The Netherlands is an extremely densely-populated and highly developed country, and transport plays a large role in the economy. The country has a comprehensive road, rail, air, and water transportation network. This means that traveling around the country is easy. You can take a train, car rental, or taxi to get from one place to another.
Buses
The Netherlands‘s buses are equipped with high-tech features such as Wi-Fi. They are also wheelchair accessible and equipped with vending machines. Several bus companies operate in the Netherlands. Some bus lines also offer international services. The Netherlands has over 5.000 PT buses. In Groningen alone, more than 100 electric buses will be in operation by the end of 2019.
Bus routes vary greatly depending on the location and population density. Many rural routes will have hourly or half-hourly services, while urban services may have higher frequency if they serve several important towns or hubs. For example, in the city of Utrecht, bus services run four times an hour.
Trains
If you’re traveling to the Netherlands, train travel may be one of the most convenient ways to see the country. The vast majority of Dutch trains are designed for short-distance travel, which means that you won’t have to worry about checking in or out of your luggage. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to check the luggage requirements for your specific train, since they may differ from the Netherlands.
The Dutch rail system consists of many types of trains. The Metro trains, for example, have wheelchair access and sharing toilets. Regional trains, on the other hand, are often without toilets. The Metro trains are also equipped with free Wi-Fi and conductors, although there are a few disadvantages.
Car Rentals
If you are traveling to the Netherlands, you’ll want to get a car rental. It’s a great way to explore the country, and a car rental in the Netherlands is typically cheaper than renting one elsewhere in Europe. If you’re traveling from out of the country, consider booking ahead of time to ensure you’ll get the best deal. Many rental car companies will allow you to cancel your reservation, which will save you money. You can also use online car rental comparison sites such as GoSee to find the best deal.
There are many car rental suppliers in the Netherlands. The big names in car rentals are Avis, Budget, Alamo, Europcar, and Hertz. However, you can also find cheaper rates from some of the lesser-known brands.
Taxis
The number of taxis in the Netherlands has grown rapidly. Between 2002 and 2009, the country had nearly 45,000 taxis, up from just 16,000 in 2002. However, despite this increase in the number of taxis, prices did not fall. This is partly due to an unpleasant atmosphere at taxi ranks. Moreover, the number of passengers declined.
In major cities, you can choose between the many taxi services. Taxis are easily identified by their blue number plates and a taxi sign on the roof. You can also find permanent taxi stops near popular tourist attractions. You must also make sure that the taxi you choose is licensed and has a prominent sign showing the price.
Ferries
Ferries have been part of the Dutch landscape for centuries, connecting different villages and towns across rivers and islands, and are an important part of recreational activities. For example, ferries connect the northern province of Friesland to the Wadden Islands, and there are ferries to cross IJsselmeer Lake. In addition, there are cycling routes and pedestrian ferries.
While most ferries are run by commercial operators, there are also small, independent ferries that are operated by volunteers. These small vessels usually have seasonal schedules but are worth investigating if you plan to cycle across the country. Smaller ferries may cost EUR1 or EUR2, depending on the location.
Transport and Driving in the Netherlands
When you’re traveling in the Netherlands, it’s important to know what the rules are when it comes to driving, particularly when it comes to bicycles. Dutch cyclists tend to break traffic rules, so be aware of them when driving. You should also remember that cars should drive on the right side of the road when passing cyclists. In general, traffic from the right has the right of way, but cyclists are especially dangerous. Also, buses and trams have the right of way when leaving bus stops.
In the Netherlands, taxis are a common form of transportation, but it’s important to understand that they’re not always brightly colored. While many cab services operate in bright yellow and orange colors, you should still be aware of the high price of fuel. Some cities have Park and Ride facilities, which allow drivers to park in large garages while they complete their journey by public transport. Although taxis are the most common form of transport in the Netherlands, ridesharing is not widely available and is more expensive than public transport.
Dutch public transport is generally clean and inexpensive. The NS, the national rail system, covers most of the country. Using the NS allows you to travel cheaply within cities. Bus services connect other towns and cities, and northern islands have ferries to the islands. Depending on where you’re staying, it’s possible to get around by public transportation. Just make sure to plan ahead and make a schedule in advance.
Biking is a great way to get around. Many larger roads have dedicated bike lanes, so cycling is a great way to get around the country. Hiring a bike isn’t as difficult as it sounds. You’ll find rental companies and routes listed in the Fietsersbond. You can also hire a car to get around. You can also use public transport for short trips. And if you want to take a break from driving, you can call a cab.
If you’re an ex-pat, you can use your foreign driving license in the Netherlands for up to 185 days. Check with your local municipality to confirm which licenses are accepted. You’ll also need to have your car insured. You should have enough insurance to cover you for legal costs. You may also want to consider getting breakdown insurance and home motoring organization coverage. These are important aspects to consider when driving in the Netherlands.
Dutch trains run all around the country and are a great way to get around. Trains from Amsterdam to Utrecht are particularly convenient and have excellent rates. They are often referred to as NS stations. If you’re planning to take a train, it’s best to check whether the railway station is open during the time you need to travel. And if you’re looking for a fast, comfortable ride, the NS railway network has plenty of options.
Public transport in the Netherlands is plentiful, affordable and frequent. Most bus services run from 6am to midnight, and your OV-Chipkaart is valid on all forms of public transport. In addition, urban “park and ride” schemes are common. If you want to travel in style and get the most out of your trip, take the train or the bus. You’ll be glad you did! There’s no need to get a car.
By air, you can get to Amsterdam via Schiphol Airport. It’s well-connected and has plenty of bike parking. You can also fly into Eindhoven Airport, the country’s second-largest. Most budget airlines use this airport, and most destinations are in Europe. You can take a train to the Eindhoven Central Station, take a 400 bus, or hire a taxi. In either case, a bike is definitely a smart move in the Netherlands.
Alternatively, you can use the OV-chipkaart to get around the country. This type of credit card allows you to subscribe to a set amount of money each year. However, you must be sure to use the card every time you travel, as failure to do so will result in you being charged the full amount of the boarding fare. You can also use the OV-chipkaart to buy train tickets at the station or ticket office.
