Transport in the Netherlands is considered advanced by international standards. Most of the country is connected by an extensive road network as well as trains and buses, while larger cities often have tram and metro services too. Thanks to the efficiency of public transport, it's easy to get around without a car – expats who do choose to own a car will need to consider driving regulations, parking and taxes. Of course, a discussion on modes of transport in the Netherlands would be incomplete without mentioning the infamous cycling culture. It’s said that the Netherlands is home to more bicycles than people. So, the sooner expats get hold of a bicycle, the sooner they'll feel at home. The country has an extensive public transport system, and expats will find that getting around the Netherlands is easy, safe and relatively inexpensive. A contactless smart card system, OV-chipkaart, is used to pay for the metro, buses, trams and trains across Dutch cities, as well as city-specific public transport ticketing systems. Depending on how long an expat will be in the Netherlands and how often they intend commuting, there are different options for the OV-chipkaart. All cards are valid for five years but can be renewed. The Dutch rail network is said to be one of the busiest in the European Union, with trains running between all major cities as well as across national borders. The main railway operator in the Netherlands is NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen),which connects the country with topdestinations, including Antwerp, Berlin, Brussels, Paris and London. There are two different types of trains in the Netherlands: intercity (express) trains that connect main cities directly and are faster; and slower trains connecting small stations,with multiple stops along the way. There are a number of ways to travel by bus, with city and regional connectionsavailable. For longer distances, most travellers prefer to use trains. Within cities, buses normally have lines covering routes that are not met by other forms of transport, such as trams or the metro. Several inter-city – and inter-country – bus companies operate in the Netherlands, such asFlixBus, which provides an affordable international travel option. Both Amsterdam and Rotterdam have well-developed metro systems that mainly run on elevated railways outside the city and underground within the city centre.The RandstadRail Line E consists of a light rail system integrated with Rotterdam's metro system and it connects the city with The Hague and areas in between. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht all have efficient tram networks. Although the tram system can be difficult to navigate at first, it’s one of the best ways for expats to explore their surroundings and commute to and from work. Some Dutch cities, including Amsterdam and Rotterdam, offer ferry services. Boat travel provides a unique way of getting around and offers an opportunity to explore different areas and get a new perspective. In some cases, ferries and water taxissimply prove a convenient way of getting around. Ferries allow the OV-chipkaart as well as cash payments or online booking. We advise expats to follow up with the relevant ferry services online for more on their routes, schedules and regulations. 9292 provides the latest travel information for transport across the Netherlands. Taxis aren't a common form of transport in the Netherlands. They're pricey and in some places they can't be hailed off the street, with commuters instead booking by telephone beforehand,getting one at a taxi stand or calling one via a ride-hailing application such as Uber. All official taxis have blue licence plates. There are pros and cons of driving a car in the Netherlands. Driving is relatively easy thanks tothe Netherlands' good roads and clear signage, but traffic congestion can be a problem, and hidden costs and tedious procedures are further hindrances. Fuel is notoriously expensive in the Netherlands, as is parking, particularly in metropolitan areas.In moves to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce congestion, some Dutch cities have Park and Ride facilities where drivers can park their vehicles in large garages and car parks and complete their journey to the central business district or city centre by public transport. While public transport is highly recommended, some expats may still choose to buy, lease, ship over or rent a car in the Netherlands. Buying a car in the Netherlands comes with extensive processes and heavy expenses. Car owners must register their vehicle with RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer), the national vehicle authority,and cars older than three years must be tested annually to ensure theycontinue to meet road standards. Taxes are charged when the vehicle is purchased and in some cases wherea car is leased from an expat's employer and used privately. Insurance is essential, but costly. Generally, expats with a valid foreign driving licence in the Netherlands can use it for up to 185 days. Thereafter, they must check with their local municipality whether they're eligible to exchange their licence or if they must apply for a new one. When applying for a local licence, applicants must pass both a theory and practical test. Cycling is at the very heart of transport in the Netherlands and is an equally popular form of recreation. Cyclists are well catered for with dedicated cycle paths, which are regulated with their own set of rules and systems, including traffic signals and lanes. Just as the sidewalks are not meant for bicycles, pedestrians should watch out for cyclists and not walk in designated bike lanes. When driving, expats should give priority to cyclists if they turn across a cycle lane. The thought of getting on a bike may seem daunting at first, but it's easy to learn and expats can even take lessons – many schools also familiarise children with cycling. Expats taking public transport should check whether they can carry their bike with them and if so what rules apply to them. For example, only folding bikes are permitted on trams or buses, while train passengers are recommended to register their bicycle before their train trip. While safety isn't a major concern in the Netherlands compared to other major destinations, expats should be aware of the risk of bike theft and must ensure theylock their bikes up safely. This can be done at bike stands or around trees or other permanent objects. Most locals would recommend buying a second-hand bike in the Netherlandsas it can save a decent amount on buying a brand-new one. Those who opt for the latter are advised to invest in insurance for their bike. It's also easy to rent a bike, and there are several rental companies to go to. As part of the Netherlands public transport system and integrated OV-chipkaart, rental bikes known as OV-fiets can be rented for a period of time for a small fee. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main airport in the Netherlands. Regional airports include Eindhoven Airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport,Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Groningen Airport Eelde. Airports are easily accessible by public transport and taxis. Owing to the country’s small size and abundance of other transport options, domestic flights in the Netherlands are limited, and there's no real need to fly between destinations within the country, though the great number of affordable airlines does makeinternational travel easy. Larger airports serve both major and budget airlines, from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the flag carrier ofthe Netherlands, and British Airwaysto easyJet, Vueling Airlines and Ryanair.Public transport in the Netherlands
OV-chipkaart
Trains
Buses
Metro
Trams
Ferries
Taxis in the Netherlands
Driving in the Netherlands
Getting a car
Driving licences
Cycling in the Netherlands
Getting a bicycle
Air travel in the Netherlands
FAQs
Transport and Driving in the Netherlands? ›
The Netherlands is a small, densely populated country with a highly effective public transport network. No matter where you want to go in the Netherlands, you can get there easily and comfortably by train, bus, tram, metro or ferry. You can even rent bicycles at the train stations and safely cycle on our bike paths.
What is transportation like in the Netherlands? ›The Netherlands has an excellent and reliable public transport system that can take you from point A to point B with no hassle. Train, bus, tram, metro, ferry, and, of course, public bikes are all at your disposal. Are you looking for a comfortable and fast way to get around in the Netherlands?
What is the most common mode of transportation in the Netherlands? ›Cycling is a ubiquitous mode of transport in the Netherlands. 27% of all trips are by bicycle - the highest modal share of any country in the world. Moreover: 36% of the Dutch list the bike as their most frequent mode of transport on a typical day. Some 85% of the people own at least one bicycle.
What is driving like in the Netherlands? ›Unlike in the UK, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in the Netherlands and overtake on the left – which can take some adjustment if you're used to driving on the left.
What is the best way to travel through the Netherlands? ›The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable. The rail network in the Netherlands is quite extensive and the trains are modern and comfortable.
Is it easy to drive in the Netherlands? ›The Netherlands is an easy country to navigate thanks to its well-maintained roads and the short distances between cities and sightseeing destinations. While the road rules across much of Europe are relatively standardized you should brush up on the individual countries to avoid fines and offenses.
Do you drive or train in Netherlands? ›The best way of travelling around the Netherlands is by train. The system – one of the best in Europe – is largely, though not exclusively, operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS; Dutch Railways; w ns.nl).
Is transportation expensive in Netherlands? ›Transportation: Getting around in the Netherlands is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transportation system. A single metro or train ticket will cost you around $3, while a long-distance bullet train ticket can range from $30 to $100.
How many people commute by car in the Netherlands? ›Over 60 percent of survey respondents indicated that they used their car to travel between work and home. The bicycle was also a widely used form of transport in the Netherlands in 2019, with approximately 30 percent of respondents indicating that they cycled to work.
How many people drive in the Netherlands? ›Link naar deze cijfers. Over 11 million people have a Dutch driving licence, equivalent to 81 percent of the population aged 18 and over.
What do I need to know before driving in the Netherlands? ›
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left side.
- Give way to vehicles coming from the right, unless otherwise stated.
- Priority roads are indicated with yellow diamond-signed roads.
- Drivers on a roundabout have the right of way.
In The Netherlands we drive on the right side of the road unlike for example the UK where they drive on the left side of the road. If you are not used to driving on the right side, I highly suggest to be very carefull and be extra alert.
How safe are the roads in the Netherlands? ›The Netherlands has one of the best road safety records in Europe.
How do most people travel in the Netherlands? ›The train and bus are most frequently used, but the tram and metro are also good options in certain cities.
How long does it take to drive across Netherlands? ›Well, the Netherlands is about 164 km wide and 252 km tall. (Source: Netherlands Land Statistics - World Atlas ) As the maximum speed is 130 KM at some highways and either 100 or 120 on others, the north/south route would take about 3 hours if there's no traffic.
How do you travel with public transport in the Netherlands? ›With an OV-chip card, you can travel with all public transport in the Netherlands. Hold your OV-chipkaart against the card reader and you are checked in. Don't forget to check out once you reach your final destination. Traveling with an OV-chip card has some advantages.
Is public transport free in the Netherlands? ›There are two ways to pay for your train travel: either use your OV-chipkaart credit or buy a ticket. You can buy tickets online or at a ticket office or machine at the station. One way to make train travel cheaper is with a subscription.
What are trains like in Netherlands? ›Not only does the Netherlands boast a very extensive rail network, the trains themselves are really modern. The train cars are spacious and the seats are comfortable and roomy.
What is the public transport like in Amsterdam? ›Amsterdam boasts an impressive public transport network including metros, buses, trams, ferries and trains to help you get around the capital. Save money on travel with the I amsterdam City Card, which offers unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours.