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How do tourists get around Netherlands?

The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable.



Tourists in the Netherlands primarily get around using the country's exceptionally efficient and integrated public transport system (NS Rail) and, of course, bicycles. The national train network connects almost every city and town with high-frequency services; a journey from Amsterdam to Utrecht or Rotterdam takes less than an hour. Within cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, an extensive network of trams, buses, and metros provides door-to-door coverage. In 2026, the most convenient way to pay for all travel is "OV-pay," which allows you to "tap in" and "tap out" using your contactless credit card or smartphone on any bus, tram, or train in the country, eliminating the need for a physical "OV-chipkaart." For shorter distances, cycling is the "Dutch way." Every city has dedicated, protected bike lanes and massive bike parking facilities at every station. Tourists can easily rent a bike (often called a "swapfiets" or "OV-fiets") for a few Euros a day. For those looking to explore more rural areas or the coastal dunes, well-marked cycling routes like the "LF-routes" offer a scenic, eco-friendly way to see the country's iconic windmills and tulip fields at a slower pace.

People Also Ask

The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking, as the city is one of the most walkable in the world.

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Travel using the e-purse on metro/trams/buses is generally cheaper than buying single 1 hour tickets, especially for shorter trips. Travel on trains with the anonymous card saves paying the €1 disposable ticket surcharge.

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How to save money: An insider's guide to Dutch Public Transport
  1. Hack #1. NS Group Discount (NS groepskorting) ...
  2. Hack #2. The Spoordeelwinkel. ...
  3. Hack #3. Ask your Dutch friends for a 40% discount. ...
  4. Hack #4. Kruidvat/ AH NS day tickets (when available) ...
  5. Hack #5 Flixbus.


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Buses and trams don't accept cash, so it'll be very useful to get a ticket you can use across each form of public transport. You'll find more information about ticket prices and how to get them in our section about how to buy tickets.

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You can choose between a personal or anonymous OV-chipkaart, both of which cost € 7.50. If you sign up for a 1-year NS season ticket, you'll receive a free personal OV-chipkaart (except for Flex Basis and Flex Weekend Voordeel). You can also opt for a single-use chipkaart, which is a paper ticket with a chip.

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