn with Alkmaar to the west and the Afsluitdijk to the north.
A pleasant alternative to the direct train: take the train to Medemblik or Enkhuizen and cycle back along the IJsselmeer coastline, with a stop for lunch in Hoorn.