Since there are only a few ways of entering Haarlem, Getting There is going to be easy, depending on how you want to arrive.

Airline Transportation

The primary mode of transportation that travelers use when coming from afar is by airplane. The place you will most likely land at is the huge Schipol Airport located in Amsterdam. Rotterdam also has a small airport which can provide an airline stop for you. But no matter what place your flight destination is the rest of the trip is made on the ground.

Trains, Busses or Automobiles      

You now have the choice between 3 means of traveling to Haarlem. From Amsterdam most visitors find that the Dutch Railways trains are the most convenient and cost effective. The Dutch Railways have 6 trains per hour leaving that go through Haarlem. The ride is quite relaxing and only takes between 15 to 20 minutes. If you are coming from Rotterdam or any other place in the country the Dutch Railway trains are also available for you.

One other option is to take the Connexxion, a bus line that travels through many cities in the country and has several stops in Haarlem. The Connexxion has a rapid transit trip to Haarlem from Amsterdam but tends to be a bit more costly than a regular train ride.

It is also possible to rent a vehicle to get into Haarlem from any outside city. Amsterdam has quite a few auto rental places. The only problem with this mode of travel is that it gets real expensive real fast. Gasoline costs a lot and the rentals aren’t cheap either. Most people don’t choose this method of travel unless they can really afford it.      

Getting to Haarlem from Amsterdam Centraal takes about 20 minutes by train. From Schiphol it is more cost effectuve to go by bus. Line no 300, a red bus called Zuidtangent, runs frequently between Amsterdam and Haarlem and passes Schiphol Plaza just outside the arrivals hall. Travel time takes about half an hour and ends at Haarlem railway station.