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Trains in the Netherlands
Travelling on trains in the Netherlands is ridiculously easy! You can use high-speed speed trains to get to all the major cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. To travel to even more of Holland's beaches, cheese towns and beautiful fishing villages, you can use the country's really comfortable regional trains.
Map with main train connections in the Netherlands
Train types in Netherlands
You can travel throughout the Netherlands using trains run by the national operator NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen). High-speed trains connect the Netherlands to cities in neigbouring countries and beyond. You can find times for trains in the Netherlands in the Interrail timetable.
Regional and Intercity trains in the Netherlands
Intercity (IC)
Connects major cities such as Amsterdam, Maastricht and Utrecht.
No reservation required.
Sprinter (RE)
Slower than Intercity trains, these trains link regional destinations to larger Dutch cities.
No reservation required.
Domestic high-speed trains in the Netherlands
Intercity direct (IC)
On this train, formerly known as Fyra, you can ride even faster between Amsterdam Central, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Central and Breda.
International high-speed trains in the Netherlands
ICE (ICE)
Connects Amsterdam with Frankfurt (Germany).
Reservations are optional. It's worth making one if you'll be travelling at a busy period.
Intercity Berlin (IC)
Reach Berlin from Amsterdam in 6 hours 20 minutes.
Reservations are optional only. We recommend reserving when travelling during a busy period.
Intercity Brussels (IC)
Connects The Hague and Rotterdam with Brussels (Belgium).
Reservations are not required.
Thalys (THA)
For travel between Amsterdam, Brussels (Belgium) and Paris (France).
Reservations are compulsory for these trains, which can get fully booked. We recommend making your reservation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Reservations for trains in Netherlands
Domestic connections in Netherlands
International train connections to and from Netherlands
Netherlands rail passes
With 1 rail pass you can conveniently explore the Netherlands without having to buy separate train tickets. All domestic trains in the Netherlands are covered, as well as more countries!
Interrail Pass options for the Netherlands
Interrail Benelux Pass
Offers you rail travel in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg
Discounts available for youth, senior and families
Additional benefits include a discounted ferry crossing from Hoek van Holland to Harwich (Great-Britain)
Prices from € 105
Interrail Global Pass
Travel by train as much as you like in 33 European countries including the Netherlands
Discounts available for youth, senior and families
Additional benefits include a discounted ferry crossing from Hoek van Holland to Harwich (Great-Britain)
Prices from € 185
Train stations in 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
Are there entry gates at Dutch train stations?
Yes. If you're travelling with an Interrail Pass, simply hold the square barcode on your pass cover against the scanner on the entry gate to open it.
Please make sure you're using the correct entry gate, as shown in the photo. It's recognizable by the arrow in the bottom right and the image showing a pink card (Dutch train chipcard) and a hand holding a ticket with a QR code.
If you attempt to go through gate that only shows the pink card, you won't be able to open it with your Interrail Pass.
Are there lounges at Dutch train stations?
Yes and best of all, holders of an Interrail Pass valid in the Netherlands can enter them for free! There are NS International lounges in the following Dutch railways stations:
Amsterdam Central Station
Breda Central Station
Rotterdam Central Station
Station Schiphol Airport
Spelling of cities in 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
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.
Can I take my bike on Dutch trains?
Yes. There are even guidelines for this:
You can take your bike on Dutch trains:
At weekends, on public holidays and in July and August.
On workdays, outside rush hour.
You need to buy a Bicycle Day Ticket and place your bike in the train's bicycle area (look for the symbol on the door).
Folding bikes can be carried as regular luggage, for free.
Example train route in the Benelux
An Interrail Benelux Pass covers train travel in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Route
Amsterdam > Maastricht > Brussels > Luxembourg City
Amsterdam: Wander through the historical city center and breathe in the vibrant atmosphere.
Antwerp: Well known for its trendy fashion boutiques and beautiful architecture.
Brussels: Bustling with culture – be sure to take a stroll at the Grand Place square.
Luxembourg City: Soaked in luxury and history. Enjoy amazing scenery at Chemin de la Corniche – ‘Europe’s most beautiful balcony'.
Pass suggestion
Travel days needed: 3 days within 1 month
Prices from € 105
