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How to Get from Amsterdam 🚆

Here are my transportation guides for getting to major cities in the Netherlands and neighboring countries like Belgium, Germany, France and the UK.

I’ll help to choose between the best transportation options 👇

👋 Hi, I’m Gerrit — your local Dutch guide behind Hidden Holland. I help travelers plan smarter trips. See how I can help →

How to get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam: Modern train at Rotterdam Central Station platform.
  • Each guide compares the best transportation options
  • I customize guides for comfort, speed, or budget needs
  • Get advice from a local expert

Domestic – More Local Experiences 🖼️

Here are other great destinations in the Netherlands well worth the (day) trip from Amsterdam:

Amersfoort is a beautiful close to Amsterdam.

How to Get From Amsterdam to Belgium 🇧🇪

Many of my guest, plan a trip to Belgium too, here are my four transportation guides to the most popular cities in Belgium:

Beautiful square in Antwerp, an easy day trip from Amsterdam.

How to Get From Amsterdam to Germany 🇩🇪

Germany offers excellent train connections from Amsterdam, with direct routes to several major cities:

Checkpoint Charlie is the most known point of interest in Berlin.

Other International Destinations

With the arrival of high-speed trains and a choice of direct flights you have some great options in Europe for quick city trips:

Getting to other European destination here Eurostar train in Amsterdam to London.

Useful Travel Guides for Transit

Forget everything you think about trains being “public transportation” for people who can’t afford cars. It’s premium infrastructure that everyone uses by choice.

Intercity train at Schiphol Airport station.

Frequently Asked Questions Netherlands Transportation 🤔

How far in advance should I book trains?

For domestic Dutch trains, no booking is needed – but for discounts book through the NS website (I explain here how to buy tickets) at least 4 days in advance, longer means higher discounts. For international routes, tickets become available 4-6 months in advance at the lowest possible price, and then only go up from there. So book as early as possible on the official website.

Can I bring luggage on Dutch trains?

Yes, there are no size restrictions. However, large suitcases and long train journeys don’t mix well – there’s theft risk if left unattended, and you can’t block seats or aisles. Overhead racks aren’t secure either. Eurostar are better prepared for luggage and are safer with staffed doors, but trains work best with backpacks or small trolleys. For heavy luggage, I recommend to pre-book a taxi in advance for trips within the Netherlands.

When should I choose a private taxi over public transport?

If you travel with heavy luggage (suitcases), have a tight schedule, late arrival, or when traveling in a group of 3+, or prefer more private transportation I recommend to pre-book a taxi (for 2+ suitcases book a van) The train is great for speed, lower costs, and city center to city center comfort without traffic. The train is often faster too. Just not great with luggage.

Are organized tours worth it?

Tours make sense when do not want to take care of the logistics yourself and want to hit multiple destinations in one day – like combining Volendam with Zaanse Schans. They’re also helpful for first-time visitors who want context about what they’re seeing. However, for single destinations that are easy to reach by train, tours add unnecessary cost and you’ll spend time waiting for other people rather than exploring at your own pace.

Can I cycle between Dutch cities?

Cycling between cities is definitely possible. Every town is connected by separate bicycle lanes and the bike number connection system (fiets knooppunten) make navigation really easy (plus apps like Google Maps). However, unless you’re a keen cyclist who enjoys the journey as much as the destination, trains are much faster and less tiring for day trips.

Should I rent a car in the Netherlands?

Cars only make sense for hard-to-reach places like Kröller Müller Museum or when you want to visit rural spots. For city-to-city travel, you’ll spend more time looking for expensive parking (€25+ per day in city centers) than you save in travel time. Trains get you directly to city centers without the hassle, and you can relax instead of navigating unfamiliar roads. If you need a rental car this is where I would look.

Still Have Questions?

I’m happy to help! Schedule a consultation call or itinerary review with me if you’d like in-depth planning help. As a local guide, I can give you tips that only locals know, and I can save you a lot of time on your research.

Transportation Tips from Amsterdam 💡

My transportation guides from Amsterdam cover the best ways to reach destinations across the Netherlands and neighboring countries. Through these guides, I help you choose between trains, buses, cars, and other options based on where you’re going and what matters most to you.

Trains are your best bet for Dutch destinations. They run every 15-30 minutes without reservations – just hop on. But if you book in advance you can get discounts (4 days or more). For international trips like Amsterdam to Paris or Brussels, I always recommend to book ahead. The earlier you book, the cheaper your international ticket will be.

Buses work mainly for international budget travel. FlixBus connects Amsterdam to dozens of German cities and European destinations, and some domestic destinations, tickets are cheap. But bus depatures are limited, less flexible, and busses leave from Amsterdam Sloterdijk in Amsterdam west, not Central Station – that’s an extra 30-minute journey just to catch your bus, plus cost.

Don’t count on Uber outside Amsterdam. I see this mistake constantly. Drivers will take you from Amsterdam to Volendam or other destinations, but they won’t be there for your return trip. You’ll be stranded. I always recommend pre-booking regular taxis or private transfers for anything outside the city.

Get a rental car from Schiphol Airport, not downtown. Amsterdam’s historic center has impossibly narrow streets, and a millions bicyclist, and parking costs just under 10 euro an hour. Airport pickup puts you straight on highways without the stress of navigating city traffic. I only suggest cars for rural spots like Kröller Müller or when you’re hitting multiple destinations in one day.

Cycling between cities is easy due to seperate bike path and the excellent fietsknooppunten system. These numbered cycling junctions connect routes across the entire country. With over 35,000 kilometers of bike paths, longer rides are definitely possible – though I usually recommend trains for speed and comfort on day trips.

Think about your departure time for day trips from Amsterdam. Rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) mean crowded trains, traffic jams, and busy bike paths. I always suggest to leave after 9 AM for weekday trips – you’ll have a much better experience.

Know more &

see the real Netherlands.

Plan your trip step by step, with practical tips landing in your inbox at just the right time. Save time, avoid mistakes and travel smarter.

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