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The Netherlands is one of the main hubs in Europe boasting of the largest seaport in the world and the fourth largest airport in Europe. The Netherlands Railways (NS) has an international network across Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg and Antwerp. The Thalys, a high speed train takes you from Amsterdam to Paris in just four hours. The Netherlands has an optimal infrastructure making travelling to and within the Netherlands a comfortable and rewarding experience.
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Air travel
There are several airline companies that offer cheap flights to Schiphol airport in Amsterdam. Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is the busiest airport in the Netherlands with 40 million passengers per year. Schiphol is easily accessible by train and bus and other private transport.
It is about 20 minutes away form Amsterdam and it might be a great opportunity to visit the city of amsterdam in case one is in transit and has some time to spare.
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By train
Dutch trains are modern, clean and punctual. On the train you have two class choices: 1st or 2nd class. The different classes are indicated with a large 1 or 2 painted on the outside of the train. 1st class costs about 50% more and gives you a slightly larger seat in a compartment that is less likely to be full. Smoking is not allowed on any train.
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Train tickets are either one-way(enkele reis) or two-way(retour).They are valid only on the day you buy them. You buy your ticket at a ticket window or at a yellow ticket machine at the station. You can pay cash or your bank card.
If you want to travel to another city for the weekend, you can save money by buying a so called ‘weekend retour’.The only condition is to leave on Friday after 1900 and make sure to be back before 0400 on Monday. |
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If you want to travel extensively within the Netherlands, it is advisable to buy a so-called ‘voordeel-urenkaart’. This pass gives you 40% reduction on your train tickets if you travel on weekdays after 0900hours or during the weekends. Furthermore you can take three other persons with the same 40% reduction provided that you travel together.This railway pass costs €55 and is valid for a whole year.
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Ns train information centre: 0900-9292 or 099-9296 (for international train travels).
More info: www.ns.nl
If you are traveling by train and have a lot of luggage, you can use a train taxi. You buy train taxi tickets when you buy the train ticket. One trip costs €4,30 for one person, no matter where you are going within the local area. For more information or to book a train taxi call 0900-873 46 82 (0,35 euro p.m.) or visit www.treintaxi.nl
For international traveling by train visit: www.nsinternationaal.nl or www.thalys.com
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By bus
You can use the same ticket in all the buses, trams and subways throughout the country. It is called a ‘strippenkaart’ or strip ticket. You can have them with two or three strips from bus or tram driver but the tickets with 15 or 45 strips are much cheaper! You can buy these economical strip tickets from railway stations, post offices, book stores or cigarette shops. A stamp on a strip cancels that strip and all those above it.
Traveling within the Netherlands by bus: www.9292ov.nl
Traveling by tram and metro: www.ret.nl
International traveling to The Netherlands by bus: Eurolines
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By Taxi
Normally taxis can be found waiting in taxi stands (taxistandplaatsen) close by railway stations. They are recognizable by their blue number plates. Fares are visible on the meter in the taxi or agreed upon in advance in case od a distant destination.
Dutch railway services offer taxi services called train taxi to or from a railway station. The price is fixed at €4,30 and you have to share the taxi with others. |
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By car
The Netherlands offers an extensive road network with safe and clear road signs. In general the roads are well maintained and designed with the latest innovations for safe and pleasant driving. The Netherlands is statistically one of the safest countries in the world to drive in.
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Rules on the road
• Drive on the right hand side of the road.
• As a general rule, at an intersection or cross-roads, all the cars coming from the right hand side have the right-of-way. The only exceptions are when there is a traffic light or a series of painted triangles pointing towards the car which means the same as a stop sign.
• Before making a turn motorists must wait for cyclists continuing on, to clear the intersection.
• Parking violations are severely punished. Look for signs that say ‘betaald parkeren’(paid parking) or a blue sign with a white P in the middle.
• Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory.
• Children under 12 must sit in the back seat.
• The speed limits, unless otherwise marked, are 50km in cities and towns, 80km on secondary roads and 100km or 120km on highways.
• Using a cell phone while driving is allowed as long as it is hands free.
We advice visitors to consult the Dutch traffic rules published by the Ministry of Transport & Public Works online:
Road traffic signs and regulations in the Netherlands (PDF)
Parking
Parking close to the city centre can be time consuming and not always easy. Most of the designated parking places have to be paid through automatic machines which normally can be found a few meters away from the parking place. Usually one has to pay for parking on Monday to Saturday from 8:00am to 6:00pm.Also, on Thursdays and other days of late night shopping until 9:00pm.
Spread around the centre, one can find several big parking garages. Direction signs from access roads to the city centre will lead you to one of these garages.
Some of the parking places in residential areas are reserved to residents and permit holders. These parking places are marked with a yellow circle and should not be used at any time of the day, seven days a week.
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By bicycle
The bicycle is a cheap and fast way of moving within the city. Be sure to have a good lock and fix your bike to an immovable object to discourage bike-snatchers. There is a law which prohibits the random placing of bicycles within the inner city area. Bicycles should be placed in respective bicycle racks spread around the cities. |
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When cycling keep in mind the following tips:
• Cyclists should always travel on the cycle paths whenever there is one. These lanes are normally colored in a reddish paint and marked with signs saying ‘fietspad’.
• Cycling on pavements is not allowed.
• Always signal when turning and watch carefully that you are not cutting in front of a car.
• Have your bike in good working condition including head lights and back lights and make use of them when it gets dark. Restraining from following these rules may result in getting a fine.
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By Moped
A common way of going around Dutch cities is by driving a moped. Mopeds are very popular in the Netherlands due to the fact that they are economical and faster than bicycles.
Same like bicycles, mopeds are supposed to be driven either on the right side of the road or in the combined bicycle-moped path marked by a blue sign. |
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Mopeds may not be parked in places where there's a sign showing 'geenrijwielen plaatsen' (no bicycles here).
Mopeds may be driven by persons with a minimum age of sixteen years. Moped riders are obliged to wear safety helmets and need to take out a liability insurance. |
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