Netherlands: Traveling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

Taxis are relatively expensive. They know all the destinations within the city (and outside) especially the very touristic ones. In general taxi drivers have a decent command of the English language. Other ways of getting around in the city are by tram (in cities such as The Hague and Utrecht) and metro (only in Rotterdam and Amsterdam). Traveling by bike is also possible, there are special bicycle paths in most cities.

Maps of Urban Networks

Metro and Bus Transportation Maps - Amsterdam

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Amsterdam - Schiphol (AMS)	15 km / 9 miles	EUR 35-45 / 15-25 min	Available	EUR 3.80 / 15-25 min	Available
Rotterdam (RTM)	5 km / 3 miles	EUR 20-25 / 10-15 min	EUR 2.40 / 25 min	-	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

There are excellent international links to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Rental cars are available at numerous locations; the downside of using a car is that there are a lot of traffic jams in the Randstad area, especially in the morning and evening when people go to and return from work. Parking a car in the city center is hard especially when you are not willing to pay for a parking spot. Even though all the road signs are in Dutch it is not very difficult to find your way around.
The train can be used to get from city to city. The train network is quite extensive and the trains run frequently.This frequency compensates for the number of stops.

Rail Companies

Dutch Railway

Airlines

You Can Consult the List of Airlines Banned Within the EU. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling By Yourself

Recommendation

The highway network is dense, free and well-maintained but it is often jammed (truck traffic). Secondary roads can be taken... unless you are in a hurry. Exceeding the speed limit is severely punished (fine, disqualification from driving, seizure of vehicle). Because of the high risk of accidents due to numerous cyclists in the cities, drivers who are not used to such situations are advised to be even more careful when turning right. Tramways have right of way, it is therefore necessary to look right and left before moving in any direction on the roads, either when walking, driving or cycling.

Road Maps

Google Maps

Find an Itinerary

Via Michelin
ANWB
Route Net

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

There are a lot of historic sights to see, mainly in the big cities but also in the country side. Think of the Waterlinie and the Canals of Amsterdam.

Cultural

The Netherlands is renowned for its museums. Some Dutch sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, consult the website to see which they are.

Nature

There are a number of parks, such as de Keukenhof and other nature parks such as de Veluwe. Some Dutch sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, consult the website to see which they are.

Religious

All religious sites in the Netherlands.

Thermal

None.

Beach

All costal activities.

Winter Sports

None outdoor, apart from when there is a rigorous winter, then ice skating outside is popular (Elfstedentocht); indoors there is skiing and ice skating.

Outdoor Activities

Cycling, walking, swimming, golf.

Shopping

Special purchases include Delft (between The Hague and Rotterdam) blue pottery and pottery from Makkum and Workum, costume dolls, silverware from Schoonhoven, glass and crystal from Leerdam and diamonds from Amsterdam. Shopping hours: Mon 1100-1800; Tues-Fri 0900-1800; Sat 0900-1700. In Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other big cities, supermarkets are open from 0800-2000/2100. In large city centres, shops are open Sun 1200-1700. Shopping malls are also open on Sunday. Some cities also have late-night shopping on Thursdays or Fridays.

Tourism Organizations

Netherlands Tourism Board

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

There are no obligatory vaccinations nor any recommendations.

International Hospitals

There are no international hospitals in the Netherlands.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

The World Health Organization webpages devoted to the Netherlands
Dutch Ministry of Health, Sports and Welfare
The American government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

US Travelling information about the Netherlands
Canadian Travel Report of the Netherlands
Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Amsterdam, Rotterdam (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)

Summer Time Period

Summer time from March to October