Will be in Amsterdam the first week in May. I've been to Amsterdam two different times and have seen and enjoyed many of the places along with Delft and the Keukinhof gardens. We are interested in venturing out and wondering if renting a car for a couple of days would be the way to go versus using public transportation.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
There are not many places in the Netherlands which are not adequately served by public transport (train and/or bus). It can however cost more time and in the weekends the bus services to smaller places can be limited. On the other hand a car is a nuisance for visiting cities, also the smaller ones. Use this real-time public transport planner to get an indication what's best for the places on your wish list.
Posted by
1226 posts
I have traveled around the country several times and always on public transport and its been so streamlined. I have also driven, and it can be nice (going to places that are more nook-and-cranny), but Id choose public transport over a car. The schedules are easy to use, and the buses are prompt. Ive also biked long distances, but probably not a good idea with luggage ;)
Posted by
Boulder, Colorado, USA
437 posts
It is easy to use public transportation using the 9292 trip planner to get to specific places but it’s not very good for wandering around.
It depends on what you want to do.
If you want to go to Utrecht, Haarlem, Leiden or many other worthwhile options the train will get you there.
Driving on small roads in the Netherlands is a bit tricky with bicycles and canals and narrow roads but totally fun too. Flower fields, small towns for lunch, the North Sea, B&B overnight, explore the map. GPS will help you find your way back.
Enjoy the planning and the trip!
Posted by
OP
Edgerton
37 posts
Thanks for the replies. Still a little undecided. Checked parking by the hotel which is kind of expensive but the hotel provide information on other less expensive options within walking distance. Are there restrictive areas where only residents of the Netherlands can drive? Do the roads have good signage or do you need a GPS? Or could you just use maps? I've drove in Italy and France but not in the larger cities. Are the roads similar in size?
Posted by
seattle
2047 posts
We rented a car and traveled around the countryside. We went to the Kroller-Muller museum which was wonderful. We especially enjoyed Gouda and Boosch (sp), fun towns to wander around. Our rental car came with GPS. In smaller towns we had no trouble finding free parking, especially near our hotels.