General

Holidays by Destination Europe Netherlands General Getting Around 

The Netherlands are not large, so getting around is not difficult. Furthermore, the public transport network is well thought out and generally efficient. The web site 9292ov includes information in English of all bus, train, tram, underground and ferry services in the country, plus a route planner and maps.

Information on trains is available on the NS web site . Children under 4 travel free on trains, provided they do not occupy a seat. From 4 to 11 they are entitled to a 40% discount including on the dagkaart (day ticket) or Railrunner tickets which are for those accompanied by an adult of 19 or older. One adult may accompany a maximum of three children. Because the rush hour is busy, travel after 9am is recommended.

Holland's reputation as a haven for cyclists is more than deserved. It is of course flat but more to the point, especially for those with children, cycle lanes are wide, well marked, and in some cases even divided from the car lanes by a whole grassed reservation. Cycle tracks which continue into built up areas make city cycling infinitely safer than any other country.

As well as more bikes than people, the Netherlands offers 40,000 kilometres of cycling routes, all clearly marked with the ANWB's (Holland's main motoring organisation) red and white signs and mushroom-shaped posts indicating the quickest and/or most scenic routes.

The tourist office can provide extensive information but broadly it is worth knowing that bicycles can be hired, for example from larger rail stations together with child seats, (best booked in advance), suitable for a child of up to 6. There are hire centres across the country (there are apparently more bikes than people), including child bikes, and sometimes tandems and adult tricycles are also sometimes available. By law children under 10 must use a special safety seat, available locally if you take your own bikes.

Most hire outlets (railway stations, rental agencies, repair shops and cycle shops) will ask for a deposit, which can vary from £50 to £200, and for proof of identity. VVV offices (local tourist offices) can supply a list of local hire companies. Cost depends on levels of demand and the quality of the bicycle. Approximate prices are £8 a day (£35 a week) for a standard bike. £25 (£95 per week) for a tandem, children's bikes £7.50 per day (£35 per week), baby seats - £4 per day (£15 per week). Cycle/road maps are available for every province, sold by local tourist centres, or there is a FalkPlan cycle map for the whole country.

Bicycles may be taken by train, more than 300 stations providing facilities for loading them in the special luggage compartment, and more than 100 station have bicycle parking facilities. However, bikes must be returned to the place of hire. By train, buying an extra ticket for the bike, is permitted at any time in July and August but not between 6.30 and 9am and 4.30 and 6pm Monday to Friday for the rest of the year.

HAT Tours (tel: +31 299 690 771) organises cycle holidays including one round the Ijssel lake with a road map and route information, pre-booked hotels and luggage transport each day.

Possibly because the activity is far less dangerous than in the UK, cycle helmets are barely seen. If you want to use them you should take your own.

By car you will almost certainly find yourself on the growing network of motorways radiating out from Rotterdam. These ensure that almost nowhere in the country takes more than three hours to get to. Because so many are new (and with road signs being in Dutch) you need an up to date map. The tourist office sells those it produces in conjunction with the country's motoring organisation, or if you think you will need a lot of detail, try one from Hallwag.

Holland by Car features a selection of suitable routes, including one suggested for families with children. The only difficulty is in towns where cars come a firm second to people. If you are staying in city centre accommodation you will need a very good map, and directions from your hosts. Asking locals for directions is not helpful because the vast majority walk or cycle.

On the Ijselmeer and Markermeer there is also some transport by boat. Sailtrack is a daily ferry service in the Ijsselmeer area using traditional sailing ships between villages and towns on day trips and short breaks. Full blown boating holidays are available in the south of the country, bookable through specialist operators (see Boating Holidays).