Transport network in the Netherlands

Getting to Amsterdam

The biggest Dutch international airport is Schiphol. Other airports are in Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Maastricht. Schiphol is located about 10km south-west of Amsterdam and is one of Europe's major international connection airports. There is a small percentage departure tax included in the cost of tickets from Dutch airports.

Amsterdam's Centraal Station has regular and efficient rail and bus connections to all neighbouring countries or you can catch the Eurostar train through the Chunnel.

Getting to Rotterdam

Rotterdam's small airport, Zestienhoven, is located to the northwest of the city centre. There are regular flights to and from most major cities in Europe and at certain times of the year a number flights to holiday destinations. Rotterdam city Bus travels between Rotterdam Airport and Rotterdam Central Station taking about 20 minutes. Signs at the airport direct drivers to highway A13, which heads into Rotterdam. Less than an hour away is Schiphol International Airport.

Transport in and around the Netherlands

The majority of roads in the Netherlands are flat and well maintained and feature loads of cycle paths making bicycles the ideal way for getting around. There are equally decent train and bus networks. You can motorcycle or drive around but be warned, when you are off the highways, the roads are narrow parking spaces are hard to come by.

The rail network in the Netherlands’ in fast, efficient and modern, with regular trains to all centres in the country and many nonstop services to other European cities. High speed trains run from Amsterdam to Brussels and France, with London planned.

Buses are used for regional transport rather than for long distances. They do, however, fill the rail gaps in the north and east. Bus stations are almost always situated next to the main railway station in a town; in towns with no rail service they'll usually be found in the town centre.

Ferry services run between England and Holland: P&O North Sea Ferries runs between Rotterdam and Hull, and Stenaline Ferries runs between Rotterdam and Harwich.