We are a Canadian couple who will be visiting in late March, 2027, staying for eight nights in Utrecht. One day we wish to visit the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery via Nijmegen, Groesbeek and perhaps Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe on the way back. Looking at train/bus options it seems to be a bit of a journey with multiple changes and a long day, which is fine. In your experience do you recommend renting a vehicle for the day rather than taking public transportation for an easier journey? I know there are double lane highways going from Utrecht to Nijmegen but we like the idea of taking quiet roads and being able to stop along the way if we see something extra interesting. I appreciate your advice.
Posted by
Arctophilia (was 26, now x-27), Northamptonshire, England
37164 posts
bear in mind that the ubiquitous speed camera was invented in the Netherlands - they don't cut any slack.
The national speed limit is at a reasonable level after dark (7pm) but during the day it is only 100 kph (62 mph) and trucks go the same speed so there is no differential. I find driving Dutch roads a pain in the neck.
Because the land is so flat, when you are driving you don't get a panorama from the tope of hills - they aren't there.
If you are on secondary roads be aware of the large number of railroad level crossings - those fast frequent trains are always coming along.
Don't expect free parking...
Just be aware and you'll be fine.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2427 posts
If it is only for going up and down to Groesbeek than public transport is a good option. If you only visit Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe too, perhaps too. Saying this you are not always moving through the most scenic places of the area. So if you don’t want to miss them and want room for spontanious stops I would consider renting a car.
Living in the south-western part of the Netherlands I am not so familiar with traffic between Utrecht and Groesbeek, but know you can expect traffic jams there especially around rush hour. So best is to drive after the morning and evening rush hour. Those welcome you at the place you are staying can tell you more.
Posted by
near Leiden, the Netherlands
1 posts
If you want to combine those destinations in one day then renting a car may be better. I don’t know where you’ll be staying in Utrecht or what rental place you’ll choose (in the centre or more at the outskirts) but you’ll have to drive (partly) out of and into the city. There’s a Sixt rental right next to Utrecht Centraal, but there are others available and maybe more to the outskirts and easier accessible by car (though harder to get to by public transport).
Like Wil mentioned, the quickest route isn’t very appealing and you should avoid rush hour. Without delays it’s about a 1 hour, 15 minutes/ 1 hour 30 drive from Utrecht central station to Groesbeek.
Do you plan to visit Nijmegen? To Nijmegen alone, you’d be better off going by train.
I haven’t been there myself, but I saw that at the Hoge Veluwe you can use (free) bikes.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1642 posts
I visited Nijmegan a couple of years ago. I started in Amsterdam, took a train to Arnhem, and rented a car there. From Nijmegan I ended up driving on to Nationaal Monument Kamp Vught, Heusden to visit a friend, and on to Schipol where I dropped off the car. From there I took trains to Delft and Amsterdam. Driving seemed very easy (I don't remember any hassles and I didn't get any tickets). Overall, my driving trip was longer than what you propose, and I found the whole process simple and seamless.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you for your replies. Thinking that taking the train from Utrecht to Arnhem, renting a car to drive to Goesbeek and the park, returning to Arnhem then taking the train back to Utrecht will work for us. This will be the one time we are not soley on a train so it will be great to be able to stop along our journey to explore if we want.