Nationaal Bus Museum

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1978 to preserve and restore historic motor buses, keep some of them roadworthy, and document the history of bus transport in the Netherlands. From 1985 it was based in Winschoten as the Noordelijk Bus Museum, in a depot built in 1954 for the former regional transport company GADO and rented from the municipality. In 2011/2012 it moved to a larger building in Hoogezand and from then on called itself the Nationaal Bus Museum, to show that its ambition extends beyond the north to the bus history of the whole country.

The collection numbers around 45 buses from the 1930s to the 1980s, mostly from long-vanished companies such as DAM, GADO, GVB Groningen or NTM. In addition there are accessories from city, regional and coach transport, an archive with documents on the manufacturer Kromhout, among other things, and a Witkar from Amsterdam. In 2011 a fire destroyed a 1936 Bedford bus.

Since around 2020 the focus has been less on pure vehicle history than on an eventful visit: with a bus driving simulator, the Griezelbus based on the children’s books by Paul van Loon, and the restaurant in the depot. Individual buses continue to be hired out with a driver for tours and events.

Highlights

• Around 45 historic motor buses from the 1930s to the 1980s
• Bus driving simulator with a MAN Lion’s Coach
• Griezelbus, a spooky bus experience for children
• Archive and collection on the manufacturer Kromhout
• Restaurant in the depot and bus hire with driver

Permanent exhibitions

• Sammlung historischer Autobusse – Motor buses from several decades showing how city, regional and coach transport developed in the Netherlands; also an archive and accessories.
• Doe museum: Griezelbus und Busfahrsimulator – Hands-on activities for children: a ride in the Griezelbus based on Paul van Loon’s books and virtual driving in a MAN Lion’s Coach.

Founded

1978

Director

Rob Bezema

Admission & discounts

Only card payments are accepted; no cash at the ticket desk. Donors have free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum and car park are wheelchair-friendly. The museum offers an autism-friendly visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum sees itself as a hands-on museum for young people: bus driving simulator, Griezelbus and children’s parties with a children’s menu.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant “De Remise” (also catering for groups) with a bus driving simulator; small museum shop with books, miniature buses and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

Reception or party for up to 50 people in the restaurant, also outside opening hours (room hire €100, waived for food and drink spending of €500 or more). Historic buses can only be hired with a driver.

Plan your visit