How to get around when in the Netherlands (2024)

How to get around when in the Netherlands (1)

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The Netherlands boasts one of the world’s best infrastructures and road safety is priority in our small, densely populated country. The distances between cities and villages are relatively small, which is why we have an extensive and well-maintained road network. The Netherlands is also working hard on making the country and society more sustainable and having a good infrastructure plays an important role in this. Moreover, the Netherlands continues to increase its electric transportation options, such as electric city buses.

Traveling by public transport

The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What’s more, it is incredibly sustainable. The rail network in the Netherlands is quite extensive and the trains are modern and comfortable. The train carriages are spacious, the seats are roomy and comfortable, and most trains are very modern. The carriages are almost always equipped with a digital display showing you the latest news or information about your route or train schedule. The same applies to almost all buses, trams and metros. Additionally, more and more buses in the Netherlands are electric to ensure a more sustainable society.

How to get around when in the Netherlands (3)

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Traveling by bike

The Netherlands is the ultimate cycling country; we are practically raised on bikes. With its flat landscape, short distances, mild climate and excellent infrastructure, it’s no surprise that cycling is highly popular. Cycling in the Netherlands is safe, easy and very relaxing. We have more than 32,000 kilometres of cycling route networks, so you can head out in any direction. The signage is excellent, making it difficult indeed to get lost as a cyclist. And, last but by no means least, the Dutch are used to cyclists in traffic and give due consideration to those on bikes.

Traveling by car

The road signs in the Netherlands are also very clear, which makes driving a car remarkably safe. Driving to and from different cities and locations is easy. Cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft and Leiden are just an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. And the trip from Amsterdam to Maastricht in the south or Groningen in the north takes just a little over two hours.

How to get around when in the Netherlands (4)

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How to get around when in the Netherlands (5)

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Public transport in the Netherlands

With loads of options, public transport in the Netherlands is efficient, easy and comfortable.

How to get around when in the Netherlands (6)

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The Netherlands by train: easy and comfortable

No matter your destination in the Netherlands, the train will get you there.

How to get around when in the Netherlands (7)

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Paying for public transport (OV): travelling everywhere

Easy check in and out with OVpay or the OV-chip card.

How to get around when in the Netherlands (8)

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The Netherlands is EV-friendly

The Netherlands is extremely EV-friendly and makes it easy to explore the country by electric car.

Travelling for the disabled

Additional information about the options and available aids during your holiday in Holland.Read more about accessible travel

How to get around when in the Netherlands (2024)

FAQs

How to get around when in the Netherlands? ›

The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable. The rail network in the Netherlands is quite extensive and the trains are modern and comfortable.

What is the best way to explore Netherlands? ›

Travelling by public transport

One of the most efficient ways of travelling to and in the Netherlands is by train. Thanks to an extensive, well-maintained rail network you can enjoy comfortable rides with breathtaking views of the Dutch landscape.

How to get around the Netherlands without a car? ›

Public transport

The train and bus are most frequently used, but the tram and metro are also good options in certain cities. To plan your route by train, bus, tram, metro or ferry, simply go to: https://9292.nl/en .

Is public transport free in the Netherlands? ›

You can buy different types of tickets to pay for public transport. Most people in the Netherlands use an OV-chipkaart. With an OV-chipkaart you pay per trip. You load money on to the OV-chipkaart.

What is the main way of transportation in the Netherlands? ›

The main public transport in the Netherlands for longer distances is by train. Long-distance buses are limited to a few missing railway connections. Regional and local public transport is by bus and in some cities by metro and tram. There are also ferries.

How many days is enough for the Netherlands? ›

Netherlands Travel Itinerary FAQs

If you want a good taste of what the Netherlands has to offer, 7 days is adequate time. If you just want to get a quick fix of the Netherlands, it's common to do 2-3 days in and around Amsterdam then move on to elsewhere in Europe.

Is Netherlands a walkable country? ›

In the Netherlands a network of more than 35 long distance footpaths exist. They range from 60 to 400 km. The total network is more than 6.000 km. Some of the paths are long distance footpaths (lange- afstand wandelpaden) and others are regional (streekpaden).

Can US citizens drive in Netherlands? ›

Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.

How do tourists get around in Amsterdam? ›

Boasting a whole range of transport opportunities, Amsterdam can take you where you need to go via a boat, bike, train, tram or bus.

How do tourists use public transport in the Netherlands? ›

OVpay: use your smartphone, debit card, or wearable to pay for public transport. For visitors to the Netherlands, OVpay is the best way to check in and out when travelling by public transport. You only need your debit or credit card to easily travel throughout the country by train, tram, bus or metro.

What is the cheapest way to travel around the Netherlands? ›

Public transport is highly efficient in the Netherlands, with an extensive rail network of comfortable trains, metros and trams, ferries and, increasingly, electric buses. The journey planner 9292.nl lets you work out the easiest and most cost-effective routes. Day tickets are invariably good value.

Are public toilets free in Netherlands? ›

Finding a public toilet in the Netherlands

It can be a bit tricky to find a public toilet in the Netherlands and, when you do, it's quite likely that you'll need to pay to use it.

Do the Netherlands have Uber? ›

Uber Netherlands is active throughout the Netherlands. For trip requests in certain areas, there is a chance that you will have to wait a little longer for your Uber to arrive. It may also be the case that there are no cars available, for example at night.

Do Dutch trains have toilets? ›

The Intercity is intended for medium- and long-distance routes and only stops at the major stations along the route. It is a comfortable train, with facilities geared towards longer journeys, so that you can travel in comfort. All of our Intercity trains have toilets on board and are equipped with quiet zones.

Is it easy to get around the Netherlands? ›

Navigating the Netherlands is a breeze. Its compact size means there are no domestic flights and the efficient, highly integrated public transport network of trains, buses and ferries covers all corners of the country.

How walkable is the Netherlands? ›

According to research from the expert team at Preply, Amsterdam is one of Europe's most pedestrian friendly cities. Its major attractions are just over two miles walk from each other and tourists can reach them all in under an hour. The Dutch capital city is pretty compact, making it easy to explore on foot.

What is the best way to travel in Amsterdam as a tourist? ›

Boasting a whole range of transport opportunities, Amsterdam can take you where you need to go via a boat, bike, train, tram or bus. The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands? ›

The best time weather-wise is from mid-April to mid-October. July and August are the peak months for visitors. The weather overall is never severely cold or hot as the temperatures are influenced by the North Sea (the Netherlands has a maritime climate). Most rain falls in the winter and it can feel damp and chilly.

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