The Netherlands captivates visitors with its iconic windmills, colorful tulip fields, and picturesque canal cities. From Amsterdam's world-class museums and vibrant culture to charming villages and innovative architecture, this low-lying country offers a perfect blend of history, art, and modern Dutch living.
- Public
- World-class integrated public transport network combining trains, metro, trams, and buses with a single OV-chipkaart smart card. NS trains connect all cities every 15-30 minutes. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have metro systems. All cities have extensive tram networks.
- Taxi
- Regulated taxis available via apps (Uber, Bolt, TCA) or taxi ranks at stations. Meters required by law. Apps generally cheaper than street hails. Very reliable in major cities.
- Rental
- Car rental practical for countryside exploration but counterproductive in city centers due to expensive parking and excellent public transport. Bicycle rental is the ideal city transport option at €10-20/day.
- Walking
- Historic city centers are very walkable with compact layouts. Amsterdam's canal ring, Jordaan, and museum quarter are best explored on foot. However, cycling is even better for covering more ground quickly.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Train to Central Station: €5.90, 17 minutes, runs every 10 minutes
- Shuttle
- Airport Express Bus 397: €6.50, 35 minutes to city center
- Bus
- Taxi: €40-€60 to city center, 25-35 minutes
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Comprehensive bus networks throughout all cities and connecting smaller towns. Same OV-chipkaart system. Regional buses connect cities across the Netherlands. Night buses available in major cities on weekends.
Alternatives
metro, tram, taxi, bicycle, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Regulated taxis with meters. Base fare €3.19 plus €2.35 per km during day, higher at night. Order via TCA app or hail at taxi stands. Not common to hail on street. Uber and Bolt available in major cities at competitive prices.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
FlixBus and Eurolines connect major cities and international destinations at budget prices. Slower than trains but significantly cheaper. Useful for smaller towns not well-served by rail. Amsterdam to Brussels from €15, 3 hours.
Flights
Very limited and generally unnecessary due to excellent train network. The Netherlands is small enough that trains are faster door-to-door than flying when considering airport time.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
From centre: 17 km southwest of Amsterdam city center
Options: Train to Central Station: €5.90, 17 minutes, runs every 10 minutes; Airport Express Bus 397: €6.50, 35 minutes to city center; Taxi: €40-€60 to city center, 25-35 minutes; Uber/Bolt: €40-€65 depending on time and demand; Hotel shuttle: €15-€25 per person (varies by hotel)
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
From centre: 6 km north of Rotterdam, 20 km from The Hague
Options: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Central: €4.00, 20 minutes; Taxi to Rotterdam: €25-€35, 15 minutes; Taxi to The Hague: €45-€60, 25 minutes; RandstadRail tram to The Hague: €5.00, 30 minutes
Eindhoven Airport
From centre: 8 km west of Eindhoven city center
Options: Bus 400/401 to Eindhoven Central: €3.20, 25 minutes; Taxi to Eindhoven: €25-€35, 15 minutes; Taxi to Amsterdam: €150-€200, 1.5 hours
Maastricht Aachen Airport
From centre: 10 km northeast of Maastricht
Options: Bus 59 to Maastricht Central: €4.00, 30 minutes; Taxi to Maastricht: €30-€40, 15 minutes
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
NS Reisplanner
Official Dutch Railways app for train timetables, real-time delays, ticket purchase, and journey planning throughout the Netherlands
9292
The comprehensive Dutch public transport planner combining all trains, buses, metros, and trams with real-time tracking
GVB Amsterdam
Amsterdam's city transport authority app for trams, metro, buses, and night buses with live departure times
OV-fiets
National bicycle rental scheme app - rent bikes at any of 350+ train stations across the Netherlands for €4.15/24h
Bolt / Uber
Ride-hailing apps widely available in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht; generally cheaper than registered taxis
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Get an OV-chipkaart smart card at any train station or supermarket for discounted fares across all public transport modes
Trains between major Dutch cities run every 15-30 minutes and are almost always on time - no need to book in advance for domestic travel
Bicycle rental (fiets verhuur) is the most Dutch way to explore cities; expect to pay €10-15/day for standard bikes, €20-30 for e-bikes
Always check in AND out with your OV-chipkaart on buses and trams - forgetting to check out incurs a €4 penalty fee
Schiphol Airport direct train to Amsterdam Central takes just 17 minutes at €5.90 - far cheaper than taxis
Night buses (Nachtbus) run in Amsterdam and major cities on Friday and Saturday nights - check GVB app for routes
Book international trains (Thalys to Paris, Eurostar to London, ICE to Germany) well in advance for best fares via NS International