Bikes, Trains & Travel Tips for Expats
🚆🚲 Moving to the Netherlands or already living here?
Choosing the right way to commute can make a big difference in your daily routine. Whether you live in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, or Eindhoven, the Netherlands offers multiple reliable transport options – each suited to different lifestyles and distances.
In this guide, we compare the most common commuting options in the Netherlands to help expats and international professionals find what works best.
🚲 Cycling in the Netherlands
Cycling is one of the most popular ways to commute in the Netherlands, especially in cities. With dedicated bike lanes, clear traffic rules, and bike-friendly infrastructure, cycling is often the fastest option for short distances.
⚠ Safety considerations: Cycling in the Netherlands is generally safe, but newcomers should stay alert. Streets can be busy with fast-moving bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and fat bikes – especially during peak hours. Always follow local traffic rules, use lights in the dark, and give extra space to larger or faster bikes.
For expats living in city centers such as Amsterdam or Utrecht, commuting by bike is affordable, sustainable, and efficient (even during peak hours).
Best for: Short distances, city commuting, flexible schedules
🚆 Commuting by Train in the Netherlands
The Dutch train network connects major cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Eindhoven. Trains are frequent, reliable, and well suited for longer daily commutes between cities.
Most commuters use the OV-chipkaart, which allows seamless travel on trains as well as trams, buses, and metro systems. For many expats, combining train travel with local public transport is the most practical commuting solution. Further details can be found on the OV-chipkaart website.
Best for: Intercity commuting, longer distances
🚌 Trams, Buses & Metro for Daily Travels
In larger Dutch cities, trams, buses, and metro lines provide efficient local transport. These options are ideal for commuting within cities or reaching areas not directly connected by train.
Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague offer extensive local public transport networks that integrate smoothly with the national train system.
Best for: Inner-city commuting, first/last-mile travel
🚗 Driving in the Netherlands
Driving to work is still an option, particularly in rural areas or for jobs requiring flexible travel. However, in Dutch cities, commuting by car often involves traffic congestion, high parking costs, and environmental zones.
For expats living in urban areas, cars are usually less practical for daily commuting compared to public transport or cycling.
Best for: Rural areas, irregular schedules, specific job requirements
🔄Combining Transport Options
Many commuters in the Netherlands combine multiple transport options to make their daily travel more efficient. A popular strategy is cycling to a train station, taking the train for longer distances, and then using a tram or bus for the last leg of the journey. Another convenient option are the P+R (Park and Ride) facilities. These are located on the outskirts of cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, allowing commuters to park their car at a low cost and continue their journey by train, tram, or bus. P+R is ideal for expats who live outside city centres but want to avoid city traffic and high parking fees.
Choosing the Best Commute as an Expat
The best commuting option depends on where you live and where you work. The Dutch transportation system is designed to make commuting efficient, sustainable, and stress-free. Whether you are new to the Netherlands or already settled, understanding your transport options will help you save time and improve your work-life balance!
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