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Dutch windmills, Netherlands

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Getting around in Netherlands

Air: 

Due to Holland's small size, domestic air travel is relatively limited. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) (website: www.klmcityhopper.nl) operates domestic flights from Amsterdam to Eindhoven and Maastricht. Martinair Holland (MP) (website: www.martinair.com) operates passenger and cargo charter services.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

All roads are well signposted with green 'E' symbols indicating international highways, red 'A's indicating national highways, and smaller routes indicated by yellow 'N's.

There is an excellent road system, although it can become very busy at times around major centres.

There is a chronic shortage of parking space in central Amsterdam, and the rush hours (0700-0900 and 1700-1900) should be avoided throughout the whole country.

Car hire: 

Available from airports and main hotels. All major European car hire companies are represented. Drivers must be at least 21 years old.


 

Taxi: 

Taxis are metered and have an illuminated sign on the roof. Rather than hailing taxis in the street, it is more usual in The Netherlands to book by phone. Treintaxis (train taxis) are shared with other passengers at a reduced price per person; the service is available at railway stations in 30 cities (but not Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Den Haag) from 0700 until the last train. The cost is €4.80 per passenger, and tickets can be purchased from the NS service desk or ticket machines. Press the button on the blue-and-white column outside the station to request a cab. To get to the station by treintaxi call 0900 873 4682.

Bike: 

With some 20,000 km of signposted bicycle lanes and a primarily flat terrain, the Netherlands is a cyclist's dream, and two-wheel travel within and between urban areas is an economical and enjoyable alternative. Bicycles can be hired at or near all main railway stations, usually for around €8 per day. For a list of of shops that rent bicycles, see www.ertussenuit.com/uitgids/ld22-1.htm. If you've got your own bike, you may put it on a train (in cars marked with the bicycle icon) for a fee; folding bikes travel free.

Coach: 

Buses provide regional transport within The Netherlands, while intercity travel is covered by the train network. Among the main operators are Conexxion (tel 0900 266 6399 in The Netherlands; www.conexxion.nl) and Arriva (tel 0900 202 2022 in The Netherlands, €0.10 per minute; www.arriva.nl). For inquiries about routes, use journeyplanner.9292.nl.

Regulations: 

Drivers should be particularly aware of cyclists; often there are special cycle lanes. Speed limits are 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on major roads and 50kph (30mph) in towns.

Breakdown service: 

The yellow cars of the ANWB/Wegenwacht (Royal Dutch Touring Club) (tel: 088 269 2888, within The Netherlands only; website: www.anwb.nl) patrol major roads 24 hours a day with qualified mechanics equipped to handle routine repairs. In case of emergencies, assistance is available (tel: 088 269 2888, within The Netherlands only).

Documentation: 

An International Driving Permit is recommended for non-EU visitors, though is not compulsory, as long as a driving licence from the country of origin is held. EU pink format licences are accepted. A Green Card is advisable, but not compulsory. Without it, drivers with motor insurance policies in their home country are granted only the minimum legal cover in The Netherlands; the Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the driver's own policy.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Getting around town is a cinch with safe, efficient and easy-to-use public transport systems the norm in cities throughout the Netherlands. Extensive networks of buses, trams and ferries operate in the largest cities, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Den Haag; the first two feature metro lines as well. Buses generally stop running around midnight but night networks operate in the main urban areas.

The easiest form of payment is via OV-Chipkaart, a pre-paid card that can be used on public buses, trams and metro lines throughout the country. The old strippenkaarten (paper cards consisting of strips that must be stamped by the number of zones traversed) are still in use but will eventually be phased out as the OV-Chipkaart is used for public transport throughout the Netherlands. For short-term visitors, the best option is to purchase 'disposable' single or multi-day cards, allowing unlimited travel on public transport during a specified period. A 24-hour card costs €7, a 48-hour card €11.50, a 72-hour card €16.50 and a 96-hour card €19.50. These can be purchased at public transport outlets or vending machines. Otherwise, it is possible to purchase a one-hour card when you get on the bus or tram. To use the OV-Chipkaart, hold it on one of the card readers when getting on and off the vehicle.

Another good option for getting around town is to rent a bike; rentals are available from bike shops throughout the Netherlands.

Rail: 

The highly developed rail network is efficient and cheap, and connects all towns. Both intercity and local trains run at least half-hourly on all principal routes. Rail and bus timetables are integrated, and there is a common fare structure throughout the country. NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen (tel: 0900 202 1163, within The Netherlands only; website: www.ns.nl) is the state-owned rail company and operates most services within the country. Regional rail-bus companies cover routes in the more remote areas of the north and east of the country. Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices or machines in the stations; e-tickets are also available via the NS website.

Rail passes: 

The voordeelurenabonnement pass grants travellers a 40% discount on rail travel throughout the Netherlands during off-peak hours. The discount also applies for up to three travelling companions. It can be purchased at NS service desks by filling out a form and providing a passport photo.

The Eurail Benelux Pass, available from Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com), allows unlimited travel through Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg for three to eight days during a one-month period.

By water: 

There are regular ferry services to the Wadden Islands (Ameland, Schiermonnikoog, Terschilling, Texel and Vlieland) across the Ijsselmeer (former Zuyder Sea) and Schelde Estuary. There is also a service to the Frisian Islands across the Waddenzee. The main ferry operator is Teso (tel: 0900 9292, within The Netherlands only; website: www.teso.nl). Numerous operators offer river and canal cruises from main centres around The Netherlands. Note: No cars are permitted on Vlieland. Cruise ships regularly call at the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal (website: www.ptamsterdam.nl), close to the city centre.

Wadden Ticket: For travellers wanting to visit any of the five Wadden Islands, the Wadden Ticket allows return travel by bus, train and ferry to an island of choice. The pass is valid for one day of the departure journey and one day of the return journey, although the period between the two must not exceed one year. Contact The Netherlands Board of Tourism for further details (see Contact Addresses).

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