How To Travel to the Netherlands

The Netherlands, located along the North Sea between Belgium and Germany, is home to more than 16 million residents. The constitutional monarchy was created in 1648 and is best known for its tulips, windmills, cheese (particularly Gouda), Delft china pottery and bicycles. Major cities include Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. The central location of the Netherlands makes it an ideal gateway to the rest of Europe. Visitors can arrive by air, sea or rail.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get here by air. Located 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport is the international air gateway to the Netherlands. More than 47 million passengers pass through Schiphol annually, and the airport handles direct flights to more than 260 destinations in 91 countries. From Schiphol, travelers can make connections to cities throughout the country. They can also board a train to the city center or to cities throughout the Netherlands.

2. Take the train. Rail travel is easy and affordable throughout the Netherlands and almost every city is connected. Visitors can save money on rail travel by purchasing one of several Holland rail passes that allow unlimited travel on three to five days within a one month period.

3. Sail to the Netherlands. Ferry service connects the Netherlands with the United Kingdom. Visitors can arrive from Hull, Harwich and Newcastle. Travel time varies from a little over six hours from Harwich to 16 hours from Newcastle.

References

• Schiphol Airport Web site
• Holland Rail Pass information
• Ferry Service to Holland