For me, a “normal” distance is ~8 km one way, but only because most of that is through a converted train corridor that’s completely separated from vehicle traffic. I wouldn’t like to do it if it was bicycle gutters all the way but I guess I wouldn’t mind if it was the only option. There’s also two rather substantial hills on my route which can really kick my butt if I missed some sleep or something.

Assuming 17 km total (~8.5 km one way), good infrastructure and minimal incline; totally doable. If you haven’t ridden a bicycle in a long time, let yourself have extra time to take breaks and remember to bring snacks so you still have enough energy to work. If it’s 17km one way, that is also totally doable but would require more physical preparation (and snacks). You can check incline on google maps; should show you a little graph when you set bicycle as your mode of transport.

If you’re in North America or somewhere where cycling to work is considered super cray cray progressive; I would also suggest getting a brightly coloured cycling jacket, helmet and front/rear lights; though, might not be that important in some European cities like Amsterdam.

*Also remember to pack an extra tube and tire change tools with you unless you go tubeless of course.