Whether you want to explore the whole country or just a small part, public transport in the Netherlands is extensive, fast, simple to use, and fairly cost effective. Start planning your journey with these tips and further information.
Public Transport Card
To travel on public transport in the Netherlands, you will need a public transport card, also known as an OV-chipkaart. There are two types of cards. An anonymous version, which is available to purchase at rail and bus stations, as well as at bigger supermarkets; and a personal version, which can be applied for online.
It is crucial to always scan your card at the start and end of your journey, as well as when you change lines or transport types. This can be done at the station barriers and/or at the pillars on the platforms.
For full information on using the Dutch public transport card, visit the OV-chipkaart website.
Types of Public Transport in the Netherlands
Bus
You’ll find buses in ample supply in the Netherlands. In addition to travelling around the city, they also ride between cities and smaller towns. Dutch buses usually operate from 6 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. There is also a limited night bus service.
Tram
In the bigger Dutch cities, you will often find tram routes crisscrossing the city. Like buses, these run from approximately 6 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. To ensure you are heading in the right direction, be sure to check the front of the tram for its end destination.
Metro
Currently, only Amsterdam and Rotterdam have metro services in the Netherlands. Compared to other world cities, both Dutch metro lines are fairly small and easy to navigate. The service runs from around 6 a.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Train
The Nederlandse Spoorwegen is the national train company. Dutch trains will quickly take you to destinations throughout the Netherlands and help you connect to other European destinations. There are a number of types of trains in the Netherlands. The most important are:
- Intercity: Usually double deckers, these pass the small stations, stopping instead at the bigger ones.
- Sneltrein: Despite its name (fast train) these are slower than the Intercity trains but faster than the stop trains.
- Stoptrein: Here the name does apply, as these stop trains make many stops, including at the smaller stations.
[clickToTweet tweet=”There are around 400 train stations in the #Netherlands.” quote=”There are around 400 train stations in the Netherlands, including a few that are used only during special events and one which only serves the National Railway Museum.”]
Trip Planners for Public Transport in the Netherlands
One of the best free trip planners available in English is the website www.9292ov.nl. This website provides door-to-door information for all public transport in the Netherlands.
The Nederlandse Spoorwegen website also has a handy English planner for your train travel.
What’s your favourite type of public transport in the Netherlands?
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