Transport

Getting around the Netherlands is easy. No matter where you are or what you want to do, almost everything is close and easy to get to. The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden are compact cities with great transport infrastructure to quickly get around by train, tram, bus, car or as many Dutch people do by bike. The Netherlands is the most connected country which makes it easy to travel in Europe or anywhere else in the world.

Public transport

As small and densely populated country, you can easily travel around the Netherlands with public transport. Buses and trains will take you all over the country and you find trams and metros in Rotterdam and The Hague. The larger cities of The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden are within a 30-minute train ride of each other, often less. Many people commute between cities daily. Common commutes are Leiden to The Hague (11 minutes), The Hague or Rotterdam to Delft (12 minutes), The Hague to Rotterdam (21 minutes). Beyond the region you can reach Amsterdam and Utrecht within 30 minutes. From Rotterdam there is a direct train connection to Brussels, Paris and London.

Bus, tram and metro

The bus, tram and metro networks are very well-connected and offer an affordable way to travel within cities with services running from early morning until late evening. Each city has their own bus and tram operator (Qbuzz in Leiden, RET in Rotterdam, HTM in The Hague, R-net in the entire region). On weekend days, night buses are also available. Trams run in Rotterdam and The Hague, and the metro system connects both cities.

Not sure how to get there? You can plan all your journeys with Google Maps or Dutch public transport apps like NS and 9292, which provide prices, timetables, real-time updates and route suggestions. All apps are also available in English.

Trains

For longer journeys, NS trains offer fast and comfortable connections to other parts of the Netherlands. Trains are operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). There are two types of trains: the Sprinter and the Intercity. Don’t let the names fool you: The Intercity is the faster train with less stops in between. NS also offers bicycles (OV-fiets) for rent at most stations, bus and metro stops, and Park and Ride (P+R) facilities, helping travellers to complete the final leg of their journey.

Paying for public transport

To pay for any public transport you can use your bank card or an OV-chipkaart. The rechargeable travel card can be used to travel by bus, train, metro, OV-fiets (public transport bike) and even ferry. The card can be personalized to access discounts. Always remember to check in and out when using public transport. In 2027 the OV-chipkaart will be replaced by the OV-pas to offer one payment tool.

Bank card

Use your debit card, phone or credit card (Mastercard or Visa) to pay for public transport. Using your card is connected to OVpay to monitor your check-ins or review your travel history.

Personal OV-chipkaart

Apply online and automatically charge your bank account if you use it. You can add discounts and subscriptions to your personal card.

Anonymous OV-chipkaart

Purchase at service points located in train and metro stations, supermarkets, and tobacco shops. You need to manually charge the card to travel.

Children

Children until the age of 4 do not need an OV-chipcard and travel for free. The NS and some cities offer free public transport for children up to the age of 12.

Cycling

Cycling is a way of life in the Netherlands. In fact, there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands. You will discover that the flat terrain, traffic rules and safety infrastructure of dedicated cycle paths, road markings and signposts makes cycling an easy and safe way to get around. Within South Holland you can easily cycle to the next city, to the beach or blooming tulip fields.

Rent a bike

For newcomers who are not yet ready to commit to owning a bicycle, renting is an excellent option. Across train stations in The Hague, Rotterdam, Leiden and Delft, you will find OV-fiets. With a simple subscription, you can pick up a bicycle at one station, making it ideal for short city trips. There are also local bike rental shops and Swapfiets offering daily or monthly rental options.

Buy a bike

Most residents choose to buy their own bicycle, as it is often the cheapest and most reliable way to travel. New bikes can be purchased from specialty shops in town or online. If you are searching for a more budget-friendly purchase, looks at second-hand bicycles available from markets, online platforms such as Marktplaats, or refurbished by professional dealers.

Learn about the traffic rules before you start cycling

The white triangles on the road are indications to give-way to incoming traffic. Stop signs are only used in dangerous crossings.
You are not allowed to hold a telephone in your hand while cycling.
Cyclists must have a working light in the front and back of their bicycle in low light conditions.
Always use the bike lane! Cycling on the pavements is not allowed. If a bike lane is absent, cyclists must use the road.
Use hand signals when you make a turn. Cyclist must pass each other on the left; they are allowed to pass other vehicles on the right.
The right has way at crossings. Cyclists are often allowed to turn right at a red traffic light if there is a sign that reads: "rechtsaf voor fietsers vrij".
Bicycles can be parked on the sidewalk unless there is a sign that forbids it.
Cyclists are only allowed to transport children under eight if they are in a safety seat.

Driving a car

Driving a car remains a popular mode of transportation if you need flexibility and travel regularly outside of city centres. If you are moving to the Netherlands, you may want to import your car, or alternatively, buy or share a car. Before you drive it is important to learn about traffic rules, paid parking and if you are allowed to use your driving licence is in the Netherlands. When driving, you must have with you at all times a valid driving licence, proof of third-party insurance, vehicle registration and a certificate of ownership.

Importing a car

If you are taking your car or motorcycle with you to the Netherlands, you will need to officially register or import your car after three months. The process required preparation as you need to gain authorisation from local authorities, may need to pass inspection by the Dutch Road Authority RDW, register your car, obtain Dutch licence plates, pay motor vehicle tax and take out adequate insurance. When you move, your car is considered part of your removal goods and you will usually not be considered to pay import duties.

Driving licence

Where your driving licence was issued determines how long you can use it to legally drive in the Netherlands.

EU or EEA

If your driving licence was issued in an EU or EEA or in Switzerland you can use it in the Netherlands for 15 years from the date of issue.

Outside of the EU

If your driving licence was issued in a non-EU country you can use it for a maximum of 185 days from arrival. Before the 185 days expire you need to exchange it or pass a Dutch driving exam. You can exchange it at your local municipality if you are from a treaty country or qualify for the expat ruling (also family members).

Diplomatic status

If you have diplomatic status in the Netherlands different rules apply. You can use you driving licence for as long as it is valid in combination with proof of your diplomatic status, the ID-document of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Taxi

Taxis are available throughout the Netherlands and can be booked by phone, apps or found at designated taxi ranks, especially near train stations and in city centres. Ride-sharing apps such as MyWheels or Greenwheels are also gaining popularity, offering an alternative for short trips or airport transfers.

Airports

South Holland is well-connected to international destinations through two major airports. Rotterdam-The Hague Airport offers flights to over 40 European cities. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s busiest airports with more than 300 international destinations. Schiphol can be reached by direct train within 30 minutes from most cities in the region.

Map out your ideal location!

Where should you live in the Netherlands? By mapping out the travel time between your work, the school of your children and other key locations, you can find your ideal location to live, work and feel at home in. Find out how long it takes to travel between locations with your different modes of transportation. The MapitOut tool helps you to make important decisions about your move to the Netherlands, such as where to live and which schools to enrol your children in.

Go to MapitOut tool