Getting Around

Getting around in the Netherlands is generally easy. The country is not big and the distances are small. A dense network of trains covers the country, and buses ply the smaller routes. Hitchhiking is another possibility.

The train is usually your best bet. Most routes have trains 2 or 4 times an hour, so you don't have to wait very long. Routes are organized by destination in the stations, which might confuse some vistiors. Train travel is kilometerwise not exactly cheap, but as the distances are not that big, it will not cost you too much. If you're going to stay for a longer time and will plan to travel around extensively, you might consider getting yourself a 'NS voordeelurenkaart' for €49,- a year, or €39,- if you're lucky and there is some kind of discount action. Available at the stations. For the double price you get a card valid for two years, but this card also gives 50% discount in most museums. You need a bank account for that though.

Buses are another option, but they are not very popular. Prices are the same for Interliner buses. Interlines are sort of long distance buses that cover some of the routes that have no trains. In summer you can get a zomer zwerf kaart, which will allow you to travel unlimited on buses for one day. It's a cheap but not very fast way of getting around. Krista Was here.

Hitchhiking always has its own risks and the rules are the same in the Netherlands. Avoid travelling alone, especially if you're female. Don't step in a car if you don't feel comfortable. On the other hand, it can be an excellent way of getting around and talk to the locals. You'll notice though that the Netherlands is a very densely populated country, which makes the average distance a car travels much shorter than, say, in Germany. While you can get lucky, more often then not you'll find that the friendly driver that stopped for you will only take you for the next 25 kilometers.