The Netherlands has one of the best transportation systems in Europe, with high-speed trains, efficient buses, scenic boat routes, and the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Here’s a complete guide to the best ways to travel in the Netherlands, including fun, price, and best routes.
✈️ Plane – Best for International Travel, Not for Domestic Trips
Fun: 🛫 Medium (Fast, but you miss the scenery)
Price: 💰💰💰 (Expensive for short distances)
Best for: Traveling to and from the Netherlands, not within it
- Pros: Fastest way to reach the Netherlands from other countries
- Cons: Not useful for domestic travel (small country, trains are better)
- Main Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – One of Europe’s biggest hubs
- Budget Airlines: Transavia, Ryanair, EasyJet
✈️ Example: Amsterdam → London (~1-hour flight, $50–$150 USD) vs. Train (~4 hours, $50–$100 USD)
🚆 Train – Best for Fast & Comfortable Travel
Fun: 🚞 High (Scenic, comfortable, fast)
Price: 💰💰 (Affordable if booked early, expensive last-minute)
Best for: Traveling between Dutch cities and to neighboring countries
- Pros: Fast, frequent, and comfortable
- Cons: Expensive if bought last-minute
- Best Train Routes:
🚆 Example: Amsterdam → Rotterdam train (~$10–$20 USD, 40 min)
👉 Pro Tip: Get an OV-chipkaart for easy train access!
🚌 Bus – Cheapest for Budget Travel & Regional Routes
Fun: 🏞️ Medium (Scenic but slower than trains)
Price: 💰 (Cheaper than trains, good for short distances)
Best for: Traveling to small towns or on a budget
- Pros: Cheaper than trains, reaches more places
- Cons: Slower than trains, not great for long distances
- Best Bus Companies: FlixBus, Arriva, Connexxion
🚌 Example: Amsterdam → Eindhoven (~2 hours, $10–$30 USD)
🚗 Car – Best for Exploring Rural Areas & Windmills
Fun: 🚙 Medium (Scenic countryside drives, but unnecessary in cities)
Price: 💰💰💰 (Rentals & fuel can be expensive)
Best for: Visiting countryside, windmills, and small villages
- Pros: Freedom to explore small towns like Giethoorn & Kinderdijk
- Cons: Parking is expensive, traffic in big cities, narrow streets
- Best Road Trips:
🚗 Example: Renting a car in Amsterdam (~$50–$100 USD/day + fuel)
👉 Pro Tip: Avoid driving in Amsterdam! Use public transport instead.
🚖 Taxi & Ride-Sharing – Best for Short & Late-Night Trips
Fun: 🚕 Medium (Expensive but convenient)
Price: 💰💰💰 (More expensive than public transport)
Best for: Late-night rides, short city trips, airport transfers
- Pros: Safe, available 24/7
- Cons: Expensive, traffic can be slow
- Apps: Uber, Bolt, FreeNow, TCA (Amsterdam’s official taxis)
🚖 Example: Short taxi ride in Amsterdam (~$15–$30 USD)
👉 Pro Tip: Use Uber/Bolt instead of street taxis to save money!
⛴️ Boat – Best for Canals & Scenic Water Travel
Fun: ⛵ Very High (Beautiful, unique experience)
Price: 💰💰 (Budget-friendly ferries, but expensive tourist cruises)
Best for: Exploring Amsterdam’s canals, traveling to islands
- Best Routes:
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise (Iconic experience! 🚤)
- Rotterdam Harbour Tour (See Europe’s biggest port!)
- Texel Island Ferry (North Sea adventure!)
🛥 Example: Amsterdam Canal Cruise (~$10–$30 USD, 1-hour tour)
🚲 Bike – The Best Way to Travel in the Netherlands!
Fun: 🚴♂️ Very High (The most Dutch experience!)
Price: 💰 (Very cheap, sometimes free with rentals)
Best for: EVERYWHERE in the Netherlands!
- Pros: Eco-friendly, fun, best for exploring cities
- Cons: Busy bike lanes in Amsterdam can be overwhelming!
- Bike Rentals & Sharing:
- Amsterdam: MacBike, Swapfiets
- Nationwide: OV-fiets (Public transport bike rental)
🚴♂️ Example: Renting a bike in Amsterdam (~$5–$15 USD per day)
👉 Pro Tip: Always lock your bike! Bike theft is common in Dutch cities.
🏆 Best Choice Based on Your Travel Style
- Fastest: ✈️ Plane (for international) / 🚆 Train
- Cheapest: 🚌 Bus / 🚲 Bike
- Most scenic: 🚞 Train through the countryside / 🚗 Windmill Road Trip / ⛴️ Canal Cruise
- Best for city travel: 🚖 Taxi / 🚲 Bike / 🚇 Metro
- Best adventure: 🚗 Countryside Drive / 🚲 Bike / ⛴️ Texel Island Ferry
The Netherlands is perfect for biking, train travel, and scenic water routes! 🚀 What kind of trip are you planning? 😊
🇳🇱 Netherlands (Holland) Transportation FAQ ✈️🚆🚗🚌🚖⛴️🚲
Here are the most frequently asked questions about getting around the Netherlands!
✈️ FLIGHTS & AIR TRAVEL
1. Is flying the best way to travel within the Netherlands?
🚫 No. The Netherlands is a small country, and trains are much faster and more convenient for domestic travel.
2. What are the major airports in the Netherlands?
🛫 The biggest airports are:
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – Main international hub
- Eindhoven Airport (EIN) – Budget airline hub
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) – Regional flights
3. How long are flights between Dutch cities?
✈️ Amsterdam → Eindhoven (~40 min flight, but train is faster at 1.5 hours)
4. How much do domestic flights cost?
💰 $50–$150 USD one way, but trains are usually cheaper and faster.
5. What airlines fly within the Netherlands?
🛫 KLM, Transavia (mostly international flights)
🚆 TRAINS (FASTEST & MOST POPULAR OPTION)
6. Is the train system in the Netherlands good?
✅ Yes! The Dutch railway system (NS) is one of the best in Europe.
7. How much do train tickets cost?
💰 Amsterdam → Rotterdam (~$10–$20 USD, 40 min)
💰 Amsterdam → The Hague (~$12 USD, 50 min)
💰 Amsterdam → Paris (Thalys high-speed train, 3 hours, $50–$150 USD)
👉 Pro Tip: Get an OV-chipkaart for cheaper fares & easy travel!
8. What are the best train routes in the Netherlands?
🚆 Amsterdam → Rotterdam (Fastest domestic train!)
🚆 Amsterdam → Giethoorn (Scenic countryside trip!)
🚆 Amsterdam → Paris (Thalys high-speed train!)
9. Can I buy train tickets online?
✅ Yes! Use NS.nl (Dutch Railways), Trainline, or Omio.
10. Do trains have Wi-Fi and food?
🚂 Yes, most Intercity trains have free Wi-Fi & a snack bar.
🚌 BUSES (CHEAPEST TRANSPORT OPTION)
11. Are buses a good way to travel in the Netherlands?
✅ Yes, but they are slower than trains.
12. How much do bus tickets cost?
💰 Amsterdam → Eindhoven (~$10–$30 USD, ~2 hours)
13. What are the best bus companies?
🚌 FlixBus, Arriva, Connexxion
14. Do long-distance buses have Wi-Fi and bathrooms?
🚽 Yes, but Wi-Fi can be slow.
🚗 RENTING A CAR & DRIVING
15. Should I rent a car in the Netherlands?
🚫 No, if staying in cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht).
✅ Yes, if exploring small towns & countryside (Kinderdijk, Giethoorn, Texel).
16. How much does renting a car cost?
💰 $50–$100 USD/day + fuel (~$2.00 USD per liter)
17. Do I need an international driver’s license?
🔹 No, if you have a US/EU license. Other nationalities may need an IDP.
18. Is driving in the Netherlands safe?
⚠️ Yes, but remember:
- Lots of cyclists—always watch for bikes!
- Parking in Amsterdam is VERY expensive (~€5–€10 per hour!).
- Speed limits are strict (fines are high!).
19. What are the best road trips in the Netherlands?
🚗 Amsterdam → Giethoorn (Dutch “Venice” village!)
🚗 Rotterdam → Kinderdijk (Famous windmills!)
🚗 Keukenhof Tulip Route (Best in spring! 🌷)
🚖 TAXIS & RIDESHARING
20. Is Uber available in the Netherlands?
✅ Yes! Uber, Bolt, FreeNow, and TCA (Amsterdam’s official taxis) are available.
21. How much do taxis cost?
💰 Short ride (~$15–$30 USD)
💰 Amsterdam Airport → City Center (~$50–$70 USD)
22. How do I avoid taxi scams?
✅ Use Uber or Bolt instead of street taxis.
⛴️ BOATS & FERRIES (BEST FOR CANALS & ISLAND TRAVEL)
23. Can I take a boat in the Netherlands?
✅ Yes! It’s a fun way to explore canals & islands.
24. How much do ferry & boat tickets cost?
💰 Amsterdam Canal Cruise (~$10–$30 USD, 1-hour tour)
💰 Texel Island Ferry (~$10 USD round trip!)
25. What are the best boat trips?
🚢 Amsterdam Canal Cruise (Iconic experience!)
🚢 Rotterdam Harbour Tour (See Europe’s biggest port!)
🚢 Texel Island Ferry (Dutch North Sea adventure!)
🚲 BIKES & PUBLIC TRANSPORT (THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL!)
26. Is the Netherlands bike-friendly?
🚴♂️ YES! The Netherlands is the most bike-friendly country in the world!
27. Can I rent a bike in the Netherlands?
✅ Yes! Bike-sharing & rentals are everywhere.
🚲 Best bike rental services:
- Amsterdam: MacBike, Swapfiets
- Nationwide: OV-fiets (Public transport bike rental)
28. What’s the best way to use public transport in the Netherlands?
🚇 Get an OV-chipkaart for easy access to trains, buses, trams, and ferries!
🏆 BEST TRANSPORT FOR YOUR TRIP
- Fastest: ✈️ Plane (for international) / 🚆 Train
- Cheapest: 🚌 Bus / 🚲 Bike
- Most scenic: 🚞 Train through the countryside / 🚗 Windmill Road Trip / ⛴️ Canal Cruise
- Best for city travel: 🚖 Taxi / 🚲 Bike / 🚇 Metro
- Best adventure: 🚗 Countryside Drive / 🚲 Bike / ⛴️ Texel Island Ferry
The Netherlands is perfect for biking, train travel, and scenic water routes! 🚀 What kind of trip are you planning? 😊
