Getting Around Netherlands
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Amsterdam and Randstad. Rural: Rent a car for countryside exploration. Coast: Buses and bikes. For convenience, book airport transfers from Schiphol to your destination.
Train Travel
NS National Rail
Efficient and punctual train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Amsterdam to Rotterdam €15-25, journeys under 1 hour between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via NS app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
NS Flex or OV-chipkaart offers flexible journeys, or Interrail for international. Day ticket €50 for unlimited travel.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, NS website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Thalys and Eurostar connect Netherlands to Paris, Brussels, London, and Cologne.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Amsterdam Stations: Main station is Amsterdam Centraal, with connections to Schiphol.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring countryside and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €30-50/day at Schiphol Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal, only some tunnels like Westerschelde (€5-10), no vignettes needed.
Priority: Give way to cyclists and trams, roundabouts common with right-of-way rules.
Parking: Paid zones in cities €3-6/hour, use apps like Parkmobile for payment.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.70-1.90/liter for petrol, €1.60-1.80 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion around Amsterdam and Rotterdam during rush hours.
Urban Transport
Amsterdam Metro & Trams
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket €3.20, day pass €9, OV-chipkaart for multi-journey.
Validation: Check in/out with OV-chipkaart at gates or readers, fines for non-compliance.
Apps: 9292 app for routes, real-time updates, and journey planning.
Bike Rentals
Ovom and Donkey Republic bike-sharing in Amsterdam and other cities, €5-10/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Extensive dedicated cycling paths across Netherlands, bike-friendly infrastructure.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
GVB (Amsterdam), RET (Rotterdam), and HTM (The Hague) operate comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: €3-4 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment with OV-chipkaart.
Ferries: Free canal ferries in Amsterdam, connecting key areas for €0.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Amsterdam or Utrecht for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like King's Day.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Netherlands including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
KPN, Vodafone Netherlands, and T-Mobile offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Schiphol Airport 15km from Amsterdam center, train to center €5.50 (15 min), taxi €50, or book private transfer for €40-60.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€7-10/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have ramps and elevators.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €7.50), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €7.50, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Netherlands
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Primary international gateway, 15km southwest of city center with train connections.
Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Budget airline hub 10km from city, bus to Eindhoven €4 (20 min).
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM): Regional airport with European flights, convenient for southern Netherlands.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Brussels or Dusseldorf and taking train to Netherlands for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and Transavia serve Eindhoven and Rotterdam with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.