The Netherlands: Amsterdam, the Hague and More
The Netherlands is a balance between tradition and eccentricity. You can have a moment of serenity at a floating flower garden, settle in for a beer at the Heineken brewery, view famous paintings, or explore the Red Light District; the Netherlands truly offers something for everyone. In this guide, you'll find resources for exploring the Netherlands, sites to help you plan a trip, and advice for making the most of your time there.
The Netherlands has some well-known and favorite attractions, such as Anne Frank's house in ... read more »
Referred to either as "the Netherlands" or "Holland," the full title of the ... read more »
You have a few different options for getting to the Netherlands, depending on where you're traveling from. You can either fly in, or catch buses, trains, and ferries into the Netherlands from various locations in Europe. In this section, we'll share online tools to help you plan your journey.
- Although security concerns can make navigating airports a hassle, you might find a different experience in the Netherlands. Schipol Airport has received World Airport Awards consistently over the past few years. In 2007 it was ranked seventh best overall, second for leisure amenities, and third for best international transit airport.
- If you fly into the Netherlands, you'll need to get from the airport to wherever you're staying. Taxi is but one of several options, all of which are discussed in the "How will I get around while I'm in the Netherlands?" section of this guide.
- For additional tools and advice to help you book a flight, see our findingDulcinea Travel Guide.
For an overview ...
Netherlands.info
, the online guide for the Netherlands, gives an overview of the various modes of transportation that will take you there. Although text-only and not very attractive, the site is well organized, listing airports, divulging rail and road information, and explaining bus and ferry routes clearly and effectively.
For flights ...
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
is the official airline of the Netherlands, offering direct service between the Netherlands and major European, North American, and Asia Pacific cities. On KLM's site, you can book your flight, view value fare offers, and register for "Flying Blue," which earns you special discounts. If you are flying from the United States, you will be redirected to the site of KLM's official partner, NWA (Northwest Airlines).
For trains ...
Rail Europe
is North America's official distributor of Eurail passes, of which there are numerous varieties. This site explains the options, and gives prices for the most popular rail passes in Europe, in addition to special offers and promotions. Don't miss the Interactive Rail Pass Finder, which can help you find good deals.
For ferries ...
StenaLine
provides ferry service from Harwick, England, to the Hook of Holland, which is a drivable distance from Amsterdam. On this site, you can book your ferry ride, or get a price quote. Day and night sailings are offered, some of which are on newly refurbished vessels.
For buses ...
Eurolines
is Europe's express coach network, offering bus service to 25 countries in Europe. Service is provided between the Netherlands and several European destinations, and between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. On this site, you can view timetables and a network map with departure points, and book your tickets.
The Web is teeming with sites to help you find and book your accommodation. Below, you'll find a ... read more »
Breathe a sigh of relief; the Netherlands is a pleasure to navigate. Not only does the country ... read more »
Another way to prepare for your trip is to find out what other travelers liked or disliked about ... read more »
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