I had not planned to spend a week in the Netherlands that January. The trip happened almost by accident. When I booked my flight to Japan, the most affordable option departed from Amsterdam. I paused for a moment and thought, why not.
What followed was a one-week train journey across the Netherlands, discovering how easy, efficient and surprisingly inspiring slow travel can be when the rail system actually works.
If you are planning a short trip to the Netherlands, this guide will help you organise your itinerary by train, choose where to stay, and move easily between cities.
And if you are looking to simplify rail travel across Europe, I also recommend checking out Blocktrain, a platform designed to make planning and booking train journeys smoother and more intuitive. It is the kind of tool I would happily use for future multi-city European trips.
Why Train Travel in the Netherlands Is So Easy
Travelling by train in the Netherlands is genuinely effortless.
Trains run every few minutes to most towns and cities. You can arrive at the station without obsessively checking the timetable and rarely wait more than a couple of minutes. For someone used to Italian rail uncertainty, this feels almost utopian.
Most Dutch trains offer:
- Free WiFi
- Reliable heating
- Clean, well-organised stations
To access platforms, you pass through turnstiles. At major stations such as Amsterdam Schiphol, The Hague, or Utrecht, infrared gates automatically validate your ticket as you walk through. Even historical stations like Haarlem combine architectural charm with shops, cafés and restaurants.
How to Buy Train Tickets in the Netherlands
You have several options:
1. Single-use tickets (OV-chipkaart paper tickets)
Available at ticket machines or via apps. Each journey usually includes a small service fee of around €1.
2. Anonymous OV-chipkaart (anonieme OV-chipkaart)
A rechargeable travel card costing €7,50, valid on trains, trams, buses, metro and ferries. You must maintain a minimum balance, usually €20 for train travel. It works only in second class.
3. Bicycle transport
If you are travelling with a bike, you can purchase a daily bike ticket (around €6), and there is always a dedicated carriage.
One Week in the Netherlands by Train: My Itinerary
In hindsight, I would now choose to base myself in Leiden for the entire week and explore the rest of the country on day trips. It is central, charming and well-connected.
That said, I moved around because I wanted two specific experiences: sleeping on a yacht in Rotterdam and staying at De Hallen in Amsterdam.
Here is how the week unfolded.
Day 1: Haarlem in the Morning, Amsterdam in the Afternoon
Haarlem (15 minutes from Amsterdam, approx. €9,80 return)
Start at the magnificent Grote Markt, surrounded by historic houses, the City Hall, Museum De Hallen and the towering Grote Kerk, which is absolutely worth visiting.
If you love art, do not miss the Frans Hals Museum, housed in the former almshouse where Hals painted his final works and died in poverty. A poignant and beautiful visit. Note that Haarlem museums are closed on Mondays.
Amsterdam (afternoon)
Wander along the canals, visit the quiet courtyard of the Begijnhof, pass Dam Square and the Royal Palace, stroll through Spui and the floating flower market.
The Anne Frank House deserves time and attention. Book online in advance if you want a morning slot, or arrive mid-afternoon for later entries.
Day 2: Leiden, My Personal Favourite
Leiden (35 minutes, approx. €8)
Leiden is the town where I could happily live.
Seventeenth-century houses, poetic inscriptions on façades, quiet canals, young energy and an extraordinary museum offering.
The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) is my favourite, even if only for the Temple of Taffeh. Climb the historic windmill, wander without purpose, and let the town work its charm.
Day 3: Rotterdam, Modern and Unexpected
Rotterdam (30 minutes, approx. €6,40)
At first, Rotterdam’s modern architecture pushed me away. Then, slowly, it drew me in. The bold design, the clean lines, the confidence.
Visit the Markthal Rotterdam, both architectural landmark and perfect place to eat at any time of day. Museums and shopping are plentiful, but the city’s skyline is the real protagonist.
Day 4: Delft and The Hague
Delft (15 minutes, approx. €5,60 return)
Vermeer’s light is still here. Delft is intimate, picturesque and immediately lovable. Visit the Vermeer Centrum, stroll along narrow canals and enjoy the colourful market square.
The Hague (Den Haag) (15 minutes, approx. €4 return)
The Binnenhof, former hunting lodge turned political heart of the Netherlands, is fascinating with a knowledgeable guide. At sunset, the Parliament reflected in the Hofvijver pond creates one of those quiet travel moments you store carefully.
Day 5: Amsterdam Again
Return to Amsterdam (approx. €11,30) to revisit what deserves more time.
The Van Gogh Museum is essential for me. I grew up slightly obsessed with Van Gogh. Visiting the museum feels almost like a pilgrimage. Friday evenings, when it stays open late, are particularly atmospheric.
Day 6: Utrecht
Utrecht (30 minutes, approx. €16,40 return)
Dominated by the Dom Tower, Utrecht feels lively yet relaxed. Quaint shops, canals with wharf cellars, cosy cafés.
If you love old-fashioned sweets, do not miss the historic grocery at Hoogt 6, officially the Museum voor het Kruideniersbedrijf. It feels like stepping into another century.
Day 7: Departure
With a lunchtime flight from Schiphol, there was no time for one last stroll. Otherwise, I would have returned to Amsterdam’s canals once more.
Where I Stayed
- Amsterdam: De Hallen Hotel (weekday rates around €65) in a former tram depot, and CitizenM Schiphol (around €110 on weekends).
- Leiden: Hampshire Hotel Fitland (around €63,90), convenient but noisy. Next time, I would choose a boutique canal hotel.
- Rotterdam: A yacht in the marina (around €140). Memorable, though not entirely comfortable.
Prices were based on double occupancy, as I travelled with my partner.
Where to Eat
Delft: Kek, near the Vermeer Centre, perfect for smoothies and light lunches.
Haarlem: Chocolate Company near the station for excellent sandwiches and chocolate.
Amsterdam: FoodHallen for atmosphere and variety.
Leiden: Lot & De Walvis by the marina for fresh, simple dishes.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Netherlands by Train
The Netherlands is compact, efficient, and ideal for slow, multi-city rail travel. You can comfortably combine art, architecture, canals, and contemporary design within a single week.
If I were to repeat the journey, I would base myself in Leiden and radiate outward by train.
And if you are planning your own European rail adventure, consider using a streamlined booking tool such as Blocktrain to organise routes and tickets with less friction and more clarity.
I know one thing for sure: I will be writing about Leiden again.
