Fastest Way From Amsterdam to The Hague (2 Options) ? ?
You have two excellent options for traveling from Amsterdam to The Hague: the regular NS Intercity train (53-57 minutes, €14-25) or a pre-booked private transfer (60-90 minutes, €110-130 for up to 4 people).
I recommend the train when you’re comfortable with public transport and want the fastest option. Choose the private transfer if you prefer door-to-door service, have luggage, or value the comfort of a private vehicle.
Both are reliable ways to make this 60-kilometer journey between two of the Netherlands’ most important cities.
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Why Visit The Hague After Amsterdam
The Hague is the only place in the Netherlands where you can visit the International Court of Justice where global legal disputes are decided, watch the Dutch king head to work at his palace, and walk on a beach—all in the same day.
While Amsterdam is a must-see with its canals and cultural life, The Hague fascinates with real political power and international justice institutions. Also home to some fantastic museums, the best Indonesian Food in the country, and great architecture.
This is where Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” hangs, and where the Dutch parliament meets in the world’s oldest parliament building still in use. I particularly recommend The Hague for travelers who enjoy sophisticated city life.
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Find Places to Stay in The Hague
Have you already booked your accommodation in The Hague?
My 3 Favorite The Hague Hotels
- My top pick: Hotel Des Indes: historic luxury in the heart of the city ?
- Boutique choice: Boutique Hotel Corona – personalized service near Parliament ?
- Modern option: Hilton The Hague – reliable comfort with excellent location
Your Two Best Travel Options Between Amsterdam and The Hague
Option 1: NS Intercity Train
The train is efficient and I take it regularly myself. NS operates regular Intercity trains on this route (without transfer every 30 minutes, every 15 minutes if you’re okay with one transfer half-way. First class (just €11 extra) gives you larger seats and quieter compartments—worth considering for this journey since it gets busy, and the travel time is about an hour.
Travel time: 53-57 minutes station-to-station
Cost: €14 (2nd class) – €25 (1st class) per person
Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
Why it works: Fast, frequent, comfortable seating, arrives at Den Haag Centraal
Best for: Travelers comfortable with public transport, those staying near city centers
⤷ Here my article about “How to book train tickets in the Netherlands”
Station choice: I recommend Den Haag Centraal over Den Haag HS—it’s closer to major attractions like the Mauritshuis and Binnenhof, Centraal also has much better public transport connections compared to HS.
Option 2: Private Transfer (Recommended for Comfort)
If you’re unsure about train travel or prefer door-to-door service, pre-booking a private transfer makes excellent sense. It costs significantly less than a metered taxi, eliminates station navigation, and handles your luggage seamlessly.
Travel time: 60-90 minutes door-to-door
Cost: €105-130 for up to 4 passengers
Why I recommend this: Direct hotel pickup, fixed price, comfortable vehicles, professional drivers
Best for: First-time visitors, traveler’s with luggage, or groups of 3-4 people
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 50% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
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Alternative Travel Options From Amsterdam to The Hague
Budget Bus Option
FlixBus operates from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station (not Central Station) to The Hague. Tickets start around €5. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
I only recommend this for very budget-conscious travelers, as the time and inconvenience usually aren’t worth the savings.
? You can find bus schedules and prices here >
Driving Yourself
Distance: 60 kilometers by road
Drive time: 60 minutes in normal traffic, 90 minutes is more realistic
Parking: €3-5 per hour in The Hague center
The train is more convenient for most visitors, but driving makes sense if you’re continuing beyond The Hague or when you need a car.
Compare Car Rental Companies
Find the lowest price for Car rental in the Netherlands
A Rental Car is perfect for exploring the Dutch countryside and attractions, harder to reach at your own pace.
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Choosing The Right Hague Train Station
The Hague has multiple train stations, but most serve local commuters. For visitors, you can choose between the two main central stations: Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor).
Both stations work for reaching The Hague’s center, but I recommend Den Haag Centraal for most travelers. Centraal offers significantly better local transport connections—multiple tram lines, buses, and light rail options that quickly connect you to major attractions like the Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, and shopping areas.
Den Haag HS has more limited local transport options, though it’s still well-connected. Choose HS if you’re already on a train route that stops there conveniently, or if it works better for your specific accommodation location. HS also is a beautiful grand station from an architecture stance, just like Haarlem.
My recommendation: Book a train to Den Haag Centraal unless you have a specific reason to use HS.
My Favorite Netherlands Guidebook
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Booking Your Transportation from Amsterdam to The Hague
Train Tickets
Book through the official NS website and then load your tickets onto the app to avoid the €1,50 machine surcharge. Your ticket works for any train that day, giving you complete flexibility.
⤷ Here is my article where I tell you all about booking your train tickets in the Netherlands
Money-saving tip: When you book 4+ days ahead you’re often eligible for a discount if you travel off-peak, the earlier you book the higher the discount.
You’ll need internet access for your train tickets and navigating The Hague with an app like Google Maps. Skip the expensive international roaming charges, or plans—an eSIM costs a fraction of your provider’s rates and gives you more data. Plus, it’s simple to install before you travel.
Inexpensive and Flexible SIM
Stay connected in the Netherlands
Skip hunting for WiFi. Get on the go navigation, translations and mobile internet that works everywhere in Europe – skip expensive international charges from your phone company.
My Phone Abroad Guide
Private Driver
Book your taxi in advance and you save significantly on the fare compared to metered journeys. When booking it’s worth it to select “Luxe” instead of “Standard” for a nicer driving experience. Standard is comparable with a regular ride-share experience. Luxe means a driver in suit, and a nicer vehicle. On the route to The Hague the price difference is not a lot.
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 50% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
What to Do in The Hague When You Arrive
The Hague offers a completely different Dutch experience than Amsterdam. Start with the Mauritshuis to see Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and Rembrandt masterpieces. Walk through the Binnenhof—the world’s oldest parliament building still in use—and admire the Gothic Ridderzaal.
For a unique experience, visit Madurodam, where you can see the entire Netherlands in miniature. If the weather’s nice, take tram 1 to Scheveningen Beach for seaside atmosphere and excellent seafood restaurants.
The Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice, offers guided tours during summer months—perfect for understanding The Hague’s role as the “International City of Peace and Justice.”
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Frequently Asked Questions How to Get from Amsterdam to The Hague
Is a private transfer from Amsterdam to The Hague worth the extra cost?
For groups of 3-4 people, the math often works out slightly more expensive: €105-130 total vs. €14-25 per person for the train. Factor in door-to-door service, luggage handling, and no station navigation, and many travelers find it worthwhile. But if you’re okay with using trains, the trains are comfortable too.
How reliable are trains between Amsterdam and The Hague?
Very reliable. NS operates this route frequently with modern equipment. Delays are rare, and if you miss one train, another follows within 30 minutes. I’ve used the Amsterdam to The Hague countless times without issues.
Which Hague station should I choose?
Den Haag Centraal is best for most visitors—it’s closest to the Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, and city center attractions. Den Haag HS works if you’re staying in that area, but Centraal offers more convenience.
Can I book same-day transportation between Amsterdam and The Hague?
Yes for trains, they run frequently with no reservation needed. Private transfers can also accommodate same-day bookings. I recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead for guaranteed availability and better rates. For trains you can get better rates if you book at least 4 days before you trip (discount increases the earlier you book)
What’s the travel best option for first-time visitors to the Netherlands?
I often recommend private transfers for first-time visitors, especially those coming from long international flights, or those traveling with luggage. You avoid public transport confusion and luggage management. But if you’re comfortable with trains, it’s the fastest and most cost-effective option.
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Bottom Line
Both the NS Intercity train and pre-booked private transfer are excellent choices. Choose the train if you enjoy efficient public transport and want the fastest journey. Choose the private transfer if you prefer door-to-door convenience and don’t mind paying extra for comfort.
Read More:
- All my “How To Get From Amsterdam” Transportation Guides
- Here is my article on “Things to do In Hague“
- And here is my article on Delft, a wonderful city close to The Hague
- Or what about Rotterdam? The most un-dutch city in the country
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