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| Netherlands
Getting Around - Internal Travel |
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Air
KLM Cityhopper
(WA) operates between Amsterdam and Eindhoven.
Transavia Airlines (HV) (part owned by KLM) also
run scheduled flights. Martinair Holland (MP) operates
passenger and cargo charter services. Enquire at KLM offices or
at The Netherlands
Board of Tourism for further information (see Contact
section).
Sea
Ferry services operate to the Wadden Islands, Ameland,
Schiermonnikoog, Terschilling, Texel and Vlieland, across the Ijsselmeer
(former Zuyder Sea) and Schelde Estuary.
There is also a ferry service to the Frisian Islands
across the Waddenzee.
Boat Tours
runs excursions from Amsterdam, Arnhem, Delft, Giethoorn, Groningen,
Maastricht, Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Stena Line
operates a daily service for private cars, freight and trailers.
Wadden Ticket: For travellers wanting
to visit any of the Wadden Islands (five 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 a year. Contact The
Netherlands Board of Tourism for further details (see Contact
section).
Rail
The highly developed rail network, of which about 70% is electrified,
is cheap and efficient, and connects all the towns. Both Intercity
and local trains run at least half-hourly on the principal routes.
Rail and bus timetables are integrated, and there is a common fare
structure throughout the country.
NV
Nederlandse Spoorwegen is the state-owned rail company and operates
all lines within the Netherlands.
Cheap fares
Holland Rail Pass allows unlimited travel
in the Netherlands for either 3 or 5 days within one month. Reduced
rates are available for senior citizens (over 60), travellers under
26 years and children. Every second person travels half-price. Tickets
must be purchased from International Rail before travel.
Summer Trip Passes are available between 1st July
to 9th September and give two people 3 days of unlimited travel
within a period of 10 days for only a single fare. Summer Trip Plus
Passes are available for unlimited travel on all public transport
buses and trams in town and country, and on the underground system
in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Tickets cost between €45-72.50.
Euro Passes are available for travel
in The Netherlands and Belgium. Three- to eight-day passes are available.
The Benelux Tourrail Card allows unlimited
travel for any 5 days within a one-month period, covering The Netherlands,
Belgium and Luxembourg. Inter-Rail passes are also
valid in The Netherlands.
Children under 4 years of age travel free on all journeys within
The Netherlands. Child’s Railrunner tickets,
which cost €1, are available for children aged between four
and 11 years travelling with a fare-paying adult (19 years or older),
and include up to 3 children travelling with any one adult. Contact
the Railway Authority of any of the participating countries for
prices and further information.
Road
There is an excellent road system. Visitors to The Netherlands may
use credit cards when obtaining petrol.
The motoring association in The Netherlands is the ANWB
(Royal Dutch Touring Club), PO Box 93200, 2509 BA The Hague
(telephone number: (263) 860 249).
Driving regulations
Driving is on the right. Drivers should
be particularly aware of cyclists and there are special cycle lanes.
There is a chronic shortage of parking space in central Amsterdam,
and the rush hours (0700 hrs-0900 hrs and 1700 hrs-1900 hrs) should
be avoided throughout the whole country. Parking fines are severe.
Headlights should be dipped in built-up
areas, but it is prohibited to use sidelights only.
Children
under 12 years of age should not travel in the front seat.
Seat belts are compulsory.
Speed
limits
80kph (50mph) on major roads.
120kph (75mph) on motorways
50kph (30mph) in towns.
Documentation
An International Driving Permit is not required, as long as a driving
licence from the country of origin is held. EU pink format licences
are accepted. However, it is sometimes advised for non-members of
the EU. Trailers and caravans are allowed in without documents.
A Green Card is advised, 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.
Bus
Extensive regional bus networks exist. Long-distance coaches also
operate between the cities, but costs are generally on a par with
trains.
Bicycle hire
Bicycles can be hired from all the main railway stations, but must
be returned to the station from which they are hired. A refundable
deposit is required.
Car
hire
Available from airports and the main hotels. All European car hire
companies are represented.
Taxi
Taxis have an illuminated taxi sign on the roof
and there are taxi ranks at railway stations and at various other
points throughout the cities. Rather than hailing taxis in the street,
it is more usual in The Netherlands to order a taxi by telephone.
Taxis should have meters inside to indicate the fare, including
the tip.
Urban Transport
Public transport is very well developed in the cities and large
towns. A strippenkaart national fares system exists.
Strips of 15 tickets each are widely available at railway stations,
post offices and also at some tourist offices and are accepted anywhere
in payment of standard zonal fares. There are also individual and
multi-day tickets for the within the cities. For more detailed information
on travel within Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, see below.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has an extensive network of buses, trams and also the
underground (GVB), with frequent services from
early morning to around midnight. There are less frequent services
throughout the night at a higher cost. Full information on services,
including a map, day tickets and strippenkaart (strip-tickets) can
be obtained from the GVB office in front of the
Central Station (0700 hrs-2230 hrs daily) or the GVB Central
Office at Prins Hendrikkade 108-114.
Tram
Amsterdam’s 17 tram lines provide a frequent , reliable service,
fast, and reliable service, making the tram the best way to travel
around the capital. The Trams operate from Monday-Friday 0600 hrs-2400hrs
and on Saturday from 0630 hrs and on Sunday 0730 hrs.
The tram system (as well as the buses and the underground) enables
reasonably quick travel even during the rush hour. Trams leave from
Central Station: 1 and 2 traverse the main canals,
19 takes a route to Museumplein and Concertgebouw and 9 and 14 to
the Muziektheater and Waterlooplein market.
The Circle Tram operates through central Amsterdam,
taking in major attractions and hotels.
Underground
Amsterdam’s underground lines all originate at the Central
Station and serve the southeastern business district as well as
the suburbs. Trains run from Monday-Friday 0600 hrs-0015 hrs and
on Saturday from 0630 hrs and on Sunday 0730 hrs. The GVB
is very easy to use.
Taxi
Taxi can be fairly expensive and can be ordered by telephone or
picked up at taxi ranks located at the Central Station, Leidseplein
and Rembrandtplein.
Fares are indicated by the meter and a small tip will be appreciated.
Car hire
The major European firms, including Avis and Hertz,
are represented. Cars can also be hired through most hotels. Parking
regulations are quite strict and failure to park in prescribed areas
or to pay the parking fee can result in a fine and the prospect
of the car being clamped or towed away.
Water travel
Canal Buses run every 25 to 45 minutes between
the Central Station and Rijksmuseum and children under the age of
five travel free.
Watertaxis (Monday-Sunday
0900 hrs-0100 hrs, carrying eight to 25 passengers).
Museum
Boats (departing from Prins endrikkade every 30 minutes
in summer and every 45 minutes during the winter).
Waterbikes
for 2 to 4 people, with a route map provided are all available.
Boat hire Visitors can hire pedalos (also
known as canal bikes) and boats to explore the canals.
Bicycle hire
This is an excellent way to travel around Amsterdam, and
it seems nearly everyone is trying it. Cycle lanes are clearly marked
by the white lines, but visitors are advised to watch out for trams,
cars and pedestrians. There are numerous companies hiring out bikes
locally.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam has excellent bus and tram services and a two-line
underground network, which all work on a zonal system. Information
is available from the Central Station.
Car hire
The major European firms, including Avis,
Hertz and other international agencies are represented.
The Hague
The Hague has bus and tram services and Information is available
from the Central Station, Koningin Julianaplein.
Car hire
Avis
and Hertz, and other international agencies, are
represented in Rotterdam.
Travel Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in
hours and minutes) from Amsterdam to other major cities in The Netherlands.
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Air |
Road |
Rail |
The
Hague |
- |
0.40 |
0.44
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Rotterdam |
- |
1.00 |
1.00 |
Utrecht |
- |
0.25 |
0.30 |
Groningen |
- |
2.00 |
2.20 |
Arnhem |
- |
1.10 |
1.10 |
Maastricht |
0.40 |
2.30 |
2.30 |
Vlissingen |
- |
2.00 |
2.45 |
Eindhoven |
0.30 |
1.30 |
1.25 |
Breda |
- |
1.30 |
1.50 |
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