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Netherlands By Train

Explore the Netherlands by train with a Eurail pass and travel from easy-going capital Amsterdam to cities covered with history like Utrecht and Maastricht. While in the Netherlands, consider a visit to the Keukenhof flower gardens and the traditional houses of the Zaanse Schans. Spot tulip fields along the way, as the train takes you to every corner of this small, but fascinating country.

 

Train types in the Netherlands

Netherlands map major rail connections

 

Popular connections

Here are approximate train times between Holland's most popular cities. These routes can all be taken with Intercity trains and are free for holders of an Eurail Pass valid in the Netherlands.

 

Route Duration

Amsterdam to Groningen

2h 10m

Amsterdam to Leeuwarden

2h 10m

Amsterdam to Maastricht

2h 30m

Amsterdam to Rotterdam

40m

Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport

15m

Amsterdam to The Hague

50m

Amsterdam to Utrecht

27m

 

Reservations

Eurail reservation self-service system

  • Eurail 
  • Eurostar, TGV, IC Berlin, ICE, Nightjet, European Sleeper

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

  • € 2,- p.p.per train
  • Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

Other platforms

  • Rail Europe: International trains 
    • Eurostar and connecting TGV trains from Paris and Brussels
  • ACP Rail: Eurostar trains to London

By calling the NS International Customer Service

  • +31 030 2300023 (open 24/7). From 11 PM – 7 AM the call center is only available for questions 
  • When calling, you’ll hear a menu in Dutch. Select extension ‘5’ for services in English. NS International can book trains in various European countries (€7.50 booking fee per person, with a maximum of €22.50 per order; 2 reservations per call allowed or 1 consecutive journey). Reservations made over the phone can be paid with iDEAL, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Bancontact, or Klarna Debit Risk. The reservations ticket will be sent to you by email. Via a link in the email you can load it into the NS International app or print it.

Locally at one of the 5 stations in the Netherlands with an NS International ticket desk

  • NS International tickets desks are available at Amsterdam Central station, Arnhem Central station, Rotterdam Central station, Schiphol Airport, and Utrecht Central station.

 

Note: Eurostar trains are popular and therefore, usually sell out quickly. Make sure to get your seat reservation in time. Alternatively, find trains without seat reservations in our timetable by toggling on the ‘no reservation needed’ button.

 

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here: How do I book my reservations

 

Get your Pass for the Netherlands

Benelux Pass

 

Discover Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg by rail.

 

Standard prices from $ 131

Global Pass

 

Be free to visit the Netherlands and up to 32 other Eurail countries.


Standard prices from $ 233

 

Pass benefits

    Lounge Amsterdam Centraal
Lounge Amsterdam Centraal

Discounted ferry crossings to Great Britain

Discounted ferry travel is an extra benefit of a Eurail pass valid in the Netherlands on the route:

  • Hoek van Holland – Harwich (Great-Britain)

 

Access to NS International lounges

Eurail first-class pass holders can also access the NS International lounges on the following train stations for free:

  • Amsterdam Centraal

  • Rotterdam Centraal

  • Schiphol


See all Pass benefits in the Netherlands

 

Tips and tricks for the Netherlands

What are the main train stations in the Netherlands?

The Netherland's 3 main hubs have connections to many domestic and international destinations. They are:

  • Amsterdam Central Station

  • Rotterdam Central Station

  • Utrecht Central Station

 

The Netherlands' railway stations are extemely well developed with excellent facilities:

  • Lockers for storing your stuff

  • Cash machines and foreign exchange desks

  • Cafés, restaurants and shops

  • Tourist information offices

  • Elevators, escalators and access for disabled passengers

Dutch Hub stations

The main hub stations in the Netherlands are Amsterdam CentraalRotterdam Centraal and Utrecht Centraal. At these train stations, it's possible to connect to trains to the Netherlands’ main cities and many international destinations.

 

Please note that the Dutch Railways have closed the entry gates to many Dutch stations. To get into the station, look up the square barcode on your Eurail pass cover. Hold the barcode against the scanner next to an entry gate, and the gate will open for you.

 

Bicycles on trains in the Netherlands

One of the best ways to explore the country is by cycling shorter distances while riding the country's efficient trains between towns and cities.

 

Cycling is extemely common in the Netherlands. You can rent bikes from most large train stations.

 

Spelling of names in the Netherlands

You'll usually find the local spelling of Dutch cities on train timetables and at train stations in the Netherlands.

 

Good to know:

  • Centraal Station = Central Station

  • Den Haag = The Hague

  • Hoek van Holland = Hook of Holland

Quick facts

  • Capital: Amsterdam

  • Population: 16.8 million

  • Language: Dutch

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

  • Dialing code: +31

 

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    Amsterdam Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations for train travelers all over the world. From the windmills to the flower markets, Amsterdam has so much to offer and Eurail has the ticket for you to see the best of Amsterdam plus local tips to make it a trip to remember.
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    1 week in the Netherlands 1 week in the Netherlands is the perfect time frame for you to cover the highlights of this little country by train! Come and see what makes the Netherlands special in all seasons.