Travel Within Netherlands

There aren’t a lot of greener countries than the Netherlands, where biking and rail travelling are the two favored modes of transport. Don’t expect lavishness, but comfort, convenience, and user-friendliness is the key here. Domestic trains operate from early morning to late at night. Distances are short and trains are speedy—the longest ride from capital city Amsterdam to Maastricht takes just 2 ½ hours. Although, trains are extremely frequent: the smallest station on the most isolated streak offers an hourly service. And, on chief lines, there can be nearly eight trains an hour. First class is a good option, particularly during peak times. There isn’t any need for reservations on domestic services. International trains, although, oblige a pre-booked seat even for a domestic ride.

The Netherlands has outstanding public transportation networks, but the recently mounted swipe-card payment system has come under much inspection and is costing the Dutch government significantly more than estimated. Smart-card system, the OV-chipkaart, is nowadays in use all through the Netherlands as the official transportation payment system for the metro, bus and tram. Amsterdam is also very well linked to the rest of Europe. Hi-speed Thalys trains run regularly to Brussels and Paris. ICE hi-speed trains go to Basel and Frankfurt, and the ultra-comfy City Night Line trains take you during the night to Copenhagen, Munich, Zurich, Milan, and Berlin in an extravagant chalet with private restroom and breakfast served in your cozy bed, complete with duvet and cushion.