Getting Around the Netherlands

Comparing Transport Options for Daily Commuting

Moving to the Netherlands or already living here?
Getting around the Netherlands as an expat can be easy, efficient, and even enjoyable — if you know your options. Whether you live in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, or Eindhoven, there are multiple ways to commute, each suited for different distances, schedules, and lifestyles.

In this guide, we compare the main ways of getting around the Netherlands so you can choose what works best for your daily commute.


Cycling for Getting Around 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


Trains for Getting Around 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 Getting Around the Netherlands

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 for Getting Around 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 Options for Getting Around the Netherlands

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 Way of Getting Around the Netherlands

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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Making the Move: Why the Netherlands?

Thinking about moving abroad?

The Netherlands is one of the most popular destinations for international professionals looking to work and live in Europe and for good reason! Known for its strong economy, international mindset, and high quality of life, the Netherlands offers an ideal environment to grow both professionally and personally.


Why Work and Live in the Netherlands?

Strong job market
The Dutch job market is diverse, stable, and highly international. There are many opportunities in sectors such as technology, engineering, finance, logistics, and life sciences. Many employers actively recruit international professionals, and English is widely spoken and often used as the main working language. This makes finding jobs in the Netherlands more accessible for expats and skilled workers from abroad.

Excellent work-life balance
The Netherlands is well known for its healthy work-life balance. Dutch companies value productivity, flexibility, and employee well-being. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and generous vacation policies allow professionals to balance their careers with personal life. This approach to work is a key reason many expats choose to move to the Netherlands.

International work environment
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most international countries. Cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven are home to global companies, international teams, and thriving expat communities. Thanks to this international environment, newcomers often find it easier to settle in, build social connections, and feel at home quickly.

High quality of life
Living in the Netherlands means enjoying a high standard of living. The country is known for its reliable healthcare system, safe cities, excellent public transport, and bike-friendly infrastructure. Combined with green spaces and vibrant city life, the Netherlands consistently ranks high for quality of life in Europe.

Is the Netherlands right for you?
If you’re considering your next career step abroad, working and living in the Netherlands could be the perfect choice. It offers long-term career opportunities, international experience, and a balanced lifestyle – all in the heart of Europe.



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Want more tips, guides, and insights to help you settle, work, and grow professionally in the Netherlands? Check out our other blogs or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up to date!

Eigen Risico (“Own Risk”): the interesting Dutch Health Insurance System

Eigen risico
Photo by Mikhail Nilov

The health insurance system in the Netherlands works slightly differently from the social or health institutions of other European countries. This blog article will explain everything you need to know about the eigen risico (literally “own risk”, or deductibles) that all Dutch medical insurance companies mention in their policy.

If you decide to move to The Netherlands to live and/or work, it is compulsory to sign up for a Dutch health insurance plan. The monthly premium amount set by the government is a guideline for Dutch health insurance providers, who determine their own prices at the end of the year.

These insurance providers also need to adhere to the Dutch government mandates outlining what is covered in the basic package, which usually consists of general coverage and a compulsory deductible.

For more information check the following link: here

Eigen Risico: the legal amount

Every year, the government sets the fixed legal amount of insurance eigen risico. What this means is that you have to pay the first fixed legal amount in medical expenses yourself. Bills exceeding this amount will be paid directly via your insurer, depending on your chosen policy.

However, you can also negotiate these costs by choosing a voluntary deductible of up to €500 more. In this way, your monthly premium for basic insurance would initially become cheaper. Nevertheless, you could eventually incur more healthcare costs than the basic health insurance package!

You don’t pay excess deductible fees for the following expenses:

  • General Practitioner
  • Costs for nursing care
  • Maternity care
  • Obstetric care
  • Cost of integrated care for diabetes: There is an increasing number of healthcare providers who treat people with diabetes (DM2 or increased risk) in the Netherlands.
  • Vascular risk: addressing risk factors for cardiovascular disease
  • COPD: chronic lung disease
  • Check-ups for donors

We do recommend checking with your own health insurance company to clarify the details of your own policy and avoid any misunderstandings. Make sure to remember that changing your current Dutch health insurance to another one is only possible between December 15th and December 31st of the year. 

For more information about Dutch health insurance, we recommend the following websites: https://access-nl.org/healthcare-netherlands/dutch-healthcare-system/

Abroad Experience International Recruitment wishes you the best of luck in your brand-new Dutch adventure!

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Eigen Risico

What is a collective labor agreement (CAO) and what does it mean to work as a CAO uitzendkracht?

What is a CAO?

CAO stands for ‘Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst’ and can be translated to ‘collective labor agreement’. CAO’s are collective labor agreements between an employer and a trade union in regards to wages, working hours, probation, pension and other important rights & duties of the agency and temporary employee. 

Abroad Experience works in accordance with the ABU’s collective labor agreement. The ABU, which is short for the Federation of temporary employment agencies Federation of temporary employment agencies. Their CAO Collective Agreement is for Temporary Employees working in The Netherlands.

Working as a CAO uitzendkracht via Abroad Experience Recruitment

If you are working as a temporary employee via Abroad Experience and come to our office for your contract signing, then you are working in accordance with the collective labor agreement of the ABU. You are a CAO Uitzendkracht. 

Do you want to know more about how many holiday days you have? Do you want to know more about your pension? Your holiday allowances? Your overworking hours? What to do when on sick leave?

When working with Abroad Experience you will receive an English version of a PDF file with the Collective Labor Agreement of the ABU. You can also find the link to this PDF file below:

ABU CAO English 2019-2021

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collective labor agreement

Do I need a work permit to work in the Netherlands and if so, how can I apply for it?

work permit
Photo by Ylanite Koppens

You wish to work in the Netherlands- fantastic! Do make sure to ask yourself, before you apply or attend interviews, whether you still need to arrange a work permit to start the next chapter in your new home country. 

Who needs a work permit to be able to work in the Netherlands?

Are you a citizen from within the EU, the EEA, Switzerland or Croatia? Then you do NOT need a work visa or residence permit to work legally in The Netherlands. You have the ”freedom of movement”. Since 2018 Croatia was added to the list of countries that are granted the right to work in the Netherlands without a permit.

Are you a citizen from a non-EU country? Then you will need to obtain a permit to work in the Netherlands. 

Please be aware that Abroad Experience cannot assist you with obtaining a work permit. We cooperate with international companies that only accept applications from candidates who already have a valid work permit! For more information, please scroll to the bottom of the blog article. 

Other situations in which somebody does not need to apply for a work permit:

1. You are in a registered partnership with a Dutch or EU citizen who is legally able to work in the Netherlands.

2. You have a one-year working holiday visa: If you are from Australia, New Zealand or Canada and you are between 18-30 years old, you can work for one year in the Netherlands.

3. You are enrolled in a Dutch university program and came to the Netherlands for education as a non-EU citizen, then you are able to work on the side of your studies for a maximum of 16 hours during the academic year and full-time in the months between June-August. You will need to apply for a TWV work permit to do so. A work permit is not required if you do an internship as part of your studies.

4. You had a work permit for the Netherlands in the past: If you worked in the Netherlands in the past for at least 5 years and had Dutch residency (3 years for Turkish citizens), then your employer does not need to apply for a work permit again.

I have Dutch residence but how do I know if I need an additional work permit? 

Your residence card will state on the backside that you are free to work in the Dutch labor market without a work permit (it will state in Dutch: Arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV is niet vereist).

What are the different kinds of work permits and which one do I need?

There are different kinds of work permits:

  • An employment permit (TWV) 
  • A single permit which is also known as a combined residence and work permit (GVVA)
  • A highly skilled migrant permit
  • A search year visa (zoekjaar visa) for expat graduates
  • A holiday working visa

Depending on how long somebody is aiming to stay in the Netherlands, they need to apply for a TWV or GVVA. Only the GVVA is a permit that job seekers can apply to themselves. A TWV can only be applied to by an employer. 

For more detailed  information about different work permits, we advise you to check the following websites:

https://www.government.nl/topics/foreign-nationals-working-in-the-netherlands/question-and-answer/what-permits-do-foreign-workers-need

https://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/official-issues/work-permit-netherlands

Please be aware that Abroad Experience cannot assist you with obtaining a work permit. We cooperate with international companies that only accept applications from candidates who already have a valid one! 

Below you can find an overview of all the types of work permits that our recruitment agency and clients consider:

EU Citizens

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not require a work permit to work legally in the Netherlands.

Dutch Citizens 

There are three ways to acquire Dutch citizenship: by means of naturalization, option procedure, or by law (birth or family ties).

Family

You are able to stay in the Netherlands when you are married or in a registered relationship, should you wish to stay with your unmarried partner or are a minor who wishes to stay with your parent(s).

Highly Skilled Migrant

In order to receive this permit, you will need a residence permit or provisional residence permit (mvv).  Only a recognized employer is able to submit an application on behalf of the highly skilled migrant.

Recognized sponsorship companies that can offer support with residence permits + work permits:

If none of the above situations applies to you, please check the link below where you can find a list of companies that offer sponsorship visas. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) publishes a list each year with recognized sponsorship companies. 

https://ind.nl/en/Pages/public-register-recognised-sponsors.aspx

Abroad Experience BV is an international recruitment agency that offers unique career opportunities to multilingual job seekers. See our vacancies.

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