Transportation
Traveling by plane
According to top-medical-schools, KLM Cityhopper (WA) operate between Amsterdam and Eindhoven. Transavia Airlines (HV), a subsidiary of KLM, also offers scheduled domestic flights. More information about KLM or the Dutch Tourist Office in Cologne, Tel. +49-221-920 421 80.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network is very well developed and clearly marked (see road classification below). Toll: No toll is charged for motorways and expressways. However, the Westerschelde and Kil tunnels are subject to a fee. Petrol stations are usually open day and night on motorways and in large cities. In the north of the Netherlands they often close at 11pm. However, at some gas stations there are automatic dispensers where you can pay with banknotes or credit card 24 hours a day.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Road classification
Motorways are marked with an A, dual carriageways with an N, and feeder roads to major cities, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with a small s and a three-digit number.
Car rental
All major European car rental companies are represented at airports and hotels, for example. Advance booking is recommended; Rental prices are often higher locally. The minimum age is 21 years (may vary depending on the vehicle category). The driver must have held a driver’s license for at least one year. Drivers under the age of 25 are often charged a young driver fee locally.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at airports and in cities. All taxis are metered. Alternatively, there are also Uber taxis, which can be called with a smartphone via an app in major Dutch cities.
Bicycle
Bicycles can be rented at all major train stations and returned at the same train station. Often also available for hire from bicycle dealers or workshops. A deposit is usually required. The local tourist information offices provide information about bicycle rentals.
Traveling in the city
Buses, trams and underground trains are convenient and inexpensive means of transport in Dutch cities. Amsterdam has a well-developed public transport network operated by GVB. Buses, trams and underground trains run daily from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Night buses are available between 12:30 a.m. and around 7:00 a.m. There are single tickets as well as day tickets for 1-7 days; discounted tickets for children aged 4-11. Day tickets entitle you to unlimited travel by bus, tram and subway during their validity. Tickets for GVB public transport in Amsterdam can only be purchased cashless. The Line 2 tram travels one of the most scenic routes in the city, passing a variety of sights. A self-organized ‘hop-on hop-off tour’ is possible with a day ticket. Metro: Amsterdam’s metro lines run from Central Station to the southern suburbs and business district. Taxis are available at the taxi rank or by telephone. Rental Cars: All major rental car companies are represented. Rental cars are also arranged by most hotels. Parking spaces are scarce in Amsterdam and it is best to avoid driving during rush hours (7am-9am and 5pm-7pm). Boat traffic: The three canal bus lines run every 25 to 45 minutes between the main station and the Reichsmuseum. You’ll make stops at major museums and other attractions. Discounted children’s tickets are available for children aged 4-12. Water taxis carry up to 40 passengers. Museum boats depart from Prins Hendrikkade every 30 minutes in summer and every 45 minutes in winter to various museums. Boat rental: “Pedalos” (pedal boats) and boats can be rented. Bike rentals: There are numerous rentals. Bike lanes are marked with white lines in Amsterdam. The I amsterdam City Card offers free entry to numerous museums, free use of public transport, a free canal cruise and discounts at many Amsterdam attractions. The pass, which is valid for 1 to 4 days, can be ordered from iamsterdam. The City Card will either be sent to you (max. 6 days) or it can be picked up or purchased on arrival in Amsterdam at the iamsterdam stand or at the Tourist Information at both the train station and the airport. Rotterdam has an excellent bus and tram network operated by Rotterdamse Electrische Tram NV (RET) and two metro lines. Except for line 2, all trams stop at Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal), where there is a connection to lines D and E of the Rotterdam Metro. Night buses (BOB buses) run from 01:00 to 06:00 to the center of Rotterdam and to the suburbs and surrounding cities. A special ticket is required for night buses. Hubs of these night buses are Rotterdam Central Station and Zuidplein Mall. Taxi: Available at taxi ranks or by telephone reservation. Rental Cars: All major companies, including Hertz and Avis, are represented. The Hague is inner-city and connected to its outskirts by regular buses and trams (HTM). Taxi: Available at taxi ranks or by telephone reservation. Rental Cars: Avis and Hertz.
Locally on the way by train
NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen is the state railway company. InterCity (IC) trains connect larger cities such as Amsterdam, Maastricht and Utrecht. Sprinter (RE) trains run between rural areas and larger cities. The InterCity Direct (IC) is a high-speed train that runs between the stations Amsterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, Breda and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. A surcharge applies to this train. Intercity and suburban trains run at least every 30 minutes on the main routes between all parts of the country. Trains also run regularly at night between Utrecht, Amsterdam, Schiphol, The Hague and Rotterdam. Train and bus timetables are coordinated,
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass and the Interrail Global Pass are valid in the Netherlands.
Note on the train journey
OV chip cards are valid on buses, trams, metros and trains on the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). They are available from machines at stations and stations, as well as on buses and trams. OV chip cards must be topped up before the journey. A subscription, a route or an amount can be saved. For tourists there is the anonymous chip card, which must be activated in advance at a NS card machine for train journeys; this is not necessary for travel by other means of public transport. The chip card is held in front of a card reader for registration at the beginning of the journey, when changing trains and at the end of the journey. special tickets: The day pass allows unlimited train travel across the country for one day. Children under the age of 3 travel free within the Netherlands if they do not occupy a seat. Dogs and bicycles can be taken along, but at an additional cost. With the Railrunner tickets, children can travel unlimited by train for a day for EUR 2.50; from 4-11 years in 2nd class also alone, in 1st class accompanied by an adult over 18 years (maximum 3 children per adult). The group return ticket is available at a flat rate for up to 4 people; each additional passenger (max. 10) pays a surcharge.
Traveling by ship
In the summer season you can take ferries from one Wadden island to the next; Often also by bike. The ferries run between Texel and Vlieland, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog and between Terschelling and Texel, Ameland and Vlieland and across the Scheldt estuary. The Teso shipping company operates ferries for people and motor vehicles between Den Helder in North Holland and the island of Texel (journey time: approx. 20 minutes). Canal cruises and boat trips are offered in various cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem, Groningen, Giethoorn, Delft and Maastricht. The Waterbus runs from Rotterdam to Dordrecht and back, via Ridderkerk and Alblasserdam. Cruise ships regularly dock at the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal near Amsterdam city center. Master Cruises and Tours offer river cruises through North Holland, crossing the IJsselmeer to the island of Texel.
