Explore the Netherlands by train with a Eurail pass and travel from easy-going capital Amsterdam to cities covered with history like Utrecht and Maastricht. While in the Netherlands, consider a visit to the Keukenhof flower gardens and the traditional houses of the Zaanse Schans. Spot tulip fields along the way, as the train takes you to every corner of this small, but fascinating country.
Intercity (IC)
Connects major cities such as Amsterdam, Maastricht and Utrecht.
No reservation required.
Sprinter (RE)
Slower than Intercity trains, these trains link regional destinations to larger Dutch cities.
No reservation required.
Intercity Direct (ICD)
ICE (ICE)
Intercity Berlin (IC)
Connects Amsterdam to Osnabrück, Hannover, and Berlin (Germany)
Reservations are highly recommended and are compulsory from May 28 to August 31
Eurocity (EC)
Here are approximate train times between Holland's most popular cities. These routes can all be taken with Intercity trains and are free for holders of an Eurail Pass valid in the Netherlands.
| Route | Duration |
|---|---|
Amsterdam to Groningen |
2h 10m |
Amsterdam to Leeuwarden |
2h 10m |
Amsterdam to Maastricht |
2h 30m |
Amsterdam to Rotterdam |
40m |
Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport |
15m |
Amsterdam to The Hague |
50m |
Amsterdam to Utrecht |
27m |
You can travel to and from the Netherlands from popular cities in the following European countries:
| Route | Which train? | Duration | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam to Berlin (Germany) | Intercity Berlin | 5h 50m | Optional (Required May 28 to August 31) |
| Amsterdam to Düsseldorf / Cologne (Germany) | ICE | 2h 30m / 3h | Optional (Required May 28 to August 31) |
| Amsterdam to Frankfurt (Germany) | ICE | 4h | Optional (Required May 28 to August 31) |
| Amsterdam to Munich (Germany) | ICE | 7h | Optional (Required May 28 to August 31) |
| Amsterdam to Paris (France) | Eurostar | 3h 20m | Required |
| Amsterdam Zuid to Brussels (Belgium) | Intercity Brussels | 2h 08m | Not required |
| Amsterdam to London (Great Britain) | Eurostar | 4h 50m |
Required |
| Amsterdam to Vienna / Innsbruck (Austria) | ÖBB Nightjet | 14h 15m (overnight) | Required |
| Amsterdam to Zürich (Switzerland) | ÖBB Nightjet | 11h 50m (overnight) | Required (Optional on the IC segment operated by Deutsche Bahn) |
| Rotterdam - Amsterdam to Prague | European Sleeper | 12h 50m (overnight) | Required |
Eurail reservation self-service system
Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service
With railway carriers
Other platforms
By calling the NS International Customer Service
Locally at one of the 5 stations in the Netherlands with an NS International ticket desk
Note: Eurostar trains are popular and therefore, usually sell out quickly. Make sure to get your seat reservation in time. Alternatively, find trains without seat reservations in our timetable by toggling on the ‘no reservation needed’ button.
An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here: How do I book my reservations
Discover Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg by rail.
Standard prices from $ 131
Be free to visit the Netherlands and up to 32 other Eurail countries.
Standard prices from $ 233
Discounted ferry travel is an extra benefit of a Eurail pass valid in the Netherlands on the route:
Hoek van Holland – Harwich (Great-Britain)
Eurail first-class pass holders can also access the NS International lounges on the following train stations for free:
Amsterdam Centraal
Rotterdam Centraal
Schiphol
The Netherland's 3 main hubs have connections to many domestic and international destinations. They are:
Amsterdam Central Station
Rotterdam Central Station
Utrecht Central Station
The Netherlands' railway stations are extemely well developed with excellent facilities:
Lockers for storing your stuff
Cash machines and foreign exchange desks
Cafés, restaurants and shops
Tourist information offices
Elevators, escalators and access for disabled passengers
The main hub stations in the Netherlands are Amsterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal and Utrecht Centraal. At these train stations, it's possible to connect to trains to the Netherlands’ main cities and many international destinations.
Please note that the Dutch Railways have closed the entry gates to many Dutch stations. To get into the station, look up the square barcode on your Eurail pass cover. Hold the barcode against the scanner next to an entry gate, and the gate will open for you.
One of the best ways to explore the country is by cycling shorter distances while riding the country's efficient trains between towns and cities.
Cycling is extemely common in the Netherlands. You can rent bikes from most large train stations.
You'll usually find the local spelling of Dutch cities on train timetables and at train stations in the Netherlands.
Good to know:
Centraal Station = Central Station
Den Haag = The Hague
Hoek van Holland = Hook of Holland
Capital: Amsterdam
Population: 16.8 million
Language: Dutch
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Dialing code: +31
You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.
