

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
Popular connections
- Domestic routes
- International routes
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
- SNCB (b-europe): Only Eurostar
- DB (German railways): International trains to Germany/Switzerland
- IC, ICE
- ÖBB (Austrian railways): International trains to Germany/Austria/Switzerland
- IC, ICE, Nightjet
- ČD (Czech railways): International trains to Germany/Austria/Switzerland
- IC, ICE, Nightjet
- European Sleeper: Only European Sleeper trains, international
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

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
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 Centraal, Rotterdam 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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Change of currency
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