Travel
Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport is the country’s main international airport and one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic, with connections worldwide. Eindhoven International Airport and Groningen Airport provide European and domestic connections. There are only a couple of domestic airlines that provide internal connections within the Netherlands therefore domestic air travel is somewhat limited and may not be the most economic way of travelling within the country.
Regular ferry services operate to the Wadden Islands and Schelde Estuary as well as to the Frisian Islands. Tour boats, water taxis and water buses also operate along the waterways of Amsterdam.
The rail system in the Netherlands is well developed and offers a very affordable and convenient way of travelling throughout the country. Intercity and local trains run regularly and efficiently allowing passengers to easily reach any part of the country within a matter of hours. Rail passes offer discounted rail travel for most routes.
Bus networks are also extensive and offer a cheap way of getting around all cities and towns. The bus and train services form an integrated network so the public transport system is well connected throughout the country.
Amsterdam and Rotterdam have underground metro networks and regular tram services operate in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. Cycling is another common form of transportation within cities.
The road networks in the Netherlands are good. Traffic congestion can be high at peak times in the major cities, especially in Amsterdam. As an international resident in the country the driving licence issued by your home country will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue if European or 6 months from the date you register for residency if you are not from an EU country. After this time you are required to obtain a Dutch permit.
